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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  Reliable - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy1 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  After 2 weeks from buying it, we knew we had bought a winner. First tried the Chrysler T&C, wow what a big mistake. After 12 repairs under 30 K miles on the Chrysler, we were ready for something new. Honda ride is excellent with a low center of gravity and very little road noise. The car is an overall perfect 10 except for 2 minor qualms. Needs temperature gauge. Also, Honda needs to improve the gas mileage of this van. I experience 14-15 mpg in town, which is better than the Chrysler but Id still like to get 25-30. Id gladly trade some power for 25-30 mpg or better yet put the Odyssey on the front of the list for a hybrid engine.

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  Good Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Yanky79 - December 19 - 1:23 am

  Great vehicle, especially considering this is a minivan. Honda did right by including all the options in a single package. While the design may not get you noticed on the highway the interior comfort and included amenties are a huge benefit. Not requiring premium fuel (like the Sienna) and having engineered the interior were the items that gave this van the edge over the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Town & Country. If you are looking for a people mover and desire the amenities of most newer cars, this van comes highly recommended. Honda has the racket down to a science with the allocation of new vehicles, keeping the price artficially inflated. Working a deal close to invoice=VERY tough

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  What a buy? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By airaj - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this minivan than anything. It is a combination of luxury, power, and design. I trade-in my 2001 honda accord v6 with this minivan, I was a little upset when I did that but now I am 100% convinced, I did the best thing after driving this vehilce for over 8 months now.

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  Great car - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Pcflorida - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Even pulled a 1200 pound boat a few miles back and forth to the lake.

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  Bye Bye SUV, Hello Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By THE PERFECT VEHICLE - December 9 - 8:33 pm

  We recently bought an 07 Odyssey EX which was replacing a 2004 Tahoe and were so happy with our new purchase. Much more useable space, easier entry/exit, better gas mileage, safety with all of those airbags. We love being able to walk thru b/w the front seats to get to the kids in the back. Great acceleration/handling for a minivan, car-like driving. A few improvements would be larger cup holders in center console (minor). Better base stereo system (sounds ok but signal not strong- probably weak antenna). Sometimes when slowing down and transmission is downshifting it feels like you get bumped from behind, kind of pushes you forward even with the brakes on. All in all very happy 9/10

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  Question ? - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By avest - December 9 - 2:00 am

  At about 105000 miles my ABS light came on and stayed on for a while. then went off. but when it went off and we stopped the brakes felt like they were seizing on us. We have no clue what it was. Have any of you had these problems?

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  Not just a mommy-van! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Wendy Minshall - December 7 - 9:03 am

  We searched for a long time to find the perfect van. The only downside is that you cant buy the touring model with 8 passenger (which was important to us) and I wish the middle seats were stowaway like the back seats. Other than that it is PERFECT! When you are driving it, it feels more like a luxury car than a Mini-van! We also liked the Toyota Sienna, but we are 100% sure that this was the right van for us! Good luck!

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  Good but problematic - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By paulie - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Although the Odyssey features a comfortable ride, secure and carlike handling, excellent brakes, quiet interior and a spacious and airy cabin, it gets overtaken by its low-rent feel, uncomfortable seats (at least mine are), and its problems that happen within a month. My A/C and sliding doors are already in need of repair.

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  Family Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dgates - November 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the Honda Odyssey to have a reliable van to pick up the grandchildren. After looking at all the vans available we focused on and bought the Honda. That was the best decision we could have made. The Van rides like a dream. Quiet, fast, very good in the curves and very good traction on the road surface. Even when the roads are very wet the Odyssey can be driven at a normal speed without any hazards. The gas milage is very good and I can recommend this Van to any family of single person that is looking for this type of vehicle.

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  My Second one - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By ctzxcv - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my second one. First was the Izuzu Oasis,which was the same van with Isuzu logos. (I still have the Isuzu too.) Based on the Honda Accord Chassis. Wonderful trip vehicle and enough power for us on the road. Standard 4 wheel disk brakes and dual air. Solid feeling on the road even at 80 mph. Cant think of anything negative about it. If you can find one,grab it as they are hard to find and underpriced. These things went for close to $25k new! (And worth it!)