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 2011 through 2020 of 3,253.00-
Doesnt live up to Honda quality - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Candice - February 3 - 3:17 pmTraded in a Dodge Minvan and wish I hadnt. Found that this vehicle is very noisy. Unhappy with transmission dropping the gear due to recalled problem. Have gotten no help from several dealerships that dont think I know what Im talking about and since theyve installed the Honda "fix" they say that there isnt a problem. Husband drives a Pilot - thats very nice. Will be trading in soon (and cant wait). Will never buy and Odyssey again.
-
An excellent ride! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By MempisGuy - February 2 - 8:26 pmWifes Christmas present... excellent van! Smart use of space throughout -- shifter on dash took a bit getting used to, but now makes sense. PLENTY of power to merge/pass with. Excellent stereo. Tons of 2nd and 3rd row leg room. Mileage not the greatest (we got 24.5 on recent trip w/5 passengers, averaging 75-80 on interstate), but even in town turns 18-20 if you avoid jackrabbit starts from stoplights. Actually prefer no crossbars on roof -- this is easier to wash. After a minor rear-end accident in our beloved Ody, we drove both a new Windstar and Chrysler T&C as rentals. Ford interior was cramped, and T&C, while besting the Ford, was no match for the Ody in terms of size/comfort.
-
love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Lisa - January 29 - 11:46 pmWeve been Honda owners for 15 plus years. Purchased new in 2000. I love my van!! Side doors do stick at times. Just replaced the catalytic converter, but was covered under warranty/recall. We recommend to everyone.
-
Perfect, but.. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By DWC - January 29 - 2:00 amEverything has been fine with our van save one thing. Those d*** automatic doors. They are forever having intermittent problems. Frequent trips to the dealership and still problematic. Usually they close, just the buzzer keeps going off. Sometimes they just dont close all the way. A fraction of an inch from shutting. Very frustrating and probably the 2nd reason Im about to get rid of it. (1st is the fact that its about that time) However everything else works great. Engine still quite as ever. Works well for the family. Oh well.
-
05 odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By jjjjjjjjjjj999 - January 27 - 10:00 amwow! This our 3rd Odyssey(99and02)and the 05 is incredible. The only cons are unopening 3rd row window, shift lever position and no available 4wd.
-
Great Van! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By Jim R - January 24 - 2:00 amThe Honda Odyssey is an excellent mini- van. It provides great comfort, it handles very good, and the v-6 provides good power.
-
honda hype - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By mad in rincon - January 21 - 4:38 pmI have never owned a Honda before thisvan. I will never own another. Weve had the belt tensioner recalled, the transmission problem with the second gear fixed, a sliding door broken radio control on the steering fixed and now the warranty is up. 300 miles past and now the SRS system failed and we have to pay over $600 to fix it. Dropping the car off with a family of 5 and no courtesy car is a great inconvenience. Dont believe the Honda hype on this car!
-
Honda does it again - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Dustan - January 18 - 10:00 amJust purchased our new Odyssey 03 EX minivan just over a week ago (2500 below MSRP) which I was pleasantly surprised since I wasnt expecting them to dicker. Love the powerful V6, and smooth ride. Interior quality of the fabric seems a bit cheap, But I can live with it. Fuel economy remains to be seen. Power doors work flawlessly. Great van! so far.
-
LuvMyOdy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Crod - January 13 - 10:00 amNow is the time to buy a Honda Odyssey. After a lot of research on Edmunds, we traded in our ’99 Sienna and purchased the ’03 Odyssey EX-L. The car like ride, reliability, and safety record was the key for us. We considered the redesigned ’04 Sienna, test drove it a couple of different times and found the Odyssey handled better and had a more “car like” ride. We got $2,100 off the MSRP on our Ody in the Raleigh, NC area. When buying accessories, check out www.handa-accessories.com. We love this minivan and have not had any problems with it.
-
Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Razz - January 13 - 10:00 amThis fully loaded Odyssey is a great buy. Its rear seat fold away is one of the easiest to deal with to create more cargo room. Driving is extremely comfortable.
