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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  Parents of toddlers beware - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Jake Smith - August 17 - 11:55 am

  I have owned Honda vehicles for years and our old Odyssey was great. We were approaching 150,000 miles and loved all the new features of the new design so we purchased one day 1. We love most everything about the van with one glaring exception. We have a toddler in a rear facing car seat in the second row. Now for some strange reason Honda decided not to put a/c vents overhead in this new design. The A/c vents for 2018 were moved down low just behind the front row seats and blow back towards the rear of the van. With this deign children in rear facing car seats can not get air directed directly on them. Now we live in Florida so the heat from the son requires this. Every time we get home my sons back is sweaty. I even went to a Tint shop and had expensive ceramic based tint put all around but to no avail. Yes the tint reduced the heat coming in but you just cant match having a/c coming down directly on you. If you dont have or will never have rear facing seats you will never notice this issue and everything else about this van is great. You may find the 9speed a bit strange at first but I got used to it and now like driving the van vary much. I just cant understand why Honda would not consider the comfort of the most delicate passengers when designing a new van. I can only assume it was some cost cutting reason. By the way you will notice another cost cutting feature in the sound system of the EXL. Note they no longer have speakers in the back of the van. All the sound for the rear of the van comes from one overhead speaker. The second row is fine with this however the third row occupants can barley hear whats playing unless you fade the sound all the way back and turn it up louder than you would normally like. All and all we love the van and we like Honda but honestly the A/C oversight is really bad and we are considering getting rid of it after only 1,000 miles. Update So after months and many miles later it’s more of the same. So far it has been in for a new wiper motor as well as the power window switch. At times the engine runs ruff during warm up but only intermittently. Just recently the front left speaker started crackling during music with high higher tones and the entire body where the sliding doors meet creak when going up steep inclines. All and all not impressed. Our old Odyssey was better in many ways. Yes this one is more powerful and quieter and more fuel efficient but it’s the overall quality that has gone down hill.

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  2002 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Arya B Christiawan - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I have tried almost all of recent minivan available in the market. Odyssey and Windstar is so far are the best in my opinion. But still there are more advantage of Odyssey over Windstar, include its re-sale value, larger capacity, and I think in long term Honda is well known on their engine reliability and durability. However they can not beat the customer support offer by Ford at US.

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  Very good van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim Cook - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable and fun to drive. Lots of room.

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  2000 Honda Odyssey EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By justsprink - August 14 - 11:46 pm

  Great vehicle! No problems in 2 1/2 years. A must have with children!

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  GREAT MINIVAN!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rabbit204 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Wow! This is a great minivan- there is no other that can beat it! I used to own a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager- they are great vans but they have TERRIBLE reliability. The Odyssey is quiet, comfortable, and drives great!! I have had no reliability issues. The Odyssey is a lot better built than American cars such as the Windstar, Venture and Voyager- they dont even come close! Trust me this minivan is the best on the market! (along with the 2004 Sienna) You will love this van, and it will last for years!

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  Great van for its price. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bvan - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Great van to haul a bunch of people and plenty of power to do it with. The interior could have function better if it has more useful items such as a storage console instead of a tray, external thermostat, compass, etc. The power outlet in the front is too low to access while driving.

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  Good Van EX/L Nav Entr. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Gramps - August 12 - 12:53 pm

  Overall it is a nice car, with a lot going for it. The handling is very good, it has plenty of power, and one feels well protected. I enjoy driving it. The NAV system has some really good features, I particularly like being able to put in the destination (businesses only) as the telephone number, and the system looks up the address very quickly, assuming the business has not moved recently. The backup camera that comes with the system is also very usefull. The XM capable radio is also nice, and the 6 CD changer and rear DVD player and seperate audio via wireless headphones for rear passingers. Gas mileage is less than expected. Power sliding doors are nice too. Voice commands are good.

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  Far Exceeded My Expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By AAM - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a dream vehicle for anyone wanting a minivan. We have 4 children ages 11 months - 8 yrs old, and have used it around town and on long roadtrips (just returned from a 4,000 mile trip last week). It is easy to handle and was designed nicely to handle children and cargo. After using for a year and a half I still feel that it was a very good investment. The only item we thought we would not like were the power side doors. However, it turns out that we like them very much.

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  Overall a Great Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark F - August 12 - 12:33 am

  This van is a pleasure to own. It drives very nicely. There is plenty of room and the fit and finish is top notch. The engine is very powerful and we have been averaging approx 20 mpg for the first two tanks with a mix of in town and hwy driving. Overall I have no complaints and would purchase an Odyssey again

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  Best Minivan choice - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - August 11 - 6:46 am

  The Honda Odyssey is packed full of great standard features and is very comfortable to drive. We love driving this car and it is such a functional great family vehicle. You will not be disappointed.