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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67,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By Cameron Heimleton - December 17 - 12:42 pmWe purchased this van in October 2010 before we had our first child. We traded in a 2002 accord on it for more practicality and it has been great for the past 63/4 years! Comfortable, Reliable (Except for the water pump at 52k) , Practical, and relatively fuel efficient for its large size. We now have 3 children and plan to keep this till winter and then try to upgrade to a 2018. I would recommend this to anybody in the market for a used minivan.
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2000 Honda Road Trip - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By AWagner12 - December 14 - 2:00 amThis vehicle was a great choice for my family. It rides like a car, yet looks nothing like one. It fells rock solid while driving. It feels on a par with many SUVs on the road. Gas mileage is not great, but its not a pig either. The only problem I encountered was with the door seals on the sliding doors. The R/S door sometimes sticks so bad it feels like you may break the door handle both in/out if you force it. The dealer says silicone spray is the best way to fix the problem. I had a pollution control go bad after the 36,000 mile warranty...but it was covered by law. Due to the safety rating I will most likely buy another new next year.
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The Odyssey is good but needs improvement - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Fred Hahn - December 13 - 3:40 pmGood car. Better than our Buick Rendevous. Smooth ride, good power, good pick up and steering. Feels secure and sure-footed. Snow driving was fair -- not nearly as good as the Rendevous. Why dont they make an AWD model? Wake up Honda! NEEDS telescoping steering wheel (This is supposed to be a touring model right?)You just cant get extremely comfortable. There is no mute button for the radio to be found! We got kids! ARGH! DVD system is nice. There is no random CD setting on the sound system (painful), again, this is a touring model! Arm rests are too small, not built for Americans. But the American vans were bad too! No coin separator holder! When rear seats are down there is 0 rear storage
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Best deal in town - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By EROOSE - December 13 - 10:00 amI love to shop for car. But being a family man my options were limited. I looked at the big three Honda, Toyota and Nissan. No one came close to offering what Honda did.The other guys prices were three thousand and more for the samre options. I take the Honda, the quality, the fit and finish and the same ponies under the hood and bank the extra cash to save up for the big screen
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awsome - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Mary Thayer - December 13 - 10:00 amTHE CAR PERFORMS WELL IN ALL KINDS OF TRAFFIC AND IS VERY COMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN WITH CHILDREN THE DVD PLAYER IS A MUST
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Odyssee - 2012 Honda Odyssey
By Larry B - December 13 - 6:31 amVery reliable with excellent gas mileage for such a large vehicle. Very few maintenace issues encountered over 4 years. Have owned two and will probably consider getting another one. Recommend with anyone with a family. Lots of features.
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Nice van, fun to drive... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Tom - December 12 - 6:30 amWe previously owned a Dodge Caravan and the Odyssey blows it away in every way. It handles extremely well and is a dream on long road trips. Honda engineering is second to none and they have certainly listened to minivan ownwers with kids by incorporationg second row seats that move apart or together, second row windows that can be lowered and of course the stowable 3rd row seats. Fuel economy leaves a bit to be desired, and the price is a bit steep -- but you do get what you pay for. Other than that, we have been pleased so far.
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Too bad they dont make them any more... - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By EN - December 10 - 2:00 amWhat a wonderful minivan! Comfortable, roomy inside/not too big outside, reliable, drives like a car, extremely versatile. Its a pity that Honda succumbed (very successfully at that) to US market pressure to build this models successor. This model had the highest J.D. Powers customer satisfaction index ever, indicating it struck a sensitive chord among a number of buyers. I, for one, have loved it from day one, and intend to keep it for as long as it runs (judging from past experience with Honda, that will be many years to come).
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Most Reliable Vehicle Ive Owned - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By Ktoes - December 7 - 2:00 amI leased this Odyssey in 12/95, then purchased it. It now has 118,000 miles and the car has been trouble free. The only problem was the muffler that fell off right after the warranty ended, but Honda replaced it free of charge. My wife loves this car & does not want to trade for a newer one! I have owned 5 Hondas and all of them have been reliable & care free. The interior has held up exceptionally well and the motor is still strong. I will get a new CR-V when my wife decides to give it up...
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Best Minivan - PERIOD - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Sheba099 - December 7 - 2:00 amIve owned/rented just about every minivan known to man. The HOnda is the absolute best that there is. And talk about resale, there is nothing even remotely close to it in the industry. Try a Honda, and you will be a fan for life.