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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  Howards opinion - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By howard - November 3 - 1:33 pm

  This vehicle is excellent all round. It is the best van in the market. Plenty of power and very comfortable.

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  A wonderful - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Yogibear - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is the most un-minivan of the lot, and it is really a Honda Civic wagon on steroids. The smaller size compared to the newer models makes the 95-98 models so cool. We love ours, the 2.2 liter engine would seem too small for a van, but in this case, it is perfect. The ride, mileage, functionality and visibilty of the car are outstanding. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a minivan. It even fits into compact spaces, and hold six!

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  Best Family Purchase - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MS - October 29 - 12:36 pm

  We traded a Toyota Tundra double cab for the Odyssey. I was very hesitant to trade my pick-up for a more family friendly vehicle, but I couldnt be happier. Our highway mileage has been a bit dissapointing, but we do push the speed limit and have been around 21 mpg on the highway. Our first tank of gas was the dealer tank and went about 17 mpg. The room is amazing. All the amenities are smartly done. The RES is an excellent option. With an adaptor, my sons video ipod can hook up in the back to watch videos he has on the ipod. The PS2 is also a fixture in the rear of the vehicle. The drive is excellent and the quality is outstanding. I would highly recommend this vehicle for a family.

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  2006 Honda odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie - October 26 - 2:06 pm

  I love it!! I have 2 children and I cannot believe how much it has helped with convenience. I always said I would never drive a minivan, but now I wonder why I waited so long. It is the smoothest riding vehicle I have owned, & you cannot beat the amount of room in both back seats. If you have kids this is the way to go.

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  great van so far , but poor mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 2007 van - October 23 - 4:50 am

  Great van so far never have any problems yet. A little road noise compare to 02 odyssey. Sliding doors hard to open also when closed especially from outside. Handling and steering very nice. Poor gas mileage average 16 in town, dealer said after 5000 miles will improved. Only like style changing from 02 model.

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  Great Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By tscm98 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Minivan. Very reliable, traction control, rear seat temperature fan control, foldaway 3rd row, lots of room even when the 3rd seat is up. My husband drives a 94 Accord, and when he drives on the highway, I usually have to remind him to check his speed, because he ends up above 80, without realizing it. I never thought I would drive a minivan, but now that I have it, I dont know what I would do without it. The 3rd row seat that folds into the floor is very convenient. The 2 captains chairs in the center can be pushed together, or kept separate. I love the van and would recommend it to anyone.

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  I cant believe I own a Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe7 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Rides great and very roomy!

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  Poor milage, expensive but satisfied - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Niket - October 13 - 11:30 pm

  Mileage on the sticker is a pure lie and cheating. In growing family, the gas expense is burden now. When asked dealer, they said 16 for city and highway combined is good. Per dealer, can get sticker mileage if driven without A/C, heater, radio, navigation, DVD and at smooth 55mph. Sure, why do they have these feature than? Why are they selling in cold Chicago? If DVD has to be off, why put it in? Minor touch of metal or so creates dent due to thin paint coat. No MP3 format player, no iPod outlet for such an expensive vehicles. Does not have mileage calculator built into Nav system. Same software used in Acura and others, should have throwns into this.

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  Best Minivan Going - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By NickFl - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Very spacious versatile vehicle

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  2004 best value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Luis Sanchez - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife really loves the odyssey even do there is not much room for discounts and the fact that I paid 1000 dollars over sticker.