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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Never thought I would drive a mini van.. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By so cal touring - August 19 - 9:10 am...but here I am, and having fun, too. The van performs wonderfully. It has enough power to get where you want to go and the comfort to make it satisfying to drive. Yes, I wish it had some additional features, but hey! its a minivan. And most cars dont have as nice of an interior as the Odyssey Touring. For someone who wants a sedan, but needs space I couldnt recommend a better vehicle. And a SUV with the same features will run you about$10k more. In the past two months weve been up and down the state and have been averaging about 22mpg on the highway. If we drive with the a/c off we can get 24mpg.
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New owner LOVES this vehicle! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Joan Higginbotham - August 17 - 5:26 pmWeve only owned the vehicle for two months but weve already driven over 5500 miles in it! What a difference it has made on long hauls! Entertaining (DVD player, XM radio), comfortable, easy to get in and out of...we love it! Weve already been able to help with a family move with the major room it has to haul cargo.
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2015 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2015 Honda Odyssey
By David Faulk - August 16 - 1:53 pmThe car is very functunal. The only wish is that Honda would make a 4 wheel drive Odyssey like the Toyota Sieanna. My 2005 Odyssey had 228,600 miles with no major problems. It was the best car I ever owned.
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Good all around vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Paintpedlr - August 16 - 2:10 amGood roomy all around Vehicle for a variaty of uses. Handles well and is well designed for convenient multi use. Mileage is not quite as good as I expected.
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bad car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By bad car - August 14 - 12:16 amI thoughtn the car was cheaply made and it didnt last long before I had to have repairs....I would strongly reccomend American cars over Japanese cars because the Japanese are cheaply made....theyre like tinker toys and the engine was slow as a dog.
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The best minvan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By TonyMN - August 11 - 4:33 pmWe drove them all, and it was an easy decision. The Odyssey has better performance, handling, comfort and standard features for the price. It has handled ice and snow beautifully.
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goodbuy - 2016 Honda Odyssey
By Jason Jin - August 10 - 12:20 pm -
Cant beat it... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Chris Allen - August 9 - 10:13 pmWe priced and looked at all minivans. Owned a Dodge which was fare. Could have bought others for less. But we are extremely happy with our decision. Everything about our Honda is great. Could never go back to something else, even with the more money we spent.
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My third Odyssey in 6 years - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By rob123 - August 9 - 10:00 pm50 mph and 60/70 very bad droning/humming noise and vibration. Its a shame because its spoils a otherwise good car.
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Top Rated for a Reason - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Gunner - July 27 - 9:16 pmThe laundry list of practical and convenient features (from lots of storage spaces to power sliding doors and moonroof), luxury sedan-like handling, and high-quality fit and finish make this van a pleasure to own. Abundant safety feautres, innovative technology, and just overall clever vehicle design all make their way into the 2005 Odyssey and constantly remind me that I made the right choice. The two Touring trims could easily fit in to the Acura lineup.
