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 Odyssey is Awesome - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By otis - March 19 - 2:00 amThe van is the greatest. Test drive the Dodge caravan and then testdrive the Odyssey. You wont be able to resist it. The only thing it needs is a larger gas tank. Other than that I dont have one complaint.
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Odyssey, When You Need The Best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By waboops - March 19 - 2:00 amHonda has done a remarkable job with this vehicle. I am surprised that they did not bring it to market a few years earlier though. I am also surprised that they have not added a sunroof as an option either. I suspect these features will be added with the new Odyssey for 2005. It is a very pleasant vehicle to drive. It feels very nimble as if you were driving a mid size car. The acceleration is excellent, it out- accelerates some V-8 powered trucks and sport utility vehicles. The versatility of the third row seat is wonderful, and now that my family is used to it, we cant do without it. As close to a perfect family vehicle as you can get.
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awesome van!!!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By natrusso - March 19 - 2:00 amwe love this van, we have 2 children and evry trip is better than the last. I use to have a honda civic and i felt when we bought this van it feel big or too hard to drive, but i still feel as if i am driving my civic. it is so fun to drive.
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Dream Come True - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By JBro34 - March 19 - 2:00 amThe Oddyssey can accomodate two cats in carriers, as well as litter box, cat food and water. Luggage for snowbirding in Florida and carrying home improvement and gardening equipment is easily managed. The motorized side doors provide easy access to the cargo area. I also carried six of my friends to the Lyric Opera in Chicag. They were impressed and comfortable.
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I love it, but the gas mileage is awful - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By burrman - March 19 - 2:00 amI love this car. My wife drives the minivan and I drive an old honda station wagon. I always look forward to driving the Odyssey! Its both fun and functional. Weve had a couple fairly minor reliability problems (door roller and oxy sensor). Good acceleration, handling, cruise control, braking -- you name it. I must say, our gas mileage is terrible. It is not uncommon to get 11 or 12 mpg around town. Highway is good as I get > 20 mpg. Unfortunately, we do mostly city driving.
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Honda review - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By CassBarton - March 19 - 2:00 amThis is the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned.
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Pablos - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Pablo206 - March 19 - 2:00 amIts a nice quiet riding vehicle depending on the type of road you are on. A cement road is noisy but you still get that smooth ride.
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AN OK VAN - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By J MORRIS - March 19 - 2:00 amIM AM NOT IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR BUT ITS BETTER THAN THE 04 SIENA. DISAPPOINTING GAS MILAGE WHY CANT JAPANESE CAR MAKERS INSTALL COMFORTABLE SEATS LIKE I FIND IN AMERICAN CARS?
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God buy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Piptris - March 19 - 2:00 amAfter driving Ford cars for nearly 40 years I switched to Honda because of price and performance. Friends had raved about the Odyessy and after a test drive I was sold. I havent been disappointed.
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Depressed its time for a Minivan...look - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By JCOats - March 19 - 2:00 amWhen my wife became pregnant with kids #2 & #3 (twins!), I got my marching orders......The Sequoia and the boat need to go. We needed a minivan for the 3 kids....especially need a van with two infants. So, I immediately began looking for a minivan........of course I wanted it to pull our boat. We got that in our EX and at a much better price than the "new-release" Toyota minivan which cost $5-6K more!
