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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  the best - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By TN - June 17 - 2:00 am

  very happy with van.

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  Safe, fun, roomy. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave C - June 15 - 6:40 pm

  The main reason I came here is to say that I was able to avoid a head on collision and the Odyssey took it all in stride. An approaching car doing about 40 crossed into our lane as we were doing 40 (driver was texting). Two adults, a child, and an infant were on board the Ody. With a palm on the horn, I swerve HARD right towards the curbing, and then swerved HARD left to avoid the woods. The oncoming car missed the front left by inches and the van actually DRIFTED cleanly around the nose of the oncoming car as it passed within inches to our left flank. The van was totally composed with no roll tendency and the drift was corrected by the stability system.

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  The 99 Honda Odyssey - Poor Reliability - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat Leake - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Having previously owned a 1982 Honda Accord that ran flawlesly for 20 years, I have been very disappointed with the 99 Honda Odyssey. Continuing problems required the ignition switch to be replaced, the sliding door repaired, catalytic concerter replaced, and replacement of the engine EGR have made this vehicle a nightmare to own. Currently, the vehicle is inoperable and requires a new transmission that will cost $5,000. All of this within the first three and a half years of ownership!

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  Honda saved familys life - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By gzulli - June 11 - 4:53 pm

  A dump truck ran a stop sign hit the Honda on the wifes front fender and then jack- knifed a 20 foot trailer into the rear of the van. The only part of the honda not damaged was the pass side sliding door. The wife and 3 kids walked out with slight bruises. The EMT people and police were behind my wife as the accident happened. They said they thought they were killed and couldnt believe they walked out with little or no injuries. The side curtain airbags in the 2nd & 3rd rows saved head injuries. Everyone who has seen the car said the fact they walked away is a miracle from the good Lord above. Our family thanks Honda. (by the way, a great car also:)

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  Typical Honda Excellence - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve Clack - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Performance is very good for a minivan but wish it had the 240 hp motor and 5 spd. that has only now been installed in the 02. Interior usability and flexibilty is unrivaled among minivans or any other vehicle type. Love the fold-down rear seat. This is a great all day 90 mph cruising machine.

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  My Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles Y - June 9 - 1:56 am

  I walked into the Honda dealer to get a booklet on the vans. I met this sales person who was very polite and ask me to look at the physical vehicle. Well he said why dont you start it up and take a test drive. I had no intentions of purchasing this vehicle. I was driving a 2002 van and was happy. I was really empressed with the Odyssey and was told if I wanted to I could have delevery in 2 hours. Every thing that was promised was delevered by the sales rep. And now I have an Odyssey in my garage, I am very satisified with the trade off.

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  We LOVE this car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By NewOdysseyOwner - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van about a month ago and LOVE it. We have 3 small kids and need the additional room. We had owned a Tahoe and there is no comparison between the two vehicles. The van isnt as big, but has more room for seating. It also drives like a car and the gas mileage is better. We also got a decent deal. We were able to play two dealerships against each other and bought the EXL with an MSRP of $28,980 for $25,422 with no additional fees with 3.9% for 60 months from the local dealership. They even had the color we wanted, Midnight Blue. It took a lot of research and patience, but we are happy we ended up with this van for this price.

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  My first Honda - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By zorba - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I did not have many complaints about my 98 Windstar, until I bought my 2002 Honda Odyssey. Ive only had it a week and am already in love with it! It is roomy, comfortable, solid, quiet, powerful and handles like a sports car. Now I know exactly why it is rated so highly by everyone who owns one.

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  Much improved from prior models - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By D B F - June 6 - 8:34 am

  Got about 3200 miles on a new 18 model. We got the first one off the truck here locally, the EX-L model with Tech and Nav. We put 100K miles on the same 2011 model. So here is my assessment so far on differences and pros and cons. This is primarily a daily driver for my wife, but I tend to drive on the long family trips. I am 61" 200 lbs and find this van is much roomier than the older models. I would say another 4" or so in legroom, much more head and shoulder room too. I can nearly straighten my left leg in the new van. The arm rests are bit wider as well. You can put the seat back farther as well. The touch screen technology is so much better than the older van. It is in HD color, easy to use, tons of options on it. Fuel efficiency is much better. We just drove a 6 hour trip, full load with 5 people and got over 29 MPG. The van is running 4-5 MPG better on both highway and around town than the older model. Also, the ride is much much quieter, this is very noticeable. The engine puts out a bit more acceleration as well when needed. I also like the fog lights standard on this model, not so on the older ones. The middle seats can tilt back some which the kids like on long trips. The blind spot monitor and other safety features like shin airbags are other nice add ons. Overall, the van looks better, definitely seems like they lengthened it maybe another 6", its roomier for sure. Electric start is nice, also the shifters are now buttons which take some getting used to but work pretty well. The kids like the extra plugs, USB, etc. The rear tailgate goes up higher if needed which I like as I used to hit my head on the old one. As far as Cons, the 9 speed transmission can be a bit shifty and low speeds. Again, this just takes some getting used to. Also, all the safety features like lane monitoring, cruise control, etc. are very unique from what I am used to and take some reading up on. Basically, if the van moves out of the lane and hits the lines, it will lightly vibrate and correct back into the lane. On a tight road, this can get annoying. Also, when cruise control is on, if you approach a car in front of you, it will automatically slow down. A bit annoying as you may just prefer to change lanes without adjusting speed. Just some little nuances. Overall, been happy with the purchase. Van is quiet, more comfortable, looks more appealing, gets good fuel efficiency, has more room, and has Honda safety and reliability. We had to pay sticker but got a good trade and got color combos we wanted.

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  Fun Tow Vehicle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By hotdamnlm@aol.com - June 6 - 2:00 am

  We use the vehicle to tow behond our motor home. It has been reliable and very satisfactory to own.