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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  98 Honda Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By kerrykelty - June 28 - 7:24 pm

  Great Gas Mileage Unbelievable cargo space because rear seats fold flat and away Compact Size makes for easy driving and parking in the city Unbelievable repair record Body structure and paint are made so well, it still looks like new Four conventional doors make for easy passenger exit from the back (especially for youngsters who often cannot open the larger sliding doors)

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  Honda Mini Van Rating EX Leather / Auto - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob Buys - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great all around van and and does everything well. I noticed an air noise coming from around the drivers door or window. Brought it back to the dealer who gave me the run around and said it was normal and all seals were in place. Adj. the door lock and changed the oil for free, because they couldnt fix the problem. Poor dealer service and i wont use them again. Nice van and plenty of room, great for travelling and the seats that fold into the floor are terrific. Nice smooth ride and handles well. All controls are laid out nicely and within arms reach.

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  Nice Van... Poor Gas Mileage - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By drowe - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The van overall has been great. We are now driving it oversees (Naples Italy) and the car handles nicely at 90 - 100mph on the autostrada. While in the states and our first 3 months in Italy, the gas mileage was really poor! 14 - 15 in the city... 20 - 21 on the

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  Quality Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ToddB - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent all-purpose minivan that drives more like a car. The 240hp engine and new 5-speed transmission are flawless. All things being equal, this is best minivan on the market. It has much more usable space than the Explorer it replaced.

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  GREAT MINIVAN - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ELSIE G. - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS MINIVAN. IT DRIVES BEAUTIFULLY AND WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT WHATSOEVER.I FIND IT VERY CONFORTABLE AND THE CAR DRIVES VERY SMOOTHLY.

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  Been Good to Me - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - June 17 - 10:15 pm

  Love the pick up and comfort.Love the roominess. Excellent gas mileage even loaded and with A/C on. Great A/C and great for cruising long distances. Mine had been all over the US & Canada. Had Trans problems @ 98,000 miles (cant really complain about that) had the extended warranty so they put brand new one in with no hesitation. Only real complaint is a whistling noise at about 90MPH, tap the down window button quick and it goes away. Id consider another one but with the kids gone dont need that big of a vehicle. Maybe a CRV

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  Disappointed with my 2018 Honda Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By AVerayB - June 17 - 7:32 pm

  I had a 2005 Honda Odyssey for 12 years with over 200K miles on it. I loved my Odyssey as I didnt have any major problems with it until the end of its useful life. So naturally I thought my best option for my new vehicle was to get another Odyssey. In June, I decided on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite, top of the line. Before my first oil change I noticed so many issues. I never had that problem with my first Odyssey. One major issue is my GPS system. It has given me the wrong directions several times. I brought it to the attention of the dealership when I got my first oil change. They said they could not duplicate the problem. They only drove it around the block. I told them that I had specific addresses to prove it to them. I called American Honda Care. They suggested I video tape some examples. So I did that and e-mailed them to my Honda dealer. They are still telling me that they would need to duplicate the problem. They can easily do that by driving to the locations. But they arent allowed to drive more than a couple of miles away. I told them it is not very likely they would be able to duplicate it at the dealership. They can see in the videos that the directions are telling me to turn right when the destination is visibly on the left. Another issue I had recently was that I pulled into my driveway, push the button to turn off the radio and then proceeded to get out of my van. I noticed my radio hadnt turned off. So I pushed the button again. The screen said Audio Off. But my radio was still on. I couldnt even turn it up or down. Even when I opened my car door it would not turn off. I decided to videotape that situation as well. I called Honda Roadside assistance as it was night time and the dealership was closed. They could not help me. After about 15 minutes the radio finally turned off on its own. I didnt want to go into the house with the radio still on as it could have drained my battery over night. Another issue is that my Apple CarPlay does not work well. Honda told me the problem could be that I am using an after market USB cord from Verizon. I told them when I bought my Honda I still had my original Apple USB cord and I had the same problems. The screen will say that my CarPlay isnt connected even when it is. I have to keep putting the USB cord in and take it out for it to work. Most of the time I dont have the functionality to do a voice text or have the system read me a text. I have had to reset PBS for my daughter a couple of times already. The van is loud for a new van. My 2005 wasnt even that loud after 12 years. For the money I paid for the van I dont expect to hear it at all. The last time I called Honda I was told they are waiting for other reports of the issues and recall information from Honda. My report and videos should be enough to at least get my van repaired while it is still under warranty. My van is only a few months old. I should not have these issues. Other issues that dont happen all the time is that the hands free rear door process doesnt work all the time. I watched the YouTube video on how it is supposed to work and I do that each time. It is faster for me to unlock it with my remote. My right side blind spot indicator doesnt always work either. Several times cars will pass by and the light will not come on. That is another issue Honda couldnt duplicate. These things dont happen all the time. Another issue I had while driving home one day was that my radio/GPS panel completely shut off and went blank while I was driving. it came back on before I got home. I have no idea what happened. I was driving. So I couldnt investigate anything. My A/C doesnt work as well as it did on my 2005 model. On my 2018 in order to cool my van down I have to put it on Lo and turn the fan up full blast. In my 2005 Odyssey if it was 100 degrees outside I could put it on 72 and feel cool inside. If you are having problems as well, please let Honda know. They told me they didnt have any reports of complaints. But I have seen a couple on here with different issues.

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mprincz - June 17 - 11:26 am

  The Good:Have the model w/the engine that goes to 3 cylinders-mixed driving mileage 22-25.Looks nice.Seats are supportive.Good pickup.Very roomy (Im 64" and have headroom even w/sunroof).Bad: Although the illuminated dash looks good,I am new to this feature.My old cars dashes required headlights on for illumination.This is a safety issue.I dont always remember to turn on the headlights right away.Should be automatic w/sensors for dark.The power sliding door does not always close properly,causing a beeping noise only when van is in gear(no indication other than that).I have to turn off the feature when driving.Drivers side window is noisy at times.Tires often squeal with light acceleratn

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  Space Ship - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By challs - June 12 - 11:06 am

  This is the best Minivan I have ever driven. I test drove both the MDX and the Odyssey and I have to say the ODyssey won hands down. I felt like sitting inside the big Van yet it handled like a car.

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  The best van out there... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dcap - June 11 - 6:10 pm

  Who said driving a minivan isnt cool? Finally, a van that drives like a real car!! Kudos to Honda for doing it right. Great feel, comfort, versatility, and in the long run, a great value.