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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  Honda Odessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By David Gouveia - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Dodge Grand Caravan, best thing I ever did. The resale valus of the Dodge is terrible. Ill never buy anything but a Honda again.

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  My baby - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Advanced Metal, Inc. - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Love my VAN!! I wouldnt change a thing. I would have paid twice as much for the DVD player...worth every cent.

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  So far, so good... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By doug1022 - October 8 - 3:03 am

  This is a first impression only... but so far the new 07 Honda Odyssey has me very impressed. We just upgraded from a Subaru Forester. The Odyssey gives us lots more space, seating flexibility, comfort safety and creature comforts. I am dreading to find out what the actual mpg will be, but thats a sacrifice you make by getting a van. Initial impressions include: solid craftsmanship, nice interior design, solid pick-up, great rear camera feature, nice drive.

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  Get the best, forget the rest - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By hugoz - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an 02 EX-LRES, and this is the best vehicle Ive ever driven. All things considered, the Ody is pretty darn close to perfect: style, comfort, performance, room, safety and value. Nothing else comes close. Ive owned three Honda Accords, and the interior design, fit and finish is very similar, only better. I dont understand any of the criticisms about the "cheap" interior or bad ergonomics. On the contrary, with leather, the interior is luxurious. And with the 8-way power drivers seat with lumbar support, if you cant feel comfortable in this van, then you better look for a custom-made vehicle.

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  Where is the Honda Quality? - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By fiend_bear - October 7 - 5:30 am

  We thought the car was great when test driving, but after putting 1,500 miles on it, we are already looking to replace this Odyssey. Too many problems have surfaced and leave us wondering where is the Honda quality? Already serviced for steering spline noise issue and wheel alignment (neither issue corrected completely). Engine knock/ping at low rpms (premium gas does not help), front window rattle, mysterious transmission noise when shifting into drive, and one of the most uncomfortable drivers seats for long trips. This replaced a 2000 Dodge Caravan with perfect initial build quality, but unfortunately recently totaled by another car.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andy - October 5 - 7:10 am

  We bought our Odyssey about 4 months ago, at first the fuel mileage was a disappointment, but now we are getting almost 300 miles on a tank, in the city. I have a lead foot too... Last month someone backed a Tacoma Pickup into the Odyssey, it was shaking, went over to see the horrorible damage, not even one scratch! I even got the comments from friends about going over to a Minivan, but watched their jaws drop when I hit the gas and told them it has 244 horses. I didnt expect I would sneak the keys from my Wife on the weekends, but I just love the way it drives. When running around town in it, its not a chore to drive it around like the SUV I drive for work.

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  Super odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Meikel Poess - October 2 - 8:50 am

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  Is there a better Minivan? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rikki L - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Quite Simply the best minivan on the market. here and abroad. The ride is great, power is more than adequate, beats my 98 Widstar hands down. The dissapearing third row seat should win an innovation award. It drives so well I am hard pressed to decide between the 2003 V6 Accord and another minivan

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  Awesome - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ludger1 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  After driving 1,000 miles I have to say its fun. Excellent engine performence Ccoming from a DC). Brakes are awesome.

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  A minivan that can handle curves - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sapgar - September 25 - 10:33 am

  Best minivan I ever owned or test driven. The only minivan that handles like a German sedan. I cant imagine a more practical kid hauler or vacation vehicle. Sure hope it holds up for miles to come.