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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  Great Looking Minivan! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Estela - January 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyssey after much thought and after looking at other makes. It has been a year now, and would never give it back. It rides very comfortably and handles great. I love the third row that folds flat and the second row captain seats. I am not thrilled about the power sliding doors, but have to admit they are convenient when you have your hands full and just push a button and door opens for you. Gas mileage is not impressive, but does better than previous SUV I had . Overall, I would recommend if you not only want a nice looking minivan, but one that rides very comfortably, handles great and of course you cant beat Honda reliability.

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  I love this van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Megiesmom - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I cannot rave enough about this vehicle. It has power. It has an excellent turning radius. Everyone who rides in it cant believe how smooth the ride is. We struggle between this and the Sienna. I am so glad we went with the Odyssey. We went through Costcos Fleet dealership program. We got an awesome deal at Penske Honda. We live close to Rock but their costumer service was awful.

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  Great family van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By dnc4009 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  We went from a large Ford Windstar to this smaller van and have never looked back. Honda is by far the most reliable auto maker we have experienced. The only thing they could have improved on this van would be more power. Other than that I plan on driving it to its grave!!

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  Way over rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mjf911 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble with the van and Honda. Sliding doors rattle and squeak, dash rattles and squeaks, windshield whistles at freeway speeds, gas sloshing in tank noise, brakes clunk when reversing direction (beware, Honda says it is normal for their vans. Wait for the 2004 Ford Windstar. Its going to blow Honda away.

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By OSUBAM - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the 2003 EX model. The power doors are so nice with having two kids. And the powerful motor is great. Everybody saying something about the gas mileage most not understand this thing kicks out 240hp. Guess they could buy a Chevy Venture w/ 185hp with 1 mile to the gallon higher and pay the same price.?. I love all the features it has. Hidy went below MSRP and tossed in a trailer hitch and mud flaps for free. They are a great dealership in Ohio.

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  love it, love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By LOVE IT, LOVE IT - January 15 - 1:10 am

  Better price then toyota, more horses, bigger tires, nicer exterior design, more interior room then toyota. (After test drive the toyota). The odyssey price and reliability has made toyota looked over their shoulders these last few years. The bottom line is I can "BRAG" that I got more "BANG" for my minivan than TOYOTA.

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  Not worth the money - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ashley - January 13 - 10:33 am

  This is one of the most uncomfortable vehicles I have ever been in. It is noisy(a constant hummm), the transmission runs very rough, and the dvd screen constantly squeaks. The van also has a vibration problem which you can feel and easily see when looking at the seats and the steering wheel. It never goes away (not even when a/c is off). The inside of the van is very nice and roomy. The front seats are way to high for short people though. I am 53" and only the tips of my toes touch the floor. Hard to reach pedals Wish I bought something else. Maybe that new toyota that didnt even start at the dealership would have been a better buy...at least then I would have no vibration worries

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  A great Van -- but Definitely Overrated - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By D. Bell - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The Odyssey is a great van. It is fun to drive, and it has great handling. I can move and pass real easy in this minivan. My son absolutely loves it, and is convinced that his mom has by far the best car in school. On the downside, Im greatly disappointed with how many times Ive already had to take this van to the dealership for minute, annoying things, like; echo in the speaker, exhorbitant exhaust coming from the tailpipe; noise in motor on the auto seat; unusual vibration in the engine; a loose hose which caused leakage of transmission fluid. More attention to detail is needed. It should not be in the shop every other month!

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  Pulls to the Left - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By giantman - January 8 - 6:46 pm

  The car tends to pull to the left on the highway. This makes it less than comfortable to drive long distances and rather unsafe. Otherwise, interior and exterior design are solid.

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  Disappointed with my new Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Clyde - January 6 - 2:53 pm

  I am disappointed with my purchase for the following reasons: low mileage (14.5 mpg city, 24 mpg high way). The car has about a dozen small quality issues. The driver and front passenger seat are not comfortable due to the position of the (non- telescoping) steering wheel. The electric doors do not close well, together with the wind noise you never feel secure about properely shut doors. The doors had to be aligned, since they were chipping the paint. The car has a bumpy ride, it in no way doubles as a sedan, its a truck . The raised expectations were clearly not met. You should do a much more extensive test drive then me before you buy.