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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  Odyssey is AWESOME - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Casey789 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyessey EX because we have one child, one on the way and two dogs; we needed more room than our SUV afforded. We have not been let down. This van is spacious, comfortable, rides smoothly and is quiet. The dual remote sliding doors make getting in and out a breeze. The cargo area is huge. The disappearing 3rd row seat is a snap to use. Its easy to see why these minivans are in such high demand.

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  Got problems with the power door - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Pac - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2003 EX in late November. Within the first couple of weeks, we noticed the passenger side power door has been acting strange. Sometimes the door would close by itself, sometimes it would stop in the middle during closing, sometimes it would not close at all. The scariest moment was that the door started to close by itself when my wife was in the process of loading our infant son on his car seat. She literally had to jump out of the way and almost dropped our son. She got freaked out and refused to put the baby in the van. She feels safer by driving her trustly 94 Camry. I think the vehicle has been grossly overrated.

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  I never thought Id say this... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof3 - October 13 - 5:30 am

  Now with 3 kids I had to upgrade from my Nissan Murano to the Odyssey. I never thought Id be a "minivan mom" but the Odyssey is so comfortable and convenient, with lots of room, Im so glad we got it. I wish the gas mileage was better. The DVD is great and I love the auto side doors. Very happy with it!

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  Excellent family vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By leejdjd - October 12 - 2:00 am

  we searcgewd long and hard to upgrade from our 2000 Dodge Caravan. We liked the idea of fold-down seats but thought the new Dodge seats looked cheap and uncomfortable. We decided to go with the 2004 Odyssey or the Toyota van... until we saw the 2005 Odyssey! This is the perfect combination of people-moving conveinience and luxurious comfort!

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  Acura of Minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By bepete - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a Touring NAV/RES in Silver Pearl with Black Leather three weeks ago, and I must say this is one very nice vehicle. This model has the feel and features of an Acura but the versatility of a large minivan. We absolutely love it! Great design - inside and out. The only vehicle that is even in the same class is the Sienna Limited but we came up with 20 reasons why we felt this is a better vehicle (for a list of the 20 reasons, visit my post #826 "Top of the Line Comparison" in the Odyssey vs. Sienna- 2005+ forum). If you are looking to buy, you can also visit my post #6633 "Pricing - Tips and Observations" in the Odyssey-Prices Paid & Buying Experience forum.

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By WMM - October 10 - 12:03 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with the quality, function,handling & comfort. I had, however, expected better mileage. A recent test of a 1200 km (720 mile trip on good paved expressways gave me about 25 mpg travelling at speeds of 70 - 75 mph. This is poor when compared to previous mileage of 30 to 32 for my Lincoln Town Car and Ford Windstar.

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  The switch from a SUV - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Got it for the Mom - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Had an SUV for previous 5 years and will never get another one after owning the Odyssey. Outperforms SUV going uphill in snow. Better ride and much quieter. Access in and out of the vehicle is great. SUV was a big ordeal for the kids "climbing in" The van remained roomy on family vacations with loads of camping stuff including bikes mounted on a rear trailer hitch. Powerful engine, drag raced a cowboy in his jacked up noisy pickup truck and blew him away. Paid $481.00 per month on a 48 mo.lease with option to buy for $15K at the end. 12K miles per year.

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  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By scubiecon - October 10 - 2:00 am

  When I decided to purchase a van, I did my research. Even though there is little wiggle room in the purchase price, the Honda Odyssey is worth the money. It is a great van.

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  Best Mini Van out there! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Herson - October 7 - 11:13 pm

  I bought Odyssey EX-L January 3rd and have already put 800 miles on it. I traded my old Caravan SE which was good but very noisy. The Odyssey is great, you can talk in the front and be hear in the back seats! My dad is 63" and he fits perfectly on the second row while it was difficult for him to get into the Caravan. I love this Mini van, it is very agile, responsive and we have been getting about 25mpg mixed hgwy/city driving, not bad at all! (We do not have led feet). However, make sure you test drive as I found some of the mini vans had cheap plastic sounds before I found the one we bought.

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  Very Good MinvVan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Heckler - October 4 - 11:13 pm

  Weve had our van for over a month now and we are very happy. Weve had only one issue with it, a whistling noise coming from the passenger side, did my research and there is a fix for it, re- designed wiper cowl. The gas mileage is OK. Pretty close to the advertised EPA. This is the first time Ive bought a car on the first production year and Im not sure if Id do it again. There are some rattles from the sun visor on the passenger side when down. Overall its a great family vehicle. Its also the best value.