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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  2005 Odyssey Underperforms in Quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By PCsr - November 5 - 9:56 pm

  Own 6 months. Taking it back to the dealer for the third time for grinding brakes (also replaced antenna, rear view mirror) Gas mileage is way below the sticker - 17 combing around town/highway and 22-23 highway. Dealer says car is performing OK - I disagree We find the road noise to be very loud and there is a low vibration noise coming from the engine. I cannot believe this is right, but the dealer says it is OK. Front and rear bumpers appear to be discolored (Silver), have not spoke to dealer about this yet Interior is nice,lots of room. Kid friendly car, nice DVD. I find the drivers seat to be on the hard side not comfortable Overall, very unsatisfied with purchase.

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  2016 Odyssey SE is the Best Minivan Money Can Buy! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Bao - October 29 - 2:19 pm

  2016 Odyssey SE is a great buy because it includes the cool features, such as built-in vacuum cleaner and DVD entertainment system, that were only previously available on the higher-end Odyssey models that cost thousands of dollars more. We were able to get this nice vehicle for $1100 below the dealers invoice price. Honda financing of 0.9% for 60 months and the free life-time powertrain warranty make our purchase of the SE so much sweeter!

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  Wow - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Gerard - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The market of minivans is saturated to the point of overflow. If youre in the market, do your share of shopping around. The Kia Sedona is a great van for the price but unfortunately, price isnt my main consideration. Look at every minivan out there...test drive the Odyssey last and youll know what Im talking about.

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  Never thought it would happen - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Neo Anderson - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I spent a lot of time looking for a mini-van hoping that I would never find one that I liked. Well that all ended when I went to the Honda dealer and discovered the Odyssey. With three children and a fourth on the way this vehicle is exactly what myself and the wife needed. The interior is loaded with practical features that were not present in other mini-vans we looked at. The Odyssey handles and feels like a car not a van or truck. It has great acceleration and is very comfortable. I drove my entire family including the three dogs to North Carolina with no problems. I highly reccomend this vehicle but it is not cheap.

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  Wonderful mini-van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Regina - October 23 - 2:43 pm

  After a million or so hours of research, we finally chose the Odyssey over the Sienna. So far, weve been really please with this vehicle. It has every amenity that you could ever want, and its wonderful for our famliy of four. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the Odyssey to anyone looking for a great mini-van.

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  Comfortable cruiser - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By peter - October 22 - 9:36 pm

  This van is very comfortable, handles and accelerates well, even the base model is loaded with safety features, mileage ~18-19 city, 24-25 hwy., if you dont need all the "bells and whistles", you might be happy with the base "lx" model, highly recommended...

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  Good - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By David Chan - October 22 - 10:10 am

  Good

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  Honda Odyssey II - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Daniels - October 21 - 9:33 pm

  I recently purchased the 2006 Oydessey for two reasons. I owned a 2000 Honda Odyssey and I absolutely loved it!! I did a lot of traveling and had close to 100000 miles on it and it was still running great! The second reason I bought one again is the service department at Treadwell. They are really the best. I have owned several cars and the Odyssey mini van has been the best even beating out a Lexus! Having two small children, the minivan is convenient and my kids love it. I have the dvd player and every luxury in a car you could ask for. Right now, I wouldnt have any other car or minivan if you gave it to me. I love my Honda Oydyssey!

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  Picker Honda Over Sienna - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Judy D. - October 18 - 1:40 am

  We have a 2004 Sienna, and we thoroughly investigated buying a 2008 Sienna or the 2007 Odyssey. We are glad we chose the Odyssey. The interior and exterior of the car had no defects. Everything in the car works perfectly. My husband likes the smoother acceleration of the Ody over the Sienna. Seats are more comfortable and easier to take out than on the Sienna. The navigation system is excellent. The car handles mountain driving with no problem--handles steep grades better than the Sienna.

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  This is a great car. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By HBS - October 15 - 3:23 pm

  When the power went out for a week in St. Louis last summer, and gas stations were shut down for miles, I traded driving our Escalade for a Honda minivan, and have never again worried about how Id access enough gas in an emergency. My 4 kids love it, its comfortable to drive, the GPS gets me everywhere - "nearest shoe store" I say, and it pops up on my screen. Honda is so reliable, comfortable and safe, that Im okay with driving a minivan. The later models are an improvement over the original ones - no more transmission problems and the automatic doors dont get stuck anymore (we owed a 99 model for 4 years).