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:

• 

  Shoddy Job - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Robcat - July 21 - 1:26 pm

  Honda wont stand behind workmanship. I owned a 1995 Honda Odessey and LOVED it. The 2005 design w/removable seats is a laugh. Where are you going to put the 2nd row seats when you take them out? Only have room to put the small in hidden area.The carpets are installed very poorly and w/in hours of buying it was already coming out from undertucked areas. Is CUT drastically where the seat are design to go. HUGE pieces of material that flip up and leaves a gapping hole. Brakes actually started to dragging (They did fix them), Sliding door defaulted causing damage but Honda wont fix the door nor the repair. Attempted to hide w/different color. Paint peeling on body!

• 

  The van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Big dog - July 21 - 2:36 am

  This is a pretty good van. It is very reliable (60k miles and no problems). I like the sleek look of it and its power for passing. It is much more reliable than vans made by Chrysler, but lacks the nice bells and whistles (although they break anyway). It also has high resale and the power doors are fun to mess with. Mileage is awful!

• 

  WOW,WHAT A VAN!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By James B - July 20 - 3:26 pm

  Drives like a Dream. Great 0 to 70 for entering the Highway. Handles really good @ 80 even when it is windy. MPG around 16 city 24 Hw. Could be better but, MPG is @ the bottom of my list. Safety, build quality and quickness are more important. Truly the odyssey is the best all around Van/Car for the money. You can not go wrong with this van.

• 

  expected more - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mrbuick - July 19 - 2:00 am

  left dealer lot and got on highway,van shakes at 60mph,so much for pre delivery inspection.seat heater marginal at best,radio controls in steering wheel and window switches on doors are not back lite at night.have to fumble around to use.also seat heater switches are in terrible location and do not cycle off with key each time used.acc power plug on front dash in terible location on floor.first time import car owner was told honda is #1,well i guess they still have a lot of homework to do on the odyessy. not worth the money for level of trim and features.

• 

  Major disappointment - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Gary - July 13 - 12:22 am

  Bought in 1998 so one of the first. Have had trans, catalytic converter, some other pollution control kit replaced at 80,000 when engine light went on. Got it back afetr new catalytic converter and kit, light went ride back on. Wonder if I even needed them. CD player at 60,000. Dealer servicing was horrible experience. Better ask if something is covered by warranty and also ask them to check with Honda if anything further can be done. They wont do voluntarily and said as much. Two service managers said they would after I asked and I never heard back. I would never buy another Honda. Bought for reliability. Not only was it unreliable, but service department was horrible and useless.

• 

  Superb VAN - Perfect 4 family of 4!!! - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Ody Owner - July 9 - 11:51 am

  Nearly 200,000 miles now! Only NON- wear and tear items replaced: brake master cylinder at 90k, radiator at 120k, AC switch valve. Still original wear and tear parts: alternator, starter, exhaust, shocks. One of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned in 25 years of owning cars. Still running strong - no reason it wouldnt reach 300k+.

• 

  A good Minivan - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By V Nair - July 9 - 6:35 am

  I owned the 2006 Honda Odyssey. I love the 2006 compared to the 2018. There are several minor inconveniences but there are several good enhancements too. The second row sliding doors are bit slow. The remote needs to be pressed hard for any operation (open/close doors). The position of the auto-lights etc. are not at the best position. The indoor lighting is not very good. Road sounds etc. are negligible.

• 

  The worst HONDA on the market - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By importjunk - July 8 - 10:00 am

  When buying this vehicle, my family and I expected excellent service like our Accord gave us. Instead of which this car just kept breaking down and was in constant need of repairs. The sliding doors kept breaking no matter how many times they were fixed. The radio had to be replaced since it scratched Cds, and the windows dont close properly. I wish Edmunds would stop picking on Chryslers minivan (what I shouldve bought) and its reliability, which is fine, and start on Hondas, which is HORRIBLE. I also find it funny that the Editors Rating is lower on the Honda than the Chrysler, as this is the only thing Edmunds did right.

• 

  2006 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jay - July 3 - 12:13 pm

  We have owned Honda Accords before, and the Odyssey rides very similiarly. Now, the Accord rides smooth, but the Odyssey almost makes you think you are driving a smooth car, yet its a fun to drive peppy minivan. The ergonomics of the interior are outstanding and the practibility are second to none. Spend the the extra few thousand dollars and buy quality versus anything else.

• 

  ODYSSEY TOURING IS THE BEST! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MELATAZ - June 28 - 9:50 pm

  Ive taken all of the test drives of the many vans that are out there today. I highly recommend the Odyssey for its ride, comfort and style. Even though I only have 100 miles on it I know its going to be everything Honda says it is. Ive been a Honda owner for over 20 years and highly recommend it. I will report back when i have more miles Thank you again honda for making a very nice and dependable vehicle.