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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Every 15 years - 2014 Honda Odyssey
By mark gidjunis - March 16 - 1:51 pmThe eco mode is hard to get used to. The car feels like the transmission is sticking in city driving. Once you understand what is happening its not that big a deal. Eco mode at highway speed does save on gas. I think this van is not a great choice for someone living in city. Short stop and go trips get bad mileage in this van.
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Best in Comfort - 2016 Honda Odyssey
By Kranthi Chagarlamudi - March 15 - 9:16 amBest in Confort and full family vehicle with great safety features.
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How can you not buy and odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By Odyssey #2 - March 11 - 10:00 amThis is my second new odyssey 2000 and 2002. I paid just sticker price no add on items. I drove my 2000 for 40,000 miles and paid sticker for the 2002 and was given $21,000 + for trade in. Ready to trade every year due to the high trade in prices. I compared buying a comparable 2000 Chrysler Town & Country to a equally equipped Odyssey and it would have cost me after two years over 6,000 difference. No comparison for total value, quality, reliability. Other option buy the new 2002/2003 Pilot to come out shortly.
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Everything we expected - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Majorcliff - March 7 - 12:06 pmWe have owned this van for a very short time but have recognized Hondas dedication to quality. We are first time Honda buyers and wonder why we waited so long. The third row seats are so easy to operate that our 8 year old can easily put them into the floor and then back into position. The removable seat in the middle of the second row makes moving from the front to the back really easy also. The rear entertainment system (using the headphones in the back) has better sound quality than my Bose home system. This van really does drive like a car. We did own a Ford Windstar. There is no comparison, the Honda is much better in initial quality. Time will tell about the rest.
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Odyssey 03 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By TrumpetJ21 - March 7 - 2:00 amwe ahve never had any trouble with it breaking down or not starting when turning key in the igniton.
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Great Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By hondacustomer - March 1 - 10:00 amGreat Van!!
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We just love it. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By fr488 - February 26 - 2:00 amI like the way this vehicle handles.The ride has been excellent. The room inside excellent.With the rear seat down it has more room than any of the five SUV we had in the past.
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Best minivan to date... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By mils - February 20 - 11:50 pmDespite this seeming like the typical mininvan "mom-mobile"....it is definitely not. I drove a large SUV for the last several years and loved it. With my 3rd child on the way, even the bigger SUVs wouldnt have been convenient. Despite my resistance to convert to a minivan, I looked at the Odyssey just before making another purchase of an SUV. The convenient features, the new styling and the quality of the ride won me over. Its so much easier hauling two young children in the new Odyssey compared to my last SUV. The only other minivan I also considered was the Sienna for the AWD feature.
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grandchildrens toy - 2018 Honda Odyssey
By Rich J - February 17 - 6:02 pmso much better than your fathers Odyessey
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Very nice minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By bigbob - February 9 - 5:36 pmWe have owned this van for a month and LOVE it. Its our first minivan but it doesnt feel like one. The whole driving experience is sooo great. Were an average family with two little ones and a teenager and we all enjoy going for rides together.
