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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  VG Overall/a Few Annoying Deficiencies - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By shuttsmeup - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Drivetrain seems tight, adequate power, gas mileage vg for this size vehicle. Holds resale value better than other vans. Handles very well for a van. Seems to be a very reliable product - I currently have 18,000 miles on it, with no significant defects.

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  van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By TMMG - October 5 - 2:00 am

  good condition, power doors, rear air, cloth seats, cd, 43800 miles,new tires quad seating

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  Hyundai or Honda? - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KGehris - October 5 - 12:03 am

  Had Hondas most of my life, very reliable cars!! Until now....Im grateful I leased her. Engine doesnt run right when cold (not talking freezing!!), dealer says theres nothing wrong? Gas mileage is worse than wifes CRV! Seat belt warning beep keeps going off except when I get close to dealer to show em!

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  What more do you need!!!!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By EMJAY - October 4 - 10:13 pm

  I am loving every moment when i am in the car. if you are in the market for a minivan go get it..

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  Best car weve owned - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By tahitian-tattoo - October 3 - 2:00 am

  After reviewing and comparing every minivan made, we chose the Honda and couldnt have been happier. Power is plentiful, storing the backseat is easy ( if you dont mind removing the headrests). Cup holders seem to be an afterthought. There are plenty, they just dont hold very well. Lots of room, can take six on a week long road trip with all the stuff and have room to spare. Missing AWD and occasional glitch with power doors are only drawbacks that would make us look at another brand next time around. All in all, very solid car and it fit us perfectly.

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  overall - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cornman - October 3 - 2:00 am

  handles fine, gas milage 23 mpg with only 900 miles on van. has a slight hum or noise when in 5th gear and just lightly on throttle at 1500 rpm. also sounds like a rattle in under carriage on rough roads, other wise no complaints

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  My Birthday Present--Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Missy Sue - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed driving my new Odyssey on open roads and in town. A very reliable, great looking set of wheels!

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  Got a Honda and Got a Dud - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris Stoker - October 1 - 5:25 am

  We purchased this car used at 46K miles in 2012 with after market warranty and Car Fax clean record. Im just going to list the issues weve had with this car instead of explain all of the instances of failure because that would require more time than I have. After the first week or two we were notified a recall and had to take it back in to get it repaired. A week later the transmission began failing and had to force the dealership to replace it under warranty. The steering column has a continuous pop whether driving or turning or turning the wheel while sitting still, still have yet to get it diagnosed or fixed. Already had to have the bearings replaced on one of the back tires. One of the shocks in the back is also now leaking oil everywhere. The driver side sliding door middle bracket fell to pieces, the dealership admitted that this was a very well known issue. The auto window module went bad and made it so we could only roll down the driver side window. Multiple burned out lights. Terrible paint that falls to pieces off of the body with any contact. Another active recall, where the fuel pump overheats and can cause fires. The driver side sliding door motor is going bad and cant fully open or close the door properly even after repair. There are other issues, but Ive grown tired trying to remember everything. Genuinely, this is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I will NEVER purchase another Honda for the rest of my life. 30K miles that weve driven this car, mostly on highways in the country where the roads are very well maintained, and all of these things have occurred within that time frame...absolutely appalling.

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  2000 HONDA ODYSSEY - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By MICHAEL JAMES - October 1 - 2:00 am

  GREAT LOOKING VAN, STILL THE BEST ON THE ROAD. HAS ADEQUATE POWER AND ACCELERATION. SO MUCH ROOM INSIDE, I CANT BELIEVE PEOPLE ACTUALLY THINK SUVS HAVE MORE ROOM THAN MINIVANS. IVE DRIVEN THIS VAN EVERYWHERE AND OVERALL ITS GREAT.

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  Great! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sarahgadd - October 1 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our new Odessey, and it is great! We bought the new EX with DVD version and there is no other minivan out there that can offer you so many excellent features for the price, with the great reputation of a Honda. I test drove the Ford Freestar, and the Odessey is so much more smooth driving, more comfortable, and much better looking. Coming from a SUV the gas mileage is great, and the kids car seats fit wonderfully. The seating options offer great versatility. We love it!!!!