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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  No regrets - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Lunt - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Oddy from an independent dealer. We were reluctant because of its low price, since they hold their value so well. After 2 test drives, a carfax report and lots of homework, we decided to let our guard down and purchase the van. It drives a little heavier than other vans we tested but the power and handling made up for that. The original owner added a luggage rack and a 6-disk in-dash CD player, which made its appeal very similar to the EX model. Front brake pads and tires were worn so the dealer replaced them. We also had to get new keyfobs for the keyless entry/anti theft system. Seems like a lot to go through but it was worth it.

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  Happy in my new Odyssey! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By OdysseyMom - September 19 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX. I love...love...love it! Cant find one thing that I am not crazy about. Its comfortable..drives great. I highly recommend this vehicle. We looked at the 2004 Sienna, which I have to say was very nice. The Odyssey just took the cake, for us. Better visability...features were more convienent. Our dealership was wonderful! A+++++++ All around for this Happy Odyssey Family!

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  New honda minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By trish - September 19 - 2:50 am

  We just bought the van and love it. With a large family the leg room for teens growing have full range to chill out in the middle or back seats. A dvd player is always a great help too for traveling. With 1 teen, a 10, 7 and newborn, the car seats for the 2 younger ones still have plenty of room for both next to one another without the cramped space.the 8th seat is great for roomage and or taking it out for extra space between the car seats. the extra compartments are a plus feature too... rating a 9.5 for this van

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  Poor navigation - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By L Benti - September 18 - 8:07 am

  Dont bother to purchase this vehicle with navigation. Your smart phone will serve you better. Routing is poor and it gives you the wrong time frame which the trip will take you, generally adding an hour or more to your trip. We gave it the benefit of the doubt many times and were so sorry we did. We will never again use the onboard navigation system. (I didnt even mention how un-user friendly it is to put an address into the system) Dont waste your money on this feature!

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  VKs Review - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Virginia Kinder - September 18 - 2:36 am

  When we bought this 2005 Odyssey we traded in a 2002 Odyssey which I really loved. The 2005 Odyssey has lived up to all expectations. It is definitely quicker and faster and more powerful. It is so easy and convenient to drive and I love all the "settings" that are available on it (although I thought learning to use the "settings" required a high learning curve). The other day motion sensors on the back kept me from backing into a car that came racing through the parking lot as I was backing out.

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  06 Odyssey w.Nav and DVD - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By VolFan - September 16 - 12:06 pm

  Our van is a work of art and is a pleasure to drive. We have had it for a month and put over 2000 miles on it. Disappointed that we are getting 22 mpg. It was advertised as 29 to 30 with the computer controlled shutdown of three cylinders.

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  Excellent family vehicle - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Andy - September 16 - 7:21 am

  There seems to be a lot of 2014 and 2015 models coming off lease. Prices are pretty good. I traded my 2010 Odyssey and bought the 2015. It’s a great step up but also familiar. Engine is great, seats are comfortable, and it just drives well and reliably. I test drive the 2018 and it’s fantastic but the used prices make them a better value.

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  redesigned Honda Odyssey is nice but.... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By david4784 - September 14 - 1:10 am

  We have owned this van for about a month and we have taken several trips. We love everything about the van but the seats. They have to be the worst seats I have even been in. They are very unconformable. Friends of ours have a Dodge caravan and its seats are 1000 times better, but dont get me wrong I wouldnt buy anything but a Honda. We test drove every mini van out there and we decided to buy the best overall value and thatÂ’s a Honda Odyssey.

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  Time will tell - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Not so happy - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Great van for conveience with infants and toddlers. Power sliding doors a plus.Great power.Need improvement on driver and passenger arm rest comfort. Transmission is begining to make a high pich noise at certain speeds. Honda coustomer service is no help either. For this reason probaly will not buy another Honda.

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  disappointed - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By susan williams - September 10 - 2:00 am

  My transmission and catalytic converter went out at 90,000 miles. The transmission is covered but the dealer want 900 for the catalytic converter. I am just disappointed with the honda product.