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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  Every Mom Deserves this Luxury - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dawn Zajk - February 19 - 8:43 am

  I cant say enough about this van. The heated leather seats make my back feel like it is melting into them. The navigation has been very helpful with clear directions and restaurant phone numbers on the fly. The view out of the rear camera is so complete that I feel absolutely safe backing out of my sons busy preschool now. The parking sensors are helping me learn where the van is so I dont bump anyone. The auto open doors and lift gate are so convenient for moms/dads with full hands. Lots of room in back to change diapers,store strollers, etc. The sound system is very good and surround sound makes watching DVDs very fun. I think the Touring w/DVD/NAV was worth every penny.

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  Everything we expected for 3 little kids - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By A & J - February 18 - 5:04 pm

  We recently paid off our van and plan to keep it for another 5 years. It has been very dependable and would highly recommend this van.

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  asasas - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By asasasas - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome. Best minivan on the market, great dealership as well

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  Good for Family Life - Bad for Drivers - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By William Blake - February 9 - 6:29 am

  Bought this land yacht back new back in 2011 for a family of four, two young kids. This was my first minivan and I dont regret getting a minivan vs. a SUV - the ease of entry with the sliding doors has been worth it. The capacious rear cargo area has been an asset on road trips and runs to Home Depot. The Rear Entertainment system has also paid for itself in terms of subduing our little guys on long trips. Really, cruising on the highway with a bunch of people and stuff is what this thing was built for. It has also been reliable overall. Only replaced the brakes and dealer did so under warranty. In terms of driving, I am disappointed with the steering feel. It is so loose and imprecise, probably from being overly boosted, that it is not an easy vehicle to control, especially on the curvy undulating two lane highways we have in Tennessee. It does not inspire confidence in those situations - Im not saying it should drive like a sports car but it makes me feel out of control even when driving the speed limit. I had heard the Odyssey was the "drivers minivan," but maybe that is just an oxymoron. My car is a Mazda 3, so that perhaps that has ruined my perception. The other issue is that the van is just very loud on the highway - wind and road noise are excessive. All in all, a good purchase for our family, but showing its age in terms of safety tech, and lacking in the driving dynamics available in some 3-row SUVs these days - MDX, CX-9, for example.

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  Golden* - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By BobP - February 9 - 2:15 am

  This is the best of the best if you gotta have a mini van. Looks, Comfort, and a little power under the hood when you need it. Its not the mustang I would have if I had my way, but if you gotta have a mini van its GOLDEN.

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  Nice - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jrmike - February 6 - 2:43 am

  Car rides smooth. Plenty of power for a minivan. Handles well. Honda navigation is great, but voice activation is not very good. Great car. The storage is great and there is plenty of room for everything.

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  Worst purchase ever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dabarbour - February 1 - 7:03 pm

  All features are slow to react. Voice response never responses correctly. No storage for the driver-side very frustrating car to drive. Gas mileage is awful. Highest Ive seen is 17mpg. The feature that shuts down three cylinders slams hard when its on and you have to brake. You could change seasons waiting for the "automatic electronic" doors to open or close. Just an overpriced piece of junk!

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  Disappointed with Honda - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Allen Zornow - January 30 - 6:40 pm

  With over 13 re- calls or extensions of warrenty, this van has not been a good value. Ive experienced Transmission problems, gone through two catalytic converters, replaced the head gasket and had all sorts of problems with the automatic doors.This van cant be something Honda stakes its reputation on. Although my dealership has treated me excellently, I gave Honda an opportunity to keep me as a customer. Apparently, they are not interested.

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  Wife didnt want a van but loves it now! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Brown - January 29 - 5:23 pm

  We purchased our Touring edition with DVD/Entertainment system a few weeks ago. Ive driven a Ford Explorer before this and have driven many rental Chrysler and Ford minivans over the years. I thought the Town & Country would be a good choice but was I wrong. After driving the Honda there was simply no comparison. American brands are not in the same class. My wife originally balked at the idea of a van. I wont call it a minivan because it isnt mini at all. Its as big as a Ford Expedition when parked im my garage. After getting the van she fell in love with it. Compared to a SUV its easier to enter and exit, its quieter, smooter, more refined, and gets better mileage.

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  Honda = Reliable? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DK - January 26 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased this van as used at 37k right off factory warranty expires. Dealer recommanded "extended" warranty but i owed other hondas and did not think i needed one. Now i kinda regret it. About a day after the purchase, i noticed a high pitch noise coming from somewhere in engine bay. Took it to the dealer and they said it is Bad tranny and it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, Honda covered it by hondas good will warranty. Bad thing was dealer did not put enought tranny oil and i had to go back to get it fixed. 2 weeks later. ball bearing on left front went out. spent $200 to fix it. Since it has been about 20,000 miles, and so far no problem.. well hope it would last^^