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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Love it!! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By PollenGuy - March 21 - 2:00 amWe tested all the available mini-vans before we bought this.We love it.One day after we bought it we took out the 2nd row seats, folded down the 3rd seat and loaded up the van with furniture, our dog and our luggage. We drove 2000 miles through the Rockies with no troubles on the hills-lots of oomph.
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Awesome w/ Two Major Exceptions - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Travis - March 19 - 9:36 pmThis van is awesome!!! Handling, interior & options for the money. There are two major exceptions. There is significant vibration from 6 cylinder to 3 cylinder and the paint job is very lacking (unacceptable). The plastic injection molded pieces (front bumper, rear bumper, spoiler) are not completely painted and you can see the plastic through the paint. In summary the paint did not take to the plastic. You can only see this on the white vans. Other than that it is a GREAT VAN!!
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Not a van person - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Bob R - March 19 - 10:00 amI am not a van person, in the past if it had more than two doors it was just too big. Now, with 4 children the mini van is a must. I must say I was very surprised at the drive of the Odyssey. Much to my suprise the feel was very similar to that of my Acura CL. I am not sure how Honda got so much of the truck out and the car feel in but, thanks from a non van person.
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great overall transportation - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By proud owner - March 17 - 9:50 pmThe Honda Odyssey Touring van has many features that appeal to my driving habits. The easy opening doors allow my kids to just climb in a buckle up. The rear hatch does not strain my shoulder anymore while loading groceries in that large deep well. It is easy to manuever in traffic.
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Love It! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Greensboro - March 17 - 12:20 amWe have 4 children and needed a family vehicle to replace the Expedition which is not family friendly. The Odyssey is perfect for our needs. We have 2 children in car seats and the two captains chairs in the 2nd row make it easy to get the kids in and out of while the two older ones can easily get to the 3rd row (not so in the Expedition). Traveling is great. Its quiet and the remote for the DVD makes watching movies a breeze. I love the remote sliding doors. Im pretty satisfied with gas mileage averaging out at 22 mpg.
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Good, but No So Good - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By DH - March 16 - 9:36 pmMy new 2007 Honda Odyssey drives and performs relatively well, but there were two key areas where I am simply not satisfied. My biggest disappointment is in the Odysseys horrible gas mileage, far less that what is quoted by Honda. I only get 15 mpg in city. At over $3 per gallon, this is outrageous. I can almost see the fuel gauge dropping as Im driving down the road. In addition, Honda Co. decided to save money at the consumers expense by no longer including basic items like cargo netting, middle row compartment lazy Susan, etc. in their 2007 models, as they have in previous years. It was a let down to find this out after purchasing the vehicle.
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Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By JLSTFA - March 14 - 10:00 amOur 2003 Odyssey EX-L RES has thus far been exactly what we expected in all aspects. It spacious, quiet, handles great, and is packed with the features we desire. The Honda reputation for quality, which we have come to expect, shines through in this vehicle. Over the years we have owned 5 Hondas, including this minivan, and we continue to be fans of Honda vehicles. Plus: The kids love the DVD system.
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Overall winner - Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Melissa Mcvay - March 14 - 10:00 amAfter weeks of test driving mini-vans, the choice was clear. The Honda Odyssey was the best hands down. I cant truly say that there was even a close second. The Odyssey won us over with its sleek styling and top rated performance. Byh far, It was the most luxurious, comfortable van in the field.
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Good vehicle for the price - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By dopsdad - March 12 - 2:00 amPurchased two years ago with 84K miles, (just because its a Honda) and it now has 125K. Ignition switch went bad, but I think that was a fluke and it cost less than $100 to fix. A/C developed a leak over the winter, but it has the R134a system which will keep repair costs down. All other mechanical parts work great. Two minor problems are broken cup holder and cracked arm rest on door that makes irritating noises. The best thing about this vehicle is that Im never concerned about it breaking down. How do you put a price on peace of mind?
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Seriously Consider Tires - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By jennifer - March 11 - 10:46 pmThis is my second Honda Odyssey. We decided to "upgrade" to the 2005 Touring because of all its great features including run-flat tires. Little did we know that even in a city as big as Houston there are only four places certified to replace the tires. Not even my Honda dealership can touch the tires! Mine only have 22,000 miles on them are going to cost around $300 each to have them replaced. Although I love my van, Im beginning to have some regrets about buying it. It is worth a little extra research time to decide whether this is really the van for you.
