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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Buy an extended aftermarket warranty - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By John - September 12 - 2:01 amTransmission bad at 37k. Canadian dealer replaced it but that one was no good. Same dealer replaced it again. Now, the new one is no good either and the dealer isnt willing to help anymore. Honda Can. wont help since the van was bought from dealer who imported it into USA after it was sold new in Canada. Guess I got a gray market rig. Local Honda service guy says theyre replacing all the trannys in these. Power doors work ok but scare us. If there is no power, the manual open option is very difficult - impossible for a child. If you needed to get out faster than the snail pace of the power door - too bad. Why do the editors love this vehicle? Its been nothing but trouble for us.
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Great Choice - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By FlaDad - September 11 - 11:06 pmThis van drives like a dream! Everything is great, from the quality of the paint to the quality of the cloth interior. We looked at Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, and Dodge (didnt even consider GM) It was down to Toyota and Honda, and we chose the Odyssey because it was the most bang for the buck.
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I wish we didnt buy it - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By 5052 - September 8 - 10:00 amOur Honda has been in for engine noise. We like the vehicle. But we dont like the problems with engine ping. Between 2000 to 3000 rpms on stop and go driving.
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Great Vehicle, But One Complaint - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Mitchell Pak - September 8 - 8:20 amWe purchased an 03 Odyssey EX-L in June of 2005. It was practically new (6000 miles). So far, we have put nearly 3000 miles on it, including a family trip to Pennsylvania, and it has been absolutely perfect. My only complaint with the Odyssey is that the interior is a little rattly. When the road is somewhat bumpy, quite common in NYC, the interior shimmies and shakes and rattles. I had a 97 Accord once and it never rattled like that. I dont know whether this is endemic with minivans or just my vehicle. Otherwise, its a great vehicle, fun to drive, plenty of power and with numerous amenities. Typical Honda. I rate it 8 out of 10 overall.
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Hope the surprises stop - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Nick - September 4 - 11:42 pmBought brand new in Jan 2000, was very pleased with vehicle until first major service, had 30000k, thats when the problems began, (rear brakes) after this deglazing of the drums the problem began and stayed with them until 110000k loud vibration noises when braking from 110km, thats probable why 2001 got all 4 discs, sliding doors already replace motor and latching mechanism every two years, now noticing trans, clunking noise especially when backing out of driveway. Got to call Honda Canada to ask about transmission recall. Hopefully the 2005 and newer dont have to many bugs. Hope this helps
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odyssey experience - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By carolyn - September 1 - 7:10 pmthe passenger seat is not very comfortable especially compared to the drivers seat
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One of the real mini-vans - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By Iamav - August 31 - 12:00 amWithout question Honda hit a bug homerun when they designed and built the 1999 Odyssey. Having been the past owner of one of Hondas first attempts to enter the mini-van market - a 1996 Odyssey - the 1999 is hands-down a completely different car. Larger, more comfortable and possessing the powerful and smooth Vtec V-6 engine block, this vehical has really no similarilities with its earlier models. The mini-van drives like a car - a smooth one at that. Aside from being a little thirsty for fuel - especially around town and in stop and go traffic, the Odyssey performs at its best on the interstates and open highway.
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My First ODYSSEY - 2016 Honda Odyssey
By Oliver C - August 28 - 8:14 amGreat Family Van for big family good for 8 passenger including driver
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Satisfying Van - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By Peggy - August 25 - 5:56 pmThis is a versatile and functional car. You will not be sorry you bought this one.
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Oddysey is not a bad choice!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By dnlehner - August 25 - 10:00 amSince I bought the vehicle, there has been nothing wrong with it. The color I got was a little darker than I hoped, but besides that minor problem, just high hopes!