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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  So far, so good - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By PlumPink - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Honda. Our first one, a Civic LX sedan, which we still own, is 16 yrs. old so we chose Honda for its reliability. While we are pleased with the Odyssey so far, we wish there was a "fix" for the "clicking" noise which occurs (from the rear wheels) when braking. Apparently, this is a problem with both the Odyssey and the Pilot.

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  Should have kept the SUV - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MUV - March 12 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased to get better gas mileage than the SUV, did NOT happen. Gas mileage is terrible, and we seldom drive over 70 mph. Usually get about 20 mpg on the highway and about 17 in town. Almost identical to SUV. Features are nice and easy to use. Really like the control panel. Ride is comfortable, but very noisy. Considering the price, would not purchase again due to gas mileage.

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  Great ride, powerful engine - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sox04 - March 12 - 12:23 am

  After extensive research, we decided to purchase the Odyssey, and so far we have not been disappointed. We purchased the base model LX mainly because of the price, but also because the standard options (air, cruise, CD player, etc...) fully meet our needs. The Odyssey has a smooth V6 engine with plenty of acceleration when needed. The interior is well laid-out and the seats are very comfortable. When our 3 month old and two large dogs are loaded into the Odyssey, we still have plenty of room for our stroller, luggage, and additional passengers. We are planning on making some long trips in the Odyssey this summer, and you cant beat Hondas reputation for safety and reliability.

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  Thanks edmonds - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken weinstein - March 11 - 2:41 pm

  I got a better deal because I went on your site

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  Issues with the Honda Odyssey 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - March 11 - 4:40 am

  I have almost 5000 miles on my new Odyssey, and I love the vehicle. However, there have been some issues with the vehicle. Switching from an SUV that got 12mpg, I wanted fuel economy. The 20/28mpg on the sticker is not at all what I have experienced. I have averaged about 16mpg and that is including two 1400mi highway trips. Also, my DVD sound goes out periodically on the wireless headphones. This is frustrating on long trips when the kids are yelling that they cant hear the movie every 20 min. I am taking it into the dealer today for the second time. Finally the very low 4-5inch ground clearance in the front has caught more than one curb, scraping underside paint off both corners.

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  Overrated - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By EnthusiastDriver - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Tinny, cheap interior materials, automatic doors with a personality of their own, brakes that needed major work @ 15000 mi, altogether... What is the big excitement about? Probably because the competition is so pityful.

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  Sweet Ride - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Walpole - March 9 - 5:03 pm

  I picked up this bad boy for $22,595 after holding them to their teaser ad. I simply would not let them bait and switch me. The deal got done, and I am very happy. I have only had the van for two weeks but the gas mileage seems rough. 13 miles/gallon. Just like a recent review, the van does not seem to want to coast. It seems like it wants to brake. It may be part of the VSA system... Anyway the rest of the car is the best car ever!!!!

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  The Odessey of MiniVans - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Guy - March 6 - 11:13 pm

  Having driven sports cars from the day I got my license (and still have one) I must say that having taken the family on 6 long distance trips so far, this is the most comfortable, well thought out vechicle for kids AND adults. The kids watch dvds with wireless headsets while the adults can still listen to "our" music/xm. Never once did we say, we wish this van had this or placed something there. Excellent workmanship, and the run flat tires give me piece of mind should the wife be driving with our 3 kids and get a flat.

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  Love this van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jen - March 4 - 4:56 pm

  I just bought this van and am in love with it! It is by far the nicest auto I have ever owned. I went with Edmunds recommendation of the Honda Odyssey and have not been disappointed. Once I drove the 2006 Odyssey, there was no turning back... even to a 2004 that was on the lot. There are many large and small well planned features. I am 6 tall and love the fact that the drivers seat is high, but I still have plenty of leg room and (ah-hem!) hip room:-). I know it will hold its value. I can see me owning this for many years!

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  Hate to give it two stars, but... - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Russell - March 1 - 3:08 pm

  ...Im heavily biased towards comfort and the Odyssey falls short. THE GOOD: Repairs are only slightly more expensive than American vehicles, and infrequent. Subjectively, I think it has the best exterior styling of the minivans on the market. We get great fuel economy: 18-19 real world MPG purely city in Houston and 25-26 MPG highway @ 75 MPH. For comparison, I drive a 2007 Volvo S80 6-cylinder sedan that has consistently returned 17-18 MPG city and 24-25 highway on premium fuel. Plenty of space inside, well-laid-out, and plenty of options. THE BAD: Problem is we cant use it the way we intended. We came from a 2014 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Trail Edition. It wasnt a Volvo, but three-hour road trips to see my parents down in Corpus Christi resulted in only minimal road fatigue. The captains chairs in the Honda are awful ergonomically, road noise is so bad that front seat passengers cant hear each other talking at normal volumes, and ride quality is the harshest Ive had. We have a two-year-old and a five-year-old and (now that theyre old enough to handle longer car rides) wanted to start going on more road trips. That wont happen. I have a bad back and cant be in the van more than an hour and a half at a time. Even my wife says her back is sore after only a couple hours behind the wheel. FWIW, Im 510" and 275 lbs. My wife is 411" and 115 lbs. I really wanted to like the van. Dropped $800 on some good Michelin tires and $600 on Monroe shocks to improve ride comfort and noise, but it still measures a whopping 85 db at 75 MPH on Highway 59 South. The 4Runner, which was a brick pushing air, only checked in at 78 db while my Volvo is 75 db. If youre not planning on putting any real miles on the Odyssey, just shuttling kids to soccer practice a few miles away, theres nothing wrong with it. Its just not designed for comfort.