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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  MORE SPACE ODYSSEY - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By philip sorrentino - November 27 - 4:46 am

  The day after purchase we drove two kids off to college. First stop Delaware, then on to Virginia. Total drive was 820 miles round trip. The trip was comfortable and economical. Our odyssey is fabulous. Fun to drive and spacious. At one point there were 8 adults in the vehicle . All were comfortable. We love our odyssey.

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  Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ngchiro - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Love owning this vehicle. Parents own a Grand Caravan. Test drove the Windstar. Both are inferior to the Odyssey

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  Did I get a lemon? - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - November 21 - 2:58 pm

  Walked out one day and the running board on the drivers sides was hanging down. Didnt get hit or hit anything. Did drive over a dirt road with washboards. I was able to clip it back on but dont trust that it will stay on. Then washing my car I noticed some of the clips on my font bumper were overlapping and visible (they should not be visible). Again I didnt hit anything. Perhaps some one backed into me but couldnt find any marks on the bumper. Then notced the back bumper on one side looked to be pulling away. The only thing I think that could have caused it is driving on a dirt road. Seems like it should be built to withstand that. Second issue is poor sound system. I have the SE model with the rear entertainment system. Well kids keep complaining that they cant hear the movie when I put the sound through the car speakers. Guess what there arent any speakers in the back. What was Honda thinking on this one. This is my second Honda odyssey, loved the first, drove it for 200K miles over 10 years. Bought a new 2016 and seriously regret it.

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  Best in Class Ultimate Family Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken & Mary - November 20 - 4:00 pm

  Honda contiues to impress me. I have been a Honda fan all of my life. From my first mini-bike as a kid to our most recent Odyssey purchase. I checked out the Toyotas, but the Honda cant be beat in styling or ride quality. The 4 wheel independant suspension makes our Odyssey drive like our Accord. The ride extremly quiet, vitually no engine or road noise. My wife and I love listening to XM radio while the kids watch DVDs with the wireless headphones. I know some folks are stuck on their SUV image, but nothing can beat the value or functionality the Odyssey delivers to perfection. Go Honda.

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  1 month review - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By krispykremee - November 16 - 6:33 pm

  Has both 08 Sienna limited and 07 Odyssey EX-L Navi. Like about Odyssey- stereo, brakes, and handling. Dislikes- rough ride. 2nd row seat is too firm. 3rd row seat is too narrow. Navi-screen is big but has less resolution and color. Plus the rear view camera uses cheaper CMOS sensor. Which makes rear-view camera useless compare to Sienna. Dont like all of the door switch is on the driver side. No door switch on the b- pillar. Biggest gripe- Gas mileage is horrible. Averaging 14.3. My Sienna gets 20.7. The old 04 Sienna we owned averaged 21.3 through 70k miles.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mgmahaley - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased this wonderful vehicle in anticipation of our new child. We currently have a 3 year old. We had to look around for someone who would negotiate with us and we found one ($2000 less than MSRP, with mud guards). We almost gave up and purchased a Toyota Sienna. Since I purchased this vehicle, I find myself wanting to drive longer distances.

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  Great Minivan....but, needs better MPG - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By sdb - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I surpised my wife with the EX-L w/ DVD for our 6th anniversary. She loves it. Its fun to drive, great acceleration, roomy, fits in my garage, and the kids are SILENT when the DVD is playing in the back. We love it! One suggestion...the city mpg is horrible. I wouldnt think shed have to fill the tank once a week, but she does.

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  2008 Odyssey LX - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By 2008 Odyssey LX - November 15 - 2:46 pm

  Before buying the Honda, I extensively test drove every 2007 and 2008 minivan currently available on the market. Ive only put about 1,000 miles on this van so far, but I am extremely impressed with every aspect of this people hauler. The LX came with everything that I wanted and nothing I didnt. We owned an 05 Accord for a few years and I think the Odyssey handles like an oversized Accord with a better view of the road. Around town mpg is right at 20 so far - no trips yet. I think this is the best van on the market for the money (paid $23,500 plus tax and license). I am rating this against recently test driven and previously owned mini vans, not all vehicles in general. Hope this helps.

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  Honda delivers another knockout - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew Popoola - November 15 - 9:10 am

  Absolutely the best minivan money can buy. Only fault is that a power liftgate should be standard on EX and above, and a 4WD model should be available. But overall, the best money can buy.

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  Happy - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By love it - November 10 - 9:10 pm

  It gives my family all the space and luxury we want in the interior. Great sound system on the entertaiment system. Love the GPS system! Enough cup holders. Use the extra storage in the floor. Love the dual glove comparment and child view mirror. Geat that flooring carpet snaps out in pieces - every mother sould know why.