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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  Nice family vehicle and it is quite&comfort - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Colin Yu - July 15 - 1:34 am

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  Toms review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By tlupfer - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellant vehicle, very roomy, allows 6 to travel in comfort Doesnot ride like a truck!

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  Best Van, but... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Desert_Hawk - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Found a used 2001 with 13000 miles (stellar condition) and was able to get a good deal on the vehicle. Love the interior space. Engine is good (transmission shifts are fair -- the 2002 tranny is better). Solid build quality and handles great, but I took a rock off the windshield the 2nd day I owned the vehicle and the windshield cracked. Took many hits in my old car and never had the the windshield crack -- dont know if it is an issue with the huge Odyssey windshield or just bad luck.

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  ODY-REGRETS - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ody-regret - July 13 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASED AN EXX AND HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT BEFORE SALE WAS FINALIZED. I GUEST THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SIGNAL. THE FRONT SEATS ARE NOT VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE DRIVERS SEAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS NOT FASTENED WHEN MAKING A HARD TURN. VERY DISAPPOINTED THUS FAR. WHEN I HAVE TO START A LAUNDRY LIST 1 MONTH AFTER MAKING THE PURCHASE, ITS MAKES ME WONDER IF I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE TOWN & COUNTRY EX.

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  Im a Believer! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken Moore - July 9 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the first non-American vehicle I have ever owned new. All I can say is WOW. There is just no comparison on the other side. Need I say more?

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  I Love my Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By JohnI - July 7 - 11:21 pm

  You can get a generous discount. The 2018 has many more safety and convenience features than the 2017.

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  AC needs to be upsized for hot climates! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Meredith Smith - July 5 - 5:10 pm

  I love this van in many ways but am VERY disappointed with the AC system. I live in Phoenix and it takes at least 20 minutes to cool the cabin temp down to 75 when its 100 degrees or more outside (happens all summer here). I only ever take short in town trips that are usually less than 10 minutes. Anyway, Im devastated about it but serves me right for just assuming Id love it because its a Honda Odyssey. I recommend an extended test drive before you buy to be sure youre happy with it! UPDATE - Tempe Honda here in Arizona has been wonderful in helping me to love my new van. First, they evacuated and recharged the AC system since I purchased a vehicle that had been on the lot a long time. That improved it somewhat. Second, they offered to swap for a white van (we purchased the beautiful scarlet pearl), but after a test drive we decided it wasnt that different and my family prefers the red. I asked if theyd throw in the custom fit sun screen for the windshield and they did. It keeps the dash much cooler when Im shopping and makes the cabin temp lower after a few hours compared to leaving it exposed under our intense sun. Id recommend getting the custom fit shade from Honda when you purchase your van. Makes a huge difference on that large dash!

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  Oddy touring..just a great van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By rob - July 5 - 9:56 am

  Looked long and hard and having owned a 2001 ODY for past seven years we got our fifth Honda product ,a 2007 ODY Touring. We drove Chrysler T & C(top of line), 2008, Sienna 2008(T O L), Hyundai Entourage 2007 (Limited/Ultimate Pkge). Entourage would have been second choice but it couldnt match Hondas tight turning. The 2007 Honda reliability and fit and finish is still up to high standards. Handling is superb. Our old ODY was a really great reliable, inexpensive car to operate. I assume the 2007 will be the same. We are just "Honda " people. If you are one youll know whats special about these vans

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  The only choice - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sause - July 4 - 7:12 pm

  This is the best overall value in the class. We traded a domestic van that we enjoyed very much and listened to the hype about the Honda. We drove it and bought it after doing the diligence of looking around.

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  Three Car Seats - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By SUVNOMORE - July 2 - 2:00 am

  No more back aches. Loading three into car seats in an SUV was not fun, but with our Odessey, we look forward to getting out of the house. Great attention to detail and fun to drive. Quiet on the road and handles bumps exceptionally well.