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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  Honda Convert - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By myfirstminivan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My first Honda, always had German cars, but Honda is excellent value and was closest I could get to Eurpean quality and driving experience in a minivan. My first Minivan, tested them all! New Sienna $6K more for similar features and did not compare - the Honda van drives like an executive car. Very very happy customer.

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  Excellence! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By whassupd - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive never had a bad experience with any Honda Ive ever owned.

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  Happy Wife/Happy Children - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Manuel Salazar - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt planning on purchasing a mini van but I did. I took a test drive and was satisfied with the performance. I like the trunk space and the ability of the third row seat to fold into the trunk space. Relocating the spare tire between the 1st & 2nd row seats was a great idea. Why did I purchase an Odyssey versus American brand and Toyota? I previously owned a 1986 Honda Accord and own a 1996 Acura 2.5TL and never had problems with both cars (Honda - 275,000 miles/ Acura - 155,000 miles). Honda is a quality product that I and my family can depend on.

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  I love my Odyssey! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jenna - July 25 - 4:50 pm

  I drove my new Odyssey from Florida to Seattle & back & many miles since & LOVE it. It drives like a really nice car. My Dodge Caravan drove more like a truck & without as many nice features. I love all of the controls on the steering wheel. Cruise control is great. We had one problem when it was brand new with a leak in the glazing around the windshield, but otherwise it has been fabulous -- 35,000 miles later. Adult back seat passengers have commented on how roomy it is & how nice the ride feels.

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  Boo Boos - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By charliep2 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Deler forgot to put the antenna on the car. The tripmeter broke the first time it was reset. Gear shift lever is in an awkward place.

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  A great van for the Grandparents and the grandkids - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Papa Craig - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  Traded in a 2009 Toyato Avalon with 68000 miles on it/ a totally problem free vehicle. The Honda van offers great mpg, better then the Avalon-6 speed transmission is wonderful. Love the rear entertainment center, ease of controls , back up camera, side camera and low noise whether in city or on highway! Drives like a expensive large sedan. Like the styling .

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  Nice, But Missing a Few Minor Items - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By RWWWW - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I made the jump from my Dodge Gr Caravan Sport to the 04 Honda. I miss a couple things,overhead display with mileage, outside temperature. I love the Leather seats and DVD player(even though the DVD is hard to operate, still learning). The dealer wanted me to spend $1,200 more for the extended warranty. I told him Im buying the Honda for the quality and durable that you brag about. He still wanted me to buy the warranty. Must be some good commisions in selling that warranty. All in all, I like the quality, the smooth running engine and trainy combination.

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  How the mighty have fallen - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr. Nice - July 13 - 9:25 pm

  Not as special as as we originally thought. Honda has been resting on its past reputation. Their quality has fallen greatly and their dealer service centers are failing miserably. Do a quick online search for Honda Odyssey brakes and you will find many issues with their brake systems being defective and their failure to take ownership. Many like ours have had issues with less than 15,000 miles and Honda refusing to take care of the problem even though the car us under the manufacturer warranty. This is just one of many issues customers are facing.

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  A Great Family Van, and Fun for Dad Too! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DesperAuto - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Great van, with lots of extras and plenty of power to haul the kids to soccer practice. The kids get real quiet when the movie is playing, allowing you to relax and watch the road. Good for hauling cargo too. Dealers wont spend much time negotiating with you, claiming there are droves of buyers lined up behind you for the same van. Get all the options and then beat their price down to almost free on the option, and youve done well. Work up from list.

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  Bought 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vs2016 Honda Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill ONeil - July 6 - 11:47 pm

  As of September 2016, Honda has no information on their 2017 models. 2016 model pricing is very high. I bought a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica miniVan because it has Stow & Go foldable second row seats.