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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  Still the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharondio - November 25 - 10:00 am

  When I went looking for a minivan, I wanted the best. That meant either a Sienna or an Odyssey. (Although the Nissan Quest briefly entered the field. The styling was a little too out there for me.) While the Sienna has made great strides, it still falls short on a couple of things. Performance is the main thing. Driving it was a bit sluggish and it felt like, well, a minivan. Driving the Odyssey is never a disappointment. I also have a problem with that center console shift placement (which the Quest also has.) Odyssey also has a major advantage on price, as the base Sienna is *very* base and options add up *very* quickly.

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  The best bet - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Daddy - November 23 - 8:26 pm

  Researched minivans and did test drives till I was on the verge of a breakdown. With safety and reliability as primary concerns, my wife and I could not find a better vehicle to suit the needs of our family of 5. The ride is superb and the solid road handling manners and minimized road noise are nearly identical to our much pricier 2006 Toyota Sequoia. VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) is my only knock. Adding cost to get an extra 1 MPG is odd but standard in the EX-L Platform. If you drive a million miles with gas at $5 a gallon perhaps it would pay for itself...maybe.

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  always want one, finally got one - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By northwest - November 23 - 2:00 am

  We just bought an 01 ODDY from a private seller. It has 26.5k miles, like the mini so far. Ive read alot about the Tranny, and ours having a rough time shifting (up/down) between 20-25 mph when cold. After moving a bit, things would be fine. Taking it to dealer for a check with my extended warranty.

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  Not like old Honda Quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By odybill - November 22 - 2:50 am

  Ive already had it in the shop for a warranty cracked windshield replacement, but had to wait 6 weeks to schedule an appointment for the Honda rep to okay the replacement. The quality control on this Honda is not like what I had in my 95 Civic. Ive had interior trims coming apart, middle seat belt holder cover for the middle and back row, the left seat leather cover is popping off the trim whenever i drop the rear seat into the rear well. The map box has a decent size gap from the dashboard. Gas mileage is nowhere near advertised on sticker. We took it for a 1500 mile trip and averaged 21mpg hwy at best, but that was with AC and a bit rolling terrain. .

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  hondatastic!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mlmboulder - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Im on my second one. Why would anyone own anything else?

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  Good value. But not for the price. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bobny - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The van is nice and reliable. I have no problems to talk about. Only two minor issues to report, like occational flashing dashboard lights, and tickleing left strut mount wich I hope to resolve on my next service visit. The only thing I cant forguive Honda is for cutting the wrong corners. Like lighted door switches and garage door opener. Trying to find those swiches and buttons at night is a real challenge.

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  Worth sticker, and much more - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By BTBEME - November 14 - 5:20 pm

  Our 12th Honda is our favorite by a longshot. How Honda outdoes itself year after year is a welcome mystery. The ONLY small complaints we have regarding the EX-L Odyssey for 2005 are the lack of a coin holder and the rather cheesy snap-together semi-coverage carpeting necessitated by the variable seating arrangements. We traded an 03 van for this one, coveting the vastly improved storage, the better mileage, and the larger gas tank, while appreciating the additional flexibility added to the seating, entertainment systems, power, comfort, and quietness of the new models. I wish we bought the Touring edition instead, though, after further reflection. You will, too.

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  Disappointed in 2nd Odyssey mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat R. - November 11 - 2:26 pm

  Owned a 2005 Odyssey for 4+ years and traded it with 75,000 miles for the new 2005 Touring edition Odyssey in September 2004. Have been very disappointed with city gas mileage--my previous Odyssey got about 17 mpg and the 2005 was advertised to get approx. 20 mpg city and 28 highway. I average 14.5 mpg city and 22-23 highway. Needless to say am not happy and am seriously thinking of selling and buying the Toyota Sienna. I have owned 5 Hondas and have been a loyal customer but maybe its time to make a change.

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  Piece OF JUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Shd Hve Bght Toyota - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been totally unreliable! Windows leak,sliding doors repaired 3X and still not fixed. Check engine light repeatedly comes on. Tape deck was repaired. Clock repaired. BEWARE OF DEALER SERVICE!!!!Overpriced, totally incompetent! Have been to 2 different dealers, and they are all the same. Honda Corporate in CA. not helpful either!

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  Versatile All-Around Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Fayette - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I love the ability to be able to comfortably seat 7 people one trip and haul a large load home from the hardware store the next. I feel safe in this car and get reasonable gas mileage (about 20 mpg) for a car this large.