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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  Satisfied - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Skids - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I got the Odyssey a few weeks ago and our short term impression is great. The van has excellent power and is extremely quite. I have yet to use the DVD/Entertainment center, but expect good things.

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  2000 Honda Odyssey EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By PCMan - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, drives like a car. Saw reviews on transmission issues. Honda extended the warranty to cover transmission issues. Only other issue was to reset the power sliding door, all at no cost.

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  We love it so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By wrighth - October 10 - 6:23 pm

  After researching and looking around at other minivans we decided on the Odyssey, we are not dissapointed. It takes a while to get used to the big vehicle, (coming from an Audi, A4). Cant beat the practicality and style. The 2 kids love it.

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  Swiss Army knife for the family - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By dogwork - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle...NO transmission/major problems at all. The ultimate "family mover"!

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  Love my new Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Scully - October 8 - 1:50 pm

  We just purchased our new Honda Odyssey with the addition of our second child. The interior is so plush. It is like riding in your favorite recliner from your living room. The van handles well with good exceleration. The important features to me were: interior, safety, reliability, and price.

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  Standard Honda Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By stargazerm31 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  After four years of driving, this van is still holding its own. Only problems were with the bad Firestone tires. Once changed to Michelin, we have had no problems. The fold down third row makes this a very versital vehicle.

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  Great Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By TSR - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This was the first vehical we have owned that made it 70,000 miles with no service other than scheduled maintenance! It was recently totalled after being hit by a semi but I walked away without a scratch- lives up to the safety claims. Hope to have another one soon.

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  Great Family Car - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By rumrazz - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 3 years and I am the second owner. This car has really worked for us with two growing teenagers and taxing their friends around. The captain seats in the second row are a real bonus for long rides, each child has their own space. I like having all four doors open like a sedan and that all the windows roll down giving everyone air. The third seat is small but so easy to fold down when not in use, leaving a large cargo space.

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By w360 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  We have had our 2003 Odyssey for four months. It lives up to Honda Reliability, Quality and Performance. Great family vehicle, lots of space for strolller, diaper changing and picnics in the back when its cold or raining. Its worth the extra money to go Honda...itll still be worth 50% after 4 years compared to the competition.

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  Horrible Economy, Great vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By David Landman - September 24 - 2:10 am

  While the Touring is a very enjoyable vehicle to drive and ride in. The fuel economy is horrible. This is as bad as an SUV without the benefit of AWD. Dont believe the EPA estimate. It isnt even close.