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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  Outstanding SUV - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By hondaman2 - May 9 - 10:19 am

  4 bangers" (2.2l. Engine) but lots of hp. Just like the "energizer bunny". Keeps "going, n going, n going "with minimum maintenance (oil change/s, etc.). Only issue is the "abs" light (bad brakes sensor/s?) kept turning on after getting "fixed" a year later. Minimal rust showing for a 14-15 yrs. Old van. Driven 5 times from Chicago to Florida and back with no leaks, issues, etc. Negative/s?Hard to find used parts in auto salvage junkyards (there is none in il.). Just like my wife, "sometimes" boring but very dependable, trustworthy, and "perky." I guessed Ill keep her than trade her in for newer/"younger" ones (my 96 Odyssey lolz). Overall, Im extremely satisfied with my 96 Odyssey. Its a 9 out of 10.

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  Love Our Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Wcj41978 - May 8 - 8:56 pm

  We are very happy with our Odyssey. We have the EX-L with the RES. Our kids love the DVD quality and the wireless head sets. We love the tri-climate controls, back up camera, power remote sliding doors and tailgate, and all the fun toys Honda included. We are averaging 22 MPG and do mostly city driving. We are taking a trip to Florida (from TX) in August and cant wait to drive the Odyssey there. We have found the ride to be comfy and quiet even on the highway. We considered the Pilot as well but loved the Odyssey so much more.

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  What a nice minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By VegasRPh - May 7 - 1:12 pm

  First, I want to point out that this is our very 1st minivan. We actually never thought we would own a minivan, until our friends bought an Odyssey 2 years ago. My wife and I are very pleased with our new Alabaster Silver Odyssey EX with grey cloth interior (we did a 3 year lease). We have had the Odyssey for 1 month and 1,000 miles so far. The Odyssey is very smooth, quiet, comfortable, surprisingly fun to drive, excellent interior, plenty of room, and gas mileage is 18MPG so far in city only. The front driver seat/passenger seat is very comfortable (grey cloth) and the middle captain chairs are fantastic too. Overall, the fit/finish is excellent and we truly enjoy our Odyssey!

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  Too expensive to maintan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By tired of my honda va - May 6 - 11:21 am

  I have to admit, I am terribly disappointed with the Honda Odyssey. Every trip to the dealer for BASIC maintenance is dreadful since I always walk out spending hundreds of dollars for some reason or the other. Definitely consider reviewing other vans before you decide to buy this one.

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  I love my 2010 Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Pro - May 3 - 4:22 pm

  Beats any other vans, hands down. Great design, looks, powerful engine. The car comes with a lot of basic features compared to other vans. I tried the Sienna but didnt like the handling (sloppy and feels light on the road), on the contrary the Odyssey feels tight, higher quality car as expected from Honda.

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  2010 EXL Review - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Lyndapyr - April 30 - 3:09 pm

  Purchased my new EXL last month following an accident totaling my 2007 EXL. I was very pleased with my 2007 and even more so coming out the accident with only a few bruises and literally ONE scratch on my arm. Several people at the scene remarked how well the Honda stayed together, etc and took the tremendous hit.I am very glad the 2010 has the auto lift gate ( I had been complaining about the other one getting harder to reach in my old age) Guess after driving a Honda Odyssey EXL for 3 years and purchasing another one- speaks for itself

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  An incredible experience with ownership - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles Rosenbaum - April 29 - 7:13 pm

  The 2005 Honda odyssey is the very best vehicle that I have ever owned. The ride is unparalleled along with the many safety features. The fuel economy with this vehicle continues to go well beyond my expectations. I have had absolutely trouble free driving. Never a problem with my vehicle.

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  Build Quality of Honda Taking a Dive - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By bfv - April 29 - 4:00 pm

  Within the first week I had been back to the dealer 3 times for quality defects to be corrected, clear coat spray on the windshield, a torn seat cover, a bumper coming off and now we have found the carpet next to the drivers side seat not completed. Have already driven 150 miles and spent nearly 2 days having quality defects corrected. Honda of America has been useless in the process. Ive had a Honda for the past 30 years with great results, not sure yet but this one may be my last. Our "new" car was built in the Lincoln Alabama plant.

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  Workhorse, But Back to Toyota for Me - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Prof Utonium - April 29 - 2:11 pm

  Bought new. Had most bang for buck when it came out. Handles well--more like car than van/truck. Had lots of innovative features. Its probably improved, but always had Toyotas before--going back too (this week). Its the family van (3 girls) we use it for everything everyday, even pulling a trailer. However, seats uncomfortable, stereo marginal, power doors stink. Has problems seen on forums: Transmission replaced (recall fix). Power doors constantly failing (3 times since warranty ran out at $200+ a pop, 7 times total). Dash light dimmer burned out (recall fix). Speedometer failed. Loud, whining rear wiper but still works (we just dont use it). Some other dash lights out.

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  War wagon just keeps going! - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Eszti - April 28 - 12:17 pm

  I bought my 97 Oddy in 2000 with 27,000 miles on it. Now the odometer is at 242,000, and it just keeps going! I havent done anything but brake work! There is now a little rust around the rear wheel well, front passenger door bottom, and under the rear bumper guard. Also the steering is getting a little loose, but heck! I love this car, and would buy another in a heart beat! There are still plenty of them out there, and their price is still way up there for a really old car. Honda made a huge mistake when they "upgraded" to the new Oddy. Nowhere near as good as the old one. I understand the Honda Stream, available in Japan and maybe Europe, is very similar. Why cant we get that here?