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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Honda 2004 Not as great as expected - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By sshammas - March 19 - 2:00 amWe bought the HOnda because it was rated so high. Engine and safety wise it is good, But if you are interested in the inside features then there is a lot missing. Only one power outlet (very inconveniently located), no cigarette lighter. Cant get or even buy a front console. you get a fold down table with cup holders which dont hold the cup very well. as you turn, the bottle or cup falls off. No temperature gauge or compass. The entertainment DVD is not that easy to use. but the screen is good. the space and trunk area are great.
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Cant go wrong with an Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By dlangill - March 19 - 2:00 amThe Odyssey has lived up to its name. I chose a Honda because of the reputation. I have had no problems at all in the 9 months that Ive owned it. Its gone on many long drives, including Canada (starting point: NC) Its greatest cosmetic features are the "disappearing rear seat" and all of the cupholders. It does lack some of the many compartments that other minivans supply (could use a good place for loose change). It will be even more popular once they install the split 3rd row seat. As expected, you cant go wrong with a Honda.
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great reliability - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By lilmunkins - March 19 - 2:00 amLike the handling of the vehicle, handles like the accord. Lots of blind spots though. Reliability is AWESOME!!!!! The interior could be a little more luxurious, but it is easy to clean and easy to use.
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Our 2nd Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Ereedtx - March 19 - 2:00 amWe are on our second Odyssey, having leased the first one in 2001. We have also owned Caravans and Voyagers. This is by far the best minivan weve ever owned. It is comfortable, gets decent mileage and weve never had any major mechanical problems with them. The dropdown rear seat is one of the best features Ive ever seen in a minivan. I would highly recommend this car.
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Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By col - March 19 - 2:00 amI am so glad we bought the Honda. Even though we did pay sticker we are thrilled with our van. This is our first van and the performance of the engine with 240 horse power is great. No need to worry about getting up those mountains on our way to Florida. Our next van will be a Honda. I also liked that there wasnt a ton of bells and whistles on the dash or headliner. Just the basics.
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reliable and sturdy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By navidad - March 19 - 2:00 amI am very happy with my Odyssey -- First of all I feel very safe being such a sturdy auto. The seats are so comfortable that you dont mind taking long drives (guests have said this too!). The navigational system has allowed me the freedom to go places I would never attempt by myself. I highly recommend this vehicle!
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Love those Hondas! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By JGerney - March 19 - 2:00 amThe Honda Van was an excellent purchase. Features we really like include 2 adapters, bucket seats in the middle, adjustable drivers seat, 2 sliding doors, and many more. Irecomment it to everyone I know!
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Thank God I bought the Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Odysseylover - March 19 - 2:00 amWe have had our Odyssey for almost 5 mos. now and we love it. I was against a minivan for the longest time, but I dont feel like Im driving one. It is a very smooth ride and extremely comfortable and roomy inside. The leather is definately the way to go, it cleans up great and is much better looking than the upholstery option. We love the fold down 3rd row seat and the dual auto doors. We couldnt be happier with our purchase!
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Excellent vehicle - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By honda mom - March 19 - 2:00 amThe very best out there.
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Excellent. I swear by it. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Lesisbest - March 19 - 2:00 amThis is the best driven van Ive ever had. It drives smoothly and yet has a lot of force. Breaks, stearing, comfort and much more to offer. I tell everyone that Hondas are the best ever cars/vans to own.
