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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  My 05 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Cubin - April 18 - 7:46 pm

  Having my 05 Odyssey EXL DVD & NAV for 8 month without a major complaint. Longest trip so far is Lake Tahoe, we all loved it, especially both of my kids enjoys much on DVD, and myself loved that path finder NAVI, never get lost. Need better insulation on the sunroof, I feel heat wave coming from my head on during these hot days even with the AC on.

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  Ody 2002 Nice van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mauibound - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Looked at them all and found this one to have it all, power, looks and comfort. Reliablity is also a plus. No problems to date, oil changes only!!!

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  SNAPPY - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By NAT - April 12 - 10:11 pm

  Great ride. Quiet, confie, roomy. Not fair. This is my third.

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  Seat Belts - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By BH - April 11 - 3:46 pm

  Three of the seat belts have a nick on the edge of the belt. I can tear the belt material with my hands at the nick. I understand these belts are design for tension force but should any belt develop a nick I sure the tensile force would be reduced. Honda quoted $385 to replace belt.

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  Happy but mpg terrible - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Wisconsin Owner - April 10 - 3:50 pm

  So far weve put 2K miles on the van and are very happy with our purchase. The van interior is fantastic with very nice leather and dvd system. It drives more like a sports car/van rather than a floaty minivan. Overall we are very happy except for the fact that it has been getting between 12 and 14 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. Both my wife and I drive very conservatively and even more so with the gas mileage. Mpg has improved some but were no way close to the 25 hwy. If it does not improve we will be taking it in for service. Also, transmission does not allow van to coast and slows speed at 40 mph and under.

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  2008 honda odyssey beats other vans - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By John Topi - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  I bought this beautiful van in october. I love the 2008 odysseys solidness and luxury. This van has nothing wrong and at 4000 miles its never had a single problem. If you are looking for a van the Honda Odyssey should be your only option!

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  nice van if no problem - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By D.J. Woods - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I felt it was a nice car until I got several problem on it. I had honda to repair the power sliding door twice in 1999 and 2001 and had the engine repaired in 2001 for clogy(fortunately still within warrenty period). Hopefully I do not get any other major problem soon (my warrenty has gone). Driving this van is still a lot of fun. It is powerful and big.

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  If one must own a minivan, the Odyssey is great - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - April 5 - 6:05 pm

  My wife and I swore that we would never own a minivan. Then she became pregnant with our fourth child. Combine that with the complexities of the car lines at the kids’ schools, and poof, we went from being cool kids to owning not just one but two 2018 Odyssey Elites. I previously owned a 2017 Lexus LX 570 and she owned a 2016 Volvo XC 90. Needless to say, we were pretty happy with our former vehicles. But sometimes things happen in life that cause needs and priorities to change. We went with the Odyssey primarily because the magic slide seats are, well, magical. It is amazing how easy it is to configure the interior seating of this vehicle. I am 6’1” and a big guy. Because of various other family members who tag along sometimes, I’ve ridden in the second and third rows. Amazingly, with the magic slide seat pushed inbound and forward for entry purposes, I had no problem entering the third row. In addition, it was comfortable and I actually enjoyed sitting back there and watching a movie with my 6 year-old daughter (who thought it was hilarious that daddy was in the back with her). I have 2100 miles on my Odyssey and have had no problems with the vehicle whatsoever other than the doors (which I will get to). The van drives great, is economical, loaded with amazing technology, and has more utility and useful room than any large SUV I have ever owned. I still find myself wondering how a vehicle that small (I’ve previously owned Suburbans, etc.) can feel so big inside. I still haven’t towed anything yet (my 10 year-old sails competitively) so the jury is still out on that one. I also find myself why I previously owned much more expensive SUVs that had no more (and sometimes less) tech than the Odyssey. In a world where a loaded 2018 Expedition costs nearly $80k, a loaded Odyssey Elite at $44k (what we paid for both of ours) seems like a pretty great deal. Have there been a few occasions where I felt a little less macho with my minivan? Yes, a few; but surprisingly, not many. Being a man is about taking care of your family; and this van is the best family vehicle I’ve ever owned by a long shot. Two months into ownership, the stigma is long gone from my head and I stopped caring about what others think. The only “complaints” that I have about the vehicle are as follows; 1) the driver’s armrest is useless to me. There is no position in which it feels comfortable; 2) the sliding doors are a little quirky at times - usually closing in car line. I suspect that is some kind of sensor that relates to someone being close to the door on the outside. It’s pretty rare, but worth mentioning; 3) no 360 degree camera. This is the only thing my wife hates about the Odyssey. Acura has it. Nissan has had it for years. Honda, this would have been a simple addition; 4) the automatic emergency breaking feature, while it saved my behind on my last vehicle, is a little sensitive in the Odyssey in town with lots of traffic; and 5) the second row seats are heavy and difficult to remove. However, on the last point, the second row seats on the Pacifica are much less comfortable. Comparing apples to apples, I’ll take magic slide over stow-and-go any day of the week and twice on Sunday. While I have read complaints about the 10-speed transmission, we have not experienced any such problems. Good luck shopping.

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  Best of four Hondas Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda guy - April 4 - 10:00 am

  As a Honda salesman and customer, I understand how people feel about markup, Annoyed. However, this is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. It drives just like my Accord, and the DVD is the coolest thing ever for the kids. My only complaint is the drawer under the passenger seat. It is cheap. Dont look at it as paying too much markup. Think of your next best option, and the Odyssey will seem an incredible value. I am sorry your dealer hasnt been satisfactory.

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  02 Odyssey LX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jlaves - April 4 - 10:00 am

  The van has been a pleasant surprise from day one. One rarely buys a van for the pleasure of driving, but for the ability to haul things and people. This van delivers on the requirements, and it also delivers a lot of fun to drive. I recently drove form NH to FL with seven people, and the car made the long trip easy. It is very quiet, seats everyone on comfort, and delivered 25 mpg when driven 70 to 80 mph on the highway. On the way back, I got 27 mpg with a stiff wind from behind...