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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  Not impressed! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By New Mom - March 23 - 5:03 am

  We researched minivans for a year, hands down everyone said you cant go wrong with the Odyssey. Boy we we wrong. We have been in three times for the front bumber that was incorrect from the start because a clip was broken. We are still waiting for the new part. Then we have been in four times for the driver-side sliding door, which will not close unless the driver -side doors is open. Now we found out that the power steering pump is going and needs to be replaced. Our car only has 5,500 miles on it. A power steering pump should not go on a car that new. Also, I have been waiting two weeks for the new part to come in.

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  Beware of the droning sound! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sm68 - March 18 - 12:13 am

  Deeply disappointed in this car. There is a loud droning sound at 2,100 RPM (sounds like a lawnmower). It is loud and gives a headache after a while. I have already taken the car to the dealership several times in 1 year - got the audio system replaced, brakepads replaced, fixed a whistling sound coming from the windshield at high speeds. Wonder what else is coming after the warranty runs out. Wouldnt buy it again!!

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  noisy and bouncy, bad transmission - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By David Fass - March 16 - 10:04 am

  Ive had this 2016 Odyssey EX for a couple weeks, my first minivan. Frankly, I am really surprised at how harsh and jittery the ride is. I think "busy" is how it can best be described. The wind and road noise is bad enough, but why in a vehicle this large do I feel like Im bouncing down the road in a Toyota Yaris? Every road imperfection is transmitted to the cabin. I understand that people like a car to have some road feel, but do I need to know about every single 2cm crack and smidgen of gravel? What a frustration! Why would anyone want so much vibration transmitted to a vehicle that is principally used for hauling children? Why? Why? The van came from the dealer with tires over-inflated to 40+, so I reduced them to recommended pressure, but to no noticeable difference in ride quality. I am really surprised and upset that this is the best tire/suspension setup the geniuses at Honda were able to come up with. My 2012 Camry has a much more comfortable highway ride without feeling at all floaty. Im surprised that the professional reviews of the Odyssey so seldom mention its terrible ride quality. Is it just that everyone has gotten used to it? Ugh. So I really have to warn you people who are still shopping... if you are planning to take any long trips, make sure you THOROUGHLY test the highway ride of this Odyssey against the Sienna and Sedona (as I did not). I dont mean take a test ride on the highway for a cursory 3 minutes --- I mean take it out for at least 20 minutes on both smooth and rough highway. Pay attention to what you are feeling, and imagine feeling that for a 3-hour drive. You have been warned! If I were to do it again, I would seriously consider the Sienna. Also, the transmission. I dont know. It doesnt let the vehicle coast. If you get stuck are in traffic and you want to coast a little while until traffic stops again, the transmission wont let you. It will slow the car down to a stop. So you need to keep your foot on the gas to keep the car going at 5mph. Why? Who knows? Is this why Odyssey transmissions seem to die early? I dont know. Do I sound like I am happy with this purchase? In summary, yes, the Odyssey is car-like to drive. And thats what my wife wanted. And maybe thats all you need if you are driving it to the local school and playground. But for driving on the highway? Ugh. I think you will want something else!

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  second odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bogman - March 15 - 2:00 am

  We had a 01 that was totaled by a drunk while parked. We were able to get an 03 for only $2k after the insurance settlement. Not bad for a 36k mi vehicle. Ill bet no other make can brag that kind of depreciation. We never considered another van the second time. The Odyssey is THE perfect vehicle in this class, and THE perfect vehicle for our family of 7.

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  Positive - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Pleased in Frisco - March 14 - 3:50 am

  I feel very safe in my Honda. I accidentally hit a deer and all I felt was a bump. I didnt even get out to look. When I saw the damage the deer had done I was shocked. Its like Timex, it took a "lickin" and kept on "tickin".

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  Great Family Hauler - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Izzy - March 13 - 10:30 am

  Great van, all the trims, quiet on the highway, decent ergonomics. Plenty of amenities and driver personalization. The dealer is just Honda, not very good. So I recommend the shop manual for anyone, specialy if out of warranty. Very nice and polite, but cant fix much of anything.

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  Safty and Performance - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Jay Shankar - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent to drive for Very Long Drive. You can enjoy every comfort. This is absolutely afortable luxury mini van. I am happy to own this. This is worth evry penny I paid.

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug Kenny - March 12 - 7:53 pm

  Pros: Its a Honda: well built, well designed. Mileage is a blend of city and highway and averages 19.2 over life of vehicle. Tons of cargo space. Decent versatility with seating/cargo arrangements. Cons: One delivery defect: deep scratch on dashboard. Unlocking rear side doors is very confusing. Exterior green paint looks like they forgot to add enough green pigment. Option packages too pricey.

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  Replaced 2000 Odyssey with Toyota Senia - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By mm - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  Good in beginning. Always had Front brake over heating issues in long Highway drives (not city). Speedometer (70=66MPH) and Odometer were off by 5% (likely to make it appear to get better gas millage). Major tire issues with original tires. At 65,000 replaced EGR $300. Replaced brakes every 20,000 miles $240. At 86,000 Catilic Converter & Motor Mounts $1,700. At 92,000 miles $1,200 to replace sliding door motor. We had 93,000 miles. At 100,000 they wanted $1,700 for timing belt/waterpump replacement. I have not had major transmition issues yet, but they were comming also. Trans upshifts had changed. Cant afford $4,000 dollors trans. It became a vehicle we could not afford to keep any more.

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  Would do it again! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By S Miller - March 11 - 12:22 pm

  With no kids, our 02 CR-V was fine, but now with 2 kids, our 04 Odyssey is awesome! Never thought I would drive a mini van but this feels more like a luxury car! Our EX-L is way below the lease miles (by almost half!) So the decision to buy it next year will be difficult! Comfort for all is top notch and performance for such a big vehicle is better than expected! Beware if you put your foot in it, the pickup is fun but it will eat your gas! We usually leave the rear headrests off, the seat is rarly used but remains up for the use of the deep well for storage of stroller n stuff. Both kids are in child seats and are an ease to put them in with the wide doors. We love it and will do it again!