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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  Disappointed so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Soupboy - May 25 - 6:26 am

  Traded in my beloved WRX wagon for a van. Went with the loaded Odyssey Touring based on prior experience with an 98 Accord EX and favorable press. Bad move. Less than 90 days old it needed a complete tranny replacement and new molding on the windshield to eliminated horrible wind noise. Oh yeah, the mileage is awful regularly posting sub- 20mpg on road trips. The dealership said the tranny issue was attributable to a run of bad units from a particular vendor. The most offensive thing being they sell the van knowing the tranny will fail make you bring it in instead of proactively replacing it. Awful CS and negative goodwill. I would never buy this vehicle again.

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  Odessey EX - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Barbara Thomas - May 25 - 1:13 am

  Having an almost serious accident driving my Odessey, my grandson and I had minor injuries in a crash. The van needed $8,0000 to fix.

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  Love this Minivan!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michelle - May 22 - 5:23 pm

  This is a great minivan. It is very reliable and drives like a car. My husband drives a Lincoln LS and I think the Odyssey handles better than it.

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  Honda Odyssey 2016 minivan - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By eitan darel - May 14 - 1:36 am

  Great minivan, great seats, that later save on doctors bills. Nice passenger side camera on the mirror, that shows the right side, when turn right. The things that I do not like is the new Blue tooth, that is partly disabled when driving, low acceleration, and paint that peel easily on all Honda models

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sam123 - May 14 - 12:03 am

  I replaced a near-luxury mid-size wagon with my first minivan, and Odyssey Touring ended up on top. The styling, driving dynamics, comfort and features all topped competition (Sienna, Quest, Town&Country). It is the most car-like driver of the lot, and top-line Touring has almost all the gizmos I could hope for. Fuel economy has been surprisingly good as well, besting my V6 wagon. As a first-time minivan owner, Im still being surprised by the amount of space and convenience; I should have made the switch sooner. The Touring has nice big wheels and just the right amount of brightwork, too; not your moms minivan.

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  Love the car at first but not after - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By MrG_ITGuy - May 13 - 4:30 am

  This is our first minivan. The handling part is what makes us decide to get an odyssey instead of the Sienna. I like how comfy to get in and out of the vehicle but I just hope theres an option to disable the VCM because it rides a lot better without it. The only problem Im having with this one is the vibration when breaking even at low speed. @4k miles dealership resurface the rotors. @7k miles they did it again and now at 9k miles they resurface it again at telling me rotors are not covered under warranty and they were doing it as a goodwill. I understand that its not part of the warranty but when its a problem since the start then at least they should fix it. So I think I will trade it in soon.

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  No complaints - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By steved - May 11 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were bouncing back and forth between a mid size SUV and minivans.As much as she wanted the SUV I finally convinced her to test drive the Odyssey and if she didnt like it, we would move on.Thats all it took. We have had the vehicle only a couple weeks but love it. We were able to get a 2004 EX-L(White exterior with a Fern (Gray)interior for only $26,221($99 over invoice) and that included destination. All I can say is, if you dont use the internet, it will cost you. I was given exactly what Kelley Blue Book rated my trade-in and after the trade in- walked away with the most stress free car buying experience ever.

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  Excellent car for your money - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By bailey5697 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  After shoppong for quite a while for a minivan we so pleased the find the Odyssey. It was the exact price range,a nd all the features we were looking for.

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  What a disappointment! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By soon a honda-ex - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Two years later, its been back to the dealer 8 times for auto door problems, 3 times for a consistent pull to the right, and 3 times for shuddering brakes. It has all of 24,000 miles. They have replaced the brake pads, rotors, and drums and the entire electronic system in the doors. They sent a district engineer to look at it and kept it a week two separate times without really fixing all the problems. The brakes still have a shudder. Beware of Honda Care, they refused to buy it back! It misses the Texas Lemon Law by a technicality. I have a 15- year old Camry that has had fewer problems than this van. What a disappointment!

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  Exterior 7/10, Interior 9/10, Driving 8/10, Value> - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Satyam Babaria - May 8 - 12:11 am

  Purchased this as i love styling & handling of Honda compare to Toyota (now a days Toyota have great exterior look!). Exterior look was great on 2014-2017 model on side giving solid look. New 2018 side view is horrible, but from front and rear it is looking okay/good. I wish they can offer LED headlights for EXL trims but i am very much disappointed despite paid over 40K i do not have LED headlights. Honda only offer LED headlights for Touring and Elite models which cost 5K to 7K more than EXL RES & NAV I purchased. I love keyless entry and push button start feature, auto seat position for 2 person and auto seat move back as soon as stop engine to get easy access in and out. RES feature is good as i can pay music and video thru USB drive. Useless blue-ray player as most people now a days use USB so Honda could save us some money not having blue-ray drive. Instrument panel has screen which is great. also has turn by turn guidance within. Leather seats are great. Air vents position for rear passengers is located on seating position so that baby in rear face carseat have lots of trouble getting cold air. Trunk cargo floor area is not flush/straight (at center it has bump!) Auto Start feature is included which is awesome! Floor mats quality is too cheap. interior lights are not LED either! Sound quality is acceptable so that i do not think to upgrade. Built in navigation is good. Have android and Apple Car Play but to use of it you have to plug your phone with same USB that you are using with Music and Video! I really disappointed here as if i wanted to use car play and kids also wanted to watch movies; both cannot be happen at same time. My parents said that seating inside this car is more comfortable and spacious than my sisters 2011 Toyota Sienna. Steering wheel is so much responsive too. Acceleration is not good. Feels Like Lake of Power, but may be bcoz this is Van not Car! Overall 8/10 rating. 2 points taken out for Noting giving LED headlights on 40K car, Pickup/acceleration is low and look from side is horrible (giving lines that kill Hondas sharp design). I was one of the fan of Thunderbolt 3rd row design which now they have killed. I was waiting for Toyota van to compare with Honda but Sienna for 2018 is still same one since 2011 and there is no redesign till 2019. at last Wheels looks for EXL is not modern and reminds me 2014 year wheel.