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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  Could be a lot better considering price - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By backpain - January 2 - 1:03 pm

  I have put approximately 10,000 miles on the van since I purchased it. It has a smooth ride and more than adequate power. The DVD and nav systems have been great. I have noticed that gas mileage is not as advertised (3-5 mpg less than on sticker). Also as time goes by, the drivers seat has become a problem. As I come to a stop (slow or fast) the seat slightly shifts forward with an audible click. As I hit the gas (slow or fast) it shifts slightly back and clicks again. Dealership serviceperson states that he felt the shift and click but tested another van in the lot and it did the same thing so it must be normal. (What???).

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  2016 Odyssey EX-L Great buy, great Car. - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben Laurens - December 28 - 8:10 am

  We are 3rd time Odyssey owners. Each purchase was preceded by scrupulous, in depth study of all minivans. Odyssey proved best for our needs every time. Reliability is beyond expectation. All else fits our needs very well. Highly recommend.

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  High Expectations - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bryan12432 - December 25 - 11:10 am

  This is my first Honda. My expectations were very high based on what I have heard from other Honda owners. I have already had 4 problems, 2 of them minor. The non-powered sliding doors stick and I had to have the lower control arm re-torqued. On the more serious side, the paint under the front bumper is pealing and the battery failed. I am going to buy an extended warranty because it does not appear the re-designed Odyssey is of typical Honda quality.

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  Best Mini Van on the market - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan Lau - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Odyssey sets the mark for Mini Vans. I have had two Chrysler products, one a Dodge Caravan, and then the top of the line Town and Country. The 2002 Odyssey simply outclasses the Chrysler products. Although there are more features on the Chrysler products (trip computer, power lift gate, center console etc.) the smooth power, and superior handling of the Odyssey sets it apart.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By RFKastendick - December 22 - 4:26 am

  Purchased Ody EX on Dec, 14th and took a 600 mile trip to Kansas City with the family. There was some pronounced noise on very course pavement, but overall much quieter than our 1999 Honda Ody. The overall gas mileage was 22 mpg..not bad with headwinds to and from our destinations. The engine has lots of power during acceleration onto freeways or in town. Cornering is great even on tight turns. Seats are firm but comfortable. Instruments are well positioned. Really like the small light that shines on the tray between the front passenger/driver seats as it allows you to see your cell phone or whatever in on the tray without turning on the reading/dome lights. Kids love the window shades.

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  prize goes to honda designers... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By hondaaaaaaaaaa - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Well, let see.....after leaving the dealership...It was a real joy to drive it back home. This honda has all the bells and whistles..and more. I really think Honda did a wonderful job with this minivan. The third generation odyssey will have what the competition is touting, all seats that fold into the floor, camera for one to backup, updated stereo and cd..., more horsepower...so buy the 2004 and save 2 to 3 thousand dollars.

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  best family car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ttumiya - December 19 - 10:00 am

  very excelent, roomy and very fun to drive...safe. (best family car in the world)

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By grsmi - December 19 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. It handles well and the leather and heated seats are awesome. It is the best car I have ever owned.

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  No! Not a minivan!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DAvid KAne - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing and had to give up the last vestige of my bachelorhood: my 86 VW GTi. Yeah, right, it drives just like a car. Seriously, since i have 2 kids and a wife, I could not ask for more. 240 HP (wish that was in the VW!) is best in class, and it moves quite nicely. Its also one of the lighter minivs available. My two under 2 are separate, and we can get past them to the 3rd row easily. The 3rd row actually IS comfortable - says my Mom with the bad back. Knowing Hondas reliability, this thing should last into their puberty and - dare i think it - i may be able to teach them to drive in it!

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  There is no better value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By wolfgang - December 19 - 2:00 am

  We looked for more than half a year for the perfect minivan, after having made a terrible mistake with a Chrysler Voyager. We looked at Freestars, Siennas, Quests and well, we left aside the Town&Country and teh kings of plastic: Montana and Venture out. The Odyssey offered an unbeatable value. We hesitated to purchase the van with the new generation ante portas. But it is close to being perfect with minor flaws such as the placement of some buttons and the dashboard is a bit dated. But you get a powerful engine, great seating comfort – all for thousands $ less than at N&T. We would have liked the DVD, but people apparently stand in line for those cars.