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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  Amazing little features !!! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Harry Roy - September 12 - 12:49 pm

  This is a nice vehicle so far. We have only owned it for a week now, but we did experience a problem with the cabin watch and rear entertainment once. Plus, on the cabin talk the Touring can only talk over the headphones. The Elite can talk over the headphones and speakers. These vans are pricey though.

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  Not happy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By swedepwr - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This mini van is trouble. I had Chrysler vans and the reliability is better than Honda. The service is awful the dealer replaced the transmission twice (recall) after the first replacement a vibration in the steering wheel occured and now 130k miles later they have still not been able to fix the car. They replaced the struts and after that now its eating tires. Honda tells me to replace more parts to my expense. I have spent about 7000 dollars to fix the car and its still not working right.I would stay away from this car if you take long trips.

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  Good Van! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By shellbelle333 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with the purchase of this van. I love the entertainment system, its great for my 2 year old. I like to the look, and its comfort. My husband is a large guy and he fits in it as well as I do.

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  BEST MINIVAN AROUND - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By hottiern - September 11 - 2:00 am

  LOTS OF LEG ROOM IN 2ND AND 3RD ROWS. WAS COMFORTABLE FOR ALL THE KIDS ON OUR ROAD TRIP THIS SUMMER.DVD PLAYER A MUST HAVE WITH 4 KIDS. THERE IS PLENTY OF STORAGE TO FIT A DOUBLE STROLLER AND LUGGAGE IN THE BACK.WOULD DEFINATELY RECOMMEND THIS VAN FOR GROWING FAMILIES.

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  Luv my van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Momwith2kids - September 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought my van after my 2nd child was born. I have 2 in child car seats and love that both side doors open wfor easy access for getting them in and out. The 3rd rear seat flips back acting as a great changing table area. Ive also used the floor in front of the 2nd seats to change diapers as there is enough space there too. Lots of cup holders. The rear seat hides in the trunk area giving lots of extra room back there for strollers. The trunk area is HUGE. The DVD player is great for occupying the kids. Leather is must with kids with all their crumbs and spills making it easy clean up. Lots of interior space to move around inside on long trips.

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  Feel a Part of Class - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By LevinLu - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda Odyssey. It is classy, it suits my expanding family...I am a grandmother. My grandkids love to ride with Granma. I feel safe...the Honda Company is keeping all the maintainance current. I raised my own kids in a Volkswagon Bug...quite a difference!! I am a Granma with class!It is also easier for my 93 year old mother to get in and out. The SUV is too high for her to climb into.

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  Disappointed Driver - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jaspa - September 8 - 2:00 am

  The car runs ok, it just feels and looks very cheap. Cheap parts, few extras.

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  The appliance we needed - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - September 7 - 11:51 pm

  When we had our second child, we were forced to face a cold hard fact: we needed a van. I looked at Sedona, Sienna and Odyssey. While I really liked it, poor resale kicked the Kia out of the running. While it felt a bit more powerful and had a bit more storage, poor fuel economy kicked out the Toyota. Among the many things we liked in the Honda were a reliable powertrain, sensible, comfortable interior, and good safety features like the side view camera and collision warning. We have now had our 2015 EX-L for about a year and 15,000 miles, and so far it is nothing shy of terrific. The dynamics are good, and it made a cross-country trip of 2500 miles a pleasant experience. When you consider reliability and resale, I think this car should jump to the top of the list.

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  lovin my honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By busymomof3 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Just about had our Odyssey one month now. One question we had was why we didnt buy one sooner! After several years in a big Expedition, finally decided it was time to take the plunge into the minivan world. Are we ever glad that we did. Love this van. It feels like youre driving a car! Fun to drive, too. Handles like a dream. Love the power sliding doors and foldaway rear seat. So convenient with small children. Kids love the DVD, and so do the parents! Just finished a long trip across the state of South Dakota without a peep from the back. What a relief on a long trip! This van has got power to boot. Clipped along on the interstate nicely.

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  Realistic comments - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By rdenis - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Still the best "Driving" and practical Minivan on the market. Has power,handling,huge interior space and good design features. You may sacrifice some highway smoothness to get these driving characteristics, but is a fair trade-off.With the current $259/month lease, cant be beat. High expected resale value means exceptional lease rates. Gives you great driving confidence in a Minivan.