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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  Engine & Road Noise and Vibration - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bwang - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey has powerful engine. But the engine and road noise is unacceptable. When I bought this LX model, it even came with the poor tires, Bridgestone. When drived above 70mph, the steering wheel is vibrating. I took it to the dealer, and they cannot feel anything wrong. The vehicle is also vibrating while cold start while the speed is lower to 1000rpm, it is not normal. The brake also produced noise while cold start. The noise level is high and make me embarrassed. Borrowed a 03 Dodge minivan from my friend and test drive, I was really suprised the low noise level inside. This Dodge minivan is not high end and even less features than Odyssey.

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  Grateful for our Honda and Honda Service - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank/Carol Speno - June 30 - 1:31 pm

  Our Honda Odyssey was purchased coming off of a lease. When we noticed that it had been used for towing we decided to purchase the extended warranty for peace of mind. So glad we did! The contacts on the sliding doors were replaced, also the transmission along with some minor things. Today the catalytic converter and the timing belt are being replaced at our cost out of warranty. This is our first major expense out of pocket. Weve gotten great service and care! We own a 1997 Accord. It is very reliable, but we prefer driving and riding in our Honda Odyssey for the comfort and ease of getting in and out and the ride. We both have back problems. We would again purchase an Odyssey. We love it!!

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  The Best of Form & Function - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rengo - June 28 - 12:43 am

  The Odessey stands out from all competitors. Terrific ergonomics, high quality interior component design, materials and performance, great styling (considering it is a minivan) and lots of fun to drive. I was surprised at how well it handlesve preferring this to our Mercedes for in town driving. We are large dog people. An 85lb. lab lives like a king in the back with the center row seats in on long trips. I often use this rather than our pickup to haul loads. Expect 20MPG combined unless you drive at 50MPH average speed with infrequent stops. All EPA estimates are overstated. This is no exception.

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  Solid Performing Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Steve - June 26 - 10:00 am

  We have owned the van for just three weeks, and love it. Very quiet ride, smooth, powerful, and the kids dig the entertainment system (keeps em occupied!).

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  High Performance and maximum utility - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan Wright - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This van probably should be called the Honda Optimum. It is like having your cake and eating it too. The performance is better than most cars. It can tow up to 3500 lbs. It has a lateral acceleration up to .73. The leather seats are very comfortable. The navigation system enables you to never get lost again. Just simply flip the rear seat into the floor and you have a huge cargo bay. The steering control knob for the vol. and selection is great too. This vehicle does it all well. Zero to sixty in 7.8 seconds with 240 ponies sipping about 19 mpg combined city Highway and lots of idling in park. This the best ride Ive ever owned.

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  oddessy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By riedelmn - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The problem is that it lacks amenities like outside temperature and miles to empty as well as a compass and gas mileage. I may consider a Chrysler just to get these.The placement of the spare is horrendous!

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  The best minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joseph Hachey - June 24 - 8:30 pm

  I had a problem with the airbag light coming on. It was only after four attempts that the problem was solved by changing the sensor in the rear side panel. Cabin noise is my main complain over 40 mph. I find the michelin tires to be excessibly noisy on certain road surfaces. Cruising around 60 mph Ive noted at times the vcm trasition as hesitant and presenting a noise similar to a leak in the muffler or manufold.

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  LX model - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Tony G. - June 19 - 1:14 pm

  My van has a few over 100,000 miles and I have not had a serious problem with it yet. The only bad thing has been the manual sliding doors. They stick all the time and they freeze in cold weather. I saw someone mentioned that the transmission shifts late in cold weather and the dealer said it was a feature. It actually is a feature it shifts late with less pedal push so the engine can warm up faster.

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  Skip the Navigation - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Imupset - June 14 - 11:07 pm

  We paid way too much money for a navigation system that does not work properly. It adds extra miles to our car. We can be a few blocks from home, and it thinks we are 3 miles away. THis has happened in other states we travel too - not just ours. It is not user friendly - it has a knob and you can take 10 minutes or more trying to find where you are going if you can even find it. Some local places i search for, and the navigation directs me to other cities or Canada. I have tried working with the dealer and want my money back for the system. The Representative claims after my last visit, this is how it is supposed to work and there is nothing they can do because it is not broken. There are free apps on our phones that work much better. It has never rerouted us due to traffic, and many times you cant change anything unless you pull over and stop the car. If i purchased this through a store, i could return it. We are still pursuing matter because we are very disappointed Honda is not standing behind this. What if it was an emergency and we had to find a hospital? It can take 10 minutes just trying to work the system, and how do we know it would take the fastest route? We live in Southern CA and it does not even recognize freeways that have been here 10-20 years or more. The settings have been checked at 2 dealerships, they installed a new system and nothing changes. We are so disappointed that we paid a large amount of money for a product that they are not standing behind. We were told they can fix it if something was wrong, but they didnt make it. They are selling it - they should stand behind it. We feel totally let down and that Honda is not standing behind this. Save your money and use the free apps on your phone. We are still pursuing the matters and will continue to not recommend this product. Even the sales reps dont use it - we should have taken that as a sign not to get it. We just thought it would be nice and convenient, and now it could be a hazard to us - especially in an emergency. When they finally contacted me, the Honda Rep said they would give me my next update for free and hopefully one of these years it would work. I said no. I want my money back and did not agree to this free upgrade. It has been replaced and there are no updates and it just doesnt work.

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  Great Find - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Josh - June 12 - 2:55 pm

  My wife and I just purchased a 1995 Odyssey this past weekend and so far we love it. We were blessed to find one with only 95,000 miles and the owner before us kept the car immaculate! It looks brand new! We had a Nissan Xterra before (which we loved) but with two small children we were getting tired of packing them into the small back seat and then having no extra room. The Odyssey drives great and we really havent been able to tell much difference between the 4cyl. in the Odyssey and the 6cyl. in the Xterra (yet). Its so much easier to see out of the big windows and it feels just as solid on the highway. We would highly recommend one to anyone who is looking.