Honda Odyssey Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
3,253 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 3141 through 3150 of 3,253.00
  • HONDA TRADITION - 2002 Honda Odyssey
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    WE PURCHASED THE HONDA ODESSEY EX TO REPLACE OUR CHRYSLER MINIVAN. AT 70K MILES IT BECAME UNRELIABLE FOR LONG TRIPS. OUR NEW HONDA HAS BEEN A PURE PLEASURE. FROM THE HIGH QUALITY AND RELIABILITY TO THE CAVERNOUS REAR STORAGE WELL, WE COULDNT BE MORE PLEASED. MY INLAWS PURCHASED A NEW CHRYSLER T&C LIMITED AT THE SAME TIME AS OUR HONDA. THEY HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME AT THE DEALER HAVING ITEMS FIXED OR REPLACED. WE HAVENT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER IN 8 MONTHS.

  • Nice job, Honda! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I bought my Odyssey by using Edmunds multiple dealer quotes method and easily got mine way below the invoice price. It was so much fun driving this vehicle. And my kids now see car ride as an entertainment thanks to the onboard DVD. I personally love the voice commands that I can use to control pretty much everything so that I can keep my eyes on the road.

  • In love - 2007 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Ive only had my Odyssey for 4 days, but already I love it! Its a great drive, handles just like a sporty car. Everything is so lush and classy looking.

  • Another Gas Guzzler - 2007 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I bought this van to replace a full- size Chevy Express conversion van with an 8-cylinder engine. I was hoping for much better gas mileage with the Odyssey than I got with the big van. It hasnt happened. The very best mileage Ive gotten with the Odyssey is 14 mpg, combined highway and city driving. I usually get around 12.9 mpg in the city. (I got better average mileage with the big conversion van and also with two previous 6-cylinder Acura Legends -- a 1989 & a 1993.) Im hoping something is just wrong with the van and they can fix it. Its a fine van otherwise.

  • Love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Fantastic vehicle, that is a lot of fun to drive.

  • Reliable??? - 2001 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Every six months a get a letter from Honda extending my warranty because of poor workmanship or defects in material. I had several minor defects when I picked up my vehicle that were corrected.

  • Better than a Chrysler product by miles! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    The 3.5 V6 is really peppy and xmission shifts smoothly, but drops into overdrive (5th gear) a little too soon. very comfortable - a real pleasure to travel in. A lot of city driving will kill the mileage, as will a lead foot! We get 22-23 with mixed city/hwy and have gotten as much as 27 on pure highway driving. The flat cornering and very short turning radius make driving and handling a pleasure.

  • Not a bad van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    a very nice van and i am happy with it but the fuel ecomomy is far from what it should be and i drive very easy with it and i am only getting 17 mpg in 50/50 city/highway and on a 5 hr. trip on all highway the best i could get with cruise at 70 was 25. i expected better. gas mileage is my biggest problem i have with this van it is rated to be 20/28 the best of any minivan and it is not getting that .

  • honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    totally reliable furious acceleration and adequate handling cavernous interior able to haul everything on vacation even with 4 people in it.

  • Wind Noise Annoying - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    When there is an outside wind of 12 to 18 mph, the interior cabin noise is more than I expected especially from a Honda known for Fit & Finish. My Dodge minivan had less interior noise than the 2005 Honda EX. The Honda dealer acknowledged they have had some complaints about interior wind noise or whistle. They added additional sealant around the front windshield & it seemed to help somewhat. Nevertheless, I still encounter more interior wind noise than I believe is acceptable. Does anyone else share the same annoying problem? Are there other remedies than adding addt caulking around the edges of the windshield?

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