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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  Excellent - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Victor - January 6 - 5:52 pm

  Its comfortable, and fun to drive, safe, reliable, and good looking. had a problem with the brake system but over all im happy with it. will definitely buy the 2007 model mine has 85000 now, so Ill keep it for another year or two, still runs like when I first bought it. no other mechanical or electrical problems.

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  Honda? - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Snowman - January 6 - 1:00 pm

  This is my 4th Honda, might be my last!!!! Problems from day one - wind noise from winshield, grinding brakes and electrical gremlins. MPG is terrible so far - 16 mpg! Dealer is trying hard to keep us happy, Honda is not!

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  Honday Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - January 5 - 3:54 pm

  Disappointed with highway mileage, getting 21 consistantly, thought 25 would be realistic. The pivot point on the seats reclining feels like someone is stuffing a pillow into your lower back, some like some dont. Road noise is higher than expected, especially on a windy day. Not wind leaks but wind travelling around the vehicle, not as quiet as the 98 Plymouth Voyager we had. Some of the road noise could be the tires that were on the vehicle when purchased, planning on changing those. Transmission does a lot of shifting around 35 - 40 like its not sure what gear to be in.

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  Good engine - suspect build quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By VRM - January 5 - 2:06 am

  The initial build quality is disappointing with lots of rattles, squeaks and brake noise. I had to go the dealer two times to resolve these initial problems. Honda needs to pay more attention to initial build quality and testing. Dont they drive the vehicle outside the factory before sending it to the dealer?

• 

  excellent - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By tewey - January 5 - 1:00 am

  the best

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  Not really bad, just not really good - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By B. Willis - January 3 - 9:02 pm

  First three and a half years went by pretty smooth with just a few annoyances like the sliding doors not wanting to close and the clock light burning out, twice. The last six months have been irritating with the transmission being changed, under warranty, for a computer chip problem, the air conditioning going out, and the EGR problem. The van handles well and the dealership has been better than most. Still, my next vehicle wont be a Honda.

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  Drivers seat is uncomfortable - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Hank - January 2 - 12:50 am

  I like the way the van handles. The van has been very reliable so far. The van is very uncomfortable to drive on long trips (200+ miles).

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Van - December 29 - 3:15 pm

  Purchased new in 12/05..had to wait 2 months after ordering. EX model with navigation. Has been a great vehicle and very reliable, though weve had it serviced regularly as recommended. Purchased for safety rating & reliability. Lots of room, especially with rear seat folded flat. Brakes have been okay but not strong. Power sliding door has stuck during freezing weather. In spite of others concerns, thats to be expected. Maybe Honda could make a suggestion about best way to "unfreeze" stuck door. Honda has offered extended warranty on transmission and EGR valve, but havent used it. We added leather and flip down video since they it werent options when purchased. No regrets.

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  Too Many Issues - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mrmom - December 29 - 3:13 pm

  Im the principal driver of our new Honda, my wife has own business. This is certainly not the best new car decision Ive made. Weve been back to dealer too many times, although dealership has been great. Weve had the DVD player replaced twice and we rarely use it! The Steering has been pulling to right since day one with everything being tried. Now the power doors wont open from switches by the driver?

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  Bubba Beta-Build aint better - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By teamsc10190 - December 28 - 2:26 pm

  My expectation for a Honda vehicle was that it would be well-built and reliable. I was very disappointed to find the low gloss, poor paint filled with dirt on horizontal surfaces, body panels that dont fit and indifferent build quality. This is domestic poor build quality for premium prices. Honda obviously has high gross profit margin on these cars built in Alabama because they certainly havent invested in their process or quality control safety nets to deliver value. Im sorry that I didnt buy the Sienna. Having said this, we love the van, but feel that it delivers marginal value for money paid.