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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Battery drain issue - 2012 Honda Odyssey
By Ody-driver - May 25 - 10:40 amWe really like our 12 Odyssey, and if it werent for the annoying battery drain problem weve had since we bought the van new, we would have rated it a lot higher. The dealership admitted to me there was a design problem, and I should lock my van when parked in garage, or to make sure the dome lights were switched to Off instead of on Door as this somehow deactivates a circuit that remains energized. It still doesnt seem to help as the battery has been weakened enough after being killed a dozen times, so now if I know I wont be driving it for several weeks, I hook up my battery charger.
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little disappointed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Chandra - May 22 - 2:53 amTraded in Olds silhouette for this beautiful 2006 odyssey. Have owned honda cars before with pride & satisfaction. Have to say I am disappointed with the gas mileage so far. getting 15-17 mpg city, whereas my olds got 20-22mpg. I though odyssey would be better with the eco. cylinder thing. NOT
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minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By ctmaurer - May 22 - 2:00 amThis is one of the best minivans you can buy, for a great price. Paid full sticker price, waited three months, it was well worth it. Still cheaper than a Chrysler.
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Respect the van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By oddity - May 21 - 11:46 pmThis van is light years ahead of my 2005 Dodge GC in terms of styling, refinement, driving experience, safety, and comfort. It is also light years ahead in terms of monthly payment, but you get what you pay for. My family of six loves it. This vehicle drives wonderfully. Steering is precise and overall handling and maneuverability is fantastic. Backup rear view camera is great once you learn to trust it - much easier to parallel park. I bought this van for many reasons, but Hondas reputation for build quality sealed the deal. I hope it holds up to its reputation.
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Outstanding - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By jorroak - May 21 - 8:40 pmI guess we are actually parents when we sell the Jeep to get a minivan. If you are going to drive a minivan, this is the one. The Odyessy handles like a car and travels like a family room.
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#1 MINIVAN - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Klarissa - May 17 - 2:00 amPlain & simple its the best minivan in the market!!!
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Honda EX - 2016 Honda Odyssey
By Saleem Ahmad - May 12 - 6:52 pmThis is a good car for the family. However, Honda is using relatively poor material in this EX trim to cut cost and keep the price competitive
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New Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Michael - May 4 - 1:36 amWeve had the van for almost 3000 miles and love it. On a recent 1200 mile trip, we averaged 24 mpg with AC on all the time and travelling a good bit over the speed limit. RPMs at 75 mpg were just under 2K - we cruised along with no problems. The kids were very comfortable in the the second row of captains chairs and the little one fit well in her car seat in the last row with 1/3 of the split bench folded into the floor. There was plenty of room for all our gear. Around town, my wife averages 20 mpg and loves the van - it is very easy to drive, has good site lines, and a better turning radius than my Porsche! The new styling makes it very appealling. Great vehicle for the family.
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Great minivan for a family - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Shero - April 30 - 1:30 amThis is our first minivan, and we absolutely love it!! We looked at every Crossover on the market, Sienna and Quest, and this was by far the best value for the money. Seats 8 comfortably (3 kids in the back, 1 in a car seat) and 3 adults in the 2nd row. It was a little tight for the adults, but not uncomfortable. Mileage isnt bad for the category & better than SUVs. The rear seats easily fold flat, although removing the 2nd row seats takes a little getting used to. We love the built in window shades for the kids!!
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My Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By bpiinfo - April 24 - 2:00 amThis is a great vehicle. Easy to drive, good engine performance from a dead stop and from highway speeds. The kids love the entertainment system and the fold away third seat -- when it was the only one on the market -- the greatest. Cant wait to see what Honda does next
