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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No comparison - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By Houstonian - August 19 - 9:10 pmAfter months of research, lurking on the forums, getting opinions from family and friends, Ive come to the conclusion that this is indeed the best minivan on the market. The 240 horses are addictive. The 5-speed auto, traction control, good gas mileage, and magic seat are nice bonuses. Excellent crash test results gives me peace of mind for my family. It may not be the best equipped minivan on the market, but it is the best value.
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great van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By redfishsam - August 19 - 3:50 pmI just want to start off by saying this is a great van. Its great on gas and it drives like a car. My two girls love this van. The dvd player was way too much, w/navi system so opt. not to have and just installed the dvd my self. Great van, number one choice in my book.
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Odyssey Review - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By mjsohel - August 18 - 10:00 amWe got delivery of our 02 Odyssey EX w/navigation system and leather just a few months ago. Since then I have been happy. But I have also had some complaints: The leather is not as good as toyotas, the sliding doors are the worst peice of crap in the minivan. The EPA could be improved, an Onstar system and air compressor like on the Pontiac Montana, Wood grain panels would be nice, less road noise, bumps,rattles,and squeaks would be nice,Xenon ligts, and one last thing make the entertainment system and navigation syustem available on the same van.
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great car but a little behind the times - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By William Gowen - August 16 - 3:01 pmIf you have a lot of electronic stuff youll have to do some improvising. Theres only one 12v outlet and no usb ports.
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Best Value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By fast66 - August 14 - 10:00 amTops in safety, comfort, and resell value. Cant go wrong with this vehicle.
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Excellent Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By T - August 13 - 11:53 pmExcellent ride, quiet and roomy. Decent mileage, we are getting 22 mpg in very mixed driving.
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Cool van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Dude - August 13 - 12:03 amThis 2006 Touring is remarkably better than the 2000 Windstar SEL we previously had. And the price was only $1,000 more!
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Not Happy - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By TaB - August 10 - 2:00 amWhen we bought what we thought would be our dream van with 27k on it we were expecting at least 250k -300k before any major problems,well not so.I drive about 60k a year and and need dependability so I bought a honda knowing about there good name.I now have to spend 1500+ to repair the AC which blew apart.The van is serviced every 6k and this should never have happened.I am looking elsewhere for my next van/truck.I had a plymoth van that was still going strong after 300k maybe luck maybe not.
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unreliable, overpriced heap - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By nscalia - August 8 - 2:00 amThis will be my 2nd 2003 odyssey. The 1st had problems starting, the 2nd within 6 months the air conditioning went out now theres a problem with the electrical system, the "dinger" doesnt always ding when the key is in and the door is open and the interior lights click on and off as if there is a short. Honda is awful in "taking care" of their customers, they have a buyers beware attitude, once you sign the line its your problem, so what if you are paying for a vehicle that is in the shop more than it is on the road.
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Wish Odyssey-en it sooner!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Mel - August 6 - 10:33 pmWe Love this Van!! Kids have so much room. More comfortable than our previous 01 Dodge Grand Caravan. Dont know about the gas mileage yet but it doesnt seem to be horrible like other reviews suggest. If you live in snowy conditions like we do definitely pay a little extra to get the rubber floor mats and cargo tray. This van has so much "get-up" for a van that I catch myself speeding often. Love the back windows, the cargo storage area, the 8th seat, the heated seats, the moonroof, THE RIDE!! Test drive everything else and then get this Van!!
