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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  This van rocks! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By thockman - October 14 - 3:10 am

  Ive owned the previous two Odyssey styles (95 and 2003), and this is by far an improvement in every way. The driving and handling is so superior to previous minivans that I dont feel like Im driving a van at all. I love the improved seating comfort, better stereo, sunroof, and triple zone climate control. I have had no build defects yet. Mileage is 22 to 26 after 2900 miles.

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  First time Honda buyer. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By New Honda Boy - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I was tired of my GMs lasting only 110k miles, so I decided to try Honda. So far it has been very good. We did notice that the power slider doors have a design issue. The kids feet fit into the door track and little stones from their shoes drop into the track and they stop the door from working. Also, the entertainment system is not easy to figure out. Overall, the van has been very reliable.

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  lizzies review - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By lizzie244 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  i loved it I thought it was great. my mom doesnt like it because she can not get into it but I like it!!!!!!

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  If you need performance, look no further - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Redstar3894 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is a great van mostly due to the 3.5L VTEC V6, the great sound system, & the carrying capacity. If you have to drive a minivan, the Odyssey is it, the performance even knocks out some sedans. The power sliding doors are also a very nice add-on. Honda has done a great job with this vehicle, and I hope they continue with it for a long time.

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  Odyssey EX-L - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By comer98 - October 9 - 8:56 pm

  Moved from a 2004 Odyssey to the 2007. What a substantial improvement! Had no issues with the 2004 and hope that the 2007 will be just as reliable. Interior design is great and the cabin is so much quieter. Layout is much improved over past models. My sons love the 2nd row roll-down windows and integrated sunshades. Definitely a great vehicle if you need to drive a minivan. Much more practical and economical than a similarly sized SUV.

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  Think Carefully Before Buying Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Concerned Customer - October 9 - 11:56 am

  We love Honda, and we love our Odyssey. We were excited about the extra features of the Touring model, but we wished we had not bought it: 1)The parking sensors have malfunctioned erratically, but never at a dealership. 2)The PAX tire technology is not widespread. If you get a flat (even a nail), the entire wheel must be replaced by an authorized dealer (very few are certified and have them in stock) and cost is approx. $500. Dont have a flat tire unless you are within 150 miles of an authorized dealer! 3)There is no way to manually open the power lifegate if the power malfunctions. The power liftgate is also difficult and time consuming to repair.

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  Odyssey #3 - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tags - October 9 - 9:00 am

  We just took delivery of our 3rd Odyssey and couldnt be happier. The ride is carlike, the power wonderful. We had gotten 27 mpg highway is our last Odyssey and so far this one looks to be no different. Was looking at the Pilot and as nice as it was the Odyssey was just a better value.

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  More Fun than Expected - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By artistrs - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful design for the interior allows the driver to decide everything or let it all be automatic. Comfortable, too - like driving around in your favorite easy chair. So much passenger room means many on-the-road parties. All my passengers comment, unsolicited, on comfort, fun and feeling of being safe. I do wish it were more economical on the gas mileage.

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  Transmission Problems - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By OddChicago - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice Car, Too bad Honda could not design a decent transmission for it. Mine has ~43000 miles on it and the tranny is slipping, shifting from 2nd - 3rd. The tranny recall work was done earlier this year and it is still going out! A Google Search on the internet for "2002 Odyssey Transmission Problems" tells me that I am not alone.

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  I actually love it... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Reluctant Convert - October 6 - 1:50 pm

  I was a truly reluctant minivan buyer. I was never going to be one of those parents driving these vehicles. Honestly, once I decided to explore the possibility, the Honda blew away my expectations. Like most others, I considered the Sienna for its AWD feature, but it never stacked up to the Honda despite that advantage. I listed many improvements that could be made to the vehicle, but none would deter me from buying again. The endless feature list is to voluminous to detail. The 255 HP engine is a joy. Smooth and powerful with virtually unnoticeable gear shifting. I hate to admit but I am a convert.