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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  Surprised - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Surprisedd - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall the van is good. Took several trips to the dealership to correct the bad pull to the left. Turns out that the engine was not sitting in the cradle square. Seems OK now but still concerned. The van rides nice. I am very disapointed with the gas mileage. We are slow drivers and still only get 13.5 - 14.5 MPG around town. 22 MPG on highway.

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  Lots of room - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris Hanley - April 23 - 6:36 pm

  For anyone that needs room, this is the vehicle. I am 66" and I find the van very comfortable.

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  Very Convenient Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ram - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I have driven other minivans from ford and chrysler. While chrysler minivans are fun to drive, this is the most comforatble and convenient minivan. The major compliant I have is that it is too noisy and Im having lot of trouble with the sliding doors.

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  The brake make noice - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DZ - April 19 - 10:00 am

  When I brake, the rear brakes made loud noices. It happens most of the times after reversing. A couple of dealerships said it is normal. But I have not heard similar complaints from other Odyssey owners. Otherwise, the van is reliable.

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  Sporty, Roomy, Confy, Reliable!!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jmelohio - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I had this minivan eyed for sometime, this is my 4th Honda. Now that I have kids, this is the way to go. I had an SUV (Honda Passport), compared the Pilot and decided on the Oddy. Add the Fog Lights as I did, great add on(not cheap but useful, great visibility). It is a reliable vehicle, solid built, quiet ride, very sporty feeling when driving on the highway. Its responsive too.

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  Odyssey Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By links1 - April 11 - 3:33 pm

  We just bought a 2006 Honday Odyssey EX and had problems with the stabilization light, ASB and brake lights coming on. It was in the shop within minutes of driving it and had to be taken back twice within 24 hours for the same problems. Horrible start to what we thought was going to be a perfect choice!! Were worried what will be next!

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  Honda Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By HSinTX - April 10 - 4:40 am

  This 07 Ody Touring is a great upgrade over our 01 Ody EX in design, performance and ride quality. The Ody Touring is the best package by far. The Touring has better ride quality (better comfort and less noise) than the EX-L. So far, we drove about 900 miles in a little over one month. Mileage is only 17-18 mpg for 50-50 local and highway with A/C on and some waiting at the takeout lines. Considering the weight of the van, its acceptable. Parking sensors and a TPMS that tells you the actual tire pressures are great additions.

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  Honda At Its Best! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Shams - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey exceeds in every level from a Minivan expectations. Most Power(240HP) in its class! Sedan Like Ride, SUV Like Spacious. You get more than what you pay for, a well equipped EX Model comes with Dual Sliding Doors, Security, Premium Sound, ABS, Traction Control and Four Wheel Disc Brakes. Same features in any Competing Vans will cost you more But you still wont the quality. The Bottom Line - Its a HONDA!

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  A Step Above - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KW - April 6 - 3:16 pm

  Owned a Chrysler T&C (loved it) and a Mazda MPV (loved it), With the extra money for the Odyssey, every penny was worth it. It is a world apart from the others. The interior is comfortable, roomy, and the handling is exceptional. I bought it for the standard electronic stability control, and am very pleased with the complete package. If you plan to haul the family around in a van, the standard electronic stability control should be the selling point here. Never leave home without it.

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cbowser - April 4 - 9:36 am

  It is built with practicality and safety in mind (fold down seats, grocery bag hooks, lazy susan in floor, wiper speeds, backup sensors, run flat tires) and is easy to drive and looks great!