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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  110,63x and Still Going Strong! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Cameron Treebox - March 1 - 1:43 pm

  We bought our 2010 Honda odyssey in October 2010 a Month before we had our first kid. We had a 1993 Honda civic coupe before but we thought it wouldnt be safe for kids or practical enough. We have put every bit but 7 miles on it in 5 years with ! problem. Around 93k we had a problem with a fuel pump module leak, but it was replaced under warranty. Navigation system is dated but it works great we had had no problems with it. I would recommend it to anyone over any minivan.

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  2008 Odyssey Touring (NO PAX) - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - March 1 - 12:56 pm

  Overall, its a great car. Already over 1000 miles on it. Works like a champ and drives great. Be sure to buy it without PAX/Runflats. We waited for 08 so we could get normal all season radials. Went through Costco buying program, cost $37,500 (500 over invoice)

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  Interior comfort questionable - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By John - March 1 - 7:13 am

  As a tall male, the driver seat has a # of problems. The power seat will not go low enough for good site,if seat set back to provide leg room, cant reach the steering wheel unless you lower the steering wheel and then you cant see the speedometer. The side lumbar seat cushion is so narrow that you must be extremely small of hips or you are sitting in the seat well and on the sides of the seat. Very uncomfortable for trips of more than 3 hours. Outside temperature gauge is toggled with the odometer so you can either see your total mileage or outside temperature, but not both. For some strange reason you have two( 2) trip odometers in case you cant figure out how far it is on the return trip

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  Our VA Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By VAOdyssey - February 28 - 10:00 am

  In our first Month of ownership we have encountered only one problem, and that was not the fault of the vehicle or Honda. We took it on a drive to a family reunion in Nebraska and it handled everything we tried. The only drawback is the security system. When we were stopped in Indiana a criminal broke the window (in the sliding door- driver side) They did not steal anything but perhaps there could be a way to secure the windows.

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  A minivan that a dad could drive - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By OurFirstHonda - February 21 - 9:50 pm

  Wow! This is a fun minivan to drive. The powertrain has great response & Oomph when you want it, yet its very smooth to drive around town or through winding roads. My wife drives it mostly, doing the mommy thing with two kids in tow. She loves it, and finds it very easy to drive - she says its very much like our Camry was. I love that it doesnt feel like a minivan - on the highway its very smooth/stable going 80+. Likewise its easy to manuever around town, tight turns & parking lots. Built-in Traction control makes it stable in snow & heavy rain - thats if your tires arent worn. Its a great family vehicle - roomy & flexible as a van, safe & easy to drive as a large car.

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  2018 Honda Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank DAngelo - February 19 - 1:55 am

  Excellent vehicle. Great ride, handling and performance which are the most important criteria to us. It also has allot of cargo space and the third row seats are comfortable and useful vs other minivans and SUVs. I do wish Honda had kept the right side camera to show you the right lane when changing lanes. Honda does not have a sensor on each side, but it will not go on till there is a vehicle very close. I feel they should have both: the sensor and the camera to make sure there is room and you are not cutting someone off. The GPS should also be able to order your saved destinations alphabetically, vs only by distance. Apple Car Play is excellent.

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  New Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Razi Sheikh - February 16 - 6:20 am

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  Drove Them All.. Bought An Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dc_driver - February 11 - 10:53 pm

  When me and my wife decided to buy a minivan (let me state that I was pretty opposed to the thought in the beginning), we drove them all. Our main concerns were safety, performance/handling, reliability, resale, and features/functionality. After doing the research, I thought we would get either a Sienna or Odyssey, and the Odyssey ended up being a clear winner over the other three vans we compared (Toyota, Kia, Chrysler). The Odyssey is the most fun to drive and the EX-L had all the features we were looking for. The verdict is still out on gas mileage (our van has the VCM feature), but even on the first tank it gets better gas mileage than the car we traded in for it (Nissan Altima SE).

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  Good car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By orcren - February 9 - 11:00 am

  Good safe car, very comfortable.

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  Great Vehicle so Far! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By beebow1 - February 5 - 9:23 pm

  This is our first Honda and we couldnt be more pleased. I am an engineer and appreciate what they have done to produce such a versatile vehicle. My wife loves the van and I have to say that I love it also. No problems so far. The ride is excellent and the handling is great. I have a high performance sports car so the comparison is valid. We went with the 08 because of the newer engine technology, options not included on the 07 model. and the new look. Pricing was higher, but we feel it was worth it. I just asked my wife if she had any other comments and she responded "I love it".