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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  Love This Car - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By pvest - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Six years ago we bought our 1996 Honda Odyssey EX throught the years we have loved it no major problems except the locks keep locking and the oil light coming on it has been perfect. We have loved it and will be dissapointed when we sellit.

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  Great Minivan - My second one! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Honda Customer - July 25 - 2:47 am

  With our first one, my husband met with a bad accident. It was 2011 Odyssey that was totaled. My husband came out of the van with no injuries not even a scratch except the seat belt small scratch. The side airbags popped out as the impact was from the side at an intersection. With good safety standards, we decided to go for another Odyssey!. Love it!

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  2002 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By David Del Rosario - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Very easy to drive and visability is very good. Excellent turning radius. Plenty of power.

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  Honda Odyssey 96 - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By sacooper - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I am finding it hard to want a replacement. So reliable and the seating it simply wonderful.

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  Do not buy - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Bekelech Getachew - July 16 - 9:22 pm

  Do not buy this car because Sliding door has creaking noise, Honda service Department also they cant fix , dont west your time. On 10/09/2016 I bought 2016 Honda odyssey from Round rock Honda, They repaired 3 times sliding door creaking noise, but it is not work, I recall Honda America with calmed Number 05092045. but the so cold recall Manager wont answer my request. so this car good looking but sliding door is not good, Round rock Honda service department also they dont now how to fix the door.

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  A little disappointed - could be better - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By JR - July 15 - 6:43 pm

  We have had several problems with this van. Both passenger doors creak when stopping and starting. They have tried to fix but and cant. Our serpentine belt came loose and took a week to find. TPMS light comes on a regular basis on trips. Had to relearn the system. Gas mileage stinks. Roughly 13 in town and 22 hwy. For this being the top of the line for Honda, my 2003 Town&Country Limited was more luxuious and came with better features. Run flats are nice but cant find anyone to replace just the tire in KY. Can only replace the whole tire and rim assembly. Cost is $600 per tire to replace.

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  Excellent vehicle except the mpg - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By diva_3181377 - July 13 - 5:52 pm

  This is my first Honda. Have a VW and BMW and had Toyotas before this. Compared to the VW and BMW, this is very reliable. So far the only thing broke was a door lock actuator which was fixed free under warranty. We occasionally go for long trips (~1200 miles one way) and it never had any issue. A very reliable vehicle. Bad -> MPG and tires. With city driving only, i see it ranges from 13 to 18. Highway, it is 23+. I take care of my cars really well and seems this mpg is normal for the vehicle of this size. The tires last only like <25K. Tried Yokohoma tires after the OEM. Next need to try something else like Pirelly. Aligned once and all were in good shape. Maintenance - i changed the transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid at 30k. Planning to do the same again at 60k. Also cleaned the MAF sensor and air/cabin filters (they were not dirty at all). Using 0W20 full synthetic oil and changes it when the MM shows 15% life. Also use the Techron once a year. Other than the brake job and TB job at 100k, i am not expecting any issues. Honda battery does not last long (multiple people experienced the same thing). Changed 1 time and then switched to the Auto zone brand.

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  Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By BStagg - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Long time Honda owner. Van drives great,is roomy and well designed, but... I am on my SECOND set of brake pads and just had the rotars replaced. Also, the air condition system has never performed like it should, but the dealer thought that was all in my head. Now that it is out of warannt, he would love to find the problem. Overall, somewhat disappointed in the van due to mechanical problems.

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  old style, but great minivan - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By lsulance - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Very well built. Great gas mileage. Holds six 6 ft. people easily. Built on Accord platform, so its like a car on steroids. Rear A/C a plus. Interior very similar to new style Odyssey, but a little smaller in scale. Made two 12 hr. trips and was very comfortable. 4 cylinder engine makes it a little more difficult to pass on the interstate b/c of the weight of the van. When will Honda make a comfortable place to rest your arm on the door. Not enough padding on the door armrest. 2002 has the same problem.

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  Family highway car - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry McIntire - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Okay, power rear doors are a bit much but overall this is the greatest family minivan available. Safety second to none. Lots of power for hauling, and 3500 lb. towing capacity. Good stereo, comfortable/useful/adjustable seats, and that wonderful flat rear floor, 4 x 8 with the seats flat/out. Strong climate control-- the only thing I wish I could change is the fuel mileage. But its still at the top of its category in that department as well.