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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  Doesnt age well... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By cgharlow - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I was very happy with the minivan for the 1st year. But the last 1 1/2 years it has not been aging well at all. Very disappointing for a Honda. Brakes are noisy, driver side sliding door doesnt work on either remote 50% of the time, starting to get power failures, odd noise at start up (hopefully just a belt), and we are already on its 3rd battery.

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  VERY disappointed! Go look at other brands. - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By gloria lorenzo-luaces - December 27 - 5:24 pm

  I am 45 and this is my 4th car ever...they have all been Hondas. I recently bought a 2016 Odyssey LX and am EXTREMELY disappointed with how CHEAP it looks, feels, and is. They have cut so many corners that its not worth the 28K I paid. This vehicle is replacing my 2003 Odyssey LX that has been with me for 13 years and 162K miles....they dont compare. The quality of the interior materials of the 2003 are far, far better than the 2016. The 2016 only has one arm rest on the captains chairs in the middle row. It doesnt come with a third row carpet/mat and the carpet finishing cant get any cheaper/shottier. There are random seams throughtout the floor carpeting without any finishing...just fraying and putting out strands of carpet/insulation debris. The AC controls in the cabin/rear are small and cheap. The upholstery fabric feels weak and thin, while the seats have much less padding and are harder/more uncomfortable. The rear window has been made smaller, therefore less visibility out the back and the storage space under the 3rd row seat has been deleted and taken up by useless panels. While the split cargo seat might be a nice feature, I prefer the storage space underneath the bench seat. Also, the head rests (3rd row) are ridiculously large and awkward and almost complete block the rear window view for the driver. The faux leather fabric behind the front row captain chairs has been replaced with a cheap, thin, material that will snag with anything that brushes up against it (and that is the way in and out of the vehicle for rows 2/3). Finally, they have replaced the stowable center tray table between the driver/passenger seat (in the 2003) with a ridiculously cheap/plastic cup holder thing on the floor which is useless, uncomfortable and in the way since it is permanent and my kids insist on stepping on it. Overall, I have always LOVED Hondas because they are quality made and very reliable, so when it was time to replace my 2003 I didnt even consider any other brand of vehicle, but I am so disappointed in my 2016 Odyssey, this will likely be my LAST Honda. Sorry I mentioned CHEAP so many times, felt like a broken record, but that is exactly what this vehicle is CHEAP!!!

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  2005 Honda EX - 21,000 Miles - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Toto - December 24 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had this car for 1 1/2 years now and must say that I have been impressed by the Minivan. With 21K+ Miles on it now, the Van has been safe, secure and stable on wet/slippery/icy roads of the North East. The VSC has really been great and the Brakes/Handling have been very good. My primary reasons for selecting this van over Toyota were the Standard Safety features and I have not been disappointed. Average Mileage 21 MPG.

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  ignore sticker mpg - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Greg - December 24 - 2:36 am

  Nice van. Seats are wonderful. Drives excellent, relatively quiet for a van. Engine noise is non-exsistent. MPG is horibble, no where near 20-28 on sticker. VCM is almost pointless at 75 mph so increase in mileage at interstate speeds is terrible. If you drive 45 mph everywhere it may get 25 mpg. Averages 19 mpg with 90% interstate driving, thats not even what it was advertised to get in TOWN! Only problems with some faulty weather stripping yet, but have only had it 2 months and 3500 miles. My 1st Honda so will be curious if it will be reliable. Dealership and sales people horrible. Tried 3 different Honda dealers, none seem to want you business.

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  Ody Paint Job - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By jlsxpressllc - December 21 - 11:50 pm

  Vehicle seems to drive well except for a slight pull to the right. Transmission seems to hunt when driving slowly around town. Does much better when given a little gas and highway speeds.

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  My Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By gbeith - December 21 - 2:00 am

  We have hod very little problem with the car, and the dealership has been very good from the first day onwards. Even helped with stains on the rear carpet for no charge. The problem we have faced is that the fuel cap once broke down whilst on a long trip, which caused several warning lights to come on (took a lot of reading and calls to finally determine the problem), and reduced economy for that period.

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  Best Minivan i ever had - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Forte - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I like driveing this van.

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  Another tranny failure - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By rolly - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Our tranny gave out at 71K. Lucky for the extended warrantee. The failure was very fast with little warning. I am not happy with the fit and finish of this van. Paint chips easily, dashboard has very thin color coating which scratches easily. rattles and shakes abound. Anti-theft key system failure left us stranded for two days early on.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mmhdbeckley4 - December 17 - 8:46 pm

  We bought the Honda Odyssey in May 2006, and I actually wonder now why we waited so long! I LOVE it, its fun to drive, very comfortable and even my husband who swore he would never drive a mini van loves to drive it! Its perfect for our family, it holds us our kids and our dogs comfortably on our trips. It also has lots of fun features, the kids love the DVD player, and I love the NAV system, its nice to know I will never get lost again! I would definitely recommend the Odyssey to anyone in the market for a mini van.

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  Super Odyssey Van.....Funmobile, PLUS - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Super Odyssey - December 17 - 7:10 pm

  This van is the best I have ever had, or driven in!!! Handles bumps with ease with a smooth ride. Excellent performance, fun ride, awesome features. The seats are comfortable like sitting in a lounge chair. The interior appearance is luxurious and practical. I like all the extra features. The dealership was helpful and made you feel right at home.