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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  Fantastic - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By TNWeasel - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This van outperforms every other mini- van we tested. We looked for six months & knew from the first test this was exactly what we wanted. The interior is roomy & comfortable. Although this is our first, it certainly wont be our last Honda car.

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  love my odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By staci - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our odyssey for over a year and have enjoyed its comfort and reliability. I especially enjoy the friendly and reasonably priced service we receive when we have scheduled maintenance. It is very easy to transport all of our children and their friends. We were not "mini-van" people before buying this car, but it has made our life so much easier. Thanks Honda!

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  I LOVE MY ODYSSEY!!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By rkwmom - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Hondas exclusively for the last 16 years. There is NO FINER vehicle on the road!! I will never buy anything other than a Honda. They have no equal as far as reliability and longevity.( We have a 1998 Accord as well that my son will drive for a number of years to come.) Back to the van, it is comfortable, beautiful, and great for kids!! LOVE the DVD player!

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  my odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By loki3640 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  nice vehicle. i like the way it handles and stays together.

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  the best van i have ever had - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By csantini - December 23 - 2:20 pm

  this is the best van i have ever owned. i had a mazda and this honda is ten times better it is quieter, smoother, more powerful, better made, and fun to drive I have five kids and they love it and fit very comfortably

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  Rides Great - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Ruchy - December 22 - 7:27 pm

  Okay I just bought this van, aka station wagon on steroids, and I already love it. Domestic van had nothing on it, this vehicle was almost 10 yrs. more advanced than the competition. It has 256k on it and was just driven to PA from TX. I drove it home and it rides great just like my accord, which has plenty of power. Drive it, youll see what Im talking about.

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  This van rocks - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By little Deb - December 20 - 9:13 am

  Had a chrysler town and country 2005 had less than 6000 miles on it when traded it in. that van had a ton of problems with it, at about 1500 miles on it the battery leaked had a maintance free battery and those cheap idiots replaced it with a very cheap battery I had to maintain? At 2500 miles had to have the fuel pump and bcm chip replaced, after being stranded twice! I HATED THAT VAN we also named it the puttermobile. Checked out the toyota and Honda and when we compared the two, Well it didnt take us to long to figure out the best deal, Quality and price hands down it was the HONDA. paid $28800 for it got EX with leather it came standard with heated seats and 6 disc player and on and on

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  Really disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jim - December 18 - 4:45 pm

  I purchased 2007 Honda odyssey EX-L two years ago and I got bad experience for this minivan. First it has big wind noise at highway and it shakes at 65-70 MPH. Odyssey EX-L built-in one function call VCM (it shuttle off 3 cylinders when the vehicle does not need power), this function makes vehicle drive not smooth because it often works at 3 cylinder status. Another issue is transmission - hard to shift when the vehicle at VCM status. I think all of the problems caused by VCM function. I really donÂ’t like it finally last week I trade it to Toyota sienna minivan.

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  07 Odyssey. Not as nice as the 03. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 0_0 - December 15 - 11:32 am

  We just traded in our 03 EXL for an 07 EXL Odyssey. 1) Sound system in the 03 was *much* better even though both were standard sound systems. The 07 speakers sound like they are stuffed in a pillow. 2) We started getting a "shudder" with the 07 when driving at 1400 RPM. It happened right before the ECO light came on. This was a few weeks after we bought it. Dealer said theyd do a "software update" 3) The 07 car feels heavier, slower, w/ less power than the 03. 4) Being able to lower the rear seats w/out removing headrests is great on the 07 vs the 03! 5) You cant slide things under the back seats like you could with the 03. :( End result? The 03 is better than the 07 by far.

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  The Best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BeeJayRN - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I cant recommend the Honda Odyssey enought. I looked at all of them and their were ones with more toots and whistles but the reliability of Honda and the fold away 3rd row (which is great and so easy to do..alone)is fantastic. The DVD rntertainment system is also great and I love the cordless headsets that the kids can wear and listen to their music or movie and I still can enjoy mine. And the safety rating of the Odyssey is 5 stars DOnt bother with any other minivan, the Odyssey is the one and this is coming from someone who said "over my dead body will I ever get a minivan"