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:

• 

  OUTSTANDING MINI VAN - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ROBERT HODGSON - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE RESEACHED THIS VEHICAL FOR TWO YEARS AND FOUND THERE WAS NO OTHER MINI VAN THAT WOULD EVER COME CLOSE TO IT.THIS VEHICLE PUTS ALL OTHER MINI VANS TO SHAME.THE HANDLING IS UNREAL FOR A FULL SIZE VAN,GAS MILEAGE IS VERY GOOD,AND FOR THE COMFORT,VERY GOOD.

• 

  odyssey--no other van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By cdowney - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I do not know how anyone could consider any van other than a Honda Odyssey. It is the most wonderful van made.

• 

  2007 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By pc-va - June 29 - 12:56 am

  Hesitation/slight bucking at most speeds as if the engine is misfiring or transmission is slipping, harsh downshifting, excessive wind/exterior noise in the cabin, lurching forward while stopped with foot on the brake, rough ride. Navigation system is almost useless unless the address is known. Some keys on keypad dont respond. Try using the place/name feature and it is almost a guarantee the system cant find the place/name you are looking for (e.g. Wal-Mart, Costco), certainly not the nearest one. Instead the system displays places hundreds or thousands of miles away from your current location. My $500 Garmin portable NAV runs circles around the $2000 Honda NAV system.

• 

  great for families and/or business - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard Koski - June 23 - 3:15 am

• 

  Heart Broken Honda lover - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Ted 2 - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Our 01 Odyssey just had its first birthday two weeks ago and have enjoyed the van thoroughly. It has been a perfect vehicle. Unfortunatly it was totaled two days ago, I plan on buying another one. Finding what you want for MSRP is tough.

• 

  Good van & fun to drive - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BHurd - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Even with little discounting from the sticker, it is a good value. Many features on the LX for the money. Excellent acceleration, handles like a sedan, comfortable and convenient. One windshield washer nozzel had to be replaced and the sliding doors would stick shut if not opened for a while. The dealer took care of the problems quickly. So far, so good.

• 

  3rd Odyssey and am absolutely loving it. - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Tyler - June 20 - 12:26 am

  Ive had each of the last three generations of Odysseys, as well as a previous generation Sienna. In addition, I rent Siennas all the time for work and really like them. However, the new Odyssey blows them away. I was looking for a used Sienna or Odyssey to replace my 2011 EXL. However, resale values being exceptionally high, I was able to get into a new one for a couple thousand more. Im super-impressed with the upgrades over the last generation. Specifically, the safety suite is incredible. I didnt really think I needed it at first, but it is done so well that it isnt obtrusive and truly an asset. The ride quality is superb. It is quieter than either the old Odysseys or Siennas, but somehow feels connected to the road (the Sienna is a little too plush). The engine is responsive. If you floor it, you can actually squeal the tires. Not exactly normal minivan use- but fun nonetheless. The interior was beyond my expectations. Yes, the middle seats arent easy to take out. However, we only take the middle seats out once or twice a year. Im cool with the trade off of getting big comfortable seats instead of stow and go. We were given a town and country as a rental and the middle seats were flimsy and uncomfortable. The 2 axis sliding feature is great and helps manage the relationships of my kids. Again, Im super impressed. This is the first vehicle purchase I can remember where I havent had any buyers remorse.

• 

  I hate it! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Janey - June 16 - 2:33 pm

  This will be my last Honda or Japanese product. The build quality is terrible on this thing. It rattles and squeaks with only 4000 miles on it. I had to have the whole Nav system replaced. Every bump in the road makes the cd player skip. My other car is a honda too (2004 Accord). It has already had the transmission replaced on it, as well as not wanting to run in the wet or cold weather. Japanese quality? Never heard of it.

• 

  The Best Gets Better - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By iam4ecu - June 14 - 2:16 am

  Just got a 2002 Ody w/ DVD&Leather. Big improvement! If BMW made a minivan, this is what it might feel like. Fixes most all little complaints before. Is for my wife, but I DO like to drive it-amazed at how much better it feels than our 99 Ody. More power, more refined, etc. DVD sys. rocks-Watched Jurassic Park-impressive! Cant wait for our next trip! Can hold more, er...stuff... than you can believe & doesnt take a degree getting the seats out (magic seat rules) Wow-what a product!

• 

  FAMILY OF 6 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By WILLIAM - June 11 - 7:18 pm

  This is an awesome vehicle for any family. We replaced with a 2014 and love it as well. Will stay with odyssey until all 4 of my children are teens then maybe to something else. The Odyssey is a great height for children and mothers lifting car seats. We purchased Odyssey when we had our first child now we have 4 under 10 and is still the best choice for our family.