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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  honda odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ken salazar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  it is great for all activities in a family work every where you want to go and do

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jay - April 14 - 3:03 pm

  Hands down, the best van on the road today. I love every feature and this van is truly my home away from home when I am on the road. I did a lot of research and the Toyota Sienna comes close but options seem confusing and overpriced.

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  No other van comes close!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Troutking - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Well worth the wait!! I drove just about every van on the market and decided nothing compares with the Odyssey. No rebates, discounts or special financing could change my mind either. This is a great, intelligently thought out van. It drives like a sports car and is extremely versatile for the family. Hauled the family and 2 dogs (1 being a Great Dane) on a 9hr. trip with no problems. Every other van manufacturer has alot of catching up to do!! This is THE MINIVAN for the "NON- MINIVAN" person!!!

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  our second - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Adam Blayton - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Odyssey. It replaced an 00. This one doesnt penalize me when I drive it.. our other cars are a 99 Prelude SH and 01 Acura CL.

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  2002 - Odyssey exceeded my expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Atlanta Odyssey Owne - April 12 - 9:06 am

  Ive read some of the previous reviews. How can some of you rate a 5 then put in your review that its the best minivan youve ever driven. Maybe the survey needs some idiot-proofing. Regardless the 240bhp engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 11 cup holders, folding rear seat, and the huge array of standard features in the EX is incredible. I got mine for $1,500 under MSRP and absolutely love it!!!

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  Happy New Owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By disport - April 7 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? Everything works as expected. Very comfortable ride. Very smooth engine/transmission, and its peppy. Solid construction with no squeaks.

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  Ive owned Touring for almost a week - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By yatesd - April 5 - 7:33 pm

  I really like the concept behind VCM and the gas mileage/horsepower that can be achieved on regular fuel. The Toyota Sienna recommends premium fuel. I also like the automatic climate control for the rear passenger compartment. My dogs like it set about 10 degrees cooler than I do. It is nice to have all of the safety features available at any trim level.

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  2001 Honda Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynda - April 3 - 11:30 am

  This is a limo for the two cars two kids set - tons of room for your stuff, reliable, solid, excellent for highway driving, lots of power, a total comfort machine. Weve towed camper trailers, loaded kayaks and bikes on the roof. Weve stuffed the vehicle with people and luggage with no noticable decrease in performance. This vehicle has not given us one day of grief. We are replacing our old 1990 Tercel with a Honda Fit - to anyone who reads this, go the extra bucks and buy a Honda - there really is no comparison, and believe me, Ive driven them all. It doesnt score high in driving fun - but who buys a minivan for fun anyway. My 16 year old Tercel is more fun to drive, but you cant take it out of the driveway right now without something dropping off it.

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  Test Drove 2018 Odyssey - major issue with AC - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Joseph V - April 2 - 5:25 pm

  We waited over 7 months to finally purchase a Honda Touring 2018. Went to dealership and it only had an Elite in stock. So, we finally got around to test driving it. Here are the results: Pros - Magic Seat (awesome!), performance - good, brakes - good, navigation system - good (thought there would be a glare; however, it was minimal), cabin watch - good, remote engine start (thank god) - great! Cons - OMG, they screwed up the Air Conditioning. The front seat is okay. However, I would feel very sorry for anyone sitting in the third row. It just blows air (and not even cold). Also, the vent is on the bottom side. If anyone push the seat back, it gets partially cover. Forget the person sitting in the middle - no air at all. And, the second seat is almost the same. Unbelievable mistake. We live in Las Vegas and it can get up to 115 degrees during the summer. I sat in the car for 20 minutes, had the fan blowing high with the AC set to the lowest setting, and still, it was uncomfortable in the back seats. I even got the sales guy to finally admit that he was not comfortable with it. This is not acceptable in Las Vegas. As a result, we decided to hold off on this purchase. Hopefully, they have this fix in 2019. Unreal!!

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  Honda Lover - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof2Boys - March 27 - 11:46 pm

  This is my third Honda purchased within the last 6 years, as always, Honda never ceases to amaze me. I started with the Civic, a great small car, then the CRV, a great SUV, but this Odyssey has made me see how wonderful it is to drive a full size vehicle. I did not think I was ready for the whole "Mini Van" thing, being only 29, but this is not like any other mini van on the market. The second row windows even roll down! It is like driving a luxury automobile at an "average-Jane" cost. Once again Honda has done an AWESOME job.