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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  Good van with some kinks - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Momto4 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Understand that my previous van was a 95 Windstar, so it didnt take much for my next vehicle to impress me. Overall, I think the HO is a good van. I feel very safe transporting my four children in it. I am annoyed by the inconsistent power sliding doors. They stick too often. I havent had the brake or transmission problems others have mentioned. I have, however, had problems with some of the interior features and I think its extremely noisy on the road. I find the front seats to be uncomfortable on long trips. I have had trouble with the exterior dinging too easily as well.

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  Over-rated!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Hdrvr - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble! Multiple electric probs, engine noise (??valves). Delaer trying to be helpful, but this seems like the van from H@#!

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  Too bad they are not making it any more - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Nikolaou - May 15 - 5:13 pm

  Great car! Honda got their design right the first time: Maximize interior space, keep weight low, make it versatile (have 5 rather than 4 seats with the 3rd row folded down - in a snap), and build it well. I have 112K miles on my Odyssey. It runs great, looks great (still shiny), drives great. I am putting a new CD player with Bluetooth for hands-free use of my cell phone, and keeping my Odyssey for years.

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  The ultimate road trip vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By lytehouse - May 14 - 10:00 am

  What a great buy! We wanted a new bigger vehicle to do some major camping and family road trips, and we researched everything. After test driving the Toyota Sienna, a few SUVs (Nissan Pathfinder, etc), we felt for our family of four, and a beagle, the best buy would be this Honda Odyssey. The space/cargo room, the versatility of the seating, Hondas reputation, and the options you get for the price made this a great value and an easy choice for us. Plus, its the best looking mini-van out there! We love it!!!

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  Honda Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By oddymanout - May 11 - 3:50 pm

  When my wife and I bought this van, we drove it to Yellowstone. Truly, never was a better travel vehicle ever built! This vehilce hauled camping equipment, 2 weeks of supplies and three adults from Michigan to Wyoming. Even in the mountains of Wyoming, there wasnt even the slightest bit of hesitation from the Odyssey. The seats were comfortable even after 12 hours behind the wheel. I would have no hesitation recommending this vehicle to others.

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  trade in for a new odyssy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By c.m. poague - May 11 - 2:35 pm

  Very comfortable, good handling, sits up high and easy to see out while driving. The back seat is comfortable to sit on. The cargo space and fold down third seats are very handy.

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  will it ever die? - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By hart - May 10 - 3:42 pm

  we have now had this car almost 10 years- and it is still going strong! Other than normal maintenance we have never had to do anything to it. I would love to get another car just from sheer boredom of driving this one so long but I cant bring myself to spend the money when this one works great!

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  Fun to drive and comfortable - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By st_pu - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We got Odyssey because we loved it, good price and car-like-drive. Also we needed it for our growing family. Funny, every family in our party have minivans. For some reason there only 2 groups: 3 families with Toyota Siennas, and 2 families with Odyssey. We tested Toyota Sienna 2004, and Odyssey 2003. I loved Odyssey more. Why? It was more "car-like drive" for me. And I was able to buy Odyssey EX(dual power doors, power seat, security, immobilaiser, keyless entry, 4 disc breakes...) for 2500$ less than Sienna 2004 LE #7 with about comparible features.

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  A/C Fan motor - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed K - May 1 - 5:02 pm

  Since I bought this odyssey I have experienced problems with the fan motor roaring like a bearing going bad. Turns out to be leaves getting into the fan motor. Honda cleaned it out the first time for free. Said not to park near trees (really). The second and third time I had to fight with them to repair with no charge. I wrote Honda and expained that this has to be a design flaw but they obviously do not agree. They refuse to put their answer in writing. This problem happens regularly every three to four months. Since I have owned over 12 new vehicles without this type of problem I strongly feel this is a design problem. I like the new touring 2006 models but I am hesitent to buy.

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  A truly great mini-van. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Ihnow - April 30 - 11:21 am

  The Honda Odyssey has been everything I had hoped for. I only have two gripes. The tilt steering column does not come down as low as I would like it to, and no power passenger seat. Vehicle cant be too bad if these are the only complaints.