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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Sorry I bought it. - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Hannah Lechenstien - March 10 - 1:43 amI have only driven this van about 3000 miles and I have to say that I am VERY DISSAPOINTED in HONDA PRODUCTS!. I have been to the dealership a total of twelve times for an array of problems. The sliding door fell of its track onto my 7 year olds foot. The DVD player keeps skipping. The lights on the dash will go out with no warning. The brakes are starting to squeek when they are hot. It has terrrible gas miledge (13 city/16 hwy). I had traded a Dodge Durango that got better gas mpg than this thing. And it never broke down or sent me to the dealership for any repairs. I have almost three years left on the lease of this scary creature. I dont think Im going to make it.
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Odyssey is a good van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By James - March 8 - 4:48 pmThis is a very stylish and comfortable van. It is great on long road trips. We go to Montana from Seattle every year and it is a pleasure to drive there. We took it on a long trip down the Pacific coast from Seattle, along the Oregon coast, through the redwoods in northern California. Then to San Francisco, down through Big Sur and to Los Angeles. We then went along the coast to San Diego. We returned to Seattle on I5 (we were tired of scenery and wanted to get home.) It was a pleasant, trouble free and comfortable trip. We use it daily to shop, take the kids to school, haul the dog, and go out to nice restaurants. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned.
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my first van! I love it - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By christi - March 8 - 2:11 pmwe researched all of the best minivans before we purchased our Honda. We chose the Honda due to great crash rates, the roomy cabin, fuel economy. Other vans were very over priced on the sticker for the exact features we got. I dont think you should have to go in and haggle over $5,000 difference. I love my Honda!I would definitely recommend this van, in fact I have.
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helpful - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By susie - March 7 - 9:20 pmI have six children in and out of the van daily. All children are in car seats. Eight passenger is great because I didnt want an suv. The one thing I would like Honda change is the volume speakers in the back seat. The volume is right in the kids ears and for the middle row of children to hear the ones in the back have it bothersome loud in their ears! That to me is a big problem, because not just the dvd player volume it is the radio too. The other problem is the back seat needs a little more room for these huge car seats. Car seat manufacuters and Honda need to talk space and size. The three in the back are extremely tight. We have to squeeze them in, in a creative way.
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Our Best Car for Family - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By MJD - March 5 - 12:47 amIve owned many autos, and this is the first Ive kept for more than 75000 miles. It has never been non-operational in 10 years. The only costly repair has been to replace the air conditioner last year. I have kept the maintenance up to date. I love this car, and when I have to give it up it will be hard.
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Great - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By PW - March 4 - 7:19 pmThis is our 2nd Odyssey, having previously purchased one of the original 99s. Both vehicles have been wonderful. Very comfortable and roomy. Lots of cupholders and storage cubbies. We owned 2 Windstars before the Odysseys. While the Windstars were good vans, they couldnt compare in reliability and convenience features (magic seat) and especially resale value. A few days ago I would have said there isnt a better minivan than mine anywhere. But...that was before I drove the 2005. Wow!!!! It just keeps getting better!
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Best Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By legalaliens - February 28 - 4:23 pmLooks great, drives great, what else can I say?
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Lowered SUV - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By OdySC - February 28 - 11:33 amI was finally able to convince my wife to upgrade our 03 4Runner with an 07 Sienna LE-8 Pkg 4 for the added convenience, space, and comfort. But before heading to the Toyota dealer, we thought to give the Pilot and Odyssey a final look. We ultimately left the Honda dealer a couple hours later in an Ody EX-L w/RES/NAV because of the trim levels standard features and equipment. Aside from the significant gap between actual fuel economy we have experienced over 2K of mixed city/hwy driving versus. EPA ratings, our other main issue is that access to the 3rd row requires folding, or completely removing, the PlusOne seat in the 2nd row when our girls carseats are installed on the outer seats.
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best mini van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By royal5177 - February 24 - 10:00 ambest mini van i ever bought i have owned many vans from differant manafactors.like chevrolet,dodge,nissan toyota,and oldsmobile the honda is the best!!!
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Fast! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Soccer Mom No More - February 24 - 6:40 amIve driven an Expedition for the past 6 years and I loved it. Being a mother of 3 boys it was time to "get my soccer mom car". But, I really enjoy this vehicle and I dont believe it fits in that catagory. Its a lot faster than some other mini-vans I had tested. My husband even enjoys driving to our cottage up north. Love the mileage compared to SUV. Always felt safe in the SUV, but I like knowing that side curtain airbags are standard even on the lower models - dont know of another make/model that is. Only a few things that should be standard by now but arent.
