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:

• 

  Quality! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By rlfuzz - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a 2001 EX looking for a trouble free vehicle (never again will we own a Volvo). The brakes are horrible, rotors were turned at 7500 miles after complaining about severe vibrations when braking. Well, it is time again at 12500 miles, not a good trend. The power doors are nice, when they work! The dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with them. About 75% of the time I have to get back out and shut them because they would not close all the way (Honda Quality?). The engine is wonderfull, both powerfull and smooth. The transmission could use some tuning. I hate the "Grade Logic" feature. It is noisy on the highway but rides great, smooth and stable.

• 

  The perfect vehicle - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By coop - July 3 - 2:00 am

  The dealership was terrible, I bought it used, got only one key and was told I could go to any key store, they are only a couple bucks and the gas was 1/4 tank full. The vehicle is solid, well thought out, great for fuel economy, the fold down seat is sooo handy. No problems w/ van. It is only sad it is discontinued in its present version.

• 

  Over Rated Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Wiesen - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Over the past 3K miles we have averaged 12-13mpg, on par with the Hummer. The dash rattles, the automatic doors sometimes work as does the DVD system. But when it does work it does produce enough static for a 3 yr old to complain. The van has times when it is very difficult to start after it has been driven and sits for a short period. Wem are currently in negotiations on a new Toyota. I do not advise this vehicle for any family.

• 

  Very Satisfied - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve S. - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car in a private deal from a couple who kept up with regular maintenance. So far it has been a great car to drive and I have had no complaints. Took it on vacation and really love the flip down rear seat. I may never buy another american van again.

• 

  Honda Corp says car wont cool down in 1/2 hour - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By DanielleS - June 26 - 3:08 am

  This is the worst car weve ever owned as far as heat goes!!!! It will not cool down. We took it back to the dealership because we thought there was something wrong with it, it didnt cool down for about 45 minutes. Thats when the girl that worked there said that all new Honda Odysseys are like that! I dont know about you, but I live less that 1/2 an hour from where I work and am not excited about driving to and from work in total heat! I did what any normal person would do and called Honda Corp. The manager we got immediately said that it should take 3-5 minutes to cool down the car. However, he then called the dealership and his tune changed. He explained that it was hot in FL (something we apparently werent aware of--we only live here). Then he said the interior temperature of the car can reach 140 degrees and it takes a while to cool down. By that logic, the engineers didnt take into account 3/4 of the US, because this year it was hotter in the Northeast and Southwest than it was in FL this year. Somehow our 2011 HONDA CR-V and our 2009 Toyota Sienna can cool down in this heat, but not a 2016 Honda Odyssey. I showed up for a meeting drenched in sweat--FROM A BRAND NEW CAR!!!! I was asked what happened--I told my clients what happened and now Im telling as many people as I can. If you live in an state that can get hot--DO NOT BUY this car!!! Its not worth it to ride around in heat to and from work!!! Im stuck with it, but you dont have to be.

• 

  Tranny Unsafe - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By K2Rider - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought our 2000LX new. Battled with front end shake for 6 mths. Dealer replaced tires and resolved it. Engine idles poorly, paint chips & rusts very easily, slider doors stick, sometimes it wont start, front suspension clunk- 5 dealer trips then fixed. NOW HONDA ADMITS TO TRANNY PROBLEMS IN AN L.A. TIMES ARTICLE. Research before you buy one of these. See: ODYCLUB.com . Overall: very dissapointed.

• 

  I Love The Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By skb49 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 and traded it for a 2003. The MSRP wasnt that much higher. The 2003 has more horsepower and available leather interior.It is easy to drive and has good pick up. The scheduled maintenance is only every 10,000 miles.

• 

  Not what I hoped for - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hammock246 - June 23 - 11:13 pm

  Bought in FL and a trip to Illinois has this thing squeaking in the front end like its falling apart on semi rough roads (most of Illinois). Very hard ride on economy minded tires. Handles very good and comfortable to drive on our 1,200 mile jaunt here. Gas mileage OK at first but now very good at 26.2 mpg for the trip average. A bit noisier then Toyota or Nissan vans Ive had but acceptable. Everything works as advertised if one can read the manual. Lots of toys on this thing. Lots of room and main thing is wife likes it. Easy to get in and out of.

• 

  FUN - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By joeengineer - June 23 - 2:43 am

  Great handling, huge interior (compared), powerful and quiet engine, somewhat frugal, great engineering details, somewhat shabby assembly... Really a great minivan, leaps and bounds above the US manufacturers and I think better the whyne engined Toyota.

• 

  Minivan for NONminivan people - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Butler - June 21 - 4:13 am

  My husband had to convince ME that we needed a minivan for our young, expanding family. (We are only in our mid twenties). I was determined to buy a Toyota until we test drove the Odyssey. It is SUPERB. We test drove on a saturday and went back to the dealership the following weekend to purchase. I like the way it handles like a car. I feel safe. When you drive the Odyssey you dont feel like a "minivan person".