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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  Odyssey rocks since Previa is gone - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By MetaJohn - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey is the King of the Class: Familyroom sedans. It has way more power than it needs unless you have a boat or travel trailer. For most of us thats not an issue, and wed love to trade 50 hp for 5 more MPGs! The Odyssey has great road feel, decent cornering, and will stop quickly enough. The TCS (Traction Control System) adds fractionally to road holding on bad roads but not nearly as much as either rear wheel or four wheel drive would. The sound system is very good. The heating and cooling work well, and quietly. The new front seat only seat heaters are a nice touch. The new leather seat covers and interior is very well appointed.

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  Best Mini Van Ever - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Tking - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Honda Odyessy. I owned a 1996 Model for 7 years, traded it in for a 2003, which I wrecked (oops) and traded it in for a 2004, which I LOVE! Rides great, has plenty of room and excellent gas milage. I am a BIG fan of Hondas. I also owned a 94 Accord...

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  the best van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Joon - November 13 - 9:36 pm

  Excellent all around van. It has the biggest interior and most powerful engine in its class.

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  Family Car Extraordinaire - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By KayKayAych - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Perfect for the extended-family outing The DVD-system is great for young & old Engine smoothness & power are superb Holds more cargo than my pickup! Heated leather seats are marvelous Front&Rear A/C-Heat systems are super! Excellent road handling ability Leg space great, any seat, any row

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  So far so good.. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 1st van owner - November 11 - 3:02 pm

  Purchased our first minivan a few weeks ago from a reputible Honda dealer. Had 39500 miles so we got the "certified honda warranty" good for 10yrs/100000 on the powertrain and 12months/12000 on everything else. About day 4 of owning we noticed a shimmy/whining in the front end when applying the brakes. Took to our Honda dealer and was told the brakes and rotors were replaced when the vehicle was certified. The brakes were shot. We were asked if when we drive, do we ride with our foot on the brake. NO ! They agreed to replace without a problem, and so far 700 miles later everything seems fine. No smells,smimmies, or whines from the front end. Overall were VERY pleased thus far. Great ride !

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  Bad year? - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Working Mommy - November 11 - 1:37 pm

  Problems from the getgo. Any ride is a noisy ride with all the exterior road noise. We bought it used at 42K, had the transmission replaced at 44K and now are having more transmission issues at 70K. Doors have had constant buzz for 10K miles. Dealer claimed no problems until and now and we have to replace both latches and sensors. Door flew open on city street-- luckily child secure in car seat. Any small interior light left on drains battery and there isnt a way to ensure all lights are off in a well lit garage-- our fix is to tape the light switch to the off position. Others love their Hondas so maybe we got a bad year but The Siennas do look great in 2005.

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  Honda Odyssey = Transmission problems - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Done w/Honda 4 ever - November 10 - 2:05 am

  dont be fooled by all the glowing reviews on this minivan. yes it has many features and comforts but so do other models and they come without all the issues that plague this vehicle. two main components of any automobile are engine,and transmission design flaws material defects etc. in these major components usually result in a constant repair battle for the life of the vehicle as is the case for the honda odyssey my tranny was replaced at 40k and then the 2nd tranny was pulled and inspected under a honda recall last summer. I just got another recall notice 11/04 reguarding more tranny issues. dont walk run far away from this honda. other failed components dvd screen, driver seat.

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  Love my Odyssey BUT poor gas mileage! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By LisaM - November 9 - 11:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 Honda Odyssey EXL. Overall, I really love it. It drives smoothly and has all the features I could dream of. My only complaint is the mileage has been way less then I hoped for. I have only been averaging 15-16mpg (about half hwy miles, no a/c) I hope this is just a break-in period for the engine and my gas mileage improves. If not, I am very disapointed. I chose a van over a SUV for gas mileage, and this is really no better than a Suburban.

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  i love my honda - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By mitzi59 - November 9 - 5:16 am

  i have two children, and when you do not have to spent many days at the dealership waiting for your car to be fixed, this makes you a happy camper.

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  AWESOME CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Aimee - November 7 - 10:00 am

  First off I LOVE Honda. Secondly if you want a car that is excellent for the family then the Odyssey is for you. You can pop in the kids favorite DVD and they can listen to it on the included Infrared headphones, while you and your significant other listen to your favorite music and talk. AWESOME CAR fun to drive. Believe me I know I have a 2 year old son who falls asleep when in this car, and a 10 year old step- daugther who likes watching her fave movies. The car also has a game console intergration system that you can play on the DVD screen. AWESOME for any tech family who enjoy driving. I love my Odyssey and will forever praise the HONDA name.