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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  White lightning - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Susan kenton - April 30 - 9:13 am

  Check seatbelts in 8 passenger. Play DVD . check spare tire.

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  My Faithful Friend - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda RULES! - April 28 - 11:19 pm

  We bought this wonderful minivan in 1996. Ever since then, the car has been faithfully serving us on all our long trips. We have gone over 150,000 miles and the car has never given us any problems. Since we had such good experiences with our Honda, we bought another one later(Pilot).

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  Glad that I waited for 2005 model - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Daifaylow - April 25 - 1:10 pm

  I am throughly glad that I waited for the 2005 model, but I wish I did not have to wait 12 wks for delivery. Wife was not keen on driving a minivan, but now she wont let me drive it! Ample passing power on hwy and the spacious interior is way more comfortable than my 4-Runner. Better value and $5K cheaper than comparable Toyota Sienna XLE. On the negative side, disappointed with the fit and finish compared to previously owned 98 Accord. Gaps between body panels were quite noticable around the tailgate. Plastic plug popped out of the driver side sliding door when opened. Seams between carpet pieces should be tighter. Need more bass from speakers, not enough oomph! Overall,impressed.

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  IS THIS A HONDA OR A YUGO? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaboy331 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  7000 miles later, there are rattles from all different locations in the interior of the vehicle that no dealership can see to find let alone fix. The real gas milage is more like 15 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway not 18/25 like it said when I had purchase it. The ride was bumpy new and even bumpier now after a whole 7000 miles, the wind noise drives e crazy. I was talked out of buying the MPV and paid $4500 more when my friend bought a MPV for less money and it ten times happier with his purchase. This cars rattles, guzzles gas, is noise, and bumpy, not to meantion the power doors choose to work when it pleases and the transmission jerks at times when engaged???????????

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  Odyssey for us - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By ftx42 - April 24 - 3:10 pm

  This is our third Odyssey. We bought the first one to accomodate our grand kids and liked it as an all around vehicle for passengers/cargo. Very comfortable especially on road trips. Averaging around 19 MPG and 23 MPG on the highway.

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  Touring adds up to fun--with one minus - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt - April 22 - 10:30 am

  The Touring has all the bells and whistles. I do not look forward to replacing the PAX tires in the future. Car is quiet and solid. Major gripe: hatch does not seal out water at bottom and leaves a horrid rust streak where bumper and hatch meet. This is pathetic!

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  Odyssey Has "Irreparable Noise"! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By themerc - April 21 - 10:56 pm

  I have owned an Odyssey for 6 weeks. I own or have owned two other Hondas with zero problems. After two weeks, this Honda began making funny under-hood noises. I have returned the vehicle to Honda three times in six weeks - I have been told three different stories: there is no problem, there is a "normal" non-repairable noise in the anti-lock brake system, and there is a "normal" noise in the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system. Dont worry - your brakes are fine! I have never owned a vehicle with such a problem - including two other Hondas. I believe Honda has a problem and does not yet have a fix. The noise has gone from nil, to intermittent, to every time you start and drive it.

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  2006 Honda Odyssey LX minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Don - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  I did not realize how big this Honda minivan was until I got it in my garage. Yet, it pulls hills like they werent even there. My wife loves all the extra room it has. She likes the rear seat storage compartment in the back floor as a place to put the groceries when she goes shopping. They dont slide around there.It is quiet, handles sharp curves well, effortless to drive. The overdrive works extremely well, does not jump in and out as my older vehicles did. It seems to be able to read your mind, and drops into overdrive only when the driving situation is right. On level highway the move to overdrive is gradual, until the engine rpm is down to 1100 - 1600 rpm, and quiet! 18-22 mpg in city.

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  "08 Honda Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By atkins92 - April 18 - 3:50 am

  Very pleased with this vehicle. It performs excellent on the highway and in the city with nimble handling for a large van and excellent acceleration when needed. The seats in every row are very comfortable and the front heated ones are nice for the cold Canadian days in the winter/spring/fall.

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  No better van.... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By RYLWLF - April 16 - 10:00 am

  All my life I promised myself I would never be caught in a mini van, let alone buying one new off the lot. But once I got in, saw the ease of getting our 3 boys in and out of the van, the styling and power, I was sold.