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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  Odyssey LX 2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew - September 5 - 8:30 pm

  Own the van for less than a year, 10k miles, so far no trouble. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven. It is ideal for any size family. Has a lot of safety features identical for all models, base and upscale. Drives like German sedan, better than many cars. It has more useful space than midsize or some full size SUVs, lower price, burns less and has excellent ergonomics and comfort. Traction control makes this vehicle trouble less in winter. I do not see reason for choosing a SUV over this van. The ride is quiet, good for long trips, braking & visibility are excellent. Power is adequate. Mileage is not of a Civic, neither the size. Pity people turned away from minivans.

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  Designers Missed Some No-Brainers - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By j4 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Good van overall. We bought it new and have put about 40,00 miles on it. The doors stuck for the first summer we had the van. The transmission shift control is directly in front of the stereo on/off/volume control. The stereo sux! I cant believe for a vehicle in this price range that you have to unscrew the antenna to go through a car wash. Also, no way to secure rear wiper in a car wash. Middle floor mat frayed within the first year.

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  2000 Odyssey EX fair review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob Lichorad - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I dont believe in any of the uneducated bad reviews listed here. Those who wrote them must be non Honda owners for sure. As a saleman, I put over 167K miles on my HO. Not a single problem, never let me down, not once. I am still waiting for any sign of tranmission problem but I have seen none so far. Every system works perfectly. My only complaint is the front windows wind noise after 120K.

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By S. Levine - September 3 - 4:06 pm

  Great car- so practical and utilitarian. Im still super-happy every time I get in. Hope to drive it for many years to come!

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  # 1 Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jase - September 2 - 1:56 pm

  We just bought the Odyssey 2 weeks ago. We love everything about it!! It is truly a luxury vehicle. We always said we would never drive a mini-van but the Odyssey looks great and drives great as well. It has a very smooth, quiet ride. Its great for the kids. Plenty of room and storage! The DVD is wonderful to entertain and keep them quiet. Plus unlike a lot of minivans, the Odyssey offers a ton of storage space behind the 3rd row seat. Love the Odyssey!!! Best buy yet!!!

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  Better then most,best buy period!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sounthala - September 2 - 4:13 am

  So far it rides and handles a lot better then all the other vans in the market. I love that 255hp it has. It has some luxury feel to it from the inside as well, it has many useful features that you can truly use, and I also like the fact that they offer the underground kit which gives it a sporty look. Im a little speed demon myself and I had that van almost up to 130 mph and if I kept going it would have gone up more - thats one awesome van.

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  Why settle for less than a Honda? - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By therhino - August 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda. I run em til they rust out, so forget leasing or trading in. That being the case, youve got to really like a car to keep it for 15 years & I have never wanted to keep a GM or Ford product for more than 3 years [new or not]. Too many little annoyances. With the Odyssey, I was again impressed by the workmanship. Everything is thoughtfully designed and serves a purpose. Because the 04 is the last of its design series, picked one up for $5000 under retail & $10,000 less than what Siennas sell for around here. Only $2000 more than GM & Ford competition, so why not pay 10% more for peace-of-mind, knowing you got the best?

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  Power of the 2000 Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Family_Man - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I own the Dodge carivan fist but it lacked power, the 2000 Honda Odyssey met and exceeded my expectations.

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  Beautiful to drive - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Irvine Family - August 25 - 9:10 am

  We were sold on the first test drive - this is a beautiful car to drive. Wish wed stepped up to the Touring for a couple of reasons. XM ready means a $600 installation fee which really annoyed us as, frankly, false advertising. And it doesnt have automatic headlights! This is not only annoying (any old GM car has them) but dangerous - especially when the dash lights are so bright it makes you thinks the lights are on when theyre not.

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  Good Car, a bit Noisy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By glassland - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Owned the EX for 18 months. Car is comfortable, reliable with no problems. Good power. Have taken the car on two 2500 mile round trip vacations.