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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  Standatd Complaint List - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd - January 26 - 2:29 pm

  This has been a great vehicle so far, but we do have low mileage ~ 50,000 miles. Sliding doors stick, rear gas tank slosh, crappy stock radio, interior noise level high, front drink tray vibrates since it is only connected on one side. These are fairly easy to ignore for me since I have only had to service this van for oil changes, brakes, rotors, the usual wear and tear stuff. I am extremely nervous about all the other owners who have lost the transmission. I am waiting for it to go any day now and just hope that the extended warranty takes care of this very expensive repair. Its paid for, so all I can do is ride it out and hope for the best.

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  Satisfaction - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 983K - January 26 - 12:46 am

  The Odyssey is a great minivan. The ride is smooth; engine is quiet and has some horses when needed. Good gas mileage too--one nice feature is the shutting down of three of the cylinders when not needed (like using cruise control on the interstate). There is plenty of cargo space. First experience with Honda has been good so far.

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  02 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By laburn77 - January 24 - 12:34 am

  Bought my 02 Ody EX with 79K miles and 10K later I am happy with my decision. Had to replace EGR for $100 but that was pretty minor. Averaging about 21 MPG which is decent. Roomy and folding 3rd row seat is the best.

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  happy owner - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By John Burkholder - January 21 - 1:26 pm

  This vehicle is great for my family of five. The fuel efficiency and ease of entry/exit for my children (aged 3-5) helped us choose this one over an SUV. The car has been very reliable, with no out of pocket expenses other than oil changes for the past 2 years.

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  2001 Odyssey Review - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By hondafan - January 20 - 11:49 pm

  This car is one of the best Ive ever owned. Other than routine maintenance, I havent had to put any money into the vehicle. The storage capacity is awesome even with the back seat in. We can travel with 2 adults and 2 kids with room to spare. Well own this car for several more years.

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  Great family car - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Ricky - January 20 - 8:02 am

  Great for toting the kids around!

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  The minivan. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By chunky - January 14 - 7:03 am

  Really, no other minivan has the same well balanced list of virtues. Easily the best handling minivan we test drove. Interior is well appointed with excellent build quality. The cabin abounds with thoughtful touches, such as the cabin view mirror built into the sunglass holder - allowing you to keep an eye on everyone in back without having to turn around. The engine is flawless, true to Hondas reputation. We went with the EX to get the standard 8th seat and dual power sliding doors. Unless you are looking for an ultra cheap, stripped down minivan, the Odyssey is the only minivan you need to consider.

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  Better than a Suburban! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By KCB - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have 4 girls aged 11-4 years. I was nervous about downsizing from a Suburban, but figured we always pack light anyway. This car is great. It is unbelievably quick, both in starting from 0 mph to 65 and in how quickly it stops when you break. Even my husband admitted it was SO much nicer to drive than the old truck. Additionally, it has a huge amount of space -- the cargo space in the back is very deep.

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  We love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DJ - January 8 - 9:06 pm

  Traded a very loaded Tahoe. It has more room than Tahoe for passengers and is much better on gas. DVD is a must for kids and navigation is a must for dad/mom. It does not seem like a minivan. We love it. It rides excellent.

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  Best van ever - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ejr - January 7 - 3:00 pm

  This van is exceptional. The ride and performance are great. The interior features are full of nice surprises. The DVD is good, but the Navigation System is spectacular. Honda reliability and high resale value cannot be beat, not by Toyota, Nissan, etc. You cant go wrong purchasing this van.