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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  oddossey rave - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By rkmills - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This may be the best automobile I have ever owned.

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  New finding... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By sanjayz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Well, made a deal for a new EX-L just 7 hrs ago. It was a great buying experience. I got a great salesman and reasonably good deal. I picked this Honda under 27,500 (including destination) - though we had to spend over 5 hours at the dealership. I wanted to share a feature which I wanst aware of and I dont see mentioned in either editors or anybodys review. During the features round-up just before car-review - the salesman showed how the third row seat can be turned 180 degrees to convert into outside facing seat for tail-gate party. Since I have a three year old - this would be a great feature at rest-stops during long freeway drives.

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  Total Garbage - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Sunil Marolia - January 11 - 12:52 pm

  I had a great experience with my 2009 Odyssey and made the mistake of purchasing my 2012. This van has had one problem after another and the dealer (Norm Reeves Irvine) uses every opportunity to try and rip me off. A noise complaint turned into a $650 power steering pump replacement that did not fix the noise. The sliding door has always had an intermittent grinding sound and was finally recognized by the dealer after the warranty was up. The car broke down and left us stranded with the main computer completely malfunctioning. The brakes are too weak and constant require maintenance. Im absolutely done with buying any Honda in my lifetime.

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  Ready for something else. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - January 7 - 11:26 pm

  My husband and I have been very disappointed with our Odyssey. We have always bought GM products but thought that all the safety and consumer ratings were too hard to pass up. The vehicle is supposedly XM ready but you need an $800 part in order to get XM. The gas mileage has not been good at all. I got better in my Venture van. The transmission drives like a manual, I hate having to open the gas cap from the inside and it doesnt have daytime running lamps like GM cars. There is always something rattling like the windows and doors which on a brand new vehicle shouldnt be happening. There is a lot of room and we like the magic seats but are planning to buy something else now.

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  00 Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By StevePod - January 6 - 11:41 am

  This has been the best car we have ever owned. So perfect in comparison to our Chrysler Town and Country which was a reliability nightmare. The Navigation system is just the greatest for any road trips. When you learn how to fully utilize this feature, you will not buy another car without it!

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  Great Deal and Great Drivde - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Johnny Roland - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Odyssey using the Internet and Edmunds.com. this auto. My previous car, a Subaru Legacy, had died the weekend before, and I needed a car pronto. Fremont Honda responded right away, and they didnt play any games. The car had just come in that morning, and I drove it home that evening. This car has plenty of power, handles great for a minivan, and the kids love it (althought they wanted the DVD entertainment systems--sorry!). Im getting about 20mpg in all kinds of driving, which is pretty good for a car this size.

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  Power sliding door not opened - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Ray - January 5 - 11:14 pm

  I owned this minivan for 5 months so far and Im not satisfied with the reliability. First I need to point out that this car is made in USA. So I will except some little issue will happen but it is too soon to my expectation. I have a 1999 Honda Accord and never had any issue, only replaced one light bulb and turning bulb (regular maintain not included) for 18 year of ownership. So for this 2018 Honda Odyssey, I have a couple issue so far: 1. Passenger power sliding door just not opening yesterday, I can hear the motor is trying to open the door but cant. I tried everything such pullin the outside handle, remote control, inside button and driver side main control button. No succeed. 2. Auto shut off idling function is not working most of the time, when I activate it, do nothing, engine not auto shut off. 3. The motion sensor from the tail door is not working most of the time, I followed the video from you tube and I can only open it 2 times so far. (Lol) 4. Driver power sliding door sound weird now, hopefully it wont break.

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jordan - January 4 - 9:53 pm

  Awesome car, we took it on our trip to CO, best trip ever had!

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  You gotta do this! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By THE I95 ROADIE - January 4 - 10:10 am

  I bought my Odessey 12/30/04. It is a 2005 EX. I currently live in Florida but my home is Maryland. It handled the road quite well. But fatique set in with leg room cramped on drivers side. It had pep and rolled with the best of them. Didnt notice road noise travelling up the interstate. My music drowned out everything anyway! Please make room for a full size tire!!!!! All in all, I would still recommend this van over any others! I plan on making another purchase of a van but want the full size tire option and driver leg/head room or I will hve to look elsewhere!!!! At the price for this van, I would think that these improvements could be met!

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  Tales of the Transmisson- The AL. Saga - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By oddy_no - January 4 - 12:45 am

  Looks like I am not alone in my transmission woes. At 44k the trans is starting to jerk and pull at 50-60 MPH. Did the recall thing. Also, A/C is out and the dealership wants $150. Called Honda customer service and waiting to see what happens. I did get a free EGR valve, :-) and told I was given Hondas "Good Faith Deal". I guess they really see me coming. Im slowly but surely learning, buy many thanks to the other reviewers for stepping up to the plate and sharing. Very good info. Like previous reviewers, beware after 36k miles. It starts to fall apart...literally.