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:

• 

  Excellent! A great upgrade 2002 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy - September 23 - 10:43 am

  This is my 4th Honda, and my second Odyssey. I love everything about it! I havent had issues with the fuel economy at all, and am averaging ~24 mpg. I drive 60 miles a day round trip in Atlanta rush hour traffic. The 2006 is a huge upgrade from the 2002 model. This van rides like a car, very smooth. Issues I had with the 2002 such as hesitating transmission, horsepower, etc. seem to be resolved with the 2006 model. Love It!

• 

  Great car for its class - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim Ehrlich - September 22 - 4:58 am

  If you are going to get a minivan this car defines the class; it is no wonder everyone buys them.

• 

  Reliable family hauler - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By sotex - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 97 our family has owned. I am using it in my sales position, so I will be in it often. It is great getting in and out of it because the seat is higher than my Mark VIII. The ABS light was on when I bought it, and I have found out that the ABS modulator is out. $1500.00!!! From what I have found out, this is somewhat common for these as they approach the 80,000 to 120,000 mile marks. Im not sure I am going to fix it. Other than than that, I like the dual air, great reliability from this one and our previous one. I am pretty impressed by the quality of workmanship. (except ABS malfunction)

• 

  Domestics dont match it! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Garth - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Odyssey since Jan. 04 and havent had any trouble at all. One recall instead of 9 for a domestic. Smooth on the Highway and great gas milage. Could use some quieter tires, hard compound rubber Michelins last a long time, and the leather seats arent that comforatable

• 

  Honda Owner for 18 years--No More - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan Sheridan - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Hondas for 18 years & have had the worst car experience of my life. Had muffler & transmission replaced already. Exhaust noise still loud. Transmission still seems loud. The service manager said "I will not fix your vehicle." This 2004 Odyessey is a lemon, and the service sucks. Save yourself...go look at Toyotas or something else!!!

• 

  DONT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By PAUL BAMBACH - September 18 - 2:00 am

  BEST MINIVAN ON THE MARKET

• 

  minivans rule - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By vladytom - September 17 - 4:16 pm

  When we decided to shop for a large SUV I was looking either for a Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot. I never imagined that I will buy a minivan (not sporty enough). I tried a few used SUVs but I didnt like the "feel of the wheel". When I first tried that used Odyssey, just to show my wife why we dont need a minivan... it was love at first sight! It drives so nice and its so much more comfortable than an SUV! As Edmunds says, there are 2 categories of people: the ones who like the Ody and the ones who dont know this yet!

• 

  reliable and comfortable - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By upong - September 16 - 2:00 am

  its very reliable and comfortable. kids like to sleep especially on long drive. we have a 2000 model and planning to replace to the upcoming all-new oddysey 2005 model. i like the new design and the features. were very anxious to have the new one, hope it will be on the market soonest!!!

• 

  My 3rd Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By skb49 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 04...maybe should have held out for the 05 though !!!

• 

  minivan rating - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By JoDolf - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my second odyssey. As you can see, I must love the honda minivans. I find them easy to drive, esp on open highway and long trips. They are very economical and comfortable. I love the body style and the interior. Honda could have done better with the speaker system. There should have been separate speakers with independent controls for the rear of the van. The sound is too loud in the back for the back passengers and can hardly be heard by passengers in the front with out blasting the rear passengers.