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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  The dealer can fix your doors... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By alpha_animal - August 31 - 10:00 am

  The doors on this van are a known problem, but Honda had a fix for over a year now. If your dealer cant fix them, best find another dealer or complain to Honda. No need to suffer. Once problem with doors resolved, love this and would buy another (or maybe a Honda Pilot).

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  2005 Quality Issues - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By D. Hall - August 31 - 3:46 am

  Fell in love with the 2005 Odyssey over the Sienna and others but the quality is lacking in many regards. The car has visited the service center multiple times. Wind noise, whistle from passenger side. Transmission sounds like it is going out. Windows already been serviced as they got stuck. Front center console stays in the down position, too noisy when extended. Hood is misaligned and told to take to get fixed. I have offered this vehicle for test drives to new customers, Honda refused because they know this vehicle wouldnt sell. 30,610 overpaid for this vehicle. Watch out!!

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  I love my Odyseey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By vpf143 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Odyssey!

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  Watch that transmission - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By bags - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Have 47000 mi, original owner. No towing, only normal driving around Illinois (ie, no hills). Transmission started making slight grinding noise in 4th gear only at about 55mph. If in 3rd, no noise. If you let off gas, no noise. Dealer had it today and the carrier bearing in the transmission is going out and the whole transmission needs to be replaced. I have the extended warranty which will pay for it as well as a rental car. Listen carefully to yours when crusing around 55mph.

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  Nice Minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Baltimore - August 24 - 10:30 am

  Except for the drivers armrest, its a fairly comfortable car, and we really like it, but it could be better. I get the feeling Honda tried to save costs at the expense of consumers comfort and convenience. Honda took out the revolving tray in the floor space and the adjustable armrests which were features in the 2006 Honda EX. The drivers armrest is not very good. For the exterior, they should have racks with the roof rails.

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  Overall great vehicle - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Erica Milbourne - August 21 - 8:23 am

  We have only had it for a month but dont have any real complaints! The only thing I really miss is the middle row seats laying down flat. The new model only tilts forward and slides.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By wamlam - August 20 - 9:57 am

  I enjoy driving this van, it is easy to handle and I DO NOT worry about my young children opening the door while we are riding down the road. The ride is smooth and bumps are unheard of in this van.

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  Great driving van - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Phil Cote - August 19 - 9:52 am

  We love our new Honda. We have owned three Hondas; 2000,2011, & now 2018. This is a great family car; it can hold 8 people & carry lots of luggage. The ECO gives great gas mileage. Entertainment technology offers a full range of accessible items for all passengers. Shop around for pricing; use the internet to find best pricing in your surrounding area.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By HBM - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am disappointed in the Oddy. Terrible quality.

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  Solid as a rock - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Keith C. - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this van, the only annoying thing about it is when driving on some back country roads that are rough and gravelry w/potholes the ride gets a just a "little" bone jarring. But I think that is the same for all the other vans out there too.I needed to get around a tractor with 2 cars behind it on a 2-way single lane and the van just rocketed by. One guy we shot by just dropped his jaw and the movement from his lips said "Damn, a minivan?" I had floored it from 30mph to 65mph in no time. Cut hard right back in front of the tractor due to oncoming cars in the opposite lane with little body roll.