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:
Showing 2001 through 2010 of 3,253.00-
We Love Our Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By CheriDiann - February 22 - 6:06 pmWe have had our Odyssey for a year and its been great! So fun to drive, good mileage, great turning radius, great performance. It is so reliable.
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00Honday Odyssey LX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Rick - February 16 - 3:13 pmPurchased new when Mercury Villager died. Needed room for the kids and for trips. Looked at SUVs but the Odyssey has better gas mileage. This has been, and still is, a fantastic vehicle. No problems at all. Have only replaced the normal "wearable" parts (wipers, brake pads, filters, tires, etc.).
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Great Value, Replaced 99 Grand Caravan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By lebeske - February 15 - 5:30 pmPurchased on a Wednesday, took on a road trip Friday, 750 miles round trip. Overall, very comfortable ride and QUIET! Wind and road noise were minimal compared to our 99 Grand Caravan. Tons of luggage room, fit family of four, luggage and dog comfortably. On its maiden voyage, we achieved 26.5mpg on average, round trip. Used cruise control, kept speed at or below 70. Kids love the back seats compared to the Dodge "stow and go" which were very uncomfortable. In-floor storage is cavernous, tons of cup holders, easy access to back seat. Seating for 8, but dont do more than 7. The 3.5L V-6 has tons of pickup. Very impressed with accelleration.
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Nates EXEL - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By nate - February 15 - 2:00 amOur family really loves the ODY. I was impressed with the quality of the entertainment system. If you are considering buying an ODY, get it with the factory system, the front radio controls everything, which you wouldnt get after-market, and its a reasonable price.
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Nice Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Tod - February 13 - 9:30 amNice van—functional, reliable reputation. We traded a 2000 Camry LE in for this van. The Camry was plush. The van has a cheap plastic feel to it however it seems sturdy as if it will take the abuse that is evitable from family use. Overall I think the van is practical, and if it stands up to its reliable reputation it will be a good value.
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No more Oddssey for me - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Jimania - February 12 - 2:00 amLeased this van on my birthday 2003 for 4 years period of time. The first thing that catch my attention is the fuel efficiency, 17 mpg. The second thing is the sound system, the quality is pathetic. I should get a Chevy Suburban instead.
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Great family vehicle all-around - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By Gould - February 11 - 4:04 pmWeve had this vehicle for almost six years, and have had very few problems. It rides great, is not too loud at high speeds, has excellent pickup, and gets good gas mileage for its size. I would recommend it to anyone looking for the best minivan on the market.
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Made my wife like Minivans - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Happy Dad - February 7 - 12:55 amMy wife went from a 2 door Honda Civic EX, to a 4 door Honda Accord LX to the Honda Odyssey EXL with Rear Entertainment System. Before this van she swore she would never drive a minivan. But, with 3 kids now it is a necessity. We both love this van. It rides very smoothly. Has lots of room and the DVD player keeps the kids occupied on long trips. The horse power is great too. We drove a 2004 Toyota Sienna when we shopped and a Chrysler Town and Country. The Sienna had a couple more bells and whistles (second row power windows, more power outlets, power lift gate) and I really like the Town and Countrys stow and go seats. But I am very glad we bought an Odyssey.
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Extremely Pleased - 02 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By Anthony Jocius - February 5 - 10:00 amI understand why Honda rates excellent on its mini-vans. I recently took my brand new 02 EX up to Chicago and its a runner. Gas mileage was about 25mpg. Bountiful amounts of room. Ample room in the engine compartment when compared with other mini-vans.
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Great van, great price - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Radman - February 3 - 9:16 pmWe opted for a used Odyssey over a new domestic because this van is a perfect fit for our family. Performance is great with a strong V6. Everyone is extremely comfortable in the roomy interior. The handling and ride are both terrific for a vehicle this size. The Lazy Susan is handy to have. And to top it all off, the exterior styling is far superior to the comptetition. Wrap in Hondas reputation for quality and reliability and we figured we couldnt go wrong.
