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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  Regrets so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Kajagoogoo - August 5 - 10:16 am

  I bought a 1999 Odyssey and had problems but loved it anyways. This isnt starting off good at all! Been back to dealer for wind noise, malfunctioning door, rattles from rear door, and engine running rough. I held off buying a 2005, thinking 2006 would have kinks worked out. I was sadly wrong and now wish I bought the Sienna instead!

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  "Fair and Balanced " - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim P. - August 2 - 4:43 am

  Initially had problem with steering wheel jiggle at higher speeds. Dealer did a spin balance of tires to no avail. Next the dealer had a power/force balance done at an offsite location and this worked. The dealer was very concerned and determined to fix the problem. The dealer was fair, and the tires were balanced.

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  Quality Problems - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Beskra - July 30 - 10:10 am

  Weve had a number of quality problems. We have had it into the dealer about 9 times in 2 months. They have now had it the last 3 days with no end in sight. Ergonomics of many controls are poor, many of them not at all intuitive. We really wish we could go back in time and not buy this vehicle.

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  only 65 miles on OD - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By tc - July 29 - 7:03 am

  Its a great vehicle, and the coolest minivan I could find. Clearly the industry leader, but Ill admit I did not look closely at Toyota. I like Hondas, my 2000 Accord LX has been trouble free through 65K. Plan to keep the Ody for 10 years. I wish there were more color choices with a tan interior (a must for us). Just knowing I could blast to 60 in 7.4 seconds is great, though not planning to test that limit until I have at least 500 miles on the OD.

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  DECENT - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By GARY B - July 29 - 12:17 am

  good vehicle and reliable. 50,000 miles on it and no major problems. have a slight shimy in wheel at 60 miles an hour or greater. working through the problem. vehicle goes through tires at 30,000 miles

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  Our 2nd Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Love my 2nd Odyssey - July 28 - 5:10 am

  We had a 1999 Odyssey and loved it so much that when it was time for more features, we simply bought the 2006 Odyssey. I chose the black with tan leather interior--for a minivan, this is a very sporty combination, in my opinion. I love the reliability and all the convenience features. I shopped every SUV out there and couldnt find one that compared in terms of space, features and reliability.

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  Value for Money - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Sam - July 25 - 2:30 pm

  We just traded our 1999 Honda Odyssey and brought the 2007 touring. There are tons of options added in the touring and the ergonomics is perfect on the touring. We resaerched the Sienna but based on the price and features offered on the Touring it was value for the money.

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  No more Hondas! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By al - July 25 - 12:32 am

  I have owned over 7 Hondas in the last 10 years and am thoroughly dissapointed with my 03 EX w/DVD. Only 37k to date All of this fun for a $29000 van: 1. Michelin tires-junk after 20k w/rotations. 2. replaced trans 2x 3. TCS light-intermittent 4. lt slider-came off the track 5. poor gas mileage 6. ck engine light-numerous occasions 7. battery after 2000 miles Next van will definitely not be a Honda.

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  Honda fails miserably with the Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark - July 24 - 11:34 pm

  I have had more problems with this van than any other vehicle I have owned. I purchased it based on the Honda name and now realize that even Honda can make a lemon. Definitely avoid the 1999-2001 model years and get the 2002 and later years. The interior is spartan with hard seats that are not too comfortable on a long ride The side doors have a problem with sticking in the winter. Im on transmission number two...which has just failed. The original tires lasted only about 32,000 miles. The EGR valve is a problem on the 2001. Honda did a poor job on the 2001 Odyssey.

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  Great Van, Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By james - July 23 - 11:59 pm

  I previously drove an Acord for 7 years before buying the van. I expected the same reliability. Boy,was I wrong. The sliding door gets jammed frequently. That started around 38,000 miles. The transmission is shot at 69,000 miles. Too bad because this will be my last Honda. Good luck to the new owners. Keep your fingers crossed that the transmission problems have been solved. A very, very expensive repair.