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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I love my Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By GSJ333 - October 30 - 2:00 amMy 1999 Odyssey has 89k and looks and drives great. I get 22/26 mpg. which is impreesive for a heavy van. The engine is smooth and has pep. I would rate this one as one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. The only dowside that I have found is the brakes.
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Terrible Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By bflow - October 29 - 6:33 pmWeve had our 07 Honda Odyssey EXL-RES for about 6 months. Like everyone else says, the MPG is horrible. In the third month, dealer had to "replace the fuse box" because the wipers would only work on high, brights would not work, and car alarm would not arm - major annoyances. The exterior and interior of the van are nice. The shifting is VERY uneven and like another poster said, is very pronounced when coasting. I never thought I would miss my Grand Caravan but I do.
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2006 EX-LR - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By lmf - October 29 - 12:00 pmLovin the ride, although we traded in a 1996 Town and Country Lxi and Im missing some of the options it had i.e., more storage, easily reachable stereo controls, easier to read clock, and doors that unlock upon parking. These are all available on the touring but that had many options that we didnt need.
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Forget the Suburban, this is much better - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Mark McKenzie - October 26 - 1:10 amThe touring Odyssey is incredible! I have an 02 Tahoe and my wife had a V6 Passat before trading the Passat for the Odyssey. We both love the van! I may trade the Tahoe for my own Odyssey. Our opinion, pay for the upgrades...the back-up camera is great, power doors and power liftgate, intergrated DVD and NAV, voice activation...this thing is awesome. I drove the Toyota Sienna and it does not compare to the Honda. Go drive one if you dealer has one; they can be hard to find.
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Great family car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By sreiss - October 25 - 2:00 amThis car doesnt sell at MSRP for no good reason-- its definitely in high demand because its a great car. If you have young children, this car does it all. Even if you dont, it does. We know more than one older couple who have bought this car just because its so well built and well designed. Its very flexible and comfortable on long trips. Highly recommended.
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We LOVE our Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By skparker - October 23 - 2:00 amOur 99 Odyssey has been a GREAT kid hauler. It gave 5 years of problem-free service...3 kids back and forth to school, soccer, little league, camping. We even hauled a 2700# camper about 6 times each summer with it (tow pkg). The cargo liner is a must. We just replaced the 99 with a 2004 Odyssey EXL-RES...we paid $24k when we bought the 99, and sold it for $16k 5 years later!
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Accord on Steroids - 1996 Honda Odyssey
By VanMan2001 - October 21 - 2:00 amWe bought our 1996 Ody used in 1998. Since then we have put on 70k miles of virtually trouble free miles. At 86k miles, the ABS sensor went bad and had to be replaced but that is the only trip it has ever made to the service bay besides normal maintenance. Its smaller size and 4 doors make it ideal for our local city driving and the room for trips has been great. After we purchase our new 2001 Ody, we kept this one too because we like it so much.
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Solid, Reliable, and Great Resale Value - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By VanMan2001 - October 21 - 2:00 amOur 2001 EX has 45,000 miles on it to date and we have not had a single problem. As a matter of fact, we are still on our original tires. Honda has delivered, in our opinion, exactly what they promised - a quality van that is reliable and unmatched by any other on the road. Our dealer was so confident that they included a 5 yr/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty at no cost. But were glad we have not had to collect on it!
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Lots of Problems - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By UnhappyHokie - October 19 - 2:00 amWeve had our van for about 1 year. In that time its been in the shop over 20 times. New struts, DVD player, seat belts, etc. Most recently weve learned that the intake manifold cover gasket was install "upside down." As a result, EGR and air intake ports are/were covered so the whole air/fuel mixture was messed up leading to a "multiple" cylinders failure. BTW: This problem also affects Pilots. So, weve now had the gasket changed but havent seen an improvement. So many repair under warranty what can we expect once the warranty has expired?
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my Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By H owner 23 - October 19 - 2:00 amWe bought the Odyssey last week after researching it for a year and talking to other Odyssey owners I work with. I havent heard a negative comment from any Odyssey owners. Our Odyssey has very good acceleration, good handling, is easy to drive, and is very roomy.
