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:

• 

  Silver Pearl Paint Blotchy - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By poocat - September 28 - 2:30 am

  We looked at both the Odyssey and the Sienna and decided on the Honda because we liked the looks of the front end and the interior better. Even though we like this van for its handling and performance, there are lots of quality issues that we thought we would not see in a Honda product. From plastic parts not fitting properly, glove boxes not aligned to the deformed rear side window seal. The van we purchased was in silver pearl. The other day when it was parked in the sun I noticed that the whole side of the van was covered in dark blotches when viewed at an angle. When I turned the van around it was the same thing on the other side but not as bad. The dealer said this was normal. ??

• 

  Gas Guzzler - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Average Driver - September 27 - 4:46 pm

  With all the Honda Odysseys good points; like features, build quality, resale value,etc. They are quickly forgotten when gas consumption is lousy. This van gets barely over 15 mpg/city. This is dissapointing for a current vehicle.

• 

  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By illhornet - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car into the ground. We have the EX with the entertainment package. It is absolutely wonderful to travel in with children and family pets. We had to order it a few months in advance just to get one which was disappointing, but it was worth the wait. I did research on all the mini- van before purchasing this one. It had the best service record, milage, horsepower and amenities. The magic seat is so convenient and makes hauling cargo so easy. I would purchase it again after we wear this one out!!!

• 

  2002 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By CA POPPY - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Not one bit of trouble with this great car in almost two years. We made a 5000 mile trip with a dog this summer and it was very comfortable, excellent air conditioning, completely trouble free. Would buy another Odyssey in a minute! Our Honda dealership and service department is excellent. We are repeat Honda customers, of course.

• 

  Best Family Vehicle Made - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mrfeemom - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Odyssey and frankly even after the kids are grown, I see myself remaining a loyal Odyssey owner. The car navigates terrifc, is ultra comfortable, and holds (so far) anything I have tried. Love it!

• 

  The Best I Have Ever Had - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JMK - September 26 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of 18 new vehicles over the past 40 years nothing else even comes close. The Odyssey is that good.

• 

  upset mom - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By upset mom - September 20 - 7:10 am

  When buying the car we were told it was a EX with leather with all of the options, but instead they just added the leather seats and entertainment system to trick us. Horrible gas milage, we wanted space in the car, but without spending so much time at the pump filling up the tank. Other than the major upset of not having the right engine, the car makes life much easier to haul things from place to place.

• 

  Minivan Badboy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By LISMAN - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Quite a paradox here. I bought this vehicle for the room to carry my large family, and Honda quality/reliability. What I did not expect was its MONSTER performance! When my family is not loaded in it, I can forget it is a van, and put its powerful engine to the test. They say it does 0-60 in 9 seconds, but I am convinced it sacrifices a second only because of its front wheel drive and rear weight distribution - You would be burning rubber from the gate if not for traction control system which immediately kicks in when you sink the pedal to the floor. The superior "van" features go without saying. But drive this one and ENJOY!

• 

  New Honda Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Lenore Cialone - September 15 - 2:03 pm

  This is our second Honda Odyssey and it is completely new from our 2003. New features, quiet driving, all the extras you could possibly want. Can seat 8, 8 airbags, more cupholders, under the floor storage. New dash. Just love driving it.

• 

  Be Aware Tranny Recall - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt - September 13 - 7:17 pm

  Had the vehicle a few months and started having tranny problems (not catching going from 2nd to 3rd gear). This model (and similar Honda vehicles) have a recall on the transmission...it has to have a kit installed or the tranny replaced. Other than that, weve been satisfied, its very peppy compared to the Windstar I used to have. The engine is much quieter too, although, on the road it doesnt seem remarkably quiet.