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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  Nicest Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe Pillera - November 28 - 4:10 pm

  I am 41 years old and have never owned a motor vehicle this nice. Its simply an amazing vehicle; its built like a tank. Not one single "cheap" thing about it. Be advised: the rosy gas mileage numbers ONLY work if you do highway driving. We do city driving and only get 15.9 MPG. On the other hand - this is a minivan - so in the end it didnt bother us.

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  Awesome Van! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By GoPackGo! - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a F-350 Super Duty Pickem up truck. I will never buy American again. My Honda was built in Alabama anyways.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ashtabhujadhari - November 28 - 3:06 am

  This is my first mini-van and the one I "upgraded" from sporty 3000 GT. Im surprised by the handling of this vehicle. Although it cannot come close to the GTs performance in turns, it handles better the most sedans. Interior is also very well designed. Removing and installing the second row seats was tricky the first time but once you know the order it is easy.

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  Excellent Upgrade - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By HappyCamper - November 23 - 2:46 pm

  We,so like many others, decided to finally give in to the whole minivan craze. This was decided after placing two car seats and our 12-year old in the back seat of our 1998 Honda Accord EX-L. I about broke down and cried! We absolutely LOVED that car! However, the 2005 Odyssey blows it off the map in every category! I took the Odyssey out and hammered it on some twisty back roads. It has more power, was quieter, smoother, and handled considerably better than my accord! Plus...we all fit! This is a great machine to live with on a day-to-day basis. The Odyssey even turns sharper than the Accord! This is a truly excellent vehicle to drive... bordering on... fun!

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  Odyssey Lover - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim Ferry - November 21 - 12:53 pm

  I have been a Honda fan since I purchased a 1974 Civic. What a kick, the reliability and fantastic resaie was unbelievable. I was hooked. Now I own a 2005 Odysssey, agoain, due to my experience with a 2000 Odyssey we owned. The 2005 rides better, performs better, and gets about the same fuel mileage. We now have 15,000 miles on it after owning it for less then 6 months. A great vehicle.

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  Ups and downs - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Ray D - November 19 - 10:00 am

  After long debate over the Kia Sedona and the Honda I finally went with Honda. So far, bad choice. Car pulls to the left in all conditions and while five weeks and tons of letters and phone calls yielded a Honda field technician to "make some adjustments" the car is still not right. Now getting clunks in transmission randomly at start up and Ive read about some transmission issues. I will not keep car past warranty. Wish I took a chance on the Kia. Still think the Honda is the best designed, but no longer am awed by Honda reliabilty or service repuation--at least I did not experience it!

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  Wow What A Lemon - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By rcpquote - November 18 - 1:36 am

  This vehicle is the worst I ever owned (mechanically). Shortly after buying this used with 42,000 miles, the transmission went bad. Was not covered under warranty but later warranty was extended to 100,000 on this (because so many were going bad). 2nd Transmission failed at 67,000 miles. 3rd Transmission failed at 105,000 miles (no longer under warranty). Electric doors have regular problems. 2 sets of motor mounts from transmission putting too much stress when shifting. Otherwise, powerful enough and comfortable for an entire family of 6.

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  bad tramissions in 2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Debbie - November 18 - 12:49 am

  The first transmission went out at 36,600 miles. Honda installed a new Honda remanufacturered transmission with another 36,000 mile warranty. Approximately 3000 miles later the transmission went out again. Now my lease is almost up and the 3rd transmission is starting to slip again. The dealer said that Honda is aware that they have problems with the transmissions for this year so I was shocked it was in the top 10 used car list. Prior to this van I had a Toyota Sienna van and I liked that van way more than this one. It had a much better ride by alot and I never had any mechanical problems. The Honda has a very tight feel and every bump jars you. I was very dissatisfied.

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  Best Minivan in its Class - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By KIDDADA - November 16 - 10:03 am

  I test drove all the minivans and Honda Odyssey was the best in its class. It drives like an Accord and handles pretty good. My wife loves this car and she canÂ’t wait to go out of town. The dealer gave me $7000 off the MSRP which was a bargain. TheyÂ’re giving out good deals and its affordable than a big SUV. You want a reliable car for a big family, Honda Odyssey is the van to buy,

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  02 is much better than our 2000 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Carbrain - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Traded our 00 for an 02. The difference is remarkable. Its as if they corrected all of our complaints from the 00. Brakes are stronger and less grabby, 5Spd auto stops the 3500 rpm light throttle starts, seats are recontoured, much less road and wind noise, can actually listen to the stereo on the freeway, and oh yeah 40 extra horsepower on regular unleaded gas. Well done!