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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  A FULL HOUSE - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimily - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Car drives like a cloud, no pitch, no roll. The interior is huge and can easily carry the whole team. The Ody is powered by the 3.5 Acura proven engine and gets to 60mph in a heart beat. Take it for a test drive if your lucky enough to find one.

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  2002 Honda Odyssey EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jolli107 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  In short, if you need a minivan, why not drive one that doesnt make everyone think you are a dork. This is our sixth Honda, and we have been disappointed to some extent every time we stray away. This car drives like a sports car compared to the Toyota Sienna we used to drive. The 99-01 Odyssey was the best minivan available in the US/Canada; the 02 adds 35 horsepower, 5-speed aotomatic and disk brakes a

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  Great Family Van - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By mary - March 29 - 10:19 pm

  We bought this van new and have 129,000 miles on it. Its been great transportation - comfortable, roomy, great for hauling people and stuff. Have had problems with the doors but the dealer has been very reasonable. Had to replace catalytic converter at less than 100,000 miles and now it needs a new transmission. Thats not covered by warranty but we are getting a deal ($500)plus labor. Only complaint is performance in snow - not great even with TCS. Plymouth Voyager was much better in snowy/icy conditions.

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  An ok van. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By An ok van. - March 27 - 9:16 pm

  The 2000 Honda Odyssey LX is a van that has good days and bad. Some days when it is not even cold out, the sliding doors will not open, and the person must use excessive force to open them. Honda just says "there is nothing we can do about it." The paint on the van is also very thin and scratches easily. The same can be said about the interior dashboard and door panels. They all scuff or scratch easily. The good things are the van is very well built frame wise. After being in two rear-end accidents the van still looks as it did before the accidents, minus a few scratches. The amount of cargo space is probably the best feature. Other than that the van is pretty good.

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  update and upgrade - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom D - March 25 - 8:50 pm

  Replaced our 2000 Odyssey EX with this 05 touring nav and res.. Better in everyway. Quiet, powerful and full of new features. Power doors are much better than before, seats are way more comfortable and ride is fantastic. Having some problems with the voice recognition, maybe just takes practice. I am concerned about the PAX and that alone almost made us choose the EX-L, but wife likes the power tailgate too much (3 children and lots of shopping)

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  !!!HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS!!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gzk - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The van is good in general. I had some paint defects on my new van. The attitute of the dealer and Honda Customer Service SUCKED! The Customer satisfaction survey is a waste of my time. I pointed out a couple of things but they have never followed up. The van is the best now. But if their customer service does not improve, Im not sure if I would come back for my next car.

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  Still the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ellicott City - March 22 - 10:00 am

  After owning for 6 months and 8k miles, I like it more than the first time. It is indeed quiet while cruising, the ride is smooth on good surface but too sensitive on bumpy road. The engine is very smooth but 5 speed auto trand is just adquite. During a long trip, found the 3rd row seat is more comfortable. 2nd row seat is not compy with vibrations. For long trip, Sienna is definetely better choice but going around town Odyssey is the winner.

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  solid value in a used van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Daniel Smith - March 21 - 2:52 am

  We wanted an Odyssey since they first came out & could finally afford a used one. No problems at all except for poor fuel mileage (15 in town, 18 on highway). Love this van - feels safe & sturdy, rides excellent, handles well. No mechanical problems at all and easy to service. Have changed the air filter, sparkplugs, oil & tranny fluid without a hitch. Cabin air filter was a pain, but youll probably only change that once anyway. Remote power doors are cool, fold down seats work great & interior & cargo room outstanding. Love this van!

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  Odyssey review - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By myh13140 - March 12 - 7:33 pm

  Superior engineering, both from performance standpoint and exterior/interior styling. Looks good, feels good, controls are intelligently placed, great features, very reliable and the usual Honda performance (excellent). Slightly disappointed in fuel usage, so far has not lived up to suggested fuel economy. In all, very pleased; would purchase again and definitely would reccomend.

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  Better than our ML 500 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julia - March 10 - 1:23 pm

  This is our second Odyssey, and I cant believe how much its improved! Its so air-tight I have to keep an eye on the speedometer. With three kids from 18 months to 11 years, this car meets my need to have plenty of spaces to store "stuff", but still look fantastic. The controls are very intuitive, and the only complaint I have at all is having to re-adjust the arm-rest every time I put on my seat belt. The additional features of the touring edition are worth every penny. The rear camera and parking sensors help with our tight garage, and the remote lift-gate comes in handy when carrying a toddler, computer bag, back-pack and stroller all at once.