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 Vehicle, not just a van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By TJ/SLC - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan sets the standard that Toyota had to copy from to introduce its new Sienna. While we got an EX with 10" DVD player, it has been great for the 1-2 hour trips that we have taken. It has superb reliability and has only needed oil changes every 5000 miles. Thats all we have done to it! Must get the black plastic rug protector for behind the third seat as milk or leaking meat can leave stains without it. Has great pickup even when fully loaded with 7 passengers. No 2003 van comes close to the standard set by Honda. By the way, we also have a 2003 Accord and love it as well. We are truly a Honda family. Wish I had done this years ago.

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  Family fun - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By EM - October 21 - 6:46 pm

  We have been driving this van for two weeks now, up from a 2004 Honda CRV. It is very roomy inside, the base model has all I want, the ride is very comfortable. The amount of cargo room is impressive because the floor is very low (the spare tire is under the middle seats) I tried the 2006 Sienna: downshifting from 5th to 4th was very noticeable, not on the Sienna. Other than that, they are very similar. Note: the van can accomodate only three child seats: two in the middle row, one at the center of the third row -- read my problem with hooks below. With a child seat in the third row, you cannot lower the widest portion (60%) of the third row, only the narrowest (40%).

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 3timer - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased for a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan w/Navigation for $27,800. Added an aftermarket DVD entertainment system. Had some initial problems as the people who installed the DVD/TV shorted out the dash by connecting the ground wire to the dash lights. After that it has been smooth sailing. This car drives and handles great. The ride is a bit less luxurios than the Town & Country limited, my other mini-van, but the handling is superior. The touch screen navigation system is unbelieveable. Punch in a businesses phone number and away you go. Overall a great mini-van for the price.

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  Great van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mentonedad - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I Love our new van it is great. Awsome leather, And my two kids are in heaven watching dvds in the back.

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  Now 14,000 miles - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By kee choi - October 18 - 2:00 am

  After 14,000 miles and 10 months I think it rides a little better than the first few months. Still very responsive, handles well and very stable at high speeds even near 100 mph.The engine & transmission are smooth and with a slight braiking in downhill, I feel some engine braking automatically engages in. Had a chance to drive almost new dodge grand caravan. The ride was superior to that of honda though the engine wasnt as smooth as honda.The transmission was about the same. Overall I noticed that the Grand caravan was easier to drive than honda. The Sienna has a better ride than honda but not as responsive or stable as Honda.

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  Second one!! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Shehz Ali - October 17 - 4:52 pm

  No contest in buying our second one.

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  Great Van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By waltrde - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years and 71,000 miles Ive few complaints. Other than the wheels, it looks, runs and handles like it did day one. No shakes, no rattles, no squeaks. Maybe people with problems just have bad karma. Only real complaint is with the finish on the alloy wheels, which has not held up. Moisture go in under clear coat and severe peeling on two wheels. Transmission has been solid, and other than rear brake squeal (when wet) that ended after I cleaned out the accumulated brake dust out of the drums, brakes were flawless. Front went 70K miles without service. Once I replaced the OEM Michelins with Bridgestone Turanzas, the road noise was significantly reduced.

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  Wait for it - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By BER - October 16 - 2:32 am

  I got this 2016 model in July 2017 as they were pushing 2017s out for 2018 models. The SE was the best deal for the price that had the features of the Honda Vac and DVD player without getting a higher cost trim. For those who are military veterans - ask to see if dealer will offer a military discounts.

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  Lives up to Honda reputation - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By fred - October 14 - 7:13 pm

  Bought the Honda in early October and Ihave already driven it 1800 miles on a recent trip without any problems. The car drives very smoothly and the wind noise is minimal. The pick up is decent for a 4000 pound car. I seriously considered the Sienna, but so far have no regrets.

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  Perfect Choice for a family on the go - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DM00 - October 14 - 6:53 pm

  Let me begin by saying I have never had any hangups about driving/owning a mini- van. My parents always drove a full size conversion van when we were young and then moved on to mini-vans when they came out in the 80s. I agonized over which van to buy, looked long and hard at the Dodge/Chrysler van, the Hyundai Entourage (way nicer than expected), the Quest and the Sienna. I could not be happier with the final choice. It really does drive like a full sized sedan. In some aspects it is better, you dont have the low visibilty over the hood that you do in a sedan and the driving position is high enough to see the road regardless of the height of the driver.