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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my odessey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Lindsey111 - April 20 - 10:00 amThis van is exceptional and I love the transition from my accord to the odessey van.
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love our honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By happy folk - April 17 - 2:00 amWe never were minivan people, but when we had our third child something had to give. The odyssey GAVE!!!!!! From day one we loved the ride, handling and were surprised by the performance.The leather interior is comfortable. It really has a neat apperance and nice lines. a winner!
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OUTSTANDING! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Fyaman - April 15 - 10:00 amGreat vehicle! Just bought it this week after searching and searching. Plenty of room for our family of 5, and the DVD system makes the ride more than fun for our children. Plenty of "get up and go" for the highway. Interior is the most comfortable we were in among all the vans we test drove.
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2000 Odyssey EX_Navigator - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By dvbp_ody - April 15 - 2:00 amOur 2000 Deep velvet Blue Pearl Odyssey has been everything we wanted and more. Oil changes and 15h/30k checkups have been only expense.
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Awesome..........except for Music Link - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By war eagle - April 12 - 5:30 pmWe just moved up from a 2000 Odyssey. The difference is absolutely astounding. The 2007 is quieter, has more power, and is significantly upgraded on the interior. Weve only had the 07 for a few weeks so gas mileage, etc. has not been really checked yet. My only complaint is with the IPOD Music Link system which is just awful. We were told the Music Link would work through the radio and Nav system, this turned out to be a false statement. The only good news is our dealer has agreed to pull the Music Link system out and give us a full refund.
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road trips - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By bill jeffers - April 12 - 2:00 amMy wife and I travel often driving straight thru for more than twenty hours at a time. This van handles well traveling freeways at high speeds with ease being fully loaded. We get 23 to 25 miles per gallon. A great people hauler!
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Honda Odyssey Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By JecLjc - April 12 - 2:00 amVan has excellent workmanship and a powerful extremely quite engine. It has been reliable and has a lot of interior room expecially with the 3rd seat folded into the floor.
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Listen Up - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By scott smith - April 12 - 2:00 amYeah, it is true. You canlt negotiate on thes much. You probably pay an extra 1-2k that a comparable solution. BUT, with a 53% depreciation value after 5 years (Money Magazine 2003), ths van should be worth around 16- 17,000 after 5 years. Look at resales of american minis and you won;t have a problem paying a few bucks up front. Plus, it is safe, tight, fast as hell, and awesome to drive.
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Best - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Michele - April 9 - 8:23 pmWe look and drove them all. The Odyessy by far was the best minivan on the market: Safty, Fuel Economy, Functionality, Reliabilty, Price. We have taken two long road trips so far and this is the only way to travel.
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Not what we expected. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By We hate this van - April 9 - 2:00 amThe van starts up when you want it to and takes you where you want to go, but that is about it. The rear wiper arm stopped working twice, the windshield wiper wash stopped working, the sliding doors stopped working two or three times, two seat arms collapsed, noises came out of the front wheel wells when backing up the vehicle,etc. I am so tired of going to the dealership for service.
