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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  Best Van Ever! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By vtec2 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Odyssey. Our first was a 2000 EX. This new one is a huge improvement over the 99-01 Odysseys. It has much more power, a better ride, better handling, more features, and less problems. We had the Honda accessory DVD player installed. Its a must have for any family on a road trip.

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  Honda Infotainment System Like 2016 Flip Phone - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Craig - June 6 - 11:46 pm

  If car manufacturers are going to bombard interiors with standard electronics, the performance of infotainment systems will be a large part of my review. As such, the Honda Infotainment system in my 2016 Odyssey seems to be 5-6 years behind what I would expect in a new vehicle today. There is a wonderful wide screen on the dash and a touch screen lower down. When you test drive you are thinking, wow! that is pretty cool. But, you can only try so much of the Infotainment system on a test drive. So, after purchase when you sync your phone to your new van and realize, wait!....no Android Auto availability! It is available in other 2016 Honda offerings, but missing in the 2016 Odyssey. So the cool wide screen display on the dash is kind of worthless other than showing the Pandora song that is playing, or your trip computer information. So...overall the electronics are flashy but near worthless. Overall, the controls of the Odyssey Infotainment are clunky, slow to respond, and require far too much "eyes off the road" time. This is my second Odyssey, so other things Ive noticed are.....this van has much more road noise than my 2008 Odyssey. Dealer on the test drive suggested to turn up the radio....LOL. Also, the body quarter-panels and hood on this appear to be plastic or some other non-metal material and probably contributes to the added road noise. Cabin body panels are still metal. Overall, though, it still has good interior utility, decent interior materials (far better than the Sienna which I looked very closely at.) I like the drive and seat comfort of my 2016 Odyssey compared to my 2008. Overall, Im not disappointed in my purchase....it is still a great family mover. Im just disappointed/disenchanted that the electronics are so prevalent in the dash, but seriously lacking in useful functionality.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By clyde powell - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, I will keep this vehicle as long as it will last!

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  Great Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By haris - June 4 - 2:36 pm

  This is a great minivan. I dont know why all these people are complaining about gas mileage. I usually get 20 MPG.

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  Roger - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Roger Bache - June 1 - 11:23 pm

  Although we have only owned our 2005 Honda Odyssey for a little over 2 months, we are thrilled with all aspects of this vehicle. It drives likes a high-end luxury vehicle, it is quiet, and the Touring Model has as extraordinary list of options. The safety options are particularly impressive. I am thus far a very satisfied customer.

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  Windstar Rules - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Coolperson - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Gave me a ton of problems.

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  Honda equals poor quality & reliability - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Disgusted in Seattle - May 28 - 2:00 am

  After putting up with various electrical anomalies, excessive road noise, and other issues, our Odyssey experienced sudden and total transmission failure at 37,000 miles. The dealer initially speculated that mice might have been dining on the wiring, not wanting to admit the chronic product defect plaguing these and other models since 1999. It is easy to see why Honda only warranties for 36,000 miles. We just traded it in on a Toyota taking a huge monetary loss in the process. After this experience will never, ever consider another Honda. And we run 6-8 cars typically buying a new one at least every other year.

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  Good value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By deck314 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  We traded in my wifes favorite car, a 91 Saab 900S, for an Odyssey in Jan 04. We never thought wed be driving (and enjoying) a van, but it is simply the best vehicle for our needs (roomy, comfortable, and easily carries the sheepdog). The experience at the "no haggle" dealership was refreshing and devoid of sharks. The van was tagged at $1950 off MSRP, which was about $100 less than the nearest Internet quote. Despite the increased weight, acceleration while merging is notably faster than the Saab. Fit and finish is very high.

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  disappointment - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mary - May 21 - 3:10 am

  My children encouraged me to purchase a Honda. After driving voyagers and caravans for almost twenty years,I was looking forward to moving up to a town and country, instead purchased the touring model of the Odyssey. The car was in the shop for over ten days, two trips to the dealership, two wasted days of my time, to fix an engine light on the dash. The touring model is supposed to have adjustable armrests, not so, and the dealer said it is within parameters. The interior finish is ok but not what I expected from Honda. Would I buy this car again? No, it is not worth 35,000.

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  Extraordinary Van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Yuanshou - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied with almost every aspect of this great van. the only pity is lack of acceleration. reliability is superior to any other brands in the market. my friend has a 1995 one, so far the mileage is 400,000 miles, no problems at all. Its your lifetime transportation tool if you own one.