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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  Only Wish It Were Quieter - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By porknpie - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Currently have 54K miles on our Odyssey. Originally purchased new. If you are looking for a dependable used van, I would highly recommend. The 2000s have problems with the automatic door closing mechanism and evidently, the transmission. Honda fixed the door closer by relacing the motors on both sides free of charge and post the warranty period. Transmission warranty was extended to 100K miles. Overall, 20-21 MPG.

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  First NEW Car! Way cool! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Family! - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Been the owner of a 1990 Caravan for 13 years, and have poured a ton of $$ into it over the years. Tried to avoid a car payment, but this van is soooooo worth it! Weve owned a Civic, a Prelude, have an Accord and now the OdysseyÂ…the Honda product is just amazing. The drive, the safety and reliability you just cant find in many makes. Ill have this for at least til the kids go off to college (15 years) and have no doubts it will still be a great van. And Auburn Honda is the most amazing dealership too! Well worth the drive.

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  Over-Priced!! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By george - April 8 - 7:37 pm

  The review by Edmunds is completely not what l found in the 2014 Odyssey. One good thing I enjoyed about this model is that the fuel economy is very good. However this mini van was very loud in the cabin especially when you the odometer reaches 55 plus miles. Also it is very light. I still love my 2007 Nissan quest which has better acceleration and handling than the Honda odyssey.

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  CRACKED ENG-BLOCK @ 1400 MILES!? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By George - April 8 - 2:23 pm

  Been wanting an Odyssey since last model, knowing of their reliability and value! To make a long story short, @ 1400 miles oil started leaking which ended up to be a cracked engine block ... as per Honda and their engineers, they told/approved the dealership to "fix" it with some kind of BOND!!! Is this what you would want? I wanted a substitute of collateral (another car)... Honda Motor said, the engine has to crack again @ least a few more times. Until then dont even think about us giving you another car!!! Sincerely,Not a satisfied consumer

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  Rear Entertainment System FAIL! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve Curran - April 7 - 10:19 pm

  I bought the 2018 to replace a 2006 Odyssey. I am normally impressed with Hondas quality. However, I would not recommend buying this car if you have a family. We bought it specifically for family road trips. The Rear Entertainment System failed within a month. This made the 4 hour road trip for the solar eclipse painful!! Took it back to the dealer, they said Honda knows about the problem, but there is no fix right now. Until this is fixed, do not buy this vehicle if you have young kids. Unless you want to pay additional money for an after market DVD player.

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  Best Minivan Ever!!!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By WeloveourOdyssey - April 6 - 2:00 am

  There just isnt a better minivan on the market. We love ours so much, were selling it to lease a new one. Just take a look at where the resell values are at compared to every other minivan out there. Honda is the best, hands down!

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  Complete Family car - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By rajesh kalavakury - April 4 - 3:53 pm

  This is my 1st minivan and i love it. Driving is Sporty, comfortable and at the same time less noisy when compared to previous years. Technology is user friendly

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  Nascar Dad - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By mjred24 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have two mini vans, a dodge and our odyssey. let me say this, there is NO comparison between these two vehicles! Ive had numerous problems with the dodge and only routine maintenance on the odyssey. The odyssey handles, accelerates, and drives like a dream (compared to other mini vans)... I travel between 30-40k a year on the road, so I have alot of seat time to back up my claim. I would highly recommend the odyssey to anyone!

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  Great Van - lots of room - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By btmpit - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Odyssey has a lot of room and its engine is very peppy. We will be taking it on vacation in the near future and I am looking forward to the trip. The captains chairs in the second row are very comfortable. The fact that the rear passengers can control the heat/ac fan settings is awesome.

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  My new Honda Odyssey with RES - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jacquelin - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I love that the Honda Odyssey came out with the RES with the cloth interior before you needed to get an EX with leather and RES. Its a great minivan my wife primarily drives it with our kids and they love it especially on long trips! Its very roomy, comfortable, plenty of storage space, it just rides great.