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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  My Honda Minivan 2005. Mi. 4000 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By aloysius - September 27 - 10:13 am

  We love our Honda minivan. The riding comfort on the leather seats is perfect. Heating and air conditioning and radio controls too far from driver seat. clock very difficult to read.

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  Not again - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By notagain - September 26 - 9:13 am

  All aspects of handling have been great. The interior design is not comfortable on long trips. VERY NOISY. The driver seat is great if you are a small person, but the steering wheel cannot be adjusted in or out, so if you have long legs and torso, you would need exceptionally long arms to reach the steering wheel. We have the need for eight seats but the middle 2nd row seat is just a joke as a baby seat wont fit there nor can anyone over 5 sit in comfort without cramping the seats on either side. Getting in or out of the the third row of seats is just passible for small children, just dont make this a teenager passenger vehicle (soccer team?).

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  Very Nice Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ccb - September 25 - 2:50 am

  Very Nice- Touring Model looks nice with Chrome outside. Like Sun Roof, wish Honda had AWD as option though, and a spare. If and when Run Flats get a nail in them, its not as easy as going to a gas staition.

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  MPG overrated by Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KEVIN - September 24 - 12:46 pm

  I have not come close to the MPG stated by Honda. I would like to get over 17 in town and 24 on the High way. I was promised that I would get 18/28. Not even close.

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  2012 Odyssey Touring - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Stan F. - September 20 - 10:52 pm

  Have owned five Odyssey minivans since they were redesigned in the late 90s. This unit has been by far the most reliable, trouble free one. Highly recommended. Always had issues with the "lightning rod" design, introduced in 2011, which I thought was downright ugly. So sad to see that Honda did not get rid of that design element in the new 2018 model... an opportunity to reinvent itself.

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  Best Choice On The Market - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dora - September 20 - 6:36 pm

  This is my third Honda vehicle, and the best one yet! It is extremely comfortable, the instruments are positioned perfectly for easy reach, and the simple and clear layout of the dashboard make the mini-van appealing to the eye. This is the best minvan on the market - trust me, Ive test driven ALL of them!

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  Buy This Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - September 20 - 5:20 pm

  This van is great. We put 2000 miles on ours in the first two weeks of owning it. We took a road trip the second week. I cruised at over 90 mph and it drove better than my 2000 Suburban. The passing ability in this thing is unbelievable. The reason I bought it though, was of course, for the kids. Its really easy for my 2 and 5 year old to get in and out, especially with the automatic doors. Im not sure yet how good or bad the mileage is, but the range is great.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ellisl49 - September 19 - 3:53 am

  Traded in a 2003 Odyssey with leather/entertainment system. The 2003 was excellent, but the 2006 has made significant strides in ergonomics, ride and ammenities. This van cruises effortlessly. It is roomy and seems to ride smoother. The best van on the market bar none.

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  Another Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 4th Honda - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id own a minivan, but Honda makes the minivan not only tolerable, but dear I say, fun. The 240 HP engine just rocks, yet the interior is quite. Suspension is great. 3rd row seat is not just for kids. Theres plenty of room for 6 full sized adults (7 if you dont mind being shoulder to shoulder). The leather seats are like cow hide heaven. Entertainment sys is top notch. The DVD system keeps the munkins occupied and content. Consider the Honda reputation for quality and reliability and the fact that you can wheel and deal on the price and you have the undisputed champ of the minivan category for `03.

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  Very good, for the most part... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By STiPilot - September 15 - 11:03 am

  The Odyssey is overall very decent. Upscale feel on the inside. Car is quiet and smooth. Satisfying power and surprisingly very good handling. I also own a Subaru STi and CBR1000RR bike, and still am pleasantly surprised at the Odysseys acceleration and car-like handling. The Nav system is also very impressive and fast... this and the 630+ recognized voice commands are tres cool!!! Even my wife who was reluctant to buy this extra technogear now wonders how she got along without it. Heres the bad parts: Consistently disappointing gas mileage 16-17 mpg even when driven by my wife, who doesnt live life past 4K RPM. Sunroof is already broken, too.