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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  2007 Honda Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By paco - March 9 - 7:30 am

  Salesman told me I would do better than the Toyota Sienna I traded in which was a lie. Toyota Sienna got 19 combined city/highway and 28 highway; Honda Odyssey gets 16 1/2 combined city highway and 21 highway which is a big disappointment.

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  Honda Orphaned my Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By ottok - March 9 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Honda 99 has been performing good. However, lateley (62K miles) it has been developing a hard shift into 2nd gear. The dealer diagnosed the problem and quoted me $5000 for an new transmission. Honda have extended the warranty to a select few VIN number. I who bought mine from Canada was excluded. Honda has pretty much orphaned its own product due to a technicality.

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  GOTTA LOVE HONDA MINIVANS - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HONDA MOM - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda minivan and my kids love it even more. It has a luxurious and smooth ride, power everything, even heated seats. It is the ultimate kid vehicle for comfort. They can sit in the back and recline their seats on long rides to sleep. They watch movies or listen to music on the headphones. I never hear a peep.

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  Stereo Controls - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By S. Norrbom - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently went to CA and used my sisters Element. I hadnt realized how much I used the controls for the stereo on the steering of my Odyssey until I was driving her car and it wasnt there! I also wanted to be able to fit alot of family/friends when they visit. The Odyssey does the trick!

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  Jacobsen Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Deanne Jacobsen - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve loved every minute of having this automobile. I researched for over a year before choosing this minivan. I havent regreted my choice for a second. This will be the only model of Minivan that this family ever has.

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  Great Van, Some Problems - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By avj97 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had the 2000 EX for almost 4 years. Its been a great van but has had some trouble spots. First those electric doors, we had to reset them at least twice and replace the motor on one side which is NOT cheap, fortunately they covered it under warrenty even though we had just passed 35,000. Second is the brakes. My husband says its the drums, they creak and make a lot of noise. Replacing the pads did not help. Sound system could be MUCH better and the front seats could be more comfortable. Other than that we have loved the van. It has enormous amounts of space and the seat flexibility is great.

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  We love it. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dr. Daryl - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We needed room we got it with the Odyssey. The second row of seats has more room than anything we looked at including the gargantuan Suburban. It is perfectly reliable, easy to drive, easy to see out of, and provides all the room needed for long holiday trips. Remote side doors essential when raising infant twins. The dealership (Honda of St. Johns in Portland, OR) was the best automotive experience Ive ever had. I expect that level of service from nice restaurants, not dealerships, but we were treated so incredibly well.

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  Bought into all the hype, big mistake - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Too Tall at 6 even - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Bad luck from day one. Leaked oil all over the garage floor. SInce then put new tranny in at 30K, multiple problems with drivers seat and sliding doors. Rattles throughout the interior. Rear liftgate is fine if you are under 5 ft 10. I am six feet and have the bumps on my head to proove it. Honda service is horrible. Should have bought the Toyota Sienna as planned but believed all the outstanding reviews on the Honda. Yes, I am a sucker for a sales pitch...

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  Soccer Dad - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By KCMakovec - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I was a dad that absolutely refused to buy a mini-van...until I drove the Odessey. The ride and handling sold me. Excellent MPG, interior features and roominess were simply bonuses. I dont regret for a minute having traded in my decked out (was in the Kansas City autoshow) SUV for this great vehicle.

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  Best Family Vehicle - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dqtmg2 - March 2 - 5:13 am

  We have 5 kids and our Pilot was getting too small for the big kids, so we looked at the Odyssey. After the first test drive all of the kids were upset we left without buying one (our 4 year old cried), but we wanted a different color and a little better price. We really love everything inside the van, the backup mirror, dvd, storage space, and comfort of the seats in the rear are the best features. If you decide to get accessories for the Odyssey, look online first, as the exact same ones we were going to get at the dealer are much cheaper online (floor mats, trim).