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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2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By BK - June 27 - 6:36 amWe have had our 2005 Odyssey EX for just over a month now. We absolutely love it! We replaced our 04 Accord as we wanted a family car that was roomy. It is VERY spacious with an extremely well thought out interior design. It is also very flexible in the arrangement of the seats, etc. I wish the gas mileage was better, but what more can you expect for a 255HP, and Very Powerful, engine (and compared to similar models, the mileage actually is much better).
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good car, does what it suppose to do wel - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By njswamplands - June 25 - 10:00 amgreat minivan. handles very well for its heft. ready to kill these awful power doors / key fob
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Disappointed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By CJ2miller - June 25 - 10:00 amWe have owned a number of honda cars over the years (even have a honda lawnmower)but the Odyssey has been a disappointment. At first it was wonderful, a dream to drive and ride in. But problems have developed. Ours has problems with the autodoor buzzer going off when we make a tight turn. The engine is not running well, it "chuggs" at about 1500 RPM, and it is out of alingment already. On top of that a freind who recommended it to us has a 2000 model with 50000+ miles and the transmission is going. This could be a great vehicle, but these problems keep us from enjoying it.
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ICK! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By fedupwidhonda - June 24 - 2:00 amnothing but trouble. Transmission failed at 42,000 miles. Whats up with that crap, expensive to replace. No help from the 3/36 protection. Air Conditioning failed, and a electrical short in the radio! This from the best in class? ICK!
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Great Minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By shoop05 - June 23 - 10:10 pmHonda makes a great minivan that is powerful, comfortable, stylish and reliable. This vehicle has a very tight fit and finish, very low road noise and great creature comforts. The interior of the van has all the features that make it feel like a luxury car and the exterior is sharp looking. Overall the van outperforms it competition.
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Bad Tranny - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By 99 Odyssey owner - June 23 - 2:00 amIbought this van brand new,this van has tranny problem on most 99 models, put Honda Corp will not admit it, they replace all the 2000,2001,2002 tranny for free and extended their warrenty to 100,000 miles but not the 99 models,if you still have this van and under warranty, bring it back to dealer for a tranny check. I have my tranny replaced at 70,000 miles. whoever own the 99 models, have your tranny check or buy extended warranty.
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Alive in 95 - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By moonchild - June 20 - 2:00 amI bought this Odyssey in 1998 with 45k miles. In 2003 it has 150k miles. It has been a dream except for the brakes/rotors which seem to wear out too soon and I live in the flat midwest. I did not have the oil changed as often as I should which has taken its toll on the engine but instead of purchasing a new Odyssey, Im having this engine rebuilt. The newer Odysseys might be okay, but the body/style of the 95s are the best. WHY did Honda have to change it? It was perfect to begin with.
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Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By trotter - June 19 - 2:00 amReliability is not its only virtue. I got the tow package, it toes my boat fine. Handels well and rides smoothly. I am not a fan of vans, but the Honda Odyssey one is really good vehicle that happens to be a van.
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Again the BEST - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By D.R. - June 18 - 12:46 amIt is a nice mini-van that handles like a car. Very quiet and comfortable, many nice features. Great performance, can easily beat some "high performance" European sedans. Good (and wide) tires). Very roomy and easy accessible rows.
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oddy owner - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Lee Jr. - June 17 - 2:00 amWe have had 2 great years with our odyssey. Will be trading in on a new 2002 exl res this saturday. we ordered it in january.It came in today. we have an aftermarket res in this van and have loved it. Nothing but good to say. Got $22000 trade in with 36000 miles on it.
