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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  Best Car in 50 Years of Driving - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Joan H. - February 17 - 5:06 pm

  The car handles beautifully in wet and snowy weather. Quiet and extremely comfortable to ride in, it has v/good acceleration, offering safe access to busy expressways and parkways. The 3/6 cylinder motor offers economy. For once, we are not fighting for trunk space (usually we do not use the third row of seats). Each of us has a big plastic storage box in the trunk, and we still have ample space for our five suitcases when traveling. The four dogs also have plenty of room. The largest of the four (50 lbs.) likes to ride in the front seat whenever I drive alone; when the seat warmer is on, she curls up for a nap. Even my friends who are critical of suvs and vans havent complained.

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  We love our Honda Odyssey - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Fong - February 15 - 2:00 am

  We like Japanese cars. We had a Toyota Camry before which we loved it. When we needed to upgrade to a minivan in 1996. We compared both Honda Odyssey and Toyota Previa. Honda Odyssey drives more like a car and is very passenger-friendly. After we own Honda Odyssey, we discover that Hondas designs are very smart. In 2001, when we needed to buy another sedan, we chose Honda Accord over Toyota Camry.

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  Darn good van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By paulbkirby - February 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van used (Honda Certified) in 10/02. It had half the mileage of all the other Odysseys on the lot making me suspicious, but it was Certified so I figured we were safe. So far so good. We got it for several thousand under TMV and have been very happy with it to date. No mechanical problems. Electrical problem is only that the interior lights sometimes dont come on when the drivers door is opened. Annoying, but not a major issue.

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  Great Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By sharonw - February 14 - 2:00 am

  We love our Honda Minivan! We waited until the new Siennas to come out to make our purchasing decision, and we preferred the suspension on the honda. The Toyota was very nice, but we liked the honda better.

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  Watch out for the - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By monkeysmom4 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  We ordered this car with all the bells and whistles. Probably should have taken one off the lot...We are on our 2nd transmission (with problems as well) and the power doors have continually been a problem since year two. Navigation system needs updating through Honda, but I have to do all the work in obtaining a disc (whats up with that?) Have been told "off the record" that Honda made these so quickly that many have had similar problems. We loved our Accord back in the late 80s and thought Honda was a reliable name. I wont be buying another and am looking for its replacement!

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  never again - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By mjmcl - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After 4 sets of breaks and 2 sets of drums the breaking system sound like the axle is going to fall off. The side doors wount open when its cold. Neither of the problems could be solved by the dealership even after 2 1/2 years of trying. I bought a honda because they were suppose to be able to go over 100,000 miles, not this one.

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  If it werent for those PAX tires... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By John - February 10 - 5:40 pm

  I put on 2000 miles a month. I get about 20 mpg in town, and 23-25 on the highway at 60-65. At 70-75 on the interstate, its about 22 mpg. Nothing to complain about there. The car is more comfortable than the Grand Caravans Ive owned, or than my sons 08 Sienna. The feel on the road is much better than the Sienna for me as a driver or passenger. Ill get about 35K on the PAX tires, and then Ill dump them and the rims. WheelMax has the replacements, and various Honda dealers online have the tire pressure sensors at $35 apiece. The whole switch will cost what new PAX tires would, and then anyone can repair/replace a blowout.

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  GOOD FAMILY VEHICLE - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By GLD67016 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This is our third Honda product (Accord and Acura Legend). As usual, Honda seems to have it figured out "under the hood" but could use some assistance with interior design and other mechanical features. Wife and children love the vehicle. I enjoy the drive when given the opportunity.

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  Was disappointed in the van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Debbiebeth - February 8 - 8:43 pm

  The van rides well but the gas mileage is not anywhere near the figures quoted. Have owned this van 4 months and it has been in the shop 3 times already. Has had the brakes go out - and there was a recall on them. The passenger seatbelt is uncomfortable and Honda does not have an extension available. Has had one run-flat tire already had to be replaced. We found to replace the run-flat tire is $650.00 according to the dealer. Thought the hidden compartment was cool - but found is impractical to use.

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  The Odyssey of Comfort - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Alex - February 5 - 10:23 pm

  I was totally against the idea of buying a minivan, until I sat in the Odyssey. It blew my mind! I always assumed that a minivan was boring. This van is nowhere near boring....you can not put Odyssey and boring in the same sentence. I love the comfort of it. Most of all, I love the easy access in putting in and taking out my daughter from the van. I no longer have the back problems from bending in the car to get her car seat in and out. It drives like a BMW. Its a Smooth ride. It hugs the road and thats comforting to a new mommy. (Especially in the rain).