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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  Over Rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mike - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 Town and Country for this Honda. I thought I was getting a better vehicle, but now I wish I had simply bought another Town and Country instead. The Odyssey is not as comfortable for both the driver and the passengers. Doesnt feel as solid as my old Town and Country and the road noise is bad. The third seats folds into the floor is nice but I think thats where most of the road noise is coming from though. All the reviews I read seem to suggest its a better van, but I now do not agree with most of those reviews.

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  The Van for all ages - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Len - October 31 - 12:43 pm

  Very pleased with the seating and leg comfort. It is important to have good seats and leg room in the second and third rows, which Honda offers over the other two competitors. Having driven Lincolns for years comfort was #1 priority and the Honda Touring gives you all and more. Gas mileage has been in the range of 20/22 town/hwy, and 25/26 hwy on recent 4,000 mile trip. Use of cruise control does give better mileage. I am impressed with the mileage as this van is 235lbs heavier than a Lincoln TC.

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  New 2016 Odyssey -- First 1,000 miles - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Carlins - October 30 - 10:00 pm

  The main difference between models is features. The basic vehicle is the same. There is no factory protection applied to the fabric interior. A real oversight for a vehicle to carry around sloppy children, or in our case grandchildren. I added a dealer protection package which included interior and exterior clear coat and was the only option. It would be better to negotiate this adder before agreeing to purchase. Internet pricing for the dealers allowed me to get the best price and the color I wanted. I highly recommend using it for your shopping.

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jkp521 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Only 2 weeks old, I never thought Id say this but.....I love this minivan. Yes, the gas mileage is worse than my old Camry, but the room and power (engine and sliding dual doors) are awesome. I do have one complaint so far, slight sqeak in my dash, I have to get that checked out. Other than that, it is a great vehicle for people with kids.

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  Best Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jem - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Van!!!! It has everything you need, and alot of extras at no cost! I recommend it!!!!

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  Love my van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Cindy Mac - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I went from driving a 1995 Suburban to my new Odyssey, and I couldnt be happier with this van! Its like driving a sports car for moms. My two kids and all their stuff fit great. Even my husband, who is six-foot, two- inches tall, can fit in it comfortably.

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  Me and my wifes ody 08 - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By me and my wifes ody - October 20 - 11:33 am

  The transmissions seems to seek when driving around town. It seems to like quicker takes offs rather than driving like granny would. The steering wheel shakes when turning around in parking lot speeds. Say turning a corner and the wheel begins to unravel. Like the 4wheel independent suspension. AC is not up to par when in slow traffic. Much better when going down the road.

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  My Favorite Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Cathy Holland - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Have purchased many cars and this is the best service I have ever received. the people are friendly, helpful and prompt with service.

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  Leased an Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By caves - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I needed a minivan and decided the Honda leasing deal for this model was cost-effective. This is my first Honda. I owned a Ford Windstar. After using this van for 15 days I had noticed some things I find strange for a six year old design. The quality of the interior materials look good, but is hard and not padded. The interior of my Mits. was padded. The armrests on the doors are hard. The dash hood is not lined up with the steering wheel and the sun produces a lot of glare on panel gauges. The speaker covers rattle at moderate volume levels and the vehicle has a lot of road noise

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  Greatest Minivan Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Austin Hansen - October 18 - 11:43 am

  We had a 2000 Odysey EX, and wanted a newer van, so we looked at Toyota, and was so close to buying it, then we looked at the Honda and bought it hands down. The nav. and the DVD player are great. There are a few quality problems, like a space on the top of the DVD player where a DVD got stuck into. Other than that, this is the best minivan you can ever buy!