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:
Showing 2621 through 2630 of 3,253.00-
Not just a mini van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Jennifer000000000 - March 19 - 2:00 amI had an Explorer & traded it for the Honda Accord when gas prices started flying up I got pregnant 2 years later & getting the infant seat into the backseat of the Accord was very difficult especially since my husband & I are very tall I was NOT the type to drive a mini van so I looked only at SUVs A friend had an Odyssey and let me look at it That was all it took I wanted one We went to test drive one I fell in love with it even more We bought one that day I get all the comforts and features of an SUV & I look cool driving it The seats are comfy the third seat really does lie flush when folded down I absolutely LOVE my Odyssey
-
our first honda bye bye rover - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By the brauns - March 19 - 2:00 amjust drive it and the rest will take care of its self.
-
The Best Vehicle You Will Ever Own!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Love My Honda - March 19 - 2:00 amThe Town&Country was lower priced with special promos like 0% financing and entertainment system free.The T&C typically began needing repairs the first year whereas the Honda did not. Then,true cost to own each vehicle.The T&C depreciated $10,000 in the first year alone while the Odyssey depreciated $3,600.The trade in value was much higher on the Honda.It drives wonderfully.A week after I bought it we went to Mountains and performance was outstanding.Gas mileage-approximately 21 miles to the gallon.Very comfortable, with recessed area in the back that allows more room for bags and other travel needs.Youll be glad that you invested in this vehicle!
-
great van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By jotorn - March 19 - 2:00 amwe just had a baby, itd recommend this vehicle.
-
It doesnt get any better than this! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By powerbelly - March 19 - 2:00 amWe could not be happier with our purchase. It is fun to drive and is built so well. We have tried to find things we dont like about it, but have yet to identify any flaws in the Odyssey. You cant find a better van.
-
Love My Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By capetz - March 19 - 2:00 amAs a family we love this van, it is very comfortable. I have no complaints driving long distances, especially with the DVD. We added a mini refrigerator between the two seats in the middle and we have all the comforts of home. My only complaint about the Odyssey is the location of the gas door . I have small hands and it is difficult to slide my hand into this space without opening the drivers side door. Minor inconvenience!
-
Good car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By soccer - March 19 - 2:00 amThis is the best, reliable, ouality, design, fun to drive, fuel, comfort, and perforamce car I have ever drove.
-
So great in snow! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Randi Matson - March 19 - 2:00 amLots of snow here in Pennsylvania this year and my Oddyssy is incredibly great to drive in it! Much better than my old Ply. Gr. Voyager! I love this car.
-
Honda of Hillside AAA - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Dan Hammer - March 19 - 2:00 amMy wife and I purchased the 2004 Honda Odyssey at Honda of Hillside Ave and love the minivan and the delearship. We have owned Plymouth Voyagers, Fords Explorer and Expedition but they do not compare to the Odyssey in regards to room, comfort, and power.
-
My Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By ggersch - March 19 - 2:00 amThe vehicle handles superbly. Excellent ease of use and reliability. Provides great comfort for all trips.
