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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  Great for the Heat...not for the cold. - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By NRSP - April 27 - 9:46 pm

  We bought the 2018 Honda Odyssey to replace our 2006 Toyota Sienna. So alot has happened technologically so that was something getting used to. Although I still am mourning the loss of the CD player...but we will have to find a way. The controls for the temperatures are another story...I dont mind that things are touch-screen, but some things just can be reached without taking off the gloves...and when the windchill is -20 degree outside, its pretty tough. PLUS we spent an entire 8 hour drive from Chicago to Cleveland trying to figure out how to get the defrost/defogger to work properly. We ended up with windows that were frosted ON THE INSIDE of the car because we couldnt figure out the proper settings. All in all the van is good. Just the temperature controls have issues. In terms, of interior storage...we found that the back seats dont lie completely flat. There are bumps and ridges on the seats that would not allow you to lay something down. For example...if I wanted to sleep in the back of the van while camping, it would be very hard because the molding on the seats would make it near impossible to only have a sleeping bag. You would need a mattress to cover up the plastic on the backs of the seats.

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  Vans are better than SUVs. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By John Lederer - April 19 - 9:30 pm

  Excellent car, drives more like a car than a van.Two things Id change:put in digital dash, you cant read the dashboard with sunglasses;next it would be nice to have an audio alarm on the parking brake. We frequently drive with it on. Also it would be satisfing to be able to notify the manufacturer with suggestions.

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  2000 Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Cwynar - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, comfortable, good ride. Would buy again.

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  not hondas best effort - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By bellybuttonlint - April 18 - 2:00 am

  After owning a plymouth voyager, i was disappointed in the quality of the hondas interior features and equipment. The cupholders are flimsy causing frequent spills. The stereo system is second rate for a car of this caliber. Doors and body creak. Brakes and suspension are noisy. Gas mileage is poor. The folding rear seat is a nifty feature. The middle row captians chairs do not recline very far and this annoys my children.

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  mini van - maxi pleasure - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By drdan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Not just for the soccer mom but also for the golfing dad. comfort and storage great. Gas mileage in town could be better.All in all a very sweet car!

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  Buying an Odyssey is a Pain - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Tweed - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The dealership that I was negotiating with was high pressure and the sales manager even screamed at me "DONT BUY THE MPV" repeatedly. A simply "Our resale value is better would have sufficed." I had to go elsewhere even though the car was offered at MSRP. Perhaps all this isnt worth getting the most popular minivan.

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  Its a honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By abused in maine - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent minivan. The power and handling are excellent, although it does have a bit of torque steer when accelerating. When comparing features and price with other minivans, the honda was by far the best. Maine pot holes and salt have not hindered our Honda in the first year, nor do I expect it to be hindered in the future. Overall an excellent vehicle.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By rabatson - April 15 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Honday Odyssey is perfect except for one thing: road noise thru the sliding doors. Ive had my doors checked (the noise thru the passenger door being particularly loud) by the dealership I purchased it from and they say everything is normal. The front passenger often cannot hear a normal conversation in the van due to the noise coming into thru the sliding door behind him. Ive talked to other Odyssey owners and they say its not a problem for them.

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  A great Honda family hauler - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By remowilms - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. Ive been a Honda person for 15 yrs now. To me, even with its early model flaws (trans and sliding doors) this is still a great product. It still beats most of its competitors and if youll look at all the brand new vans they are copying the style of this van...to include the fold in the floor seats. I had one door handle break due to the door sealing too good. It was covered under warranty and Honda had just release a Tech bulletin to fix my exact problem. I love the versatility of the seating and the extra space in the rear with the seats up or down.

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  Hoping its as good as I hope - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By keenejim - April 13 - 12:53 am

  I have read about the Honda Odyssey since 1999 and thought about getting one. Ive been to many dealerships over the years and finally decided to take the plunge on the new 2005. The vehicle is unmatched in creature comforts. Frankly, Im not sure what others talk about when they say the 2005 Odyssey isnt quiet. While its not a Lexus, it is pretty quiet-much quieter than previous Odysseys. Also, a MUCH better stereo. It isnt as comfortable as some other vehicles, but handles so much better than any other minivan, theres really no contest. Great in snow. Overall impressive, but Im a bit concerned with passenger sliding door and the windshield fluid not working right yet! Hoping!