Overview & Reviews

For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a favored pick among minivans. Although the vehicle had a rather humble debut, it quickly hit its stride once Honda came out with the second-generation model, which featured a spacious cabin and an innovative third-row seat that folds into the floor. Now in its fourth generation, the Odyssey is one of the top minivans currently available.

The Honda Odyssey has made a strong showing, usually earning top honors in every minivan comparison test we've held. There are other minivans that rival the Odyssey's family-friendly features, but the Honda combines those attributes with confident driving dynamics and a long-standing record of reliability, making it an all-around family favorite.

Current Honda Odyssey
The fittingly popular Honda Odyssey comes in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. All Honda Odysseys are powered by a 248-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level LX's standard features include a power driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding third-row seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Pandora interface and a USB/iPod interface. The EX's additional highlights include power-sliding side doors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction second-row seat and an upgraded audio system. The EX-L's enhancements include a power liftgate, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats. The Touring adds front and rear parking sensors, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring Elite's added highlights include xenon headlights, an integrated vacuum cleaner and upgraded audio and video entertainment systems.

On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its smooth V6 and relatively agile handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasts tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. Compared to previous Odyssey generations, the current model is significantly quieter on the road, but the button-heavy cockpit remains. All things considered, the Odyssey remains a favorite of Edmunds editors.

Used Honda Odyssey Models
The fourth and latest generation of the Honda Odyssey debuted for 2011. Completely redesigned and compared to the previous generation, it has sleeker styling, a roomier interior, improved fuel economy and new features. For 2013, the LX standard features list grew with the addition of a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity and a USB/iPod interface. Note that these Odysseys lack the current version's updated exterior and interior styling, six-speed automatic on LX, EX and EX-L models (they previously had a five-speed automatic) and availability of a Pandora interface, HD radio and an in-vehicle vacuum cleaner.

The previous (third-generation) Honda Odyssey was produced from 2005-'10. Trim levels included the LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Motivation was supplied by a 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 found in the EX-L and Touring trim levels had a variable cylinder management system to improve fuel economy.

The LX featured full power accessories, cruise control, side curtain airbags, stability control and a CD player. The EX added alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, power-sliding doors, a power driver seat, a six-disc CD changer, in-floor storage with a "lazy Susan" and second-row sunshades. The EX-L brought leather seating, heated seats, a power tailgate and a sunroof. The Touring added triple-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, foglights, parking sensors, a removable second-row center console and run-flat tires. A rear entertainment system and a navigation system with Bluetooth were optional on the EX-L and Touring.

In reviews, we found this Odyssey to be a top minivan thanks to its smooth V6, responsive steering and secure handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasted tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. At the time, downsides included elevated road noise and, as the years went on, a somewhat dated interior.

There were only minor changes for the third-generation Odyssey, with 2008 bringing minor exterior styling updates and new convenience features, and 2009 seeing a standard power liftgate debut for the EX-L as well as integrated Bluetooth for the optional navigation system.

The second-generation Honda Odyssey was available from 1999-2004. It was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 initially rated at 210 hp (from 1999-2001) and later cranked up to 240 hp (2002-'04). The transmission was a four-speed automatic until '02, when a five-speed automatic debuted. This Odyssey boasted dual sliding rear doors in place of the first generation's swinging doors, and it was considerably larger overall, but it retained the original model's trick fold-flat third-row seat. In the all-important safety department, antilock brakes were standard from the get-go, though rear disc brakes only became standard across the lineup in 2002. Side curtain airbags arrived for '02 as well.

Two trim levels were available, each with seven-passenger seating: LX and EX. The LX came standard with air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories and an AM/FM/CD stereo (earlier models had only a tape deck). The EX added traction control (not provided for the LX until '01) as well as luxuries like alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, automatic climate control and a multifunction steering wheel. EX options included a navigation system (not available in 1999), a rear-seat entertainment system (from '02 onward) and leather upholstery.

In reviews, our editors remarked on the second-generation Odyssey's best-in-class performance, which came courtesy of a powerful V6 and a capable all-independent suspension. We also lauded the Odyssey's large cabin, available power-sliding doors and that slick hide-away third-row seat. Throughout its six-year run, Honda's second-generation Odyssey was quite simply the one to get. It won the Editors' Most Wanted award every year from 1999-2003 for the minivan category.

The first-generation Honda Odyssey, which debuted in 1995, had a few features that, for better or worse, made it unique. Instead of sliding doors on the sides, the Odyssey had four conventional swing-open doors with roll-down windows. And although the competition offered V6 engines, the Honda didn't. An inline-4 borrowed from the Accord EX powered the Odyssey. With VTEC variable valve timing and lift, it made a respectable 140 hp. But good as it was, 140 wasn't enough power when the Odyssey was loaded up with kids or cargo. The van did, however, offer a highly functional fold-flat third-row seat. This feature has proven invaluable to -- and highly popular with -- minivan buyers over the past decade.

User Reviews:

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  RNBabe13 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By RNBabe13 - October 28 - 9:00 pm

  This is the second Odyssey weve owned. The first one was a 2000, and we traded it with about 69,000 miles on it. It performed as it had when new. There were no extra sounds eminating from it. The 2005 model has a few squeaks and a whistling sound that the dealer is unable to fix.

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  Never Thought I would own a MiniVan :) - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By P. Daddy - October 27 - 6:06 am

  But with one 19 month old and one on the way, the Mrs. thought it would a good idea. And boy, what a great idea. The 2006 Honda Odyessy is FANTASTIC. Space galore, comfortable, and humms just like the Honda I remember. Our second choice was the Toyota Sienna. That van never wowed me. The Honda will and does. Nice cruising with the Honda. Enjoy getting the 19 month out of the car without straining the lower back. Great storage, stroller and groceries are not a problem in the least. ps Our other car is the Infinity G-35 Sports Coupe / Still kinda cool :)

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  2006 Odyssey EX - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve - October 25 - 10:46 am

  Great van! I have 6 kids and we all fit comfortably. A solid vehicle all around.

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  Very good van, but - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - October 23 - 2:06 am

  Have owned a new 2018 EX-L for two weeks. Very quiet interior. Instrumentation has a learning curve and I must be slow. No compass at all. Major mistake by Honda. With 9 gears it shifts a lot and Im still not use to that. Turned off the adaptive cruise control and now just use regular cruise control. ACC keeps slowing you down and prevents flowing with the traffic. The steering wheel vibration on the lane departure takes some getting used to, but a very nice safety feature. A very solid van with a great ride. And my wife loves it so all is good.

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  Great to have - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Sampath Namburi - October 22 - 8:10 pm

  We thought of going for sienna but after looking at honda we completely changed our mind and highly satisfied... here is what the main items for us to go for honda odyssey. 1. Leather seats in honda are far far far better than sienna 2. Seats are BIG ... try sitting in second row in sienna and you will see the difference in Honda 3. 8th seat in Honda is a REAL seat not like a folded card board in sienna 4. All security items come with all the trims in honda --- you need not to ask for it 5. Tires life is more -- comes for 40,000 miles and higher .. this is not true with sienna (based on feedback from two friends) and most of all .. it is NOISE free .... I know in the before honda is meant of noise inside the car but now it is not ... i can say a definite go for honda Odyssey ...

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  Our Odyssey with our Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John Martens - October 20 - 8:36 am

  This vehicle can do it all. Luxo ride like a limo, taut handling like a sport sedan, cavernous like a cave, our Odyssey can do it all. In a recent day long jaunt, our passenger didnt complain once about the mid row seating, and was more than impressed with the features of our EX-L model. It surprises people when they get passed on the highway by it, the power is so easy to call up. Maybe thats why Im only getting 21 to 22 MPG right now, but Im sure it will improve. All of the raves are correct, this is the minivan you want to own.

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  Who gave it a minivan of the year title? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MP - October 19 - 7:13 am

  I was so impressed with my 2001 Odyssey that I was pretty much predetermined to replace it with 2005 model when the time came. After considering other minivans and even SUVs we decided to go back the newer version of our beloved minivan... . What a mistake... . Compared to 2001 model not too many IMPROVEMENTS were made. Leather became standard, seats got heated, sunroof built in, third row is split. Spare tire moved in the third row taking up seating space, gear shift went right into the way for the dashboard controls, so much cheap plastic used this car can be nicknamed Trabant. But the biggest problem of all-assembly quality. Gas consumption consistently stays at 18-20mpg after 10K miles.

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  Best honda dealership ever - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By abcab - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle from an excellent dealership

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim Ferry - October 15 - 12:40 pm

  Wonderful vehicle. Rides great, good gas mileage, comfortable, and reliable. Cant beat it.

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  My 2nd Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By garlicgloria - October 15 - 7:53 am

  I paid $2500 over MSRP for my 2000 EX Odyssey, therefore paying MSRP for the 2005 Touring N/E was a bargin. I didnt even look at another minivan, my experience with the 2000 left me with no doubts that my next purchase would be an Odyssey. I only have 500 miles on the 2005 but I can say the changes made on the new model make this an exceptional vehicle. My daughter needed a larger car so she got the 2000 Odyssey along with the portable DVD.