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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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Redfish5 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Odyssey since the design change to the larger style. The first minivan I owned was a Grand Caravan that I bought new. After 3 yrs of many problems and headaches at the dealership I decided to trade it for aÂ’99 Odyssey. I had it for a few yrs and traded up to a new 03 model. Honda service has been far superior to other dealerships I have dealt with. This vehicle drives much better than the Grand Caravan I owned. If you are buying a minivan, give the Odyssey serious consideration. If it is a little more expensive than another model you are considering, it will be cheaper in the long run with fewer service calls and a whole lot less headaches at the dealership.

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  Mini-Van Skeptic...Until Now - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By AFSnDJS - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We were an SUV family for 10 years until recently baby #3 came along. I was resisting getting a MiniVan because I felt it wasnt "my style". Lets face it, I didnt want to feel old. Well I had come to grips with my style/age issue(im only 31)and decide what would be best for us. I have to say as im sinking into my seat and cringing that it was a smart move. I admited that to my husband with just a smile the first time I drove our new Odyssey and got the "i told you so" which i completely deserved. The van is incredible and my kids are in their glory with all the extra room and the dvd system..well if i have to drive a minivan its gotta have a TV =)

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  Best available, can be better - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hitesh Parekh - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my Odyssey from past 3 months & have absolutely no complaints. Though looks huge, surprisingly rides very smoothly. Long drive can be tiring due to not-so- comfortable seats & unsupportive arm rest.

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  Boring box - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By rondor - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a very boring boxey vehicle with a great engine and drivetrain. The vehicles side doors rattle and the service depatment does not know how to fix them. The gas mileage is terrible and hadling is slugish. Its great for traveling with kids. Hard to park and backup. Rear visability is poor.

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  TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ex-hondafan - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 04 Odyssey over the Sienna an although the vehicle rides nice I am very upset over the very low gas mileage I am getting (12-16 mpg). I have a 2003 Ford F150 Supercrew with the V8 that is getting much better mileage than this car. The dealer and Honda America both say that 12-16 mpg is acceptible and within the expected range!! Unbelievable - why do they put 19/24 on the window sticker then? With gas pushing $2/gallon I would recommend a different vehicle for this reason alone.

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  Wonderful Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DSJR - February 26 - 2:00 am

  After looking at all of the minivans on the market it was obvious Honda did their homework. Excellent quailty, power and comfort. When you consider the amazing resale value, there is no way to go wrong.

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  Good for a family of 6 - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By tkolber - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle in terms of reliability, fit, and finish. The mini- van has a great dela of pep for the size vehicle. Has a sporty ride as oppoed to a very soft luxury car ride. Excellent heating and cooling system. Some options such as automatic headlamps and battery rundown protection are a disappointment as they are not avaialable on this mini-van.

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  2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Barb - February 21 - 10:36 am

  Great vehicle to drive and ride in. Had a large SUV previously and do not miss it plus there is more room in the Odyssey.

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By moelladeville - February 21 - 4:46 am

  Purchased Odyssey over Sienna because in the Sienna, you must use headphones w/DVD (although the commercial depicts this differently). I have toddlers who wont wear headphones. Also, Sienna loads DVD from second row, Odyssey loads it from front seat (driver can do it). Would like a better center console in the front. Rear console is okay if you dont want to use third-row seating. Dont really use the lazy Susan that they tout. I love the second row windows that go down. Nav and dvd are great.

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  The best vehicle I have ever owned!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ohioangels - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the easiest van to drive! The vision is excellant, with little "blind" spots, if any. I put major miles on every year, and my I will never own another brand then Honda. Comfortable, reliable, easy to handle and to manover ... Honda has cornered the market!