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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Old Reliable - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By LNMom - November 6 - 11:23 amI just passed 116K on my 2002 Odyssey. Still on original engine and transmission. Not a fancy van by any means, but great for our family. My husband actually likes driving it almost as much as his Lexus LS. Considering it is a minivan, it has great handling and is very comfortable. Lots of cargo space. Mostly minor repair issues like batteries and the struts on the liftgate. Otherwise, a really solid car.
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First minivan and love it - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By Ven - November 5 - 9:45 pmThis is my first mini van and I love it. Have all the nice features. Havent experienced anything bad. A few changes both cosmetic and technical which would cost a penny to Honda can make it even more fun. Cosmetic like: on the driver/passenger side when the seat belt is released, the hook that is retracted is making scratches on the plastic and it is looking ugly after a few months. Maybe a softer plastic can be used like Toyota. And technical, VCM. And the child seat, if that can be stowable it will be great.
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A Real Work Horse - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By mwsprotool - November 5 - 1:15 pmI have driven my Odyssey about 22K miles per year for the past almost 6 years and it has been extremely reliable as well offering exceptional versatility. I frequently carry a lot of equipment for my job and other times a full load of furniture and antiques for my wifes antique shows. We frequently go to dinner and/or a show with 2 other couples and the ability to carry 6 adults comfortably is a big advantage. The only negatives are the occasional rough downshifts of the transmission (which my dealer told me early on is normal for this vehicle) and the relatively unforgiving suspension that is an negative here on the rough roads of Ohio. Overall, it has been a real pleasure to own.
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Most reliable, astonishingly reliable - 1995 Honda Odyssey
By belfastconfetti - November 4 - 5:18 pmThis is the most reliable, least flaky car that I have ever owned. Seven seats in the Japanese configuration that I drive, often full, no trouble at all. MPG not great, comfort - OK, but reliable, reliable, reliable.
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Very Happy so far - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Randy - November 3 - 8:26 pmThis is our first Honda we purchased our Odyssey last month, very happy so far. Took it on a road trip a very enjoyable drive, the DVD system is great the kids were very quiet the whole trip. The only thing that I feel hasnt lived up to their claim was the gas milage. I got a little less than what is stated, but not by much. Im sure they have that rated at 55mph too. Oh well the van is great.
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Fabulous Van! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By bruzoo - November 3 - 8:14 pmWe LOVED our Odyssey! It never had ANY problems in all of its 8 years we had it! At the time we bought it, we had 3 small children! Great on long trips! Easy to park! Very comfortable seating... We just traded it on an SUV (Acura MDX) to do better in the snow, here in Colorado.
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1st and Last Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By gwal - November 3 - 6:00 pmI bought this van as our family grew and we needed more room and wanted it to be reliable. It was a certified van with 29,000 mi on it. After purchase, I immediately became unsatisfied with the amount of road noise and interior functions malfunctioning. Issues were fixed under certified warranty. At 50,000 mi (current) started to have transmission shuddering even though maintenance schedule has been followed. After 3 trips to the dealer and a call to Honda, they are replacing the transmission under warranty. Dont know how many miles this one will last, but hopefully until I can trade it. Van depreciated horribly and will probably have to keep it another 2 years to break even on trade.
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Great car, but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By great car - November 2 - 2:00 amGreat van. Awesome engine! However, slightly disappointed with fit and finish- loose plastic panel in the passenger door. Also, it rattles at highway speed- Come on Honda! I expect better QC for a 28K van!!
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Great minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By "Soccer Dad" - October 31 - 9:33 amMore expensive compared to other minivan but its worth it. Considered Sienna but I preferred a sharper handling and more standard safety features like Side curtain airbags with roll-over sensor, Stability control etc. Kia Sedona but Honda has an excellent resale value, proven reliability and cheaper insurance for us.
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Best of Class - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Only one bad thing - October 30 - 7:50 amI have put 12,000 miles on our 2007 EX- L and so far its been a very reliable and enjoyable car. The car drives smoother and has better performance than the Sienna. Interior features are well done and laid out. They went cheap on a few interior parts being made of cheap plastic. Overall interior comfort is really nice and its a great car to take on long road trips. The floor storage is also a nice feature, but the the thing that got me to buy the Honda over Toyota, was the way the seats folded and set up some much easier than the Toyota. I also notice the steering rack is not as smooth as the Toyota, but I just got it replaced and its much smoother.