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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  Very impressed ! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dbarnett - October 17 - 7:30 pm

  The 2006 EX-L RES/NAV Odyssey is one of the best things that our family purchased. I looked at the Toyota and would have purchased it, but the comparibly equipped Sienna came in about $2500 higher than the Odyssey. I purchased a 7 year 120k extended warranty online at an excellent price because of all the electronic gizmos that the Odyssey offers. Only time will tell on reliability. Mileage has been 16-18 in the city with 22-23 on the highway. That is with four family members and a load of stuff to support to small kids.

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  Best Van Ive owned to date - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ThrustVectorZero - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This has been an enjoyable vehicle to own. Odyssey provides the necessary power when needed and is very comfortable on long journeys. Ive travelled to both coasts twice over the past 15 months. The placement of cup holders is well thought out. Two problems - 1st, city gas mileage is 16 mpg and highway driving is 22 mpg, not what Honda claims the vehicle gets; 2nd problem is the pull out drawer located under the front passenger seat. Its cheaply made and difficult to pull out and push in. Honda should have spent the extra $2-3 to make it out of thicker plastic and put it on rails. Overall, I love my Odyssey.

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  comfort - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By geotrammell - October 16 - 10:00 am

  drives like a luxury automobile, all the comforts of a luxury automobile with all the features of a full sized van.

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  best one yet - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By westrox2002 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I was so floored by the performance by this van I was speechless. I drove it one block and said Im buying it.

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  Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Pasquale Campanile - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This minivan is by far the best vehicle that I have leased in the past 10years. I can say nothing bad about it . It is the most comfortable ride,it has great handling in any situation and is above all the best vehicle I have ever purchased to date.

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  I love my Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By amandapie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best investment in a car I have ever made. After having two kids both in carseats we needed the extra room. Now everyone has extra room! The auto sliding doors are wonderful. It makes it very easy to open with the remote when your hands are full.

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  Hands Down the #1 Van for Families - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By SoccerDad1 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Superior fuel economy, interior layout, and comforts second to none. It provides the added passenger space needed to travel in comfort and rear storage area behind the third row is tremendous. The interior gives families several seating options. A folding third row seat provides added storage space for transporting items. The turning radius allows the most insecure to park and move around small areas with ease. Visibility is stellar. The optional DVD system is a must for families. The front seat passengers can still control their own audio entertainment. Duel power sliding doors provide easy access at the touch of a button. What a great minivan.

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  Forget US manufacturers - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By CAduck - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Hve never driven a car other than those made by USA companies. This one sure changed my mind. Dont think I will ever go back to Ford, GM or other Us mfg. Too much quality in this Honda as well as great service from the dealer.

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  the best van out there! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 98van - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Having owned both a Mazda MPV and a 98 Sienna xle in which we still have, our new 03 honda is by far the best van on the road. We test drove the new 04 toyato and did not like the new layout of the interior. I will be interesting to see what Honda will change in the new 05 van. How about a rear power door as well as the side doors. 98van

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  I love it!!!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By njfamily - October 14 - 3:23 pm

  I had looked at the Siena, but this is by far the better choice.