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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  Best Vehicle I have Owned - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By larryB - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 other van models - a Nissan and a Toyota. The Odyssey is much better in every category. Power, Handling, Seating Configs, Quality Control, and great Gas Mileage.

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  Great Deal - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By lamb - November 16 - 2:00 am

  After spending 3 hours at a Toyota dealership we went to Honda and bought the Odyssey in 15 minutes for dealer invoice! Toyota was not willing to go below MSRP and the car had no power seats/leather seats ect... We got a great car for a great price!

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  05 EX-L RES Sage/Ivory - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sega626 - November 15 - 10:26 am

  We have owned this van for about a month now, and have taken it on a few long trips (300-400 miles). We absolutely love the ride and comfort it provides. Gas mileage is still not great, but I am holding out for after the "break-in" period. Wife and I argue over who gets to drive the Odysssey most of the time now. We are really looking to our Christmas trip across the country this year. I have never owned a minivan before, but this is a great first!

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  Hooked on Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By 1st Honda - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  This was my first Honda purchase. Had a Dodge Caravan and was ready to upgrade. Dodge was nothing but trouble and still is. This van rides smooth and has excellent pickup when needed. Also feels and looks much larger inside. Love all the door cubby space and compartments. You can really feel the difference in the quality in the Honda. Overall a really nice van.

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  2007 Honda Odyssey - Torque Converter - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - November 11 - 6:21 pm

  At 30K miles, had an issue with a slight shudder at 40 mph (when shifting from 4th to 5th gear). Took it to dealership and they tried engine mounts but that was not the fix. Once the torque converter was replaced, it shifts much smoother. Now at 36K the battery died. No warning. Not sure if something is draining it (unseen door or rear compartment light). Anyway seems too early to have battery problems.

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  Another 3 year review - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By IC-746PRO - November 10 - 2:22 am

  Keep tire pressure at whats printed on the door plate--key to low tire wear and decent fuel mileage. Light foot helps! Drove it for business-80% at 70mph hwy, 20% city--avgd 22mpg. Many trips to N. Cal & Az avgd 23-26 mpg at 70-80mph or so w/cruise on, not bad for a shipping container on wheels. 00&04 LX odys got 1 mpg more but were 300lbs lighter & both had the tranny whine. Noise at 1500rpm is engine lugging in high gear at low speed in my opinion. Road noise highly dependent on road surface texture. Honda does hold a patent on high road noise, however. Overall, the van has been a good value.

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  Good, but with reservations - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By tim d - November 9 - 11:15 pm

  Purchased new in 2007. Overall, vehicle has been pleasant to drive and very versatile for a family of 5. Little annoying stuff keeps happening. Chunkiness when the engine goes in/out of VCM. Engine pan fell off and dragged on the road. Cracked interior trim panels. Poor paint job (color doesnt match bumper-to-body and chips too easily). Dealer changed the trans fluid and left the dipstick out, which caused t-fluid to ruin the EPDM radiator hose. Battery failed (warranty). DVD player will not play anything but the best disks (why do kids need movies anyways, we never had that stuff). Even with the issues, probably the most versatile vehicle that money can buy.

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  Junk - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By dr john - November 9 - 10:56 pm

  I should have bought a Grand Caravan. I song and dance about reliability. Not true just a bunch of fiction from consumer reports and others. The most problematic vehicle I have owned except maybe my 68 GTO. Check engine light never stayed off, catalytic converter replaced 3x, EGR port, two transmissions after warranty was up. Sliding door repairs constantly, electrical problems and irritating road/wind noise. I am not sure what the deal is with the front brakes wearing out so often. Most of these problems were recall issues and the dealer failed to tell me. Called Honda and they refused to honor any help with repair bills. My wife and kids are stranded 5 hours away now. Tranny went out again.

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  Got to love the Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By michael williams - November 9 - 10:00 am

  You cant find one thing wrong with this van. I would have payed 40,000 for this van. I think that this is the best thing since sliced bread.

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  Wheres the compass? - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jennifer Richards - November 6 - 12:47 pm

  This van is a dream to drive. I loved my Ford Windstar, but this one is even better with heated seats, sunroof. And 15 cupholders - eight are in the front seat alone! I had auto side doors on the Windstar, but now the auto liftgate is great for shopping. My teenage daughters are thrilled with the XM radio and surround sound. The eighth seat is great for taking large groups to high school events. Great to have third row seats that fold into the floor instead of having to pull them out if you needed to haul anything. Totally, dream vehicle, but I have always used a compass to drive. I had to buy a tacky looking one to get around town.