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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  EX-L RES/NAV So far so good. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By fordz1 - June 21 - 4:16 am

  My wife and I have only had the van for two weeks, and will update the review once I put a few thousand miles on it. It is a joy to drive and the kids enjoy the DVD system.

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  Probably one of the best cars ever made - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By johnnyVDO - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Odyssey because it had the highest reliability rating of any vehicle in Consumer Reports and because Ive had good luck in the past with Hondas. After 80,000 miles the car is still tight and nothing has broken. The only time I went to the dealer was to get a front brake job at 50,000 miles. I also went through a set of tires and a battery. Other than maintenance, the car has cost me $0.00 to repair! WOW! I get about 22 mpg around town and the car handles like a sedan with independent suspension and 4 wheel disk brakes. Fantastic car! No wonder the resale value is so high.

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  Mostly Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd Wagner - June 19 - 8:30 am

  No doubt Honda is a step up in quality from our old Pontiac van. The engine perform is great, design and roominess and comforst all great. The price beat Sienna. It mimicks the euro sedan drive as much as a van possibly could. A few disappointments (expectations were high) are the whistling from wind on the passenger side (got it to stop by sticking a tshirt under the wiper blade - how dumb does that look!), gas mpg NOT 20/28 as EPA estimates - we avg about 21, the rubber strip at the bottom of sliding doors getting pushed back and when water gets in its causing rusting of metal tabs. Also limited packaging meant we didnt get all features we wanted. Overall a great van!

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  Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By wlodek - June 11 - 9:50 am

  I have driven this car for 2000 miles and I thoroughly have enjoyed it, mileage was great on a parkway otherwise so, so very comfortable, can rearrange 2nd row of seats according to the needs-it was good for long trip, before I owned Nissan Murano I miss some features from that car but I would not go back.It is a great car I do not regret buying it.

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  Oil Leak From Day One - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Pissed Off - June 10 - 8:00 pm

  My brother bought the car on 9/18/2006 from ValStrough Honda in Monterey, CA. He drove the car home (30 miles) and parked it in the garage. Two days later, I discovered a puddle of oil under the car. I checked under the car and it seemed to be leaking from the oil pan gasket. My brother took the car back immediately. The service dept was already closed so they checked the car the next day. They acknowledged that there was "oil residue", but were unable to find the source or replicate the leak. They told my brother drive it around some more and bring it back if it leaks again. He drove it home. Still leaking! Big Surprise! Hes going to take it back tomorrow. Ill keep you posted.

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  Wish we had known - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Mont - June 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought the 2000 Odyssdey at the "Honda non-negotiable price" because we had driven reliable Hondas in the past. Weve been had. The breaks have been worked on every year and squeek loudly all the time. It is on its third transmission. The passenger doors have been broke twice due to the seal. The dash shakes and rattles and is very annoying. Our friends drive Honda cars at our recommendation because of past experieces but we wont be recommending anymore. Honda better not rely on its name alone and forget why people buy Hondas

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  Best family vehicle - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By aaron haemmerle - June 8 - 7:28 am

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  best minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By paul ahronov - June 7 - 10:00 am

  i love the van i was away on vacation and rented a oldsmobile couldnt compare them the ride in the honda and the drivers seat and whole interior was not comftarble

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  Vantastic Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Lloyd Erbe - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery in December.Drove it to Florida and fell in love with it! Performed flawlessly!Not one complaint. Drove straight through from Orlando to Wisconsin.Fantastic seats and plenty of room.I got well over 25 mpg while crusing at 75-80 mph.Best vehicle ive ever owned.I never had a minivan,but would buy another Odyssey again.

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  Luv my Odyssey!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Vrah - June 7 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the 2004 Sienna on at least 5 different occassions, I ended up going with the Honda Odyssey. Yes, the Sienna has great features such as a split rear seat and power rear door (on the XLE), but I felt the Siennas engine, suspension and brakes were a bit soft. Plus, there are WAY TO MANY option packages offered on the Sienna. A couple of dealers told me I couldnt choose which options I wanted, but rather pick from what Toyota sends. Overall, the Odyssey was a better fit for me.