Honda Odyssey Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
3,253 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 2831 through 2840 of 3,253.00
  • Great with several minor gripes - 2006 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We got this van to replace our 1998 Dodge Caravan. We needed a van because we go camping quite often. This van worked out great so far and gets better mileage and handleing than our old van. We cant give it a perfect fun to drive score because compared to our 2001 VW Passat, this car is like a snail.

  • ...Its still a minivan... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Okay, my wife is pregnant with our first child. In searching for the perfect family car and refusing to ever own a mini-van. Well, Im an Odyssey owner. With over 240,000 miles on my other Honda (1992 Acura Vigor) I figure I couldnt go wrong with Honda, and so far Ive been extremely pleased.

  • Awesome 2005 Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Paid about $700.00 less than sticker price. Worth it! Test drove the Sienna & Nissan Quest. Sienna drive was boring at best, the Quest drove well but the build quality was not impressive.

  • 1996 Honda Odyssey Review - 1996 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We purchased this vehicle used in Dec. 2001. So far it has been very reliable and we have enjoyed owning it. However, our dealership experience has been very disappointing. They promised us one warrenty upon purchase, that honda does not offer. So they promised to replace that with another, which says our vehicle does not apply. Now (6 months later) we are having a hard time getting the dealership to get back to us in regards to what (if any) warrenty we do have. However, the Odyssey does run quite well and we are very happy with our purchase.

  • 1996 Honda Odyssey Review - 1996 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We purchased this vehicle used in Dec. 2001. So far it has been very reliable and we have enjoyed owning it. However, our dealership experience has been very disappointing. They promised us one warrenty upon purchase, that honda does not offer. So they promised to replace that with another, which says our vehicle does not apply. Now (6 months later) we are having a hard time getting the dealership to get back to us in regards to what (if any) warrenty we do have. However, the Odyssey does run quite well and we are very happy with our purchase.

  • Learning the hard way - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Our transmission died at 26,000 miles. We were also told that we would not be provided a loaner or rental car because that is not HONDA policy. It was over two weeks before we got our van back because transmissions are back ordered. Honda has extended over 1.2 million transmission warranties in the past couple of years. Why dont they just recall the transmissions? Oh yeah, then edmunds would not keep them as an editors choice.

  • just another perfect minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I owned the original body style change and waited for this design. It was worth the wait. Comfort, beautiful design, all the features and that Honda feeling of owning something that just plain works.

  • 2005 LX - 7 Months Later - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Purchased in 12/04. Sienna was comparable, but a long successful history with Hondas clenched my decision. Had a small rattle coming from passenger side in first month, but it has since stopped and not appeared in 6 months. Perhaps due to contraction in cold months? Made a drive from Baltimore to Greenville NC on ONE tank of gas - - Impressive mileage for a V6. The engine is smooth and powerful - 80 mph cruising is comfortable with plenty of power left for passing. The LX offers everything you need for 3 kids & the dog on a long trip (Lots of space & a CD player). I did not expect to be impressed with the road manners of a minivan, but I cant say enough positive things about this car

  • Big Step Up From My 2001 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I traded in my 2001 EX with 55,000 miles for the new 2005 Touring. The old van served me well, but the 2005 is light years ahead. The power,ride,handling,and transmission are all much improved in the next generation. It will be hard to improve on this Odyssey any time soon.

  • 30K and going strong! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We have Ody since it just appeared on the market, bought at the end of 1998, at MSRP. 30k miles and so far no major complains. Solved the problem with power outlet location by purchasing after-market triple strip that plugs into the outlet and fastens to the dash. Also added 6-disk in-dash cd changer without replacing the tape player (available at about $300 on Internet) and planning to upgrade the speakers as well. Glad we did not get EX with power doors (heard about problems from many people). It is almost perfect (see list of suggested improvements) and has been a workhorse for us, carrying full load of 7 200# adults (a rowing crew) and luggage with ease.

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