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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  Mini Hope is her name - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Klein - November 9 - 5:26 am

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  I love it! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris - November 2 - 11:34 am

  We bought our Odyssey with 61K on it and I am very happy with it. It gets great gas mileage, Honda stands behind their work and its a great ride, especially on highway trips. Did have a problem with the EGR valve at 81K, had it fixed and am appealing to American Honda to reimburse me as theyd extended the EGR warranty to 80K! My goal is to keep it for years to come, Im hoping to put another 125K on the vehicle. Its my vehicle of choice anytime I go out driving. Only minor glitch is sometimes the automatic sliding doors freeze up, but thats usually due to human error! Bought new tires, have replaced front headlight bulbs and other routine maintenance, thats it!

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  Proven Safe - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dreamwalker - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 EX, drove it EVERYWHERE - our "mobile living room"; even went up Pikes Peak with no difficulty. When another driver decided to take the whole engine compartment out - we walked away unscathed and directly into a 2002!! I especially love that at 52" tall, I can still get out of my Civic and into the Odysseys driver seat and feel perfectly comfortable - not like Im driving some huge lumbering sloth.

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  Great family truckster - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Felix - October 28 - 8:20 am

  We bought our Odyssey primarily for long road trips. Its been fantastic. Plenty for room for everyone, no one complains about being cramped anymore. Its so comfortable inside that long drives are much less fatiguing. The main reason I picked the Honda is because of its great handling. Its seriously better than most SUVs and even some cars. There have been a lot of comments about the fuel economy. The vehicle is heavy, so its city mileage is poor. But on the highway with 6 people & 4 bikes on a hitch rack, I get 22 to 25 mpg on the highway. Better than my 4 door sedan with bikes on the roof! In summary, Id recommend it to anyone looking for a minivan, especially if you like to drive!

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  We love our Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sheila buffone - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We love our Odyssey. With two kids and grandparents who love to come with us when we go places, it makes more convenient for everyone to just take one car. I usually have the third row seat folded down for the extra room for the double stroller, kids toys or what ever else we need to haul. Then when we need the extra seating room, we just pop up the seat, no problem.

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  cool 8s - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sadf - October 27 - 10:00 am

  its great and i love it and it is so cool and the only reason i gave it eights was because i never give higher

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  Best 95 Minivan - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By NR1 - October 26 - 5:16 am

  This is by far the best minivan made in 95. I love the exterior, looks like a half Civic half Accord wagon. The four door style is awesome,way better than sliding doors. The interior looks a lot like an Accord which is pretty cool. Ive got almost 170k miles on mine and still running strong. It is my future project car, I am going to tune up to the max, hopefully win a lot of trophies in car shows. Gotta love these Hondas

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  Loveda van but... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimbob - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Its a great van. Lots of room...drives like a sedan...visibility is great...an SUV without a nose. However, I have had two small ~ problems. The van pulled to the right. Honda said it was the tires (Bridgestones). Bridgestone said it was the allignment. It said just fix it. Both were cooperative. Bridgeston replaced all the tires, but it still pulls??? Anyone else experience this?

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  Loveda van but... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jimbob - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Its a great van. Lots of room...drives like a sedan...visibility is great...an SUV without a nose. However, I have had two small ~ problems. The van pulled to the right. Honda said it was the tires (Bridgestones). Bridgestone said it was the allignment. It said just fix it. Both were cooperative. Bridgeston replaced all the tires, but it still pulls??? Anyone else experience this?

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  A must for a Growing Family - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Eddie - October 24 - 5:23 pm

  After we had our first son we bought a Lexus GX470, Great SUV, but we quickly grew out of it. The Honda mini van was a tough sale to my wife, but after she drove it and realized how much more comfortable it was, she was sold. So now I drive the Lexus, but when it is time to go out with the family I drive the Honda, and it drives great. I like the features, the drive, the value and fuel economy much more than the Nissan Quest or the Toyota.