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:

• 

  Comfortable/Pronounce noise - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Al1Lynn - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, smooth ride. Quiet engine that is economical on gas. Considerable leg room even in last seat. Interior gadgets could be more sturdy and stable. This vehicle could enter the luxury line if road and wind noise were not so pronounced.

• 

  ODYSSEY - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Owen Abrey - March 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VAN!

• 

  Extremely reliable - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Carlitos - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Great mini-mini van. Unfortunately it tends to be compared to full mini-vans which most the time carry a V6 under their hoods. Hey! not everybody needs that (keep in mind that its 4 cil. engine is a Vtec. Inside is very roomy and the rear passenger door are a plus with their roll down windows. Extremely reliable (never had to call road assistence at all) So far I have 138000 Km and just one visit to de dealer to replace the power doors controler (covered by the extended warranty) If you want to move people rather than furniture, its great

• 

  Best value of all mianivans - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By J Chai - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought an EX two weeks ago for $900 below invoice ($23800) because of factory to dealer incentive. We could not have been more pleased with this purchase. My wife and I love the way it drives and the kids love its space and big windows-for sight seeing. The best value of all the minivans on the market by far.

• 

  Mixed bag - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By odyowner - March 9 - 2:00 am

  The van lungs forward on its own, had to press brake hard. Brake makes constant noise. Right front shock made noise, dealer never was able to find out why, though the noise disappeared after 2 years. Doors stuck occasionally. Wimpy stereo. My address in American Hondas database was in another state so that the dealer could fill out the new car survey themselves (I couldnt think of any other reason).

• 

  can I return, I have a reciept - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 4shizzlemynizzle - March 9 - 2:00 am

  in general, the van is very reliable. the exterior is very HOT looking. it rides pretty good. it is roomy &then it all goes down hill. see improvements

• 

  7 seat sports car - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bertram56 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought a pre-owned w/ 16000 miles. It was in excellent condition, and with the added warranty periods(12/12 bumper2bumper, 100k powertrain) it was a much better value than buying brand new. The only issues we have noticed have been the steering wheel stereo controls went out(promptly replaced)and we are hearing a slight rattle from the sliding doors like maybe the control cables are not secured properly. Other than those two things we have absolutely no complaints. With the 240hp V6 and the responsive steering, I tell friends its like driving a seven seat sports car. We love it.

• 

  The Van To Have - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By thegraduate - March 6 - 3:50 pm

  This van is definitely worth looking at if you are in the market for a vehicle. You may think that you dont want a van, but this was the vehicle of choice for us after a Dodge Ram and Chrysler Sebring. The quality construction, super reliability, and overall value with this car are amazing, especially if you avoid the leather package. Lots of car for the money here!

• 

  Purchase of Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Don Wix - March 5 - 10:46 am

  We have put 9000 miles on our Odyssey since Dec 04. It is a great vehicle except it rides a little rough. We had a Ford Van before and it rode better. Otherwise we love the van. The economy is great. Turning radius is beneficial to parking.

• 

  The best mini van for family - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles - March 5 - 5:53 am