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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  My favorite van yet - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Anna West - November 10 - 9:36 am

  Weve had our Honda Odyssey for only four months now and I enjoy driving it everyday. Its roomy interior is great for our four young children. Ive owned a Chrysler Town & Country and a Toyota Sienna and I must say the Honda Odyssey tops them both. It drives great and looks even better. Its a very sporty minivan and the stereo is awesome. It also makes me feel very safe because of the airbags all the way around the van. And the passenger airbag automatically turns off if someone in the front seat is too small. So my kids can ride up front if need be. I recommend this van to everyone I talk to.

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  GREAT VAN but something is wrong with odometer - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By kathyc - November 10 - 9:34 am

  The odometer is off. I believe the milage is inflated. I complained to Honda. They said it was correct. I traveled from lower Michigan to central Florida. At most milage should have been +1,400. The odometer was + 2,100 miles. IT IS AT LEAST 25% INFLATED. BUYER BEWARE.

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  Happy With Long-Term Ownership - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By cincyracer - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall, our Ody has been everything wed come to expect from Honda. Reliable transportation that doesnt "overwhelm" in any one area, but is above average in all.

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  Best Van Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dixiemom99 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned a Ford Windstar and had multiple problems with it. Honda Odyssey has been reliable, comfortable, and fun to travel in. I drive a lot with kids and find they are very happy with the comfort of the car and the entertainment system.

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  Best van out there - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Guy - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Looked hard at the Town and Country, Sienna, and Windstar. Chose Honda based on reliability and reputation. Up to this point, it was the right decision. We just drove it 3000 miles on vacation and found it very comfortable and responsive.

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  NOT WHAT IT SEEMS - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Jnlsn - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This van has transmission shifting problems. Despite constant visits to honda service for runnning rough they still cant get it right. The service departments constant reply is that all vehicle testing shows all is ok. This has been continuos for the past year or at about 16 k miles. Vehicle now has about 26k miles on it.

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  2000 Honda Odyssey EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By briguy5254 - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Great van. Handles well for a minivan. Comfortable, roomy, reliable (aka. Honda!). Engine is one of the smoothest and quietest made. Our one gripe is with the power sliding doors. Although they are a great feature, we have had more than our share of problems with them not working. Weve had to have them repaired a half a dozen times or so (Ive lost track!). Our van may be the exception. Otherwise, a great minivan.

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  Awesome Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Awesomecar89 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is first minivan my family has owned. It is the best. Lots of room and lots of comfort. Road noise is a little harsh, but not a big problem. Power sliding doors are the best.Provides easy and instant access in and out. Definitely one of the best in the world.

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  Honda Odyssey EX 2003 - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By REBEAU - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely wonderful vehicle! You can be confident with this purchase. All other minivans are inferior to the Honda Odyssey EX 2003! We had terrible luck with Ford Minivans and Dodge Minivans. As a consumer, the Honda Odyssey is a breath of fresh air. All others pale in comparison. As a mother, this vehicle is superior!

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Scotty "beam Me Up" - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. It doesnt handle like a big car, yet it has great size and flexibility. It responds very good under all driving conditions. The interior is laid out very smart, and the folding rear seat is fantastic. Minor brake and rear wiper problems. Definitely, the best minivan ive driven, and looking forward to it lasting with Hondas reputation for longevity.