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:
Showing 1671 through 1680 of 3,253.00-
Odyssey "Touring" = Luxury + Excellence - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Happy Osyssey Driver - July 28 - 11:26 pmLuxury plus! A Mini-Limosine. All kinds of modern features. Comfort and ride are excellent. Soft plush leather seats. Everyone loves it, and I can hardly get to use it, my teenage son and daughter enjoy it so much. Our short and long trips are total comfort. Overall gas mileage is 22 mpg. The same level Toyota cost about $300/month more. With this Honda luxury van, forget Toyota.
-
Great for family of 6 - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By MJ&4As - July 27 - 2:16 pmWe had a 2006 and recently upgraded to the 2008 and like the first, we love this van. Rear entertainment is top notch, it handles like a dream and the safety features sell themselves. Id have another if I could afford it!
-
honda odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By valma - July 27 - 10:00 amthis has been a great purchase...an absolute pleasure to drive and so easy to handle
-
Honda Odyssey 2003- Rated all 10s - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By GDoug - July 27 - 10:00 amThis is our first family van. It has exceeded all the requirements that we weere expecting. We love it.. It has power under the hood, especially when you really need it. Rated the best and will always be the Best... Safety Ratings= Outstanding.. Once you get into one, youll be amazed...
-
Dream van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By medic-34 - July 26 - 10:34 pmThis van is everything that a Honda advertises. 240 Hp is more than adequate, very comfortable, all around excellence
-
nice - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By big ragoo - July 25 - 12:26 amThe ride on this minivan is excellent. it floats on the road it reminds me of my 1992 Cadillac Fleetwwod Brougham. Excellent for families with little children. Fun to drive for a minivan. I never thought I would like it so much.
-
Lets be honest folks - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By vhoffman - July 24 - 9:23 pmBought this van because of "Honda quality". Now at 138K miles. 3 transmissions, cat converter, sliding doors that dont always close, 3 wheel alignments in 4 years, and loose bolts in front suspension still looking for that quality. Read the reviews of this minivan notice how many have problems yet the reviewer still mentions "Honda quality". Be honest people if the car had an American name youd be trashing it. I wish it was as reliable as my Mazda and, yes, my Dodge.
-
Odyssey 2004 EX - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By miatamama - July 23 - 6:36 pmLeased the vehicle from local dealer. Excellent performance, reliability, build quality. Wished I had waited 6 mos. for the new improved redesign.
-
Honda 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Big Daddy - July 21 - 4:20 pmService not up to par-----for the money should come with more features.Steering wheel should telescope. No center console, directional signals have no warning or enough sound when on and I could go on and on.$500 for a trailer hitch??????
-
Way to go, Odyessey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By azsoftball - July 21 - 4:30 amDrive really good, Compared to other vehicles we have tested, and honestly, Honda is the best so far. So Smooth and very powerful engine. We bought this vehicle for my wife. One time, He He, I kinda race against the Crysler Grand Caravan and beat them. He He
