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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Seniors on the Go! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Russ - August 23 - 4:20 pmWe travel to our condo in Marco Island. After two years stuffed into our normal car we opted for minivan comfort, plus room for all items we carry on trips. Plus 3 couples can ride comfortably when going to dinner, the beach or bingo!! So move over for the Q-Tip crowd. Minivans are not just for the young !!!!
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One of the Best Choice I have ever made - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By j.j. - August 23 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is fun to drive, very stable, and good visibility, I have never driven a mini-van before but I found no problem driving this car. The only thing it is limited supplies and I wouldnt able to get the color that I wanted, but still, I give A+ for this vehicle.
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Its Not A Porsche - And Isnt Meant to Be - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By Rob - August 22 - 1:36 pmI got this to soak up some long distance travel miles to keep them off of my twin turbo Porsche Macan S while lugging kids and stuff long distance. So far its doing exactly what Im asking it to do, so Im pleased. It handles like a wet sponge, but hey, its a van. Cant fault it for doing exactly as it was designed to do.
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Best Compromise Vehicle - 1996 Honda Odyssey
By loon ranger - August 22 - 2:00 amBought used and averaged 22000 miles/yr for next 4 years. Love the car and the room. Service costs are a bit high, but no major repairs. ABS light reset is only repair at 117,000 miles. Perfect vehicle for long trips with 4 tall people. Versitility is outstanding, hauled all kinds of "stuff". Think of it more as a "tall wagon" than a minivan. Trying to keep it in excellent condition because they dont sell the same size any more.
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Jb - 2014 Honda Odyssey
By John Borches - August 21 - 6:16 am5 star car for soccer moms. Good road car
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ODYSSEY EX DVD LEATHER - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By SAMFA - August 21 - 2:00 amEXCELLENT ALL AROUND VEHICLE
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Not too big, not too small - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By O Picher - August 19 - 2:00 amWe have enjoyed this car tremendously. It fits our family of four perfectly for long trips, with plenty of room to stretch out. It also has expansion room to seat 7 for car-pooling trips. All 4 windows roll down, and the fold-away rear seat is tremendous. The car is a little underpowered, but once it gets going it can hold its own on the highway.
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Well designed Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By George - August 19 - 1:53 amAfter owning several Honda products including a01 Van there have been a lot of changes in the 07 model Touring.The ride is fantastic and the performance improved a lot.Fit and Trim is tops and inside design has improved a lot but could use a few more minor improvements.
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1995 Odyssey - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By Joe_Bob - August 18 - 2:00 amThis vehicle was the first model year built of the Odyssey. It has been a great vehicle. Honda quality and reliability are demonstrated by this vehicle.
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Hey, its a minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By mitchedo - August 18 - 2:00 amIts been 2.5 years, and 24,000 miles. We have not had a single problem with this van. This is the first vehicle weve ever owned that has not had to go to the dealer for warranty work. The ride is firm, but I like it. The acceleration is good, plenty of power. The air conditioning works great. We really love this van. We havent had any problem with the power doors. There has been a little rattle in the right side of the dash, but nothing enough to make us take it in for adjustment. I really hate the climate control. Its a totally unnecessary option that will be very expensive to fix when it breaks.
