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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Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Josph N Niamke - February 5 - 2:00 amI have had this vehicle for 4 months and Ive already put 6500 miles on it. It is amazing the way it drive and handle, more comfort and it feels like air ride expecially when driving on long distances. Infact, I love it.
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Excellent BUY HONDA - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Zelma Butts - February 5 - 2:00 amI love to drive this auto because of the great handling features, has good response, and I feel safe
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elsenorbeto - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By elsenorbeto - February 5 - 2:00 amLove the comfort, manuverability, style, ride and the feeling of "not" driving a minivan.
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great van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By fine - February 5 - 2:00 amGreat car except for poor gas mileage.
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Great Minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By MrClean - February 4 - 8:53 amThis is our second Odyssey. We cannot believe the difference in refinement and performance over the 99, which we thought was a very good vehicle. Great drivetrain - smooth, powerful engine (drive by wire throttle is very responsive), excellent shifts. The audio system is not great, but if you want to spend a bit more money, upgrade with aftermarket stuff. Very cool NAV system (voice activated). XM radio was a nice touch. The interior is very well laid out, high quality. Would have been nice to have a 110volt outlet, but well make do. Also, I prefer the cruise control on my 97 M3 - why do you need 4-5 buttons to control it when one stalk will do? Great job, Honda.
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No Complaints - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By ILOVETHISVAN - February 4 - 8:43 amFor a van, this is the most fun to drive vehicle! It has lots of power, good mileage compared with Explorers and Expeditions that compete with vans, and has been tight and rattle free! Something I cant say for my domestic cars I owned. Hopefully, this blue baby will stay out of the shop, like my other Hondas!
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Largely Satisfied - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By WhiteWhale - February 3 - 5:06 pm3 factors led us to buy a minivan. The first was we were expecting a 3rd child and needed a car with more room. The second was we wanted a vehicle that would make our numerous long roadtrips more comfortable than our existing cars (Prius and S4 Avant) could. And the third was we didnt want a SUV. When considering which minivan to buy we took the advice of so many auto reviewers in the press and plumped for an Odyssey. After more than 6 months of ownership we are largely impressed with the car.
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Great van - 2016 Honda Odyssey
By joe - February 3 - 8:09 amBest van for the money
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Great van, minor improvements needed - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By esdewerth - January 31 - 10:00 amThis is our 3rd Honda and we shopped around a long time before deciding. I love the power sliding doors. The make it so easy when carrying two kids to get the doors open and get them in. There are additional features that I would have liked (that were not offered at all) such as a sunroof, outside temperature gauge, power rear lift door, and power passenger side seat. Overall though, I would buy Honda again and again.
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Better than expected - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Big Stamy - January 29 - 12:10 amGreat family car. It is so functional but still alot of fun to drive. Really like the sport feel of the car. A very smooth ride. By far the best car we have purchased.
