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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  Great all around van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rudy Gadziala - June 11 - 4:50 am

  Great vehicle, so far no problems. Excellent gas mileage for a van, avg. 17.5 city and just got 25 on the highway during a recent trip. A little road noise on some pavement. Excellent handling, much more agile than the Sienna.

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  Honda Oddysey EX with RET - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DPEB - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car is awesome. Smooth ride, great options and superb interior design.

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  Best Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By JD - June 7 - 4:06 pm

  We bought new after owning a Windstar, and looking at Chrysler, Ford and Toyota. Transmission had problems at 600 miles! But the dealer and Honda were all over it, and we had the car back with a new transmission the next day. No problems since, not one. It handles better than any other minivan, no exceptions, and holds more, too. Weve taken 2-3 trips per year of 2000+ miles with two kids and a dog, and I wouldnt try that in any other vehicle but this one.

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  New Owner - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By netto - June 6 - 7:53 am

  I compared both Toyota XLE and Honda EX Cloth. The Honda has beautiful acceleration and very responsive brakes. Great visibility and commanding driving positions. Very agile for its size.(I reluctantly had to sell my BMW 330i and so was pleased with the Hondas manouvering).

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  love everything but the power doors - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By clay_thrower - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My wife (410") wanted the power seat in the EX package. That forces you to take the power doors. We do a lot of pull up to the curb and drop the kids. There are a lot of times when the older kids try and open or close the door when the car is not in Park (car pool line). The doors beep and until they let you try again. The doors are a safety problem IMO. They are difficult to open in the case of an accident. (no power or car not in park and the kids cant get out) The doors are also difficult to open if the battery is dead. The doors cant be disabled because of motor drag. The simple climate system in the LX is more flexible in some situations.

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  Dodge/Chrysler is certainly better - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jay_dee_ess - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I personally didnt like this vehicle one bit. My wife liked it when we bought it but it has proven to be the worst vehicle that we have bought. We paid a fair bit of money for it, and DESPITE what edmunds says, it LACKS FEATURES. The Sound system (although we got the highest available) is among the worst I have ever seen in a car. The stock sound system in a Caravan is better, let alone the available Infinity system in Caravans. The transmission has gone twice on this vehicle. Both sliding doors have broken, and they are slow beyond belief. There is no easy way for a passenger to bypass the power feature. Look into a Dodge or Chrysler instead.

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  Great Automobile!!!!!!!!1 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Cat - June 5 - 3:56 pm

  Nice Interior.

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  My 2008 Odyssey Touring - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By TC - May 30 - 8:56 pm

  This is our 4th Honda and our 2nd Odyssey and every generation gets better. The van is fun to drive. I love the car-like handling and responsiveness. It has plenty of power for pickup. There is ample of room for 6 adults. Middle 2nd and 3rd row seats are sized for kids only. I have had my new 2008 Odyssey for 2 months now and it has developed one problem. The right sliding doors opened window safety feature which keeps the door from sliding all the way became engaged even when the window is closed which is keeping the door from opening all the way. Ill be taking it to the dealer for repair. The mileage is close to 13 in the city and 20 on the hwy; less than what the window sticker states.

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  great minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By scott kilgore - May 27 - 4:10 pm

  recent purchase, only 900 miles to date. my 2nd 0dyssey - the 2001 was the best auto i have ever owned. we love the updated features on the 06. This van is quiter than the 01.I look for reliability when purchasing a vehicle. i hope this 06 is as reliable as my previous 01 odyssey.

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  Honda odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Randy Frank - May 20 - 10:36 pm

  Like the van a lot performance is good ride on trips is comfortable. Plenty of room.First minivan and would buy again.