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:

• 

  2016 Odyssey SE - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ilan Freiner - June 4 - 11:19 am

  This is a great car.

• 

  2002 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BLH - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Have owned vehicle for over one year and am pleased with it. Handles well, lots of room to move about. Have some recurring problems with brake noise but otherwise a great van for the money.

• 

  Technology disaster - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Hsj - June 1 - 10:10 am

  Buy at your own risk, Honda blames everything on Apple, Bluetooth skips, siri does not connect, messages I haven’t seen or sent one, screen goes black and does not respond or goes blue with a loud beep while you are driving. Honda dealer wanted to just get rid of me and helped in no way after I spent 50k on a car that is most expensive in their lion. The armrest movement is put on reverse and Honda says everything is fine, instead of going down from level position, it goes up pointing towards sky. What good is it that? No car seat position can utilize that mode of armrest, don’t know who tried it? Pretty bad attitude from Honda towards customers that bought their most expensive vehicle. The AAC is a hit or miss, not consistent. The car never brakes on AAC mode but flashed for me to brake. I turned it off after that. Lane keeping does not work below 45mph and even above it misses the lanes all the time, pretty dangerous to depend upon.

• 

  Honda Ody - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Haylock - June 1 - 5:03 am

  Before purchasing our 06 Ody we considered most other vans. The Sienna and the Caravan both looked like solid possibilities until we demoed the Honda. The Ody presented like a better vehicle with more advanced technology, better seating, smoother exterior lines, and a HONDA tag. After 8 months and 19,000 miles the Ody has proven itself as the correct choice for our family. We have taken two road trips from Maine to several southern states. If we had to car shop again tomorrow the Ody would be the only contender. Needless to say we are very proud and satisfied Honda owners.

• 

  Honda Odyssey Trans Probs. rated POOR! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By TELL THE TRUTH - May 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE Intending to purchase the Honda Odyssey van. GO TO a search engine and type in "HONDA PROBLEMS". THE ODYSSEY HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM 1999 TO 2003,AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THEM.YOU MUST PAY OVER $6.000 to have them repaired when they go out of warrenty at about 36,000 miles/3 years,so dont listen to all these reports how great these van are. There are several sites with true comsumer comments. Like I would tell anyone buying a new car..take a little time and...Due some checking before your purchase!

• 

  Like it a lot! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Alon - May 30 - 2:00 am

  While Ive only had the Odyssey for about a week now, I am extremely impressed with it. Size, seating options and reputation for reliability were our reasons for choosing this over Chrysler & Toyota minivans. I wasnt too thrilled about getting a minivan, but its a lot better than I thought it would be. Drives better than my 98 Nissan Altima.

• 

  Very satisfied - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Laxmikant - May 27 - 3:35 am

  I love this car, had everything i needed gor my family needs. Runs smooth, good pickup, less outside noise, overall its really a great family car. I dont feel i am drive a big vehicle as its that good in handelling

• 

  Best minivan on the market - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Gary Hall - May 26 - 4:56 am

  This minivan is absolutely a great car to drive! Everything about it feels so great....I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a minivan.

• 

  Nice van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By BigFam - May 26 - 2:00 am

  We have five children and use this van constantly. We put on aftermarket leather seats and sunroof. This van still runs like new and has pleanty of power.

• 

  CUJO has spoken - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By infernalcujo - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just got it and i love it