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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  Gas, PAX tires, oil changes- what???? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By teasedntossed - December 22 - 12:33 am

  Mileage is poor despite the highly touted economy feature. Only the dealership can change the oil b/c oil changes elsewhere set off the check engine light and Honda charges $90 plus to reset and check. Dont get a nail in your tire. The entire wheel assembly must be replaced b/c no one can change or fix a flat PAX system tire, including Honda. Until they get their act together, out of warranty replacement will run $550 plus per "tire"- a most unpleasant discovery. Only Honda will have the wheel assembly available. With rear windows down, it is too noisy to drive. I was sold on this van by the comfort and handling b/c I drive a lot. Ownership has been a very frustrating experience.

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  What a GREAT VAN!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By AHendrich - December 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best van in the WORLD!! I cant even begin to tell you how much I enjoy driving it each and every day. I commute 45 miles each way to work and I must say I enjoy it -- because of my Honda Odyessy!

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  King of the Minivans - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By minivan hater - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the Honda Odyssey for 4 months now.The vehicle is awesome.The build quality is amazing.Honda keeps doing what no one else can.

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  LX Impressions at 1Kmi - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By user777 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Every time I drive the vehicle, theres more to appreciate and enjoy. We were looking for an uncomplicated vehicle without (and contrary to most people) power slider doors. We own another Honda and appreciate the build quality and reliability, but also design and function of both vehicles. They appeal to the engineering side of the driver/owner.

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  Dissappointing - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Webb - December 10 - 1:13 pm

  This is our second time purchasing a Honda odyssey and I must say this will be our last. We have had nothing but constant problems. At 24,000 miles, Honda has replaced the breaks & had to turn the rotors twice to fix a grinding noise. Wind noise from the front windshield has resulted in 4 attempts from the dealership to resolve the problem. They finally got it right by replacing the windshield. This vehicle destroys tires! Our first set of Michelins only lasted 18,000 miles. Honda would not help us out even though we rotated and balance the tires every 3,000 miles.Our GPS went out at 12,000 miles and had to be replaced. There have been so many recalls on this vehicle it is comical.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sharon264 - December 8 - 5:40 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is so comfortable to drive, and has lots of options for more seating or more cargo room. I am so looking forward to taking it on a 4000 mile trip this summer.

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  Fun luxurious family vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Mukhdeep - December 7 - 7:30 pm

  Awesome minivan. Great minivan that this is, for a top of the line fully loaded minivan it has a few missing features. Honda should have thought of these for its customers since they are paying $40000 or more (all told) for this van.

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  Awesome Minivan!!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joey Sorenson - December 6 - 3:53 pm

  This is a fantactic vehicle! When we found out baby #2 was on the way, my wife told me she wanted to trade in our Toyota Highlander for a minivan. After my initial shock and then some extensive research, I thought we would go with the Sienna, but then I saw Honda was updating the Odyssey for 2005. After fully researching everything, and for the price, I got a pretty good deal from the dealership. My wife wanted a particular color, but we only had to wait about 4 weeks until we got it! It rides and drives like a car and has an unbelievable amount of space and features. The leather and DVD player are wonderful "luxuries" with 2 small kids and frequent trips to NC.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By first-timer - December 6 - 9:33 am

  We love our new Odyssey. It has plenty of pickup, and delivers close to 20 MPG in regular driving, meaning some town, some freeway. All freeway were getting close to 25mpg. I think the people getting 13 or whatever have a lead foot or do a lot of stop and go. So far no defects except for a carpet stain that we found after buying it. The dealer cleaned it up, and I think a mechanic probably did it or something. This engine really pushes hard above 3000 revs, and it sounds wonderful doing it. The Sienna felt like a barge next to this, and the Caravan and Chrysler both seemed too "plastic" or something. The Honda fit us great.

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  Worth the Money!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By nightbird1103 - December 2 - 2:20 am

  We bought this van at the end of January after being torn between this and the Toyota Sienna. I must say that I usually agonize over large purchases, and this was no exception. We went with the Honda because we got a great deal and because, frankly, Ive always wanted one because of its fine reputation. It was probably a bit more than the Sienna, but Hondas new car financing rates were better. I feel that the interior reeks of quality, and the body style is much more appealing than any of the other vans out there. I was not disappointed, and I dont think you will be either.