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 other minivan compares - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By 4Hondas - May 7 - 2:00 amI have owned honda vehicles since my first one in 1985. They are without a doubt the most reliable vehicle you can buy. Our new Odyssey is no exception. I noted that there are many negative reviews in here. All I can say is that they must be using it for off road purposes! My wife, kids and I couldnt be happier after dumping our Dodge Grand Caravan that had MANY problems, including a transmission that needed to be replaced. The Odyssey is one of the tops for reliabilty and worksmanship. Our Grand Caravan was terrible and all of our friends and aquaintences said the same about their american vans.
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This van rocks! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By thockman - May 7 - 2:00 amThe Odyssey is everything my family wants in a minivan. Alright, so its no sports car, but with the V6, 240 horsepower engine, it has power to spare when getting on the highway. The cabin is voluminous, so the kids hang out far in the back. The power outlet makes for easy TV/DVD hookup without buying the overpriced iVES. Highly recommended.
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Honda Odyssey "Outstanding" - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Joe G - May 7 - 2:00 amComfort, reliable and quite, plus a powerful engine. Cant get any finer mini van
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Only 300 miles, but... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Chris - May 3 - 1:03 amWe just bought this 07 Odyssey and have only had it 1 week, but so far this vehicle is very well built, extremely comfortable, and performs and handles very well for a minivan. First tank of gas I averaged 20 mpg with mostly city driving. Im expecting this to improve as the engine breaks in. I read one review that said they got 14mpg on a tank and I couldnt believe it, how were you driving? In fact, most of the negatives I read about this vehicle was on gas mileage, but I guess those people never owned SUVs. I traded a Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV which was a great vehicle, but we wanted the extra seats and better fuel mileage. So far, so good. Ill write another review when I get more miles.
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Bought a 2nd One - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By duck - May 2 - 10:00 amliked it so much I bought a 2nd one
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY EXL - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By BOB - May 1 - 3:56 pmPleasantly surprised at handling and comfort of this minivan after trading in my Lexus GX470 for it. Need seating for grandkid visits. 8 passenger option a real plus. Would have bought the Touring model except for the run flat tires.
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Wonderful Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Onlysee - April 30 - 6:26 pmGreat Van! I traded in my 2004 Odyssey EX-RES for the 2006 EX. I love the re-design, and I couldnt be happier with my new vehicle. The ride is smoother, handles better, and has more cupholders than my family could ever dream of using.
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5 years and getting our second - 2016 Honda Odyssey
By shawn - April 29 - 9:13 amWe are getting our second one replacing our 2011 the brakes SUCK weve gone through 3 sets of rotors up front and one axle in 70 thousand miles.However we load the carp out of it roof box four bikes and camping gear to the top inside .the brakes are off the 94 - 02 Acura tl so its under braked they added better venting now so well see. Over all its a good buy
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BUM doors are defectiveNot a HONDA - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By ForSale - April 29 - 2:00 amWe love Hondas but this one is a not really Honda. The ride quality is not really up to par, We are on our third incident with broken side doors that DONT open! Much to Hondas credit, they fixed them for free, but not the damage that the broken doors caused to the paint. We have a complaint in to Honda, our dealer Valencia Honda was non responsive. I want to sell it quick.
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Great family minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Sylvia - April 28 - 2:00 amOverall nice car. Perfect for a growing family and all the gear. The Odyssey is great for around town and wonderful on long trips.
