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:
Showing 571 through 580 of 3,253.00-
Great Vehicle - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By kfour - November 28 - 2:28 pm3500K miles so far and not a single problem. Rides well, much easier than the Acadia we had for getting our 3 little kids in/out. More car-like drive as well. Highly recommend.
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Happy Buyer - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By sthornton77 - November 24 - 9:55 pmReally like our van. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about a minivan, especially anyone with kids. Very kid friendly. Low total cost of ownership.
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Best D*mn Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Gamecock Odyssey - November 22 - 2:00 amSimply the best version of the most practical car on the road.
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Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Gnat - November 20 - 7:35 pmBought used. Battery died at 37000mi, no warning. Too many bells/whistles I guess. At 35K power steering was tight. Asked local mechanic to check, they said fluids OK, they didnt notice problem. Next time they drove it, they noticed tightness and found a bulletin about rack/pinion problem. We flushed power steering to no avail. Out of warranty now. Honda says they may help with rack/pinion. Will they? I traded in Chrysler lemon and am disappointed that I am back at the fix-it shop for more repairs...
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Odyssey Exceeds Expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By n8b - November 20 - 10:00 amAfter a lot of research from all the best web-sites and test drives from dealerships and friends and family with minivans and SUVs we ended up with the 2002 Odyssey EX-L. No regrets about this vehicle at all. After our decision was all but made, the final test was how closely the Ody would match the wonderful experience weve had with our Acura 3.2TL. And after going feature-for-feature between the EX-L (with 6 in-dash CD and fog lights) and the TL we were absolutely sold on the Odyssey - equal or better across the board!
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Good but... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By 4 timer - November 18 - 6:14 amThis is our 4th Honda vehicle and I think we got a lemon this time. It was delivered with a scratch on front bumper which needed to be replaced. One year in we had to replace transmission! Weve had lots of issues with driver side window motors, replaced engine mounts twice, replaced tires every 20K miles, rubber sealing on floor area of sliding doors is coming off and my Honda dealer service people know me by name... not a good thing! I dont know what engineers were thinking with shallow cup holders on tray and pull out holder is horrible... too loose to hold things. This van was not what I bargained for... one issue after another since we got it. Thank goodness we got Ext. Warranty!
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Honda Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By jerdesab - November 17 - 12:45 pmHeavy to drive and after two years I started hearing noises on the right door. Power is not consistent. Sometimes good acceleration, most of the time bad acceleration.
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JUNK! Sorry I bought it... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By GrumpyHondaOwner - November 16 - 11:58 amBad transmission. Need a torque converter, and so far dealer and Honda refuse to help. Van is still under warranty. Also had steering pump replaced. Doors do not work properly. Pinging engine. Honda rep told me that the company does not take into consideration what customers write about their vehicles online. Maybe they will care after potential buyers read the numerous bad reviews of the Odyssey.
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This thing has got - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By kcvano - November 16 - 2:00 amWe just Just love our Honda. I have a Ford Freestar company car and there is no comparing the the two.
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Osdessy not my car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By jpreif - November 16 - 2:00 amI have found the the Montana is a better car to drive than the Odessy. The Gas mileage is 25% better in the Montana. This will be my last Honda.
