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 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Snipes8 - September 30 - 10:20 pm

  We bought this minivan over the Toyota mainly because of the sales experience. Toyota was pushy and did not have any models we wanted in stock. We were hesitant at buying a minivan just because of the style but we found out it drives smoothly for a minivan and the turn radius is magnificent. The backup camera is great but it makes things look farther away then what they are. My son absolutely loves the DVD, especially with the 9" screen compared to Toyotas 7". There is plenty of room for 7 passengers and cargo. The second row seats slide forward for easy entry into the third row. Gas mileage could be better, only getting 17 vs 20 that they say.

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  30-Something Van Owner - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By LuvMy05Ody - September 30 - 4:03 pm

  Bought the van, and I love it (never thought I would say that, by the way). This van is very practical and functional as a van should be. I wish the paint quality on the bumper was better, it seems to chip off very easily. But, who cares, its a van, right! It drives exceptionally well, and the kids enjoy being up high and seeing everything. Seat comfort is fine for me, but everyone is different. There is a slight rattling sound near the passenger side slider, but who cares, its a van, right! All in all, it blows away most vans on the market today (I test drove them all), and the extra money spent on this van versus the domestic junk out there is well worth it. Check True Cost to Own data.

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  Not much for $30k IMO. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By chet - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Moderate build quality at best. Tin can sheet metal that dents at the touch of a child, poor paint job, and substantial NVH presence. My biggest gripe is that I paid for leather on the sticker but the vehicle has this crappy vinyl imitation leather inside. It doesnt even feel like leather and it tears very easily. I remember better interior on my familys old 1981 Chevette. Truly pathetic.

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  One Great Van!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Lover - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my van for about a year now. Its great! We have put many miles on our van because my husbands job was about 400 miles away from home. He would drive the van back and forth to come home on weekends. The van did great! We have absolutely no complaints! I plan on keeping this van for a long time and when I am ready for a new car I am planning on getting a new Odyssey!

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  Really great van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jordy Lad - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We just love this van. We traded in a Mazda MPV for the Honda and its night and day the difference. I used to HATE to drive the MPV anywhere but I like driving this Honda (I drive a BMW 740 as my daily driver). This Honda scoots along and I really like the intelligent transmission which anticipates what you are about to do and selects the right gear. The kids love the DVD player, no more complaints about long drives, we cant get them out of the car nowadays. Huge storage space behind the 3rd seat, I used to use have to use a roof storage system with the MPV, but now thats gathering dust in the garage.

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  Ultimate Family Truckster - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By WHODEY - September 29 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our Odyssey to replace our reliable, yet underpowered 00 CR-V. We have one child and hope to add a couple more and the CR-V was already too small. The 240hp engine is excellent. The five speed shifts very smoothly and engine and road noise are kept to a minimum. These were both major issues we had with the CR-V. I didnt want a minivan but its a great vehicle.

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  dissatified honda first time buyer - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By fassfs - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Honda Odyssey EX as my first Honda because I had heard about Honda reliability but I am very disappointed. I am on my third transmission. Luckily I have extended warranty but who needs a car that is not dependable. I had to wait one week each time for them to get rebuilt transmissions installed. If they know that it is a recurring problem with many owners, they could at least stock one transmission at each dealership. I also have problem with automatic sliding door on driver side. It sticks sometimes. This is my first and last Honda.

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  Spiffy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Papa Z - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It is the quickest excelleration of any van I drove. It is sooo comfortable. It is the most solid by far. Great views. Back seat is pretty heavy.

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  Best decision weve made! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By SRoss454 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We are very happy with this van. We were thinking about a sedan but decided to get the Odyssey lease instead. We have been very happy with the ride, its sedan like handling, comfortable interior and how sharp exterior styling. Weve been averaging 22 mpg around town and on our last road trip average 26-28 mpg through the mountains of PA. Better than the manufacturers 17/25 for sure! Have had no quality complaints. The ride is a little rough at times, but definitely nothing to complain about. Even my pregnant wife does not complain about the ride. Definitely give Honda a ride before making a minivan decision!

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  Best minivan in the market by far - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JUSTIN BRIGGS - September 23 - 10:13 pm

  Ive put apx 8,000 miles on my ODY and not a single complant. It has plenty of power on demand and goes on ECO mode when cruising. DVD player is a must have on those longer trip for the kids. Quality is suprior in its class. I will buy another ODY, No questions ask. Hondas will always be the top contender in its class, just read consumer reports. Never a let down year.