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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Dont buy Honda - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Unhappy Honda Owner - October 8 - 8:36 amI am so sorry I didnt find this forum before buying my 2000 Honda Odyssey with 45000 miles. Transmission is "toast" at 100000 miles, and from the horror stories Ive read here and heard elsewhere, it is not worth fixing. I am going to donate this (if theyll take it) and buy only Toyota from now on. I was expecting to get 150K miles easily, as I did with my Toyotas, but this clunker fell about 2.5 years shy of that. I will never buy another Honda based on all the bad transmissions in this plus Accord and others. Goodbye Honda, Hello Toyota.
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Honda Convert - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By Nella - October 8 - 2:00 amGreat vehicle. First time Honda owner, and first time van owner. This was the right choice. Considered the others, but this van is safe, luxurious, and sporty. I enjoy driving it. And I am 6 feet 6 inches tall.
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Best minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By Linh Nguyen - October 8 - 2:00 amIt is an excellent van.
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What Honda Quality? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Kim - October 7 - 6:32 pmPurchased this vehicle new in 2003. It has been a good van until now. This week the transmission failed at $89,000 and Honda is quoting $5000 for repairs. Van has been very well taken care of. Called Honda America and they came down to $3675. Still too high---private garage on the outside quoted $1900 - $2600. Although the warranty is better w/ Honda, who can afford that bill in this economy! My Ford Explorer lasted longer than this Van...it made it to 125K with no major repairs!! This was my first and last Honda purchase!
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Motor mount change not true - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By jake - October 6 - 10:58 pmVan is very reliable and useful whether youre hauling people or building materials. MPG is very poor though maybe needs a new tire. I read about motor mount issue on odyssey. I experienced the same thing when I brought to dealer for maintenance. The associate told me, I need to replace motor mount. I said no because it was expensive then brought van to a mechanic, turns out my motor mount is okay.
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Poor Air Conditioning - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By RS - October 6 - 11:44 amOnly 4 and a half years old. A/C stopped working. Clutch and coil needs to be replaced.
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Spoiled owner - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By Codder - October 6 - 8:28 amWe traded in our 2006 for a 2010. We like some of the new changes (especially the auto rear door opener), but we are spoiled because we were disappointed in losing access to the under the floor storage from the drivers seat. We were also disappointed in losing the upper storage area on the back of the driver and front passenger seat (the one with the zippers). Also great to see the built in XM Radio--but can you see the display anymore as we are used to seeing--name of song/artist?? Overall, an awesome vehicle and thats why we bought again.
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Great van-poor gas mileage!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By CLTUSMC72 - October 4 - 2:00 amI have had my 2004 Odyssey for about 2 months now and there are only 3 things I can complain about. So far I have only averaged about 13 miles per gallon in the city and the van is rated at 18 mpg! The exterior styling could use to be a bit more...well...stylish in my opinion! Lastly, althought it is awesome that the rear seat folds into the florr I reall wish Honda could find a way to also make it so the rear seat could slide forward or backwards for more or less legroom.
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Average - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By lzh7gh - October 4 - 2:00 amGood Van. Interior noise is higher than my expectation. It should be quieter. Noise level is par as GM Venture/Transport Vans. Steering is great but typical Honda ride, little too harsh for me. Fit and finish is excellent. Same issue with many Odessey owners - transmission clunks into reverse from park when it is cold (winter).
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Bad Transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Another Honda??? - October 3 - 8:24 pmThis model year has several major limitations that you will consistently read about online. The transmission had a recall early after purchase and recently finally bit the dust completely. Its always had trouble changing gears, slipping and revving. All of the electric windows have broken and are outrageously expensive to repair. The engine block mounts have been repaired...also incredibly expensive and the brakes are in continuous need of replacement. Each maintenance appointment brings new issues.
