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 Buy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Fernando - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  It is a great minivan plus buying it wasnt as confusing as having to deal with all the Toyota alternatives. Its new look is awesome... Im also amazed with the fuel economy. I dont miss my 96 Town and Country at all.

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By otocast - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey the first week of October. My wife has driven it all week and I driven it a copule of times during this past week. It feels very solid. The room inside is truly "living space". I have to speek louder for my kids to listen to me all the way back in the third row. There is lots of quiet even at freeway speeds. There is a definite "zoom" feel that can be bad for your driving record. (I drove it on the freeway today and as I talked to my wife did not feel that I was almost going 90 mph.) It is fun and there is tons of storage. The new 60/40 seat is a nice thing but more convinient is the Plus-One seat giving us capacity for 8 people. I used this feature and it is great.

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  Chrysler T & C Limited reigns supreme - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By I Miss my T & C - March 20 - 12:03 am

  I shouldve bought another T & C Limited. It would have been 3K less and would have include DVD and NAV. The Touring has a lot of nice features, but they missed important things when you buy this level of vehicle (i.e. Memory seats SHOULD include radio settings and mirrors that change with the driver!) T&C LTD does. Our van has been in the shop for a total of 2 weeks with 2 different problems. The brakes were replaced at 5k miles and they still sound awful. It has a noise when I accelerate that the dealer cant find. The stereo was not well thought out...the seek is a stretch for the driver, not on the steering wheel. People who LOVE this van never owned a T&C LTD! Still needs work!

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  Best van anywhere - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By KevinOMReb - March 18 - 5:08 pm

  Ive test driven every van out there and the Odyssey is in a class by itself. All of the features and quality for less price. And talk about resale! Im selling mine and buying a new one w/leather + dvd. Smooth, big, functional (love the doors and hideaway seat). Dont even think about buying anything else.

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  Not Made Simple Anymore - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By PAN - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Where to begin? Move up to the HO from a Nissan Quest so my wife could have a reliable van. What a mistake!! For the first 3 years, back to the dealer 3 times per year to fix power doors...got stuck at Disney World & on the highways (ignition switch problems)...replaced transmission @ 40K miles...trans stopped working again at 54K miles...looks like we will need a new trans again @ 61K. I better stop there, Im starting to get depressed. Must say though, Honda has tried, they know they have a mayor problem out there. Currently looking at the new Toyota!!

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  Odyessy is the only one - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By gtags1 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt even consider another van. the ride is excellent, and still delivers very good gas mileage. It offers plenty of room with a deep well in the rear that can hold plenty of gear. Seats remove easily and the rear seat folds into the floor. Excellent crash test results

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  An authentic review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By accordian - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Anyway, weve had our Odyssey for 10 months now and we love it. We are most impressed with the fun to drive factor. Most people stray away from mini vans because marketing folks make us believe that mini vans are boring. Well let me tell you, we test drove about 10 vehicles (vans and SUVs) before making a decision and no other vehicle at the time was as well rounded and versatile as the Odyssey. The SUVs have about the same room as cars and cost allot more to operate. While the mini-vans have enormous space, a high seating position, and better MPG. In addition, most mini-vans have traction control which helps allot in inclement weather.

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  An authentic review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hondaguy - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Anyway, weve had our Odyssey for 10 months now and we love it. We are most impressed with the fun to drive factor. Most people stray away from mini vans because marketing folks make us believe that mini vans are boring. Well let me tell you, we test drove about 10 vehicles (vans and SUVs) before making a decision and no other vehicle at the time was as well rounded and versatile as the Odyssey. The SUVs have about the same room as cars and cost allot more to operate. While the mini-vans have enormous space, a high seating position, and better MPG. In addition, most mini-vans have traction control which helps allot in inclement weather.

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  I love everything about the Odyssey 2003 - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Nuodyssey2003 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and it is intend to family usage. Before my wife and I decided to purchase the Odyssey we have been asking, researching, and do many home works and wed finally choose Honda Odyssey. We are fully satisfy with this vehical. We are loving it. In addition, we will recommened to friend and family.

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  Da Kine - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By akahele - March 16 - 6:03 pm

  This is the best car I have ever driven or owned. I think it is a much better automobile than even a bmw or mercedes. Unbelievable comfort power and handling. Auto doors good sound system, excellent ac. Visibility is great, drive by wire is very nice when using cruise control. wish it really got 30 mpg though, but ill settle with what I get because its such a good car.