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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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ET - September 13 - 6:33 am

  Love the NAVI, auto climate control, rear DVD and powerful engine. It drive sooo smoothly and can fit 8 passenger comfortably. The 3rd row seats have better leg room compared to other SUVs/minvans and so easy to store.

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  Great minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CD Fortier - September 12 - 11:06 am

  Had to wait 2 months for this van, and couldnt get any of the colors we wanted because it was in short supply at the time. Car was worth the wait it has more room for passengers and cargo, either alone or together, and you cant beat the leg room! Dont like the way the front seatbelts lock up at the slightest movement, and the sliding doors freeze shut in the winter. Has nice smooth, quiet ride, great for long rides.

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  Back to a Honda - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Back2Honda - September 9 - 10:33 am

  Sienna was close, but was priced higher for similar features. Quest, high price plus shape appears to be done by bubble blowing machine. Caravan, looks uglier with each new generation and resale value should equal price of a decent TV in a few years. My Odyssy is pretty good inside and out, engine is very quiet, ride is smooth, and overall, structure is very tight. Combine that with a roomy interior, easy access to 3rd row, and a decent list of standard features. Lastly, since it is a Honda, youll know that resale value will fare better than others - I should know, I traded in my old Caravan. Lastly, with end of model year, you should be able to get pretty close to invoice price.

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  On my 11th Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephen in Idaho - September 9 - 7:55 am

  We purchased our Van new in October, 02 This is our second Odyssey. We have had 95,000 miles of reliability and comfort for my family. Best van for quality and price. Have had no issues with transmission except for recall to add a trans fluid pumping system, (one day at the Honda spa). Side doors track need to be lubricated and adjusted to so they opperate correctly. Seems to be more of an issue in the colder months.

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  LOVE Honda Oddseys - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By PR - September 8 - 11:23 pm

  Ive had one the last 16 years. My kids are grown but I still want to own one. Just wanting to upgrade to a newer one

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  So much room! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By rvtprincess - September 8 - 3:12 pm

  Traded our 04 Accord in for this because of a 2nd baby on the way and wanted more room. Boy, is there ever tons of space! Its very peppy- gets up and goes quick for a family car. Dual sliding doors are so nice with kids when my hands are full. Turns on a dime and has great visibility. Wish I couldve sprung for an 05 w/ remote rear door opener.

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  our first mini van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By greg - September 8 - 1:40 pm

  never thought i would love driving a mini van as much as my odyssey very comfortable in all situations and handles great. power is amazing even on steep hills, gas mileage could be better around town.

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  Very solid - no problems here - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Brock Angelo - September 2 - 10:48 am

  I have owned a 91 Honda Civic, a 92 Honda Civic and now a 2000 Odyssey. I was skeptical about our electric doors - pretty solid except in the winter - they will be a bit sticky if you keep it outside. Otherwise, this has been very solid and we have had no repairs and no problems starting or running. Took a 5000 mile cross country trip right after we bought it. Did great without a single snag.

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  I love it, excellent van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Bruno - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Excellent driving, the leather interior is pretty decent. Very good visiability from inside the vehicle. Lots of fun with its 240HP engine.

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  HIP VEHICLE BELIEVE IT OR NOT - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By PHIL - August 31 - 10:00 am

  A VERY POWERFUL ENGINE AND SMOOTH ON THE ROAD. A LITTLE ROUGH IN THE CITY; BUT FEELS TIGHT. CAPTAIN SECOND ROW SEATS KEEP MY TWO KIDS APART. SOMETHING I DIDNT REALIZE WOULD BE AN ASSET.( NO PICKING ON EACH OTHER).