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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The Best Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Odyssey Fan - June 21 - 3:56 amThis van is great! Needed the ability to haul a lot of gear, and have room for 2 car seats. This minivan is amazing. Rides like a car, parks like a car, handles snow/ice like a 4WD (even though only Front Wheel). I cannot say enough about this van. We drove Siennas, Caravans, Voyagers, Sedonas and Quest. None of them compare to this van. Without a doubt, the Odyssey will be the first car we recommend to friends with or without kids. One slight annoyance with Lazy Susan and arm rests.
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2005 Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By James Duckens - June 16 - 7:56 amGood family transportation. I recently took my family of 5 on a 3,500 trip and can only log a few complaints. I am 64 and could use a bit more leg room. The steering wheel block my view of the speedometer at highway speeds. The van does not offer integrated 3rd row sun shades like the Toyota van; the optional curtains looked so out of place, I decided not to have them installed.
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BEST OF THE BEST - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By BEN P - June 14 - 10:00 amTHEIR WILL NEVER BE ANY OTHER MINI VAN LIKE IT THIS VAN CAR LIKE WILL SIR PASS ANY FAMILYS EXPECTIONS EVERY TIME YOU GET INTO THIS EXPERIENCE
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Honda,s Best - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By toter - June 13 - 11:56 pmWent to buy another Sienna. I was interested in the XLE Limited. When I found out that the floor mats and rear window spoiler are a $700 extra on a car that sells for $35000+ and the dealer would not agree to include these items in the price, I left and went down the road to visit Honda. We drove Honda touring and were impressed with the controlled ride, quietness (ANC), the cylinder management system (VCM) and all the other features many similar to that of the Sienna. In the first 1500 miles I have gotten 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the interstate at 75 mph. With Honda I got a better deal, better selection and overall I think I got a better car than if I would have bought a Sienna
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Pure Luxury - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By K Sid - June 13 - 4:46 pmThis is a wonderful Van - The interior luxury is amazing for the driver and the passengers. I love having all that leg room! The navigation system is worth the extra $$$! Having the 8th seat is very useful (not availiable on the Touring model) The ride & handling is what I expect in a new car... I was not dissapointed in any way! I havent had it long enough to comment on reliability or gas mileage.
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Gas mileage not as good as claimed - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By steve - June 13 - 4:16 amHas been a good travel vehicle in. However, is a little on the noisy side. Maybe when it is time to change tires. That will help!
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Please Wait 6 Months Before You Rate - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Honda? - June 5 - 8:40 pmHad great prior experience w/ Honda Accord so purchased vehicle over Toyota, Nissan. Traded in 98 Caravan driven for over 100K miles. Solid ride, standard options, and Honda reputation drove my decision towards the Odyssey. Cylinder deactivation is a plus. Very disappointed in quality though. This is a grocery getter, and not driven hard. After 9K miles, there has been 4 trips to dealer for alignment service, resulting in premature tire wear, 2 trips for steering knock (which by the way is a known serv bulletin issue that requires special lubricant on the steering column), now a rattle in the sliding door. This is a Honda? I actually had less issues w/ Caravan. Now test driving a Sienna.
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Another Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By r3guru - June 5 - 10:00 amThe Honda is a great van. It drives almost as nice as the Mazda, but has the space you need. Middle row seats are very comfortable, interior is well designed. Five speed transmission is a big plus over the domestics. Quiter engine than the 04 Sienna and far less body roll too.
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1999 Honda Odyssey EX - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By Paul Rockey - June 5 - 2:00 amGreat van, handles well, very comfortable, looks good. Lots of power, but suspension is not made to pull or carry heavy loads. About 20-21 mpg, consistantly. I like the comfort and reliability - it is built using unibody construction, in comparison to a truck chassis. Easily fits 6 people with lots of room, 7 if necessary.
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Odyssey Land - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By JD/Doherty - June 4 - 2:00 amThus far I am very disappointed with my Honda Odyssey. I was expecting much better from Honda. Problems surfaced within 8 months of purchase. First problem was related to the inigition system and stopped (shut down) 2 cyclders on the 3.5 V6 engine. Since then Ive had a blow out on the front tire (at 10,000)since the tire had excessive wear on the inside of both. The tires were replaced and the wheel alignment was off dramatically (toe was off .16 degrees on both sides front). Most recently, 42,000 miles dealer determined to be a defective power steering pump unit making loud noise. The dealer is in the process of replacing.