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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Fold flat cheat - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By dodgeboy - August 30 - 10:00 amThis car is too overrated!! There is nothing reliable about a car that has a severe mechanical problem during the FIRST 5,000 MILES!! Guess what, Edmunds: looks like the Dodge is much more reliable than this crappy import. In the lonely part of Colorado, this van broke down and left my wife, kids, and myself stranded at night. Luckily we could get rid of it, buy a brand new Dodge, and have an end to problems. Our Dodge, which now has 17,000 miles, hasnt had ONE PROBLEMS. So Edmunds, looks like youre very wrong, so take that comment of your sight before misleading more people.
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Best Minivan on the Market - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Clark Griswald - August 30 - 10:00 amWe love our Odessy. We searched for a minivan for three months. At first, we wanted the Town and Country. The dealer told us that the Oddessy was overpriced. However, once you upgrade the T&C to power doors, larger engine, larger tires, etc etc etc.... The Odessy price is way better than the T&C. The T&C with the options mentioned above is well over 30K. We got our Odessy with all the options at 26K. DONT LET THE AMERICAN DEALERS FOOL YOU! THE ODESSY IS MORE FOR THE MONEY!
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Honda refuses to warrant AC condenser - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By homesteader - August 27 - 8:13 amThe AC condenser developed a pinhole leak with no apparent road damage. Honda refused to cover under warranty. Cost me almost $800 to repair. I have found dozens of odyssey AC condenser problems on the internet. Looks like Honda is trying to deny the problem so they dont have to recall. I never had an AC condenser problem with other cars in 40 years of Florida driving.
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The Best VAN, BAR NONE - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By 12345 - August 27 - 5:53 amThe Bench Mark Of Vans
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Would Buy Again - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By V McDevitt - August 24 - 2:00 amHave taken many, many 6-10 hour trips with 4-6 adults and van was GREAT (lots of room for all!). Drives solid (youll know when you test drive -- nothing else like it!) Reliability has been pretty good but the squeaky brakes are driving me crazy. Doors are heavy would have gone w/power doors given choice again. After market security/remote entry system SUCKS (Code Alarm) -- have to be right beside car for it to work. Wish it had more bells and whistles. Im looking for a new car/van/SUV with the power, space and gas mileage of the Odyssey, but with more bells and whistles. Not sure anything better is out there ...
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Horrible experience!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Douglas Kelley - August 18 - 2:00 amI purchase this Odyssey from Rick Case Honda in Florida and from the beginning to now the Honda Odyssey and the Honda experience has been horrible!! The vehicle has been to the shop 5 times for different things going wrong....The problems can be fixed but not always permanently as 2 of the problems have come back....stay away...stay away...stay away!!!!
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Fuel Efficient??? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By bob345012 - August 16 - 10:00 amGreat vehicle. Lousy fuel economy. Have had our 2001 for 9 months and 13000 miles. Have had no problems and we love the vehicle...except for the 16-18 mpg.
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I Love My Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By richard - August 14 - 2:50 pmI drive with the cruse controll on 80 to 90% of the time,at the speed limit or slower. My gas mileage on the Highway is 28 to 30 miles per gallon. The Intown mileage is 22 to 24 miles per gallon. I have the leather interior and couldnt be more pleased. I havent had the first problem with my vehicle.
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Fix the air leaks!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Charlygeorge - August 12 - 2:00 amToo many air leaks
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Yes, Nice Work Honda!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Freddii - August 12 - 2:00 amThis automobile has been the best we have owned in almost every way possible. I would highly recommend the Honda van for any large family.
