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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  Cant judge a car by its maker - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Patty Marria - August 24 - 4:32 pm

  Without hesitatation we purchased a 2001 Odessey from an individual. The van had no previous warranty work at all. At that time it had 40,000. It started making a horrible groaning sound. It was taken to the dealership 4 times with no prognosis. Info was later given me at a Shell gas station, about bad brake drums on my model. They were not recalled but a Tech. Bulletin had come out in 2003 which recommended replacing drums. We did that at our expense 2 wks ago. We just took a 1600 mile trip, half way back the transmission went out. Our van is now 8 hours away from our home awaiting a new transmission. After much research, we have found Honda has lots of bad transmissions out there.

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  Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack Mosby - August 23 - 6:02 am

  Weve only had the van for less than a month, but put on about 2600 miles visiting relatives. Its been a great van to travel with, its smooth riding and comfortable for long distance traveling. Plenty of head and leg room although the passenger seat could use a bit more leg room. This model has a lane departure (left & right) and forward collision warning systems already installed - hopefully these will be standard in all vehicles in a few years. We have not ridden in the back seats yet although they do have child seat restraint connections. The console controls are taking a bit of time to learn, but the CD, reference and owners manuals are helpful. It does not have parking assist nor have we driven it in snow yet (our prior 2000 Odyssey worked fine in snow, but we used studded tires especially for stopping on ice - hoping to see an all wheel drive model soon). We both have noticed the rear seat headrests do block some of your rear view, but are learning to not put anything high in the center of the vehicle. We do like the right turn signal and accompanying video of the right blind spot when making right turns - would be a great feature for left turns too. We did not get the nav or entertainment packages. As to reliability, we expect it will do well as our prior Odyssey was excellent - time will tell. We were getting 25+mpg towing a small 5 x 8 enclosed utility trailer and a canoe on the roof rack, but have not taken it out yet for another highway journey without the extra drag. We need to figure out how to disable the automatic rear gate lift as it hits the canoe with the upper rear window cowling when rising and immediately lowers again - kind of hard to load things when that happens - Im sure there is a way. All in all a great vehicle so far!

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  05 LX Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By BdinnaB - August 22 - 8:10 am

  Nice riding passenger van. Easy handling. Lots of power. Poor gas mileage it the city but good on highway. Bought the van right before gas prices soared thru the roof. Peaked at $52.00 to fill up now down to 33.00/week.

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  Ultimate family mover that makes SUVs a dumb idea - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Corey Corsi - August 22 - 8:06 am

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  Best value for dollar - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Last 450 - August 22 - 12:00 am

  Purchased a new 05 Odyssey after comparing and driving both the Odyssey and Pilot. A difficult choice but as my wife is principle driver she chose the van for a more roomy interior. I wanted leather interior but its only available with the VCM (variable cylinder management) system which I believe is a problem waiting to happen. A six cyl running on the same bank of three cyls intermittently for its whole life; electronic controlled solenoid actuated liquid filled engine mounts to offset resulting vibration; sound waves piped in thru stereo to offset engine noise; all so that you dont know its running on 3 cyl., and a benefit of only 2-3 mpg.

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  Another Odysses - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dj - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We had a 2001 Odyssey with 45,000 trouble free miles on it that we traded for our 2003 Odyssey. The biggest differences were the leather seats and the 240HP engine. Its tighter, quieter, much stronger, shifts much nicer with the 5 speed auto. Looks the same, but what a difference. We love it.

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  Good Van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By VFRBEE - August 19 - 4:46 pm

  The driving dynamics and utility of this van are outstanding. Better cargo, passenger room than a large SUV with fuel economy of a car. We currently have 90K miles on the van with no costly problems. Small irritations have been numerous: Squeeking rear brakes under light braking. Sliding door sticking problems, check engine light on for bad EGR valve under warranty, if tires are cheap and/or cannot be balanced perfectly you will get vibration at freeway speeds. Overall Im happy with our van and expect to keep it for 10 years and 200K. Im a bit concerned with all the transmission failures, but even if I have to replace it once it will still be cheaper than buying new.

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  I actually like a minivan - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By sssannndmannn - August 16 - 10:53 am

  Bought from the original owners at 103,000 miles and we now have 116,000. The previous owners said the transmission was replaced at 86,000 miles (not normal for Honda, I have an 89 Integra with 197,000 miles on the original engine & trans). The drivers side sliding door doesnt latch itself all the way half the time so we have to push it closed all the way manually. Also there is alot of road noise. Otherwise, this is an amazingly nice, fun to drive minivan. I grew up with a VW Bus, minivans have sure come a long way. This van isnt perfect but its by far the best for its time out there.

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  Good and reliable - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank De Risi - August 16 - 10:04 am

  Good family van. Quiet ride. No mechanical problems. Engine has a whistle noise . Honda says nothing can be done. Doors stick with no specific pattern. Had to replace cat converter at 50000 miles for $ 700.

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  Honda 2003 Very good overall - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By akorn - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent car with very good handling and breaking. Very spacious and well-designed interior. Some minor quibbles: no heated side mirrors, extra resevoir for the rear washer fluid, or daylight running lights (all available in Canada).