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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Hate it, but I love this Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By morganwife - August 14 - 10:00 amI was one of those folks: "Ill never drive a minivan." But I do...and its SO convenient...and the Odyssey is wonderful. Its got pick-up like a car, and convenience that I never dreamed of having. When my boys are older, I confess, Ill dump it for a "regular" vehicle, but for now...it cant be beat!
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Bad Start - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By engr - August 9 - 7:50 amIm off to a bad start, as is the Honda. It has difficult starts. I took it in to the dealer, and they claim its just a faulty battery. I got a new one so well see. I also hear wind/whistle noises, as does my occupants, but the dealer doesnt. The vehicle has yet to exceed 20 mpg. Everything else is fantastic. Smooth ride. Comfortable. Others mat wait until new model problems are worked out.
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Solid Reliability - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By bill - August 8 - 2:58 amI bought the Nav Model new and have only needed lube changes in 90k miles. The brakes are still good. The GPS is easy to use and very useful but has tricked me sometimes. I have few complaints but am thinking about a new Mini van now and dazzled by the high tech sizzle of the Quest but concerned about some of the negative reviews. But then this model of Ody has attracted far more complaints and I have had scant concern in the 90 k I have driven. My Ody drives like it is almost broken in and ready for more action but Oh!!! the Quests sleak, sporty, gizmo laden, futuristic, earthbound space shuttle appeal quickens the heart of a true technofile. I hope I luck out and get as good as my Oddy.
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Not as good as they say. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By LowHarley - August 8 - 2:00 amI shopped around for a long time. The family is growing and needed a van. Went with the Honda because everyone said it was the best. Have 10,000 miles on it, and has been in the shop twice. First time fuel problems second time new trans. This van is not has good is everyone said. I wish I would have stayed with the Dodge/Chysler.
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1st Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Don G - August 8 - 2:00 amGreat vehicle, grand kids love the DVD entertainment opt. Smooth ride with a performance "kick".
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happy with the purchase - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By km2kids - August 8 - 2:00 amGreat van for a family that takes lots of little trips here and there. Not too sporty looking, but we had great customer service from Honda (not from Toyota) and loved what Consumer Reports had to say about it. The ride is a bit stiffer than my old Grand Caravan, and the dash is a bit awkward, but the reliability is what I wanted most of all this go around. See ya, Dodge!
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Best Minivan/ Best Auto Maker - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Back2themoon - August 8 - 2:00 amI drove a 2003 Windstar, 2004 Freestar, and a 2003 Sedona. I used my father-in- laws 99 T/C Limited and 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan (falling apart)as baselines for the Chrysler products. These guys are not in the same LEAGUE as Honda. We so happy we made this purchase. I dont know where to start: design, quality, structural integrity, handling, drivetrain (3.5L/240hp)...Buy the Best (Safest/Quality/Design/Engineering/ Resale) for your family, Honda! Chrysler may sell more minivans than Honda, true, but that is due to the rental fleet sales and production volume. Why do you think Chrysler introduced an "EX" model??? Still playing catch up...
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Great Van...Few Kinks - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By avj - August 7 - 10:00 amWe have had our van for exactly 2 years now. We had to replace the battery, had a clunking behind the right front wheel that needed to be fixed and the electric doors got stuck once. I agree that the stereo system is not so great, and the swooshing of the gas when the tank is full is a bit annoying. The controls for the front seat could be placed better, Im forever pressing the button that moves the seats on my way out of the van. On the positive side, its a great van and has a great ride. Its powerful and the fold-down 3rd seat is the best!! You never have to plan ahead when making a big purchase, just fold that seat down and your good to go.
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Hate paying markup - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By Annoyed - August 7 - 10:00 amI hate paying $5,000 markup and having the salesmen tell me basically "go somewhere else if you dont want to pay it" Im having regrets now. Its kinda noisy and Im having trouble with the sliding doors. The service department is just as arrogant as the salespeople. "If you dont like our service go somewhere else". Great handling and great storage area. But I hate getting ripped off. Maybe next time Ill try another model.
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First time Minivan owner - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Jeffrey Zaleski - August 6 - 4:30 pmGreat Vehicle, drives like a car, but you know your in a van. I own the EX with 8 passenger seating. It has lots of power to pass. I live in Buffalo, New York area, the traction control is great for driving in the snow, but learned quickly why you to shut it off if you are stuck in deep snow. Cant wait to take it on a long drive. And if you have little ones, like me, Car seats are easy in and out and the remote rear sliding doors are helpful.
