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:

• 

  2006 honda touring odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By czar2906 - January 3 - 11:43 am

  I purchased this van for my wife that said she would never drive a minivan. Im overwhelmed on how it drives like an Acura more than a Honda. I would reccomend anybody with kids to get this one.

• 

  Quality Not Up To Hondas Reputation - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Bryan - January 3 - 1:46 am

  I have had more problems with this van than any other vehicle I have owned. I bought it based on the Honda name and have since realized that even Honda can make a lemon. I would recommend avoiding the 1999-2001 model years and get the 2002 and later years. Or better yet, go for the Sienna or Grand Caravan. The Odyssey offers a stiff ride with good handling. It is extremely manuverable. The interior is so-so with hard seats that are not too comfortable on a long ride and the stock radio is about as good as my clock radio next to my bed. Plan on upgrading unless you only listen to AM radio. The side doors have a problem with sticking in the winter and the dealer cant seem to fix it.

• 

  Disappointing reliability - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By TMeehan - January 1 - 8:45 pm

  Factory tires didnt last long. I have replaced brakes twice. The transmission has failed. Then Honda didnt stand behind their warranty. It is a dull uninspired people mover. I would certainly consider other options if I had to do over again.

• 

  Over-rated vehicle (2001) - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe Lojek - January 1 - 8:10 pm

  I have had 2 transmissions replaced by Honda. Only have 89k on odometer. Bought car new have two other Hondas. Oddessy highly over-rated vehicle. Tires need to be replaced at 30-35000 miles (on 3rd set) regardless of type or driving habits. Numerous other ankle biter problems, gas cap door sticks (5x), brake noises, replaced radiator after 2000 miles. I am not happy with this van.

• 

  2004 EX Honda Odyssey w/DVD - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cbsprings - December 28 - 1:14 am

  Great family car, comfortable, reliable, good value for the money. Great Honda quality and reputation. Enjoy the DVD entertainment system for the kids. Nice ride, has lots of pep for passing, very good handling for a van.

• 

  2-Honda Family - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Best van on the road - December 27 - 8:30 pm

  Sticker was $28,230 + $490 dest + $674 DVD + $160 Doc Fee = $25,108 + tax, title & plate on 8/2/04. Invoice was $24,284 + extras We got ours after a $500 cash back with mud flaps, cargo tray and bug deflector for $25,528 + tax, title & plates. We drove 100 miles to get our deal near Detroit and was worth it. We also bought a 2004 Honda Pilot 12/26/03 from the same dealer and got it at $300 over invoice then.

• 

  I love it - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Roman - December 27 - 7:06 pm

  ] had been researching and fallowing Odyssey for last 5 yars and heard nothing but good from the owners and mechanics. Finally I got my own and I love everyting about this van. After having c=Chevy Astro for 6 annoying years there will be no more GMs in my family. I had the Odyssey for almost three month already and 2600 miles. No complains yet except for the poor gas mileage but I was told it improves with more miles. If you have kids recomend to get a van with DVD player. I bought van without DVD and my wife and I suffer during the long trips.

• 

  my pickup truck and car - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles Stuart - December 26 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased this van because of the review others have expressed and and more than happy with the purchase. We have used it to move items and people and have taken it on trips. This van is a truck and car and I will keep it a long time.

• 

  Great Granny Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Granny - December 24 - 7:03 pm

  Got the van to transport grandkids + in their car seats. Too new to give a gas mileage review - has only 600 miles on it. Wanted an 8 passenger vs 7 so we chose the EX as it had certain features plus 8 seating. (too bad the Touring model was only 7 passenger as it has more features we liked). EX drives like a dream. Easy to handle & park - no problem adjusting from driving a small Civic to a van). Nav system & voice recognition are FANTASTIC. In Floor Lazy Susan nice storage. BUT for a $35,000 + vehicle, it LACKS SAFETY FEATURES that Toyota Sienna has, i.e., Front & Rear Intuitive Park Assist, Dyn Laser Cruise Control, Day Run Lights, Auto Dim Inside & Outside Mirrors, Auto Open Tailgate.

• 

  Good performance, Pood design - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Road Hazard - December 24 - 4:38 pm

  My experience with the Odyssey has generally been good except for a major repair to the AC compressor at 11000 miles. A small stone the size of a pea penetrated the compressor and required a $450 repair at my expense. Honda claimed this was a road hazard damage. Warning to all Honda owners: There are Billions of these pea sized hazards all over the roads in the USA!! Honda needs to add deflectors in the front grill to reduce the potential damage.