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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  Hoosier review on Honda Odessey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bbacaphd - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the vehicle and it is much more powerful than my previous minivan, a 94 Dodge Caravan 3.0. The ride seems a bit harsher than I would have expected as I drove a 2002 Honda Accord with same powerplant and transmission. The Accord was much quieter and sounded more solid. The Odessey sounded much quieter than my Caravan. Sound system is not up to par for vehicle

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  Seat belt issues - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Iain1 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I was totally satisfied with my Odessey up until very recently. The seat belts in the second and third row seats need replacing. They easily lock into position but will only readjust when completed reeled in. It appears that seat belts are a problem in the car. I cannot get them replaced because they are on national back order. I look forward to seeing the replacement to the Odessey in the fall but the seat belts need improving. Im not sure how much I can trust these seat belts with my kids. Come on Honda.

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  Very Noisy at 50mph - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack J. - July 5 - 1:53 am

  I purchased a 2005 because I had zero complaints with my first Odyssey, a 2001. I did not take a long test drive of the 2005 because: "its a Honda, it must be a good car". I wish I could have it to do over. For me there is a real annoying problem with the car. The overdrive kicks in at 50 mph, with the torque converter locking up very quickly. The RPM drops to 1300 to 1500 RPM and if feels like an old stick truck with the engine lugging/vibrating. The steering wheel actually vibrates along with a annoying audiable vibration noise. The dealer called Honda and they indicated yes this is an issue, wait 1000 miles to see if it gets better with converter wear. I wish I had it to do over.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By schuess - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The van handles nicely with plenty of power. The exterior is nice. The interior design is the selling feature. It is spacious throughout the vehicle. The rear seat will fold down into the floor making a level surface in the back for cargo, or you can take the back seat and flip it backwards for a tailgate party! The captains chairs in the second row are comfortable and can slide together to make a bench seat. The safety features include dual front and side airbags and reinforced door panels for the second row.

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  An o-kay minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By norwin89 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good car,love the ext design, but terrible int design and gas mileage, very comfortable seating and third row seating good enough for medium sized adults, a Good car, but could be better

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  Continued Reliability - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan from Michigan - June 27 - 10:00 am

  We recently traded our 2001 Odyssey for the new 2004 version. Although outwardly, not much appeared to have changed, much did change. Stronger more powerful engine, more comfort and toys (DVD, wireless headphones, etc). Ride and quietness are also improved. We had nearly 4 years of trouble free service from our last Ody and expect nothing less from this one. So far we have not been disappointed. It was delivered with no problems in quality, fit or finish.

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  loveit, ya gotta buy one - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By fordman - June 27 - 2:06 am

  This car is great, I have five kids and they love it, especially with the dvd entertainment system. The enterior is great, and it is also very roomy. Not to mention its not noisy at all, has heated side mirrors, easy to use audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, great cargo room(can easily move the back bench up to the middle row) and the list goes on. Thumbs up!!

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  ditch it - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ditch it - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and within 6mos the sliding doors were sticking and by 38000mi the brakes weremaking a grinding noise. the tires only lasted 27000mi. Now at 44000mi the crusecontrol quit working and the transmission lever is stuck and will be a major repair. thats right, you cant drive it if you cant get it out of park. i wont buy another one.

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  Odyssey 2003: Value & Honda Reliability - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JBSOD - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Odyssey (our first was a 2000 LX) and we love it! We opted to sell our 2000 because we wanted the improved safety of the side airbags as well as some of the other features of the EX (power doors, remote entry, etc.). The 2003 has more pep and rides a bit more smoothly on rough road. More luxury car feel and handling...and all for $25,000! My wife drives 40 mi/day with three kids to work and babysitters...safety counts and this vehicle has it (5 stars in all categories).

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  LOVE MY ODYSSEY!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BEACHWOMAN - June 22 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT 2003 ODYSSEY LAST JUNE AFTER CHECKING AND TEST DRIVING SEVERAL MINIVANS. GREAT VEHICLE, VERY ROOMY, VERY DEPENDABLE, VERY WELL MADE AND VERY EASY TO MANEUVER. COULDNT HAVE BOUGHT ANY BETTER JUST LOVE MY ODYSSEY!!!