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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  My First Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ben-gal-fan - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Even though weve only owned this Van for 1 tank of gas, the wife and I love it already. The odyseey has great acceleration when called upon. I looked at the Sedona and Entourage but I came back to the Odyseey for the exterior good lucks, and the classier interior vs the others. I liked the 2007 Nissan Quest, now that they have moved the instrument cluster back in front of the driver, but it was very pricey compared to the Odyssey EX. Unlike others, im perfectly happy with the gas mileage. We got 22mpg from our first tank and Im sure that will improve over time. In my opinion this is by far the best looking minivan both inside and out. It drives as nice as our 2004 Accord and we love it

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  Perfect Van - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Darryl - September 27 - 11:48 pm

  I have 330000 kms on mine and it still runs perfect. If you look under it it has no rust as well. I would guess that it will go another 300000kms before I would have to retire it.

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  2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Winer - September 27 - 2:51 pm

  We leased a 2004 and currently leasing again a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The 2004 Odyssey never gave us any mechanical or electrical troubles. So far, the problem with our 2007 Odyssey was a shorted electrical fuse which led to replacing the factory-installed battery. And since then everything is perfectly okay. My family and I love this car because it possess enough power, comfortable to drive, roomy and has an excellent safety features. Generally, Honda Odyssey or any other Japanese cars are very reliable.

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  When will the big 3 learn? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Clarkey - September 27 - 10:00 am

  As I turned in my 1999 Windstar to the Ford Dealership I started my lease at, I asked the General Manager "How do the engineers who designed the Windstar look themselves in the mirror every day, knowing that the Odyssey is on the road?" They asked me if I ever considered buying my Windstar off- lease, my answer was "have fun at the wholesale auction!" In truth, had I been able to get my hands on a 99 Odyssey, I never would have taken the Ford. Such is life. My EX-L is quiet, smooth and powerful. At 62/200, I have plenty of space in all but the rear seat, which is reserved for 2 kids anyway.

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  The best van, but .......... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By stekas - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently took delivery of a 2003 EX with the rear entertainment and agree with the critics that it is the best minivan available. It is hard to believe that others have not copied the disappearing rear seat. The vehicle has many annoying shortcomings though. Steering wheel controls are not lit at night.The steering wheel is not leather covered. The door locks are not automatic. No passenger power seat is availble. The car has no compass or outside thermometer.

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  Easy to like - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By al - September 24 - 5:19 pm

  Weve had this ody since July 2007, it is our 2nd ody. We have had only minor problems, problems with the back bumper after dealer installed trailer wiring and thats it. Only changed the oil and rotated the tires. No shaking, pulling hesitation etc. just a good all around vehicle. I average 19.2mpg city and hwy. The vehicles traction control works great up here in Alaska, but I do use dedicated studded snow tires. Road noise is much better than the last model (2002 ody), but still noticeable, actually its not much quieter than my 2005 ford diesel. Kids love the car too, we put an alpine dvd player in it, which is easy for them to use. So this vehicle is easy to like.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - September 24 - 7:44 am

  We were so excited to buy this van, and were really looking forward to many years of service from the vehicle. Now, heres the reality weve dealt with the last 4 years: 3 power steering pumps Passenger side window assembly Drive shaft Front rotors and finally, rear engine mounts. What happened to Honda quality? Of course, Honda was no help on any of this. Should have gotten the extended warranty.

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  Perfect vehicle for us - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John Quinlan - September 24 - 5:10 am

  This minivan has proved itself to be perfect for our requirements. I cannot think of how it could be improved except for gas mileage. My only comment otherwise is: why does the speedometer show up to 160 mph? Much as I like my Odyssey, I do not plan to drive it at 160 mph. John Quinlan

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  This van is a piece of junk - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Rhonda - September 23 - 4:16 pm

  We have owned this van for 2 years, bought it with 113000 miles and have already spent 1800 on it. Now the transmission and catalytic converter are going out. I am so angry at Honda for keeping this van on the road.

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  Many things to offer but... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DannyL - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Out of all the other vans I looked at this one was by far the most smartest minivan buying decicions I could make. The mpg was good, price was much lower than toyota and dodge, and I know that Honda builds very realiable cars. It even looks better than all the other vans with its unique front face and long sides ending with large tail lights. And you know when it comes with 240hp it has the capabilities to do the unthinkable. I had an old Dodge caravan but that didnt last very long. It would stall all the time, even on stop lights and sometimes it can take more than 10 tries to get it working. It only had about 200hp and it didnt offer much. Glad I bought it