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 3201 through 3210 of 3,253.00
  • Great van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Possibly the best van out there. The 3.5L engine is smooth, quiet and quick. The amenities are excellent, especially ubiquitous cup holders. Very good stereo CD, auto climate control, and contrary to reports, power doors. These doors close and open at about the right speed.

  • Good Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We have owned minivans of differnt makes for many years.The Honda is the best all around minivan I have ever driven.I dont thank the Honda rides or is as quite as the Dodge. The Hondas motor,transmission and the way it drives make up for it. The Odyssey drives like a car.

  • Lies - 2007 Honda Odyssey
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    The Odyssey is a great van, but Honda has misrepresented its fuel economy. The window sticker indicated the van would average 19 city and 26 hwy for mpg. After 10,000 miles the best Ive seen is 22 mpg on the hwy and my average fuel economy has been 17 to 18 mpg. I anticipated my average fuel economy would be 22.5 mpg when purchasing the van. The reduction to 18 will cost me $5,700 if I drive it for 150,000 miles at $4.00 a gallon. Can I suggest class action law suit?

  • Odyssey ; not just a great mini van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
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    My wife and I were not keen on the idea of driving a "minivan". After seeing the all new for 05 Odyssey, we were not concerned. This vehicle is truly an all utility sport vehicle (AUSV). We love the fact that it is just so comfortable for our family of 5 for daily driving. It is also outstanding in the area of storage and interior flexibility. In the past we had to tie luggage racks on the roof of our previous for a 2 week vacation. Not with this Odyssey. The vehicle is just so well engineered. The ride is absolutely fantastic. The 255hp engine gives this AUSV all the pep it needs for smooth sailing. Safety features abound along with a feeling of safety for the family.

  • I just LOVE it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
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    I wasnt wanting a minivan until my husband made me sit in one. It is so wonderful. If I travel alone with the kids I dont have to get out of the car to help them. When it is raining or snowing you can help them get coats on before getting out of the car...the list goes on. You dont have to crawl over anything to get to the back either. When you go to a park or game the back seat flips in a way the you can sit and look out. Will be great for tailgating...

  • Its A Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    This will be my fourth Honda in the last 10 years. What can I say!!!! Its a wonderful vehicle to rely on. Owned a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. NEVER AGAIN. Wife Likes it as well. My four year old and 16 month old love watching their favorites on DVD.

  • Very nice Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I like it a lot

  • Still beats the Toyota - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I waited 2 years to buy the 2004 Sienna b/c I wanted the third row split seat and assumed the Toyota would be miles better than the "aging" Honda. WRONG! The Siennas a marshmellow, soft ride, mushy brakes, wallowing steering, seasick suspension. Both my wife and I felt the same after our long test drive. The Honda is by far the better drivers car. F1 feel in a minivan!

  • Jacks Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We bought one with a DVD player and my daughter loves it! Honda is the way to go on vans!

  • The TEN in Minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I must first say that prior to purchasing this vehicle, I examined and researched all of the minivans in the market. I have to begin by saying that I rated the Minivans based on our needs as a family and only against other minivans. The Odyssey has met every one of our expectations regarding a minivan and has therefore scored TENS throughout our review. We traded in a Subaru WRX and a Dodge Durango so traction was important. I was able to test drive the Odyssey at the start of a downpour and throughout a very strong rain. It handled as if it were an AWD vehicle even when I allowed for quicker acceleration. The VSA worked flawlessly as did the iV- tec engine. Highly recommend the Honda.

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