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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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sara - November 17 - 12:30 pm

  This vehicle is very comfortable. It has been driven to Florida from Massachusetts with a 6 month old infant & all the things that go with a baby & there was plenty of room left to spare. The ride itself was also quite comfortable. We had made the trip before in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac & we were much more happy with our new 2005 Honda Odyssey.

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  Love It - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By CAK - November 16 - 7:13 am

  One of the best decisions Ive ever made.

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  Very happy - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom of 3 - November 16 - 3:53 am

  I really enjoy this mini van. I have had Dodge, and Chrysler previously- after a while problems with engine and electronics. So I decided I would buy either Honda or Toyota. I really enjoy the easy access front seat to back to attend to baby. I like that both doors slide open and the back door window go down as well. It drives very smooth and it gives a family of 5 plenty of room. It has been great when we travel. I do not feel squeezed in. I feel that I have plenty of room. I would recommend this vehicle. The AC and heat work great. I live in Texas so the AC is a BIG deal!!! The stereo system that came with the model is very good as well.

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  2007 Touring model different from EX - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By scat - November 14 - 7:43 pm

  The Touring model is vastly different in ride, handling, and drivability than EX. Took home an EX-L w/dvd on Saturday and the van had a shimmy in it and front end groaned on slight bumps. The tires were noisy and the radio was the pits. Not too hot for $35K. Back to the dealership on Monday and drove the Touring - light years ahead. Was able to "upgrade" for more money and am very happy execpt for the so-so speakers. It drives as well as my S420 Mercedes. If you can afford the Touring, drive it last and youll take one home. Dont be fooled by the run flat sticker shock. $190 if you have to buy one from the dealer. Michelin will warrant them for 2 years @ no cost if + 50% tread left.

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  New 2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Allen Sanford - November 13 - 11:30 am

  Two weeks after taking delivery in Ohio we headed south 1200 miles to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Everything about this vehicle has been superb. Its quiet operation and powerful response is amazing. It has every amenity we could imagine. The seats are plush and much more comfortable than our 2000 Odyssey. The sound system is a delight and the voice commend system is very easy to use. The ride is one of a luxury car. The handling is a joy. As senior citizens, we particularly like the attention to safety, such as the rearview camera, the parking sensors and the updated navigation system which is much more friendly than our old one. Dropping and raising the rear 40/60 seats is now a breeze.

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  Honda Mini Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Barbara Crane - November 13 - 11:16 am

  2 complaints...noisier ride than 3 previous Odysseys. Wind tunnel effect produced when rear windows are down unless front windows are also open

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  First Time Honda driver - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By First Timer - November 7 - 2:56 pm

  This is my first Honda and I am sold. We had a Town and Country for 4 years and the rattles, wind noise, and drafty interior drove me nuts. I bought the Odyssey and left 2 days later for a 2000 mile trip. Not only was it quiet (no need to turn up the radio) but in the dead of winter there were no drafts. What I cant figure out is why all the vans are not made this well. The gas mileage has not quite been as advertised but then most vehicles are not. I wish the doors would unlock when I push the remote to open the sliding doors (my Chrysler did) and I wish I could lock the doors while the sliders are closing (you have to wait until the doors close). Great vehicle, buy it.

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  The best minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Owner - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling. Best price,

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  I love my Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By CChrietz - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned various Hondas in the past 10 years and it is the only car I will purchase. You defenitly get your monies worth.

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  BEST MINI-VAN YET FOR ME - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By HONDA LOVER - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED TWO FORD MINI-VANS (WINDSTARS) AND A DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND THE HONDA IS BY FAR THE BEST VAN I HAVE EVER OWNED OR DRIVEN. IT HANDLES LIKE A CAR AND THE MILEAGE AND POWER IS FANTASTIC. I AM A SALES MANAGER AND DRIVE IT A LOT ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY, IT A DREAM FOR LONG DISTANCE DRIVING. SO FAR NOT A THING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AS DELIVERED. THE ONLY NEGATIVES I SEE ARE THE LACK OF LIGHTED CONTROLS FOR THE WINDOWS AND THE CRUISE CONTOL.I FUMBLE WITH THEM AT NIGHT. THE DETENT FOR THE DRIVE POSITION IS IFFY. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF DRIVING IN D3 SEVERAL TIMES BUT BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS SO QUITE I DO NOT NOTICE IT UNLESS I LOOK AT THE TACH.