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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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JHAN - May 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR DESERVES ALL 10S THERES NO OTHER CAR IN THE MARKET LIKE THE HONDA ODYSSEY..........

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  Very Happy with Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Keith - May 27 - 2:53 pm

  My wife and I traded in our 2003 Audi A6 for an Odyssey after we were going to have our 2nd child. We have been exceptionally happy with the Odyssey. It is easy to get the kids in and out, storage is ample, the ride is very solid and visibility is outstanding. Weve had two recalls- noisy brake pads, and the seal on the front windshield.

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  great van! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By uc_d4rk - May 25 - 2:00 am

  i have owned this minivan for a couple of months now this is a great vehicle, and my family and i have enjoyed it. the engine is silent but powerful, the exterior is sleek and beautiful, the interior so plush and perfect...i mean, this is just a WONDERFUL van...it was definitely worth the cost! its so valuable, wed never give it up! i highly appreciate and recommend this van. we love it, and we think that you will too!

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  Should of heeded MPG warnings - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeff - May 23 - 7:03 am

  Well, despite reading about the MPG problems, the family bought an 07 Odyssey. We have owned 5 Hondas and have always been very happy with them. In fact, right now we have an 03 Accord and love it. With that said, the Odyssey is a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, the mileage is absolutely terrible! Over the course of 3k miles we have averaged 14 MPG. The Ford Explorer we replaced ave 16 MPG. We just cant seem to do better than 14 MPG regardless of how we drive. You can literally see the fuel guage going down. It stays on F for about 25 miles! All I can say with the price of gas going up make sure you explore your other options and know that the MPG warnings are true!

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  Lots Of Quality Problems - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey 05 owner - May 23 - 1:23 am

  Fun to drive and comfortable but has been in shop 7 times with quality issues. Steering wheel pump replaced, sliding door problems, seat fell apart, etc. Lots of wind noise. Have talked to dealership and corporation and they dont care that a brand new car is in the shop all the time. I dont recommend this car to anyone!

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  Good Minivan - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By eddie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan has been excellent. I have two small children and the interior has held up incredibly well for the pounding they give it. The car has all the features you need - reliable, good size, comfortable, excellent safety, nice ride. I liked it so much that I just bought the 2002 EXL.

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  automatic sliding door not working - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By c_chang - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 EX model. The BIG problem I had was that my rear automatic sliding door didnt work for three different times. They replaced the mechanism on both side, and I still had a problem. Computer on board decide to shut it itself. I am afraid how much I need to pay to fix this again after warranty expires.

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  Very Good but Get the best. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Penn State - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After a long debate between getting the LX or the EX. I opted for the LX mainly because of price. So far everything about this Van is great. Exeptional Honda quality as I expected. However when I see one of the kids slamming the manual side doors I find myself wishing I would have spend the extra money for the EX model with the smooth closing power doors. Either way LX or EX compared to the competition you cant beat the Honda Odyssey mini van.

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  Best Minivan ever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By wawa - May 21 - 1:43 am

  Though Im embarresed to say it, this van is fun to drive, it gets great mileage, it has awesome comfort controls, and great leather seats. Huge trunk, very spacious, moonroof is nice, and so is the 6-disk changer

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  Owned 05 Sienna, prefer the Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bobell - May 18 - 10:03 am

  Chose the Honda over a new Sienna mostly because of better ergonomics, more power and purportedly better gas mileage. Have not been disappointed in any way except the transmission shifts are occasionally rough at light throttle. Have averaged over 20mpg since new. This car is fun to drive.