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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  excellant van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By angelena - March 19 - 2:00 am

  it has good engine performance and durability.

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  I LOVE my Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dragonfyr - March 19 - 2:00 am

  this van is wonderful! Comfortable, reliable, and a great drive. I replaced my 97 Plymouth Voyager 123,000 miles with this vehicle and love it

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  Second Time Odyssey Buyer - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Triplets + One - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband, 20 month old triplets and myself (4 mos. pregnant) were hit head on going 40 mph each by a drunk driver in our 2001 Odyssey. We all walked away. The van was totalled by my family, my world was in tact. We bought our new Odyssey within a week. Had we been in any other minivan, I dont know that we would all be alive today. Nothing is more important than safety and the Honda Odyssey proved its worth to me and my family.

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  Not your typical grandmas car! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mann - March 19 - 2:00 am

  It has been a God-send to me for the ease of entering and exiting the vehicle, since I have bad knees. I just sit down and swing my legs in or out. No lifting my body to climb out or in! Now I know why I see so many "senior citizens" driving around in them. It isnt just for young moms as a "grocery getter!" Comfort while driving is excellent, as we found out on two recent little road trips. I have never enjoyed a new car as much as I have this Honda Odyssey. It is worth every penny we paid for it!

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  Life Saver - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jackkandy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My 1st Honda Odyssey was spun, rolled twice, and skidded upside down for 100 yards when my wife and I were hit by a hit and run driver. The car was totalled - we were wearing seatbelts and walked away practically unharmed. Although every exterior panel was crushed, scraped, dented or demolished, and every window was cracked or broken, the interior was still in pristine condition thanks to the construction of the Odyssey. The vehicle saved our lives! Its smooth driving and comfortable, and the satellite navigation system makes it fun to drive. If you want a vehicle on which you may someday have to bet your life, the Odyssey is the answer.

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  excellent - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By phm04 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  excellent van. it drives like a car but has the room i need. the kids are safe. i love it.

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  Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Arthur Zayat - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My second Odyssey..rock solid great build quality never breaks, super engine. Wish it (and all minivans) were pt 4wd with adjustable suspensions so you can off road or raise it in deep snow...it would be the perfect all around vehicle.

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  Great Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Emilia - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I never planned on owning a mini-van until I became pregnant. I knew that we would need more room and I love the Honda Odessey. I have had excellent experience with Hondas in the past.

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  I love my Van!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family van We have three children and they just love all the room they have to move around and we love that they dont pick and poke at each other any more.

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  Much Better Than My Voyager - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob 357 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Having owned 4 Acuras and a Honda Accord, I expected the Honda Odyssey to be a very high quality vehicle, and I wasnt disappointed. Its fun to drive, handles well, and will haul just about anything I could ever need it to haul. My wife and I enjoy the vehicle, and look forward to many years of ownership.