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 - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By k o - February 5 - 10:24 am

  The Edmunds "guarantee" price quote was not honored. It helped to get to a price but no where near their guaranteed price. New to this car but so far so good. Bought it due to the excellent experience with the 2007 Honda Odyssey we owned. Amazed at the upgrades. Loss of storage from the old model particularly under the front passenger seat and in the floor in front of the middle row seating. Ride is smooth and quiet

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  An Odyssey indeed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By David - February 2 - 7:26 pm

  Weve actually owned two 2006 Odys in three months. We returned the first after four days due to the abysmal fit, finish and performance. Our second has proven to be not quite as bad but still not deserving of the Honda name. The MPG is terrible. 15 city with a light foot. The interior fit and finish is poor. The leather is cheap, the plastics even cheaper. It handles well, but plan on checking your tires pressure every week, because two pounds high or low turns it into a ill-handling beast. Avoid gravel roads and high curbs at all costs, due to where Honda mounted the AC. The sliding doors get confused easily. Plenty of cup holders, airbags and fellow owners to commiserate with, though.

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  Who wants to drive - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Roger Linn - January 26 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just recently went to look at the new Honda Odyssey. After 10 minutes I new it was going to be our next purchase and in less than and hour I was driving it home. We took it the next day to Oklahoma and no one wanted to help me drive they all wanted to watch videos. The drive and handling was as good as any sedan Ive ever driven. The trip went by so quick.

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Art - January 24 - 11:03 am

  I had my dealer add fog lights which come standard on the Touring. I bought the Honda custom 1st and 2nd row rubber heavy duty floor mats for the 2005 (they accomodate the lazy Susan in the floor- earlier mats wont work), a sunroof wind deflector and a Honda leather steering wheel wrap, all from online sources and installed them myself. The deflector took 10 minutes, the wheel about 1.5 hrs. I wish full auto headlights were available in the EX as in the Touring. Thats really my only criticism. With 1400 miles on the vehicle, around town mileage is somewhat below par - about 17 mpg. One road trip so far was 26.1 mpg at 80 mph. Would probably have hit the estimate EPA 28 mpg at 70 mph.

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  Good Package - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr Green - January 24 - 4:07 am

  Comparing minivans you get the most for your buck.

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  Gas Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard - January 20 - 10:36 am

  Just received the EX-L on July 2nd. First gas mileage was 19 MPG (mixed). The first highway MPG was 28.8. Air temp 70F, speed 62-66 mph, small rolling hills, with a light load. Starts and stops can be much smoother than with my 2000 Subaru Outback, (220,000 miles). The all-windows-down when unlocking and many safety features are great. For example, if the sliding door window is down the door will only open 75%. I plan on the van lasting 250,000 miles.

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  Great Vehicle,lots of pep,great handling - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By M C McGee - January 17 - 8:30 pm

  Smooth,sporty design with lots of room and overall performance. A real pleasure to drive on long trips! We love the versitility of this van. Engine is smooth and powerful. Automatic climate control is simple and effective The salesman had excellent knowledge of the vehicle and the whole dealership experience was friendly,efficient,and comfortable. We also got a very good deal! The Honda Touring is head and shoulders above Toyota in giving a feeling of quality.

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  2002 EXL-RES is best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By redody - January 17 - 3:56 pm

  Great van, compared to previous gm van. Superior room, comfort, and power. Tight as a drum. Family looks forward to trips with DVD always ready to go. Road noise is the only downside. Van could use more soundproofing. Paid sticker but worth every cent. Have never said that before and never paid sticker either till now.

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  2016 Odyssey - perfect family car - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom to busy family - January 10 - 3:54 am

  Plenty of room inside; comfortably fits 8 passengers; drives and handles well. We considered moving onto a SUV but couldnt pull ourselves away from the convenience and practicality of a minivan. Easy entry and exit for kids, plenty of space and lots of trunk room to haul lots of sports gear, groceries, large purchases and many other objects. The trunk room just doesnt compare to the small space offered by most SUVs. Plus the gas mileage is great!

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  2016 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By R. Finkle - January 6 - 8:56 pm

  Road noise a bit higher than I hoped for. Everything else excellent so far. I only have 1,200 miles on this vehicle since I purchased it a few weeks ago.