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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  From a Suburban driver to a van lover! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By elena71 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  With three kids under the age of five, my suburban wasnt cutting it. I was having to climb in and out of the thing to get my kids strapped in and it felt big and overwhelming to drive it around. I swore Id never own a van, but after a test drive and Odyssey 101, I fell in love. Its easy, dependable and safe. My kids can climb inside and right into their seats with no problems. The DVD player has been a life savor during times when the kids need to settle down or be patient (long lines at the bank, traffic,and lengthy trips). Im an SUV lover... but I totally adore my van. This was the best purchase weve made this year by far!

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  My Dream Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Trekincat - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this van for over 1 year, I bought it due to a severe back injury resulting in a 3 level fusion. My old vehicle was like a jack hammer on my spine. After riding in my sister-in-laws Odyssey, I KNEW that was THE van for me. Easy to drive, VERY comfortable,I havent had a single problem with it, I LOVE IT!!

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  great van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mhall - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Just switched from a 2001 MVP which was had very poor performance from the engine and horrible gas millage. The controls in the Honda have a much more substantial feel. The well controlled solid ride, excellent handling and interior features are second to none.

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  Not Surprised - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John K - February 4 - 10:50 am

  I compared the Odyssey and the Sienna heavily. On paper they seem to be rather equal, but after actually driving the two, the Odyssey won by a landslide. I am also enjoying the fact my van is the most powerful van in its segment but also has the best fuel economy all the while having to use only regular, keeping my pocket book happy. Other things that put me over the edge was the styling of the van and the navigation system. My black Touring with Nav is everything I hoped for and more.

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  Incredible Car - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Scottque - January 31 - 2:13 pm

  We bought a 2008 Touring the week before Thanksgiving. Needless to say we never expected to be thrilled with any minivan, but this is an amazingly well-designed, very sophisticated vehicle. It handles, turns, and rides like a much smaller car, and the interior room, technology, design and versatility are wonderful. The car is simply loaded, and has so many features (bluetooth, voice recognition, navigation, backup camera, DVD) that were not included/available on our more- expensive XC90. Terrific car that us hard to find fault with.

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  2005 honda odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By DP - January 30 - 11:33 pm

  Really solid. Excellent construction and design. Tight turning radius and wonderful handling. I love it. Had mini-vans since 1985 and this is the best by far.

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  Dont Buy Honda for Fuel economy.. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By yennik - January 25 - 11:20 am

  The car is perfect in almost every respect except for FUEL ECONOMY.. started out at 12mpg city and 16-21mpg hwy.. thats 40% below city and 25%+ below hwy EPA estimates.. Just over 9000 miles and its 14-15 city and 19- 23 hwy.. Thats very gentle driving.. No hard acceleration.. The Honda service manager told me that is about typical economy for the Odyssey with VCM.. My 7200lb 4x4 Crewcab F-250 diesel gets better fuel economy than the Honda.. From 5 or 6 other VCM owners, I get the same report on economy.. I bought the car over the Toyota strictly on economy.. Honda USA is disingenuous to mislead the consumer on the fuel efficiency of the Odyssey.. It weighs 4600lbs!!

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  Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jasmin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car that drives like a sedan. The V6 gives the Odyssey extra power which makes the car even more fun to drive.

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  Nothen but problems - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard2 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Never again,Honda wae suppose to fix Trans problems.NOT This van is and still a peace of crap.Honda has had nothen but problems with this van,$6.000 for a Transmission.We are trading this peace of crap in on a new DodgeMini Van.

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  Van with a Cars soul - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Udaydc - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my 4Runner, due to a baby we had and wanted a nice ride, but I was not willing to buy a van. We took a trip to Nashville from Atlanta, and I fell in love with the Odyssey. The next wee I went and got one. This is not your typical mothers van. This baby can move and hadle like a coupe. It has plenty of juice and the features are execelent. Yes, my friends do make fun of me because I am only 26, but then again, this the our choice of transportation for trips out of town. You can go 95 and not know it, it is soooo smooth.