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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  transmission troubles - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaham - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this van for almost 3 years nad have had the transmission replaced two times (under warranty both times). I have been dissapointed in the engine quality for a Honda, other than that super vehicle.

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  06 Odyssey is a very nice van. . . - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dmaxwellh - January 5 - 4:13 am

  The vehicle drives well and is quite comfortable. We have had no quality issues in the first few months and 3000 miles. Our mileage has averaged 19-22 mpg. I was surprised that a few simple items have been overlooked by Honda, such as an auto-on/off feature for the headlights and an auto-lock feature for the doors. These should be standard across the model lineup! I also believe that for such a safety-minded vehicle that power adjustable pedals should be available on each model, as well. Overall, my family has been pleased with the Odyssey. By, the way, our first venture in to snow was not too successful, thus new Blizzak snow tires have been ordered!

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  Vanilla van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Eric Barrows - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Old design no fun too big to park

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  Soccer Family Tranquilizer Gun - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By familyvanman - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The EX/L model with the DVD entertainment system is like shooting the kids with a tranquilizer gun. Total silence!! We purchased 2 extra sets of headphones for the back (4 total) and I can listen to country music in front and the kids can either put in a DVD or some crappy Rap CD that I dont have to listen to and theyre happy...and so am I!!! Whoever thought up the ntertainment system was a genius. The fold down rear seat gets used all the time at the soccer fields. When it rains, the back hatch serves as a perfect cover. The only problem since buying the Odyssey is that we had to replace the climate control system.

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  2000 Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By mogll - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Of all minivans we looked at, the Odyssey was by far the best value with outstanding engine performance in all driving terrains & conditions. The 3rd seat is great with its stowaway capability. If you remove the center seats you can fit a queen size air mattress completely under the 3rd seat with the air plug accessible from the rear hatch the mattress will extend all the way up to the front seats covering the entire floor area. This is a great configuration for long distance travel. My wife & I are about 66" and can completely stretch out side-by-side to sleep comfortably.

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  Great Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By BK Patel - January 2 - 6:26 am

  Great fuel economy, 20 mpg. Great ride only some road noise due to choice of Bridgestone tires. Great finish and paint. Great handling and braking. Great acceleration and power. Great interior. Great safety ratings. Great value for money. Great resale value maintained in future. Great reliability

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  disappointing - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By unfortunate - January 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever purchased. In one year we have needed to replace the altenator, have the sliding doors adjusted twice (and still not right)and replace the pilling interior fabric (which Honda has not yet done). Based on the perfomrance of this car and the manufacturer, I will not buy another Honda again.

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  Solid, reliable, practical - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By BS-NY - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Is it a sports car? No, its a minivan. And its about as good as they get. The older model -- slightly smaller than the new one introduced in 1999 -- is more car-like in its size, handling, exit/egress and ride than any other minivan youll drive, including the newer Odysseys. Its reliable. Its economical. Its safe. So what if its just a little bit boring?

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By K-vill - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Over all pleased with the Honda. The customer support has been better than any other dealer I have worked with in the past. I do have an issue with the brake noise and the small arm rest. We have also replaced the windshield for the third time in less than 18 months. It seems that the aero dynamics pulls rocks into the windshield not over it. We are going to try a bug shield.

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  Simply The Best Minvan - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Mit Trawets - December 29 - 9:54 am

  This car purchase has been by far the best one we have ever made. Seriously, once you are a Honda Odyssey owner, you are one for life. We purchased our 2012 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite new for our growing family. We had a 9 year old, a Labrador, and newly born twins and needed a large vehicle. Our intention was to purchase an SUV but after test driving them and comparing them to a minivan, there was no other sensible choice. After trying multiple other minivans, the clear winner was the Odyssey. The build quality was far more superior than any other make. Too many other vans had really cheap "chrome" - why? Our van is now 5 years old and we have never had any trouble other than replacing tires that probably wore out too soon. We chose the Touring Elite because it was the top of the line and had all of the features we wanted. Now for what we dont like- Navigation is dated and was so in 2012, USB is in the glove compartment and Bluetooth has a built-in delay which is totally annoying. The front drivers seat could extend a bit further back too. Our next vehicle will be a new Odyssey in for near future.