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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  3rd Honda, 1st minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By chars79 - September 18 - 1:40 pm

  We had debated a mini van for a long time. We purchased a 2006 Civic Hybrid prior to starting foster care...that didnt last long. Shopped around and looked at mini vans from Honda, Toyota, and Kia as well as numerous SUVs and crossovers. Decided on a Used Honda Pilot that was a great vehicle but had some odd problems leading up to a bad climate control system that would have been a pain to fix so the dealership returned our money and we were on the verge of just going up to an 2008 Pilot when we stumbled back into the Odyssey on the showroom. Needless to say, we took it out again and were sold. Not sure why I waited so long! Great ride, lots of room, and great style...

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  The WORST Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By odysseysucks - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Odyssey is THE WORST minivan! Definitely! After paying almost 3000 over sticker, I hoped to be satisfied. But no! On the drive from the dealer, when the van had less than 100 miles on it, the CHECK ENGINE light came on, and I went straight to the dealer; guess what, TRANSMISSION! At 100 miles! At another 2000 miles, the climate control completely broke, and it was freezing! Many other small problems not worth mentioning. Is this what Japanese cars are like? I previously owned a Dodge Grand Caravan, and should have stuck to it. NO mechanical problems. Do not buy, do not buy, do not buy. Edmunds, please stop recommending it.

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  Little improved over 2001 model - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Peteman - September 15 - 11:36 pm

  This is a disappointment after owning a 2001. Fit / finish are not as good. Cabin noise is only slightly improved. Fuel Economy with the variable displacement has been about 16 mpg around town. Max mpg of 20 on a 200 miles trip.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Owner - September 15 - 9:23 am

  I have only had the Odyssey for a week, but am delighted with this van. I have previously owned vans, but this is the best one yet. It is also superior to any other van out there, including the Siena for handling, comfort and value.

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  Odyssey-The Absolute Best! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Owen - September 12 - 11:46 am

  I have never been a big fan of the minivan... until now. The first time I drove this van I was amazed at how much power it had. I like the fact that I can take off quickly when I need to. It handles like a car more than a top heavy van. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. This van is very enjoyable to drive.

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  SOSO VAN - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Nokkie - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Its just a Honda thats it. Sliding door, transmission problems are some of the flaws.

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  Carefree - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By William Ray - September 8 - 7:40 pm

  This van has been so carefree that after 11,000 miles, I have had no glitches at all. The switch from 6 to 3 cylinders is not at all evident. Overall - one great machine.

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  Ride and drive is cute- dash technology is weird - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ragan Goff - September 7 - 9:46 pm

  The versatility of the interior is great. The seats are awesome and I enjoy the sound system. Drives like a car but drivers view is elevated like an SUV. Love those things. The double screens (one a touch screen, one isnt) are really confusing to work with. One screen controls the other screen and sometimes you have to use a series of buttons and a knob to control that same screen. I can plug my iPhone into it or even connect the Bluetooth, but unless I have the setting on ipod I cant use the phones navigation. Not through the speakers in car and not through the phone itself. As if the car is literally controlling the speakers on the phone. Sometimes my phone calls come through the system automatically and sometimes it doesnt. The owners manual is lacking on how to use the entertainment system and the hands free features. I love this van for its drive and convenience of seating and the dvd player. I just have to ignore the dashboard technology so it doesnt make me slowly start to dislike it. Ill just use the radio and be happy.

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  Cant Beat It! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 4father - September 3 - 8:00 am

  We just got our 2005 Odyssey last week. It is a true pleasure to drive. We have already taken full advantage of the 8th seat. We went on a drive- thru Christmas light display w/ me, my wife, 4 kids, and my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I was amazed how much room there was. I traded my 2000 Ford Windstar LX after having the transmission serviced 3 times in less than a year. We drove the Dodge, Mazda and the Toyota. The Toyota was the only other one that came close. You can get the Toyota Sienna LE in an 8 passenger model, but it costs extra, where the Honda EX comes standard as an 8 passenger. Honda is the best!

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  always with problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Tina68 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I hate this van. I got countless problem with this van. I bought this van since hondas big name. But maybe I am not a lucky lady.