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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  my new Honda minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By nicole falzone - December 14 - 8:46 pm

  My experience with my new Honda minivan has been incredibly positive. My interior has a family entertainment system. It did not come with leather seats but, it doesnt matter to me. This van is great!! It handles well and the engine has a lot of power. The engine runs EXTREMELY quiet.

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  HONDA RELIABILITY? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By koobii - December 12 - 10:21 pm

  I bought this Odyssey because it is slightly bigger than the Sienna. BIG MISTAKE! Vibrate at around 40-60mph. Not tires. Balance new tires 3X. ALL dash lights come on intermittenly. Trac and engine lite stayed on. Cost $168 to replace an evap. After checking google, found out this van has 3 recalls, one has to do with 2nd gear. Honda advisor said, that should fix tranny problem. Had the Odyssey for 2 months, I dont trust this van on a long trip. Will get rid of it before I have to put lots of money into it since Honda will not warranty the tranny as they do on the 99-01 Odyssey (100K). Own Honda/Acura cars before, never any problems. Will buy another Toyota. Never had problems.

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  Nice mini van, do not believe MPG rating - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Cincinnati - December 11 - 1:33 pm

  We bought the van due to our growing family. Everything is what we expect in a Honda other than MPG on sticker says 18/25 MPG. We get 16/22 MPG. We do not drive fast, and we are not heavy people. Other then this the van is just fine.

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  Just Right - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - December 9 - 5:36 pm

  This vehicle is small enough to be car- like manuverable yet large enough to haul family, friends and cargo. Pleasure to drive. I have a need to reconfigure the seating a couple times a week and find the fold down rear seat great and the middle captains chairs easy to remove or put back. I find the four cylinder no problem and the transmission matches up great with it. No shifting back and forth on the many hills which I travel. Since I have purchased it 20,000 miles ago I have only needed brakes and tires. Ive been getting about 26mpg in mixed driving.

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  We love Honda - still - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sonhdad - December 9 - 3:16 am

  So, the van is a bit over a year old and yes weve had some issues - auto doors that open inconsistently, replaced power steering pump, honda wind noise. But we LOVE this car - mileage is averaging in the low to mid 20s combo of highway and city driving -excellent handling. My wife is tiny and the car fits her well - the kids get in and out on their own. This van can lug stuff and holds up well.

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  No Regrets - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hondafamily - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for nearly 3 years, 30k miles w/o a single hitch. Smooth, quiet, powerful ride. Incredibly versatile for seating and hauling cargo. This is our fourth Honda, we had to give one away because we just couldnt kill it. We have encountered none of the problems Ive seen mentioned here. Outstanding fit and finish, solid as a rock w/o a single rattle.

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  Looking for a transmission? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Upset and angry - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I would never recommend this vehicle to anyone. Ive already gone through one transmission (less than 1000 miles!!). Seems like this is a standard problem with the Honda. It got all these great reviews and suckered me into buying. Stick with Toyota or Kia if you want a minivan.

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  Honda Known Quality - Not Quite - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda In Texas - December 6 - 6:33 pm

  I have been a Honda fan since 1990 - first Accord. I have had a total of five Hondas. Issues w/current 03 Odyssey: "engaging" noise w/back calipers (brakes) - Honda response: normal "slipping" of transmission seems to be looking for first - Honda response: normal characteristic of new five speed transmission "sputtering" when RPM between 1500 and 2000 - Honda response: EGR valve, replaced didnt help. Interior is awesome - got leather w/dvd road noise still pronounced, but overall comfort very nice. Van has plenty of power fuel economy not bad either (19 town and 26 on highway). Not very pleased at all w/customer service at Honda dealership - nothing seems to be Hondas fault!

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  Great Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By FentonMD - December 3 - 12:08 am

  Excellent engine/transmission. Very smooth ride. Drives like a car. Interior room huge and versatile. We have the DVD system with wireless headphones which works flawlessly. Build quality is very good and the van feels solid. Will definitely consider buying a 3rd generation ody in a few years.

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  2005 Odessey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pal - December 2 - 2:20 pm

  I love it! It is very easy to drive and get my kids in and out of it. Very versitile. I can do anything I need. Fun to drive! I love that I can conform the seats any way I need to.