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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  Best minivan out there - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivanfreak007 - May 6 - 7:26 pm

  Dont be fooled by those people that say the gas mileage is bad. They are probably jealous for buying a Sienna. The gas mileage has been superb for me: 23 MPG city and 27 MPG Highway. My van has 12,000 miles and has had no issues. Interior is Acura-like, and 255 HP engine is very reponsive and smoother than 266 HP Toyota Siennas engine. I love the Odysseys styling and its Luxurious feel inside.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Enrique Muyshondt - May 5 - 4:00 pm

  I bought this vehicle new, for my wife in November of 2001 the minivan has 27000 miles, and the transmission went bad had to be replaced, fortunately the warranty was still in force. The Honda had a recall for the transmission in July 2004 for a KIT OIL JET that was replaced. The transmission went bad in March 2005 and had to be replaced. The automatic climate control does not operate properly in full auto. The brakes make a clicking noise when you back up the car. I was given a flyer that this was normal for Hondas, later on the brake pads were replaced on 07/04

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  Excellent Mini-Van Family Car - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dana - May 4 - 5:43 am

  This is a very nice family vehicle. The automatic doors are nice to have, the navigation system is great, and the fit and finish are excellent. The fuel mileage is better than expected for a V-6 with nice power. The mileage saving ECM, which shuts down 3 cylinders, is almost undetectable. Even though I live in So Cal, the seat warmers have come in handy. The entertainment system has an adequate screen size and the sound system is passable. Overall I am very please with this vehicle and would buy it again.

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  Good Minivan...but need more improvement - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By pdoalamo - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2003 Ody EX-L. It was great to drive it with more horse power and big interior room. Reverse sensor is useless and dealer included into the MSRP. The sound is really annoying my children when dring backward. I have been driving a car for 10 years without reversed sensor and it is OK to me.

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  Tank - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - April 28 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this van to haul my police K-9 to work and back. I paid 8k for it with 100,000 miles. Let me be honest, I beat the hell out of this car every day. 85mph+ to work on a daily basis. YES, it may take a while to get up to that speed, But I can fly like that all day. Still get 21 mpg. Regular oil change and new tires is all this TANK needs. 155,000 on it now and 100k to go. Honda can make a car that lasts.

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  Honda - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By R Scott - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle...good mileage...excellent condition. No dents..runs perfectly Seats 7 people

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  To Alaska and Back - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JPFerris - April 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 2002 Odyssey for the purpose of driving to the Yukon and Alaska with our family of four. We loaded up the van in late June 02 with the camping gear,dog and two ski boxes, heading west from Ottawa, Canada. The trip to the Yukon took us 10 days and on the AlCan highway showed how reliable and powerful this minivan is. In tough mountain driving nothing surpassed this van in performance.We cruised at 70 mph the whole way without a hitch. Highway mileage was very good, city mileage can be improved upon. 7 weeks and 18000 km (12,000 mi) later we returned home with the Odyssey running like a fine swiss watch. Exceeded our expectations.

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  Pretty Darn Good Overall - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda 1st timer - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Owner for 6 mos, 9,000 miles. Love the smooth power, quickness, stable handling and relative (to our Windstar) quietness. Fold-down seat is very handy. Drivers seat uncomfortable. Sound system is substandard. Sliding door is always a problem - sticks so I have to get out and yank so kids can get in. In fact, would not open when we picked up at the dealer. Also grime on the interior and ripped fabric at delivery - none of which was rectified by dealer. However, if I get the mechanical reliability experience and longevity that I hear so much about, I will be very happy regardless.

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  Love my Big White Minivan ( ICEBOX ) - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ike eisiminger - April 21 - 5:36 am

  We are a older couple (no kids ). Its great to get in and out of. Handing is outstanding. Lots of power-wish gas was cheaper so I could use it. At 5500 miles our gas mileage is 26-28 hwy only at 70 mph. We dont drive in city very much, we use a scooter for that. Only problem so far has been soft brakes, twice to dealer ok now. Had a olds sil. Before Honda was a great upgrade. Ride is smooth, quiet and controlled. Best looking minivan inside and out. Great dash, lots of nooks and crannies for storage. Seats in 1st and 2nd row are very comfortable, havent tried 3rd row yet.

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  So far, so good - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By redly1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my 02 Odyssey EX-L for 17 months now. I love the power and the very attractive interior. No major problems thus far, though we are only at 13000 miles. My only complaints would be that the drivers side heated seat barely heats, the side doors are starting to rattle a little, and it was way to easy for me to crack the front bumper cover on a curb.