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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  Best minivan on the market - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By tyhyuj6 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle accomplished many goals .It is proven to be one the out of 3 minivans one out the safest. From all the minivans it is the most realiable

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  Unrivaled Minivan - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Daryle - November 4 - 12:21 am

  I drove them all before I bought this. I was not going to drop this kind of quid and not go to sleep wondering if I have the best. Odyssey is in its own league when it comes to ride quality, acceleration, braking, fit and finish. Purchased from an incoming 3 yr, lease with 35M miles on it. I have 80M on it now. Routine maintenance. Very little squeaks or rattles unlike the others. Others lurched under heavy braking or emergency steering. Very minor things considering daily commute of 62 miles + and Buffalo winters. I am very particular about my big purchases, which involve a lot of research and looking. Took me 6 months to find mine due to wanting low miles and clean, and not beat up by a pack of kids. Seating configuration options great. Love the room. Good stereo. Recent compliment on how strong (cold) the AC was for a 2010, I said, "Yeah, its a Honda". If you want the best van, get it. Ive had 2 Accords previously. This drives like a big Accord.

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  cheap plastics and jittery! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 4kids - November 1 - 11:10 am

  Coming off 7 years of Chrysler T&Cs, we wanted to buy another, but 3 significant problems kept us away: 1. the stow away seats are inadequate for regular adult ferrying! 2. the head room shrank considerably with the side air bags (Im only 6 but felt claustrophobic), 3. and the front passenger seat lost most adjustments. Come on. Figure it out! The Honda solves those problems, with good power, great tranny, comfy seats all around, decent int. storage ideas, and rep. for reliability. Not a bad execution, EXCEPT for the cheap plastics, everywhere. Every handle, lever and release feels thin, sharp (dont get cut) uncomfortable--like youd expect in a minivan for $12K.

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  Great Van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By akodyssey - November 1 - 2:00 am

  We love our van esp the folding back seat. we have not had any major repairs and enjoy driving it. Wish it was AWD and got better gas mileage we ave 22 on trips over 200 miles.

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  Best Available Minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By J.A.C. - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  I really love my Odyssey. I believe that it is the best available minivan, and better than any SUV also.

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  Engine leak - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaOverseas - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Problems began also with doors stuck frequently, loose seals on doors, and needing new brakes at 20k and 40k. At 3 years and 2 months, engine leak and then 2 mo later transmission failure. Oversease Warranty is 3 yr/36k mile, so will be very expensive fix!!!

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  Its alright - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By No more Hondas - October 27 - 2:00 am

  My Chrysler T&C LXi was refusing to start at random intervals, so I decided to get the gold standard Honda Odyssey. I paid full retail and got a van that had a mystery groan. I owned it for three months. After 3 weeks in the shop, theyd found and welded a body joint that never got made in the factory. I refused to keep it Honda refused to replace until we were on the verge of a BBB arbitration meeting. The replacement (which still cost me $1000 more) had a rattle in the A-pillar, a noisy front seat tray, and some buggy dome light switches. This is not the great van that I expected. Its only okay. Detroit can unpucker a little. I guess Hondas are designed and built by humans, after all.

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  Great Buy! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By MANUK - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I got the last of the 04 Odessey EX- RES for $25K_tax and title. Unbeleivable price for the bay area. $3.5K less than MSRP. The vehicle rides great and everything works perfect. Mine was built in August 2004, must be one of the last to roll of the line in Lincoln, Alabama before the new 2005s models took over. I think Honds has had time to fix every little design and build issue in the 6 years they built this truck, becuse I have not had a single problem or even a minor irritant with more than 2500 miles on the van already. I drive over 80 miles a day in long freeway stretches and the great hight visibility of the van is good, without a major sacrifice on

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  Good van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By minivan driver - October 25 - 10:00 am

  We just picked up this van last week. EX with leather, DVD. We love everything about the van, except the seats, I think they are the most uncomfortable seats Ive ever sat on. Im surprised others rate the comfort as high??? The engines awesome though!

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  Winner - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By JTF8150 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has met or exceeded all expectations. It drives great, handles well, and can be filled to the top with tons of stuff. Never had one issue with the drivetrain or engine, just flawless. The side door design could be more robust, with stronger hardware.