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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  Great car but tranny problems - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By rsmg - December 1 - 10:40 pm

  All-in-all, I think the reviews I have read here are quite hard on the car. We have put it to tough use and had virtually no problems with the well-designed interior. Yes, the left slider sticks despite periodic lubrication by dealer. The brakes have always felt overworked but have been replaced with disks all-around on later models. The big problem IS the tranny. At around 82,000 miles, it was replaced under specially extended warranty for the second time. That was a couple of months ago and wife, tonight, reports same warning lights are on again, although it could be anything, of course. If you buy one used, please get the whole situation IN WRITING, about any tranny warranty extension!

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  Excelent Van, One Problem - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By I dislike Beige cars - December 1 - 9:01 pm

  We bought our Odyssey in August of 2000, about 6 months after we bought it the sliding doors started to jam and on several occasions would not open. To this day December 1 2004 they still occasionally jam but after bringing it to Honda in 01 it is a lot less frequent. That is the only problem I have had with this van. Other than that everything is excellent.

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  Best Family Vehicle To Buy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RK Allman - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Odessy that we bought has turned out to be the best new vehicle that we have ever purchased. Outstanding in every category, no flaws or bugs and zero problems very highly recommended! RKA

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  honda beliver - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mark dunbar - December 1 - 10:00 am

  we have always loved honda and last year almost went with the toyota glad we didnt after driving the ultimate in mini vans the ride is so so smooth and the power under the hood cant be matched. the auto doors are a must with young children. the latch and tethers are easy to use and in convenient locations. the folding rear set is such a help with moving things. the spare tire is in a great place behind the driver leaving the deep space for the 3rd seat.

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  I own this car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Zaki - December 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS THE BOMB. IT IS THE BEST CAR FOR THE FAMILY. IT IS A % SPEED AUTOMATIC(FASTEST VAN)SO YOU CAN RACE YOUR FRIENDS THAT HAV VANS AND WIN> IT BLOWS THE SIEENA AWY>VERY SAFE> I HAVE 15k miles on my van and ther are no problems with it. GREAT VAN. WORTH EVERYPENNY.

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  Dont!!!!! Just run the other way! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Ralph666 - November 29 - 1:14 pm

  Like everyone else here, the doors stuck, the seats were uncomfortable, the rear washer quit working and finally the transmission went out. We bought it new. It had 76,000 miles when the transmission went. The second transmission lasted less than two months. The third is starting to go. I will be leaving Honda soon. I wont be back.

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  I will never buy a Honda Odyssey again - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ive had it! - November 27 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had my Odyssey for almost three years now and I regret I ever bought it. My wife wanted the Chrysler Town and Country and I convinced her that Chrysler had a bad reputation of making unreliable vehicles. But after all the problems we had with this Odyssey, I think we should have gotten the Chrysler instead – it might have been the same headaches but it would have been far cheaper after the rebates. Weve had so many problems, from a failing transmission to recalls after recalls tranny, pcm, etc. In addition, weve had so many noises and other problems that it not even funny -- trust me, we tried to laugh about it!

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  Transmission is faulty - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Never again. - November 23 - 4:45 pm

  The automatic transmissions in the 97- 03 hondas are defective. Honda has issued warnings and extended the warranty to 10 years or 100,000. And they dont tell you this on the front end.

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  What an Odyssey! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Road Worthy - November 22 - 2:20 am

  New in 2007: 1) Telescopic steering wheel(great if over 6) 2) Tire Pressure Monitor which alerts the driver if one of the tires experiences loss in air pressure 3) Coin Holder in center dash cup holders. The leather seats are very comfortable and the front captain seats offer electric heating for those in colder climates. The instrument panel is very intuitive & the design/lighting is the best I have viewed. Odyssey is filled with safety features from the front, side & curtain airbags along with sliding side doors that will stop if they encounter any resistance. VCM feature shuts down one bank of cylinders when coasting, thus increasing fuel economy. I highly recommend the Odyssey

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  Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Tidapomo - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The odyssey is a great vehicle. Has plenty of power and manueverability. Honda should come out with better prices on its entertainment systems because they are way overpriced compared to what is on the market.