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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  Odd changes for the interior. - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Chicago suburbs - December 15 - 2:39 am

  I owned a 06 Odyssey for 11 years and 202,000 miles, loved it. Never had a problem with it outside of regular maintenance. I recently purchased a 2014 with 13,300 miles from a returned lease. Its a b eautiful van ( on the inside, it is a minivan). But some odd changes have been made. What was the removable " magic seat" in the 06 now has been replaced with a leave in seat that folds down to provide cup holders and inside armrests to the second row. Without it staying in, there are no armrests for the second row. Another odd omission is the removal of the small hooks in the cargo area to hang groceries, we used that all the time in the 06 to keep bread and other fragile items safe from the rest of the purchases....small but odd differences from the 06. But definitely not a deal killer. Overall the ride is great, except for the original Continental Tires. For the midwest these tires dont offer enough quality traction in wet/ colder weather.

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  Gas mileage got better - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dowopman - December 11 - 6:46 pm

  Some people didnt like the gas mileage of there new Honda vans. I didnt like it either at first, But it has gotten a lot better now that its breaking in. Just went to Florida from upstate NY and at one time went 500 miles and still had almost a 1/4 of a tank of gas and avg between 70 & 75mph.

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  Love it! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie B - December 11 - 12:41 pm

  We have had it one month and still getting used to it a bit, but generally love it so far. This is our second Honda Odyssey. The only two things that Ive noticed so far is that going from 1st to 2nd gear its not completely smooth. It doesnt really bother me but once you are past 2nd gear its as smooth as can be which is why Ive noticed a slight difference. The second thing is the entertainment system, when using XM radio, it will periodically jump to a station upon starting the car that I did not select (ex: Country or Korean Radio). I have found that I have to challenge myself to use the steering wheel controls as the touch panel your eyes get drawn to it longer than you probably want from the road to make selections. There are several features that you cannot engage in while driving & I understand the safety precautions driving this, but it is slightly frustrating.

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  Unbelievable!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Matthew - December 10 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had numerous vehicles in my life, and I must say that the 2006 Honda Odyssey is the most impressive vehicle Ive ever driven! The ride and feel reminds me of a smooth and tight sports car, but not lacking the interior space as seen in those vehicles. The cabin is a scene of tranquility and peace without the noise of the road. At normal interstate speeds, you could literally hear a pin drop.

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  My Paint Blotchy Too - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard M. - December 10 - 9:13 am

  I read a posting on 9/7/2006 about blotchy silver pearl paint on their Odyssey. I too have the same color and noticed the same thing on my van. Only when you view the van on a bright sunny day and at an angle that you can see the blotches. I also went back to the dealer to complain and they told me that its very common with silver cars. They even showed me 3 other new vans on the lot and sure enough, they are all the same. But, I dont see the problem with my neighbors 2005 Sienna also in Silver. I am wondering if it has something to do with the pearls in the Honda paint. Otherwise I am very happy with the van. Wish that the gas mileage would be better, getting 17mpg city.

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  If only the seat were more comfortable! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - December 7 - 5:56 am

  7000 miles on it since September, 2006. For travel convenience, space, interior flexibility, and features its a perfect 10. It handles well, has good power, and lots of cool features. So far, perfect Honda reliability. The kids can climb in without help and play Nintendo on the DVD player. The worst thing is front seat comfort, with not enough thigh support and a seat doesnt go back far enough. Temp guage and odo cant be seen together. Dash contols like rear AC system can be confusing. 28 mpg is a lie! We get 21mpg on highway at 75mph. DVD screen rattles/squeaks when down. Nav system boots up slow and repeat disclaimer a nuisance. Rear visibility not great, but rear camera helps.

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  2002 Space Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By David and Amanda - December 4 - 10:00 am

  As far as a Mini Van is concerned, this is the best. After all, it is a Honda. Need I say more?

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  2006 odyssey with R&N - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By keny - December 3 - 10:56 am

  We love the van, only have about 400 miles on it so far. Just thought we can offer some opinion on the van for future buyers. First of all, for serious matter, the brakes make low noises at low speed; in addition, the pedals vibrate for about 2 seconds. Just spoke to authorized honda advisor, appearantly, it is a known problem and they dont have a fix to it. Said it is normal. Furtunately, she said it wont damage the van. She also has a honda accord and experienced the same problem. I was also told that the van will make the same noises when it is on reverse. LOL. But overall, we still love this van for its design, quality and reliability.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By erholl - November 21 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is an awesome vehicle that has amazing comfort, style and dependability. Worth every penny!

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  Bad Choice on my part - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By BADCHOICE - November 18 - 6:26 am

  I am ready to sell it after one week. Last car was 01 T&C LXI which was quiet and had good sound system. Honda road noise on highway unsatisfactory despite active sound controls. What were they thinking. 120 watt stereo muffled at low volume, only hear tweeters - main speakers are set to low by feet and cant get aftermarket stereo. Diversity antenna in side window looses signal. Cant open 2nd. row windows too much air buffeting noise - need tail swing out windows as in Sienna. trailer towing requires expensive addons. Interior plastic scratches easily.