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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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By wowaddict - January 19 - 7:26 pm

  Dont judge it by my 9s to most people this car is a 10. I just think you can improve on everything. Great van. It runs great, is extremely comfortable. The fuel economy is good but not great. I did find the highway mileage impressive. I got 29 mpg average with luggage and 3 adults and 2 babies. City is around 20 mpg, still pretty good for its size. Try that in a regular suv. Its a van so performance and fun to drive not what you expect in a van but its a great ride. Everything else interior, exterior, quality, and reliability is summed up in 1 word Honda. I would purchase the extended warranty though only because lots of bells and whistles that can break.

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  Fun Car, drives just like an Accord - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By breadsoup2001 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve own our Honda Odyssey for 2 weeks now. Nothing but pure driving fun, drives just like our old Honda Accord. Cant tell the difference between driving a Minivan and a sedan. V6 Acceleration is strong, handling is great, and the interior is very roomy. We have twin daughters and putting them into their seats couldnt be more simpler. Third row, when not in use, hides underneath the floorboard, gives us added room for groceries and other things. Leather interior is soft and easy to clean- up. Drivers seat is comfortable, easy to adjust. Overall driver visibility is great, with use of a broadway rear-view mirror adds more of a better view.

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  Great Car in a Mini Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sachit - January 16 - 11:40 am

  Its been just under 2 months since we had this 2005 OdysseyEX w L & Navi and have done about 2000 miles in driving. We drove from Philadelphia to Toronto and back with two toddlers, who were well entertained in the back seat and had very few complaints. The Navigation system helped find our way around in Ontario to which we were new. The Odyssey feels like driving an luxury SUV with its power and smooth ride. The only con is the fuel economy on long drives. I got 22 mpg as agint 25 to 28 which is listed in the specs.

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  Very dissatisfied - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By gord - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The seats in this vehicle are terrible. After about 20 minutes in this vehicle I am in agony. The leather seams across the seats dig into my thighs. The side bolstering is so stiff it bruises my hips on long trips. I am 6"4" tall -can hardly reach the stearing wheel. When I tilt the wheel down the speedometer is completely concealed. The ergonomics are horible. The vehicle performs and handles well but is an absolute rattle- trap. The headliner sounds like it is going to come unglued.So far I have had to have body panel flaws and weatherstriping problems. Just started to have trouble with door handle on passenger side door handle and cd player skipping.Gas mileage not near what they claim

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  Honda Mini Van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By antonio12345 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I am glad that waited and bought the best.

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  2001 EX - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By FormRoller - January 9 - 2:00 am

  25K on my EX now. No problems, but the same is true of my 2001 Gran Prix w/ 37K-I think you can assume good build quality these days. With the exception of the fold in 3rd seat, this is not as pleasant or well designed a vehicle as the two Chrysler minivans I have owned. The sound system is especailly diappointing. A gas hog. My Chryslers did not age gracefully however, and if this van does, its worth it. If you trade after 2-4 yrs. go with the Chrysler. If not, give the Honda a look. If I had to do it again, I would have bought the less expensive LX model (the power sliding doors arent worth it) and gotten a good aftermarket CD player.

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  Never been so happy - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David - January 5 - 9:53 am

  I just love this vehicle. It is fun to drive and has plenty of enjoyable features. I expect the reliability to be the same as all the other Hondas I have owned. This is my first Honda van. I always had a GM product but the last one pushed me away. The leather in this vehicle is beautifull. The integrated dvd and nav system works great. Love the voice command prompts but still need to learn the lingo. Vehicle is tight, no rattles. Drives more like a sedan than a truck. Cant wait to take it on a long trip. Back up camera is great. Removes that fear of not seeing what is right behind you. I highly recomend this van.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By volleyone - January 3 - 10:00 am

  The performance is amazing and the kids love the DVD system with the headphones. Their exact words "Hey sis! What? This is cool huh! Yea!!"

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  My Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DML - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a terrific minivan! Its roomy, classy, and meets all of the needs of my large family. Plenty of room, plenty of extras.

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  So far, So good - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By JonL - January 1 - 11:39 pm

  Traded in my 2002 Odyssey EX with 209,700 miles last week for the 2018 EX, White Diamond Pearl with Mocha interior. I loved my old one but I had an urge for new technology and comfort. So far, I love my new one!! I didnt bother looking at any other Minivan because I knew I wanted another Odyssey. I also really like the styling of this one. 2 weeks and 230 miles of ownership, and Ive gotten 3 comments from people saying my van looks nice!! The seats are super comfy and supportive, everything on the interior seems high quality and not cheap at all. Practicality is this vans strong point, cup holders and storage compartments everywhere!! I hate clutter, so I can neatly store and organize all my junk in the door compartments and under the seats. Im most impressed with how this van drives, the steering is a little stiff with good road feel, minimal oversteer. along with a buttery smooth transmission gear changes and superbly quiet cabin even at high speed! Im a huge fan of the gauge cluster...it looks modern and cool, but easy to see while not distracting my eyes from the road. My only complaint so far is cosmetic and completely subjective; the wheels. They arent cheaply made, just not a fan of the design. I am planning to upgrade to 19 inch rims. I love my new Odyssey and look forward to driving it on lots of road trips in the future!!