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 surprises - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By no_more_seattle_rain - July 12 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the EX-L with Rear Entertainment System. What a wonderful automobile, inside and out. It really lives up to the Honda reputation. We only have about 6000 miles on it, so the reliability is to be seen. Finally a minivan with plenty of power to carry a full load of people. We cant wait to take the kids to Disney World in it, the DVD player will be a life saver on the long trip.

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  Great Big Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By reg - July 11 - 10:46 pm

  So far so good. Comfortable, quiet ride, all the goodies work, no annoying noises or brake issues. Drives very well. Would recommend to a friend.

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  Odyssey Nightmare - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Zoo - July 11 - 7:53 am

  Warped rotor discs on day one. Air conditioning was/is weak after replacing the control head. Run flat tires are terrible, 21K and they are nearly bald, yet the dealer is still pushing them at 45-50K. Called Michelin and they said you should get 35-40K as well and when I told them of my plight they said take it to a tire place for their consideration. Dealership after one year still cannot replace rubber on tire and am having difficulty finding a shop that can replace them. Dealership also stated that if the rim is rubbed in any way, you must buy new rim system with tire for about $600. Highly discourage this vehicle for all considering.

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  If I Could Turn Back Time... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By hatethisvan - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe we actually paid sticker price for this thing. At only 32,000 miles it rides like a lumber truck, the gas mileage around town stinks, the breaks began screeching during the first year, none of the seat belts retract by themselves anymore and we had to replace the windshield wipers the first year. The paint has chipped off several spots on the hood already. The seats are very uncomfortable on trips longer than 30 minutes. Every time it rains or I wash it, the sliding door seals stick and we cant open them. The sound system is pretty cheap sounding as well. Very, very disappointing!

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  Very Happy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pareena - July 5 - 10:13 pm

  We enjoy our car so far. The navigation system is very nice. The DVD system is 9 inches which is also nice. I like the fact that Rear Entertainment system allows me to hear something different from my kids. Performance of the car is great and I like the idea that the engine can shut down 3 cylinder to save gas. 8 seater is nice. You cant use the lazy susan if you store the eight seat.

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  Glad to have it! - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By zebra - July 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Odyssey in 2002. It was our first minivan and I love it. I can not think of a reason why Id wish for something different. Very easy to put our two girls into their carseats and haul a lot of "stuff" in the back. Even when we add a few friends in the flip up seat we still have room for a stroller and bags.

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  Expecting more... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By swatters - July 3 - 9:13 am

  Was expecting more based on the reviews and am disappointed on some very obvious things missing. Dont get me wrong I dont hate the van; but expected a bigger difference compared to domestic mini-vans. For example, I owned a 97 Venture; didnt have a problem with it (didnt buy another because of resale and 05 being last year of it). I would like to see automatic headlights and daytime running lamps as standard; wouldnt that be a big preventive safety feature versus all the reactive safety features on the Honda??? In summary, the Honda is fun to drive and handles like a car. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing; but better than the Yukon I just came from.

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  Loving it!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DPaddock - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my odyssey. All the room, the magic seat, the gas milage, the power doors, and all the rest. What more can we ask for.

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  Those d*mned interior lights! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By AR22 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  In our Ody, if someone is reading with one of their individual seat lights, those lights do not go off, even if you turn off the engine, leave the car, and lock it with the keyless entry system. So, the light stays on until the battery is drained. This is a definite design flaw since this is a common problem. Its happened 3-4 times with me when one of the kids leaves the lights on, we park in the bright garage, get out, lock all doors, and dont realize its on until the next day when eveythings dead.

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  Our O - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rick Torres - June 28 - 4:38 am