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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  Not worth the money paid - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Barto - September 15 - 10:36 am

  Driver seat is for dwarves, arm rest is for people with 20" waist, the navigation is a joke. If you do not know where you are, this thing will not tell you as it has very low resolution and streets are not seen on the display, just a grid of lines nobody knows what streets they are. Icons only appear at 1/8 and 1/20, better take a look your self trough the windshield, you do not need the GPS when you can see it trough the window. Voice activated? "turn on radio" and the system will turn off the A/C. All orders are confused, seems only speaks Japanese. Air conditioner is to be used in the North Pole or so, not in Miami or the tropics (does not cools enough, in resume, no worth the money.

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  Compare to Sienna - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By TVG - September 13 - 11:36 pm

  This is a excellent riding vehicle with many worthwhile safety features. Although the engine has an ECO mode the overall MPG is only 15. The lowest mileage has been 12 and the highest is 22 during the three months we have owned this vehicle. Our previously owned O4 Sienna got about 5-6 mpg more for the same type of driving. Access to the third row seat was easier in our Toyota Sienna. The PAX (run flat) tires are nice to have but will cost significantly more to replace that conventional tires. The navigation system is easy and fun to use but frequently comes up with,"entering unverified area" on some of our routes. We liked our Sienna better but this is still an excellent minivan.

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  2005 Odyssey EX - 16 months in - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pachiefman - September 12 - 10:56 am

  Ive owned several vans over the years, Toyotas, VWs, this Honda.This EX ranks right up there at the top. It runs well, handles better than my previous Toyota although my Previa was the best van out there in 1994. Ive always required a vehicle that can tow a small trailer. This one does, although the towing package, consisting of enlarged trans. & pwr strg. coolers, a wind deflector, and the hitch and harness for lights can be expensive, depending on if you can install it yourself.

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  Now I Understand - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By TXWJ - September 12 - 7:30 am

  We looked at several competitors - Honda have raised the bar. The Honda has great styling, the interior is first rate, could easily be a Acura.

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  OK HONDA - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DeYarmon - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been the driver of Large Vans for years I have had 16 custom vans and I want to tell you this is a very will thought out van. I can hall just as may people and carry just as much equiment like 7 sets of golf clubs.I wish in the USA we could come up with as good a van.

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  gone! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By former owner - September 3 - 2:00 am

  My power sliders failed me three times, even after mechanisms were replaced by dealer. I do not recommend the EX better stay with the LX. Also...you will need a good set of snow tires if you have to drive in New England, as handling is terrible in snow.

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  Best Minivan of 2018!! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Samuel - September 1 - 4:09 pm

  I first purchased a Toyota Sienna Minivan back in 2006, and that was great and all, but when I was introduced to the 2018 Honda Odyssey, I instantly bought it! It has been amazing ever since I bought it, much better than the Sienna! The Elite trim level gives everything that Honda offers, which is great!

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  5 mos of Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Gary - August 29 - 8:30 pm

  After 6 Chrysler vans we switched to our first Honda. The bad quality of the Chrysler vans and the good reputation of Honda caused the move. The extras are well done and the overall quality matched our expectations. But, the steering wheel is two inches closer to the dash than any other making seat adjustments difficult. I consider this an irritation not a major flaw. However, the real big problem is the PAX tire system. I would love to meet the engineers and management that approved it. The ride is hard due to extra thick sidewalls, you cannot replace the tires or rims with anything but the PAX type, and the cost is $250+ each just for the tire. This is going to kill the resale value.

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  Odyssey transcends the Mini-Van stigma. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Nathan - August 28 - 4:26 pm

  Honda continues to build a great vehicle with so many features, plenty of power, and comfort necessary for those long trips. The ride is smooth and quiet but yet theres plenty of power in reserve when you need it. All the leather seats are very comfortable and actually fit an adult over 6 tall (a major selling point for me). We didnt purchase the touring because the additional features were not needed and the consensus was that there are still issues with the run-flat tires that need to be worked out. I think the parking sensors should be standard - instead I will be purchasing them from Bernardi Parts. This van has the same turning radius of my 95 accord!

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  I have a lemon of the batch - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyonwer - August 28 - 10:00 am

  zpoorly built vehicle. Dealer had to replace high-mount brake spoiler because the gasket underneath melted in hot weather. Rear light covers-cracked and peeled off. Dealer had to repaint the front bumper because of discoloration (yellow) - original paint is silver. Repaint part of roof top because of rust spot from under the paint! steering wheel cant to the left. Very loud metalic bang (like someone hits the engine w/a hammer) when the AC is engaged after engine started if the car is unused for overnight - the dealer still cant figure out!!!! I need advice!!!!