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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  cant belive we own a van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Davidz - September 1 - 10:00 am

  now I know that I am old. I drive a mini van listen to am radio and love it. We traded in a volvo wagon for our van. it rides great and can take 7 people and all of their stuff for a ride. the back seat is larger then my friends surben and it is a honda!! what else can I say

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  My dream family car - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By DiY - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I am now at 60K miles. I waited a year for this van to come on the market because the Toyoto van was too small inside and drove like a boat. I have loved this van. Wished many times that I had had the remote controlled sliding doors when my kids were still small. I like the way the rear seat folds down for a flat loading area. ...and yes, all the new van models are immitating all the practical features of this one.

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  The best of the bunch - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By SirShaw - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I Started my car buying experience 20 years ago and I was an American buyer, but I had friends that had Hondas with 200k and bought them used with close to 100k. Now I see why. This blow the socks off of Dodge, Ford, and Gm. Nissan and Toyota are always going to play catch-up with Honda when is comes to Mini Vans. I bought this new and have 63k on it now. This handle better than all of those above and I have had no problems worth commenting about. If Im in the Mini Van market in about 200k more miles Id buy another.

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  Love My Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By juds - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda. It drives beautifully and handles well. I had two Plymouth Voyagers previously and drove one for 10 years. The Odyssey suspension is tighter that the Voyager and I had to get used the tha. It sure does handle well on the curves. I did have small problems with the interior such as plastic parts falling off which of course were fixed free. Also had a problem with the sliding door lock on the drivers side but other than that it has done well. Did have a recall recently to check the transmission which REALLY surprised me since that was one BIG reason why I chose Honda over the Dodge. Mine had nothing wrong with it though.

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  I am officially a minivan convert! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Headshrink - August 28 - 10:46 pm

  I love this car! I have been driving sports sedans and SUVs up to this point and this is my first minivan. We bought it and immediately took a 9 hr. trip up to Lake Tahoe with the kids and all the gear. This thing has a ton of room. It is very comfortable and actually fun to drive. Drives very much like a car. The engine is great with a lot of pick up for itÂ’s size and engine type. Read the reviews here at Edmunds and sites like Motor Trend and you will see that this is the best in the class. Some people are complaining about gas mileage being less than statedÂ…..that is true for every car including and especially hybrids. Just keep in mind that the numbers they give are their best.

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  Overpriced & not economical - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Richie530 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda vehicle. I have had an ongoing problem when I have to remove my foot from the gas pedal and the rpms drop between from 2 to about 1 1/2 the vehicle acts like it is going to cut off. I have had it worked on one time and am getting ready to take it back again. The only other issue I have at this time is the poor gas mileage. Due to the high price of gas I can barely afford the gas to drive it! I drive approximately 300 miles per week mostly city and I am spending $40-60 a week in gas. In addition to the payment I am car poor!!!!

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  Odyssey Brake System - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By stevenK - August 27 - 8:36 pm

  I have been driving 29500 freeway miles, The Honda dealership replaced all four wheel brake pads around 18,000 miles with upgraded pads (they said upgraded parts by Honda), now when I hit the brake, the steering wheel is shaking, The dealership said the problem is not covered on warranty, also not resolve the problem unless the front disks (rotors) are replaced. I think Honda used undersized brake disc for front wheel comparing with my other vehicle, which runs slightly more than my Odyssey. this is the my current problem. I think it needs improvement.

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  Odyssey deserves Crown of Execellency - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By English - August 24 - 9:43 pm

  Completely thrilled with this purchase. Got the touring with all the features. Love it. Handles great, quiet ride. love all the features. First minivan and would buy again over previous Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevy Tahoe

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  This car just won’t die!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenny - August 22 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my odyssey in 2000 brand new. Little did I know Inwould still be driving it 18 years later!!! It now has 147000 miles on it and asides from regular maintenance, all I have done is replaced an EGR valve for 400 dollars and repaired a seat retractor which cost 18 dollars and I did myself. Everything still works. Have had no problems with tranny, doors, paint or everything I have been reading will be a problem with thei vehicle, but then again I take very good care of my vehicles. I change the oil every 3750 miles , wax it and do all the maintenance. I am also an easy driver and keep it in the garage. I was able to get 27 mpg by myself driving highway speeds and driving 75 mph, 4 people with AC blasting it dropped to 23.5. Gas milage in City is awful, but I really do not do much city driving. The only dislikes of the vehicle are the harsh truck like ride, road noise and I have quite a few dash board lights out. But thanks to Siri, I can always ask for the time when I am driving at night. Seats comfortable on long trips. Can drive about 6 hours, wo discomfort. Brakes last about 60000 miles, battery’s last about 9 years and I am able to get 60000 miles out of every set of tires I buy

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  ody 05 touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rose Cooke - August 22 - 9:50 am

  I researched the minivans online and decided to order the touring 05 Honda I have been very pleased ..more than I even thought I would be when I ordered it. I had driven it to Mt Baldy during the recent storms while other cars had been stuck in the middle of the road my minivan went right around and right up the mountain I was very impressed. The custom heating/air great for driving home my young hockey player who is over heated after a practice while I am very cold from watching. The voice activated commands are very convenient, if it only told me that it loved me too. The sun roof was not a feature that I would have chosen but I have enjoyed the stars at night.