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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  A great MiniVan - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By odm321 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  We have had the van for 2 years and have enjoyed owning it more than any other vehicle we have ever had. The van has plenty of get up and is very comfortable on long trips and just around town. Ample room for seven adults wich we have had on many occations.

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  Great though not perfect van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dr. Perfection - November 30 - 10:00 am

  What makes a vehicle a great one? It lives up to what it says in reality. It could be quality, reliability, comfortness, power, design functions, appearance, fuel economy, performance (all kinds), etc. This Odyssey is doing really well in almost all of the above characters, except the fuel economy, powertrain noise, and interior material quality. Overall, its a great van with value though not perfect.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mhous - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Have had for approx 6,000 miles with no major probs. Front passenger speaker went bad and black plactic piece that fits across lower part of outside front window was coming off. Previous owner of 94 Dodge Grand Caravan LX. Will never go back after this Honda.

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  2003 Odyssey EX-Leather-RES - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bbison - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, only a couple of warranty bugs in 800+ miles/week.

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  Great van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaddicted - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Our van has been wonderfully reliable, never leaving us stranded, but it has a few rattles and noises that were not used to seeing with our other Hondas. A rattling lock on one of the power doors, and a squeay, creaky front passenger seat that 5 dealer trips didnt fix. Other than that, it is more fun to drive than my smaller, seemingly sportier accord.

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  2003 Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rmwmu - November 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a joy to own, it is completely reliable, fun to drive, and extremely convienent when traveling with children. It was the best vehicle I have purchased.

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  Great (for a mini-van) - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Minny - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent family vehicle. Not the two seater sports car I really wanted, but great roomy vehicle for family vacations. Dealer replaced transmission a few weeks ago at 75,000 miles when I commented on high RPM on upshift. New tranny works even smoother than the first one. Resale value has held up as well as previously owned Accord, Lexus and Corolla.

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  Better get the transmission cooler! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gloomis - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Yeah I know, the Odyssey has won all kinds of awards, but I am here to tell you they have problems. Mine is a 02 EX model with Navi. My tranny blew on I-75 in rural Georgia while I was cruising at 80 mph with my wife and two kids on board. The local dealer told me he had seen this before in both Accords and Odysseys where the tranny overheats and blows the fluid. Mine was covered under warranty and replaced after two weeks in the shop. The Honda dealer put in a rebuilt tranny. Honda eventually extended the warranty on the tranny to 10/100K from 3/35K. Also had problems with a door regulator, door seal and rear wiper. Look into a Toyota Sienna instead.

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  Poor Overall Quality/Workmanship - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Air Force Family - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 1999 Odyssey in Nov 98. Now has 107,000 on it. Major Problems: EGR Valve/Sleeve must be replaced every 30K miles at $200+ per visit--clearly a design defect. Sliding door in for numerous repairs: Sticks in cold weather--very poor design. No transmission problems (yet). Many trips to dealer for recall (warranty) work the first few years for many items. Front brake pads must be replaced too often.

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  my workhorse - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By tia - November 26 - 2:00 am

  My van has been great. I have had no problems and have loved the 4 doors--in fact I will not buy another O. because they now have sliding doors and v6s. This car is a part of our family. The last of its kind!