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 1681 through 1690 of 3,253.00-
Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Johnsnh - July 21 - 2:00 amBest ever. The most comfortable drive. The "Best Buy"
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Honda Van Review 2004 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By G Scott Graham - July 21 - 2:00 amI have enjoyed the vehicle so far with the following exceptions. Inoperative windshield washer ( warranty ), rattle under dashboard that the dealer has been unable to fix, non standard operating noise from right auto sliding door, terrible lease terms - 5K down, 356 / mo., 48 mos, 15K mi. / year
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Still happy - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By carzilla - July 20 - 10:00 amThis is the one vehicle I have owned (of many) that I feel was money well spent after years of ownership. No major drawbacks other than the lack of options like leather and a DVD when I bought it. A minor annoyance is the road noise on the expressway but maybe better tires would fix that problem.
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Resale value higher than sales price - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By ric - July 20 - 10:00 amA great ride and keeps my family very safe. I paid less than what I see the same used models selling for today. Imagine buying a car and making money on it!
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My wife actually likes to drive a van!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By llngoc - July 17 - 1:06 pmWe have a MBZ ML430 but needed a much more reliable transportation so was set to get an AWD Sienna. But we decided to hold off until we can see the new Odyssey and the rest is history. My wifes car is a BMW 7 series and she actually compared the drive of the Odyssey to the Bimmer which I also agree. And the NAV is definitely the best of all three cars we own.
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Best all around car ever - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Jim - July 16 - 11:40 amlove the high tech bells and whitsles. A fantastic traveling vehicle for one or for the whole family. Practicle and mulitpurpose for all kinds of activities.
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Awesome Pick - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By D - July 15 - 2:36 pmWe love this vehicle from top to bottom. Rides like a sedan but gives you a nice field of view of the road while driving. The variable cylinder options is great for fuel economy and having the DVD system rocks! My kids are appeased while driving which in turn makes road trips bearable! The wife is in love with the Navigation system, which is VERY user friendly! A must buy if youre in the market for a minivan.
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Smooth - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Fibblefester - July 15 - 2:00 amSmooth. Everything about this van is smooth. Coming from a 1995 Windstar to this vehicle was like going from the ridiculous to the sublime. The Windstar was bulky, noisy, slow and unreliable. The Honda is not three out of that four. I cant answer to reliability yet except for what Consumer Guide says. Everyone rates this van tops in reliability and value, two things the Ford could never deliver.
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Great Van - Poor Gas Mileage - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By mzapx1 - July 15 - 2:00 amThe ride is smooth & powerful. But you pay for that with a lower gas mileage (17-18 MPG). The gear shift lever is in an odd position. Missing some of our 95 Caravan features (auto door locks, pwr rear hatch, remote start, etc). Yet, with these "issues", the Odyssey is a great van, and would have been excellent if the gas mileage would have been nearer to 20 MPG...
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Love my Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Family of Five - July 15 - 2:00 amWe have had our Honda Odyssey since 2000 and we love it. It is very spacious and comfortable. We are a very busy family and are quite frequently transporting our kids and their friends to games or scouts. This minivan comes with great features that you would pay extra for with other vans.
