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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  Basic features missing for a loaded car - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Boilerace - August 10 - 11:34 am

  Previously owned a Toyota Sienna Van. Liked the car, but went to buy a new one and they did not want to deal. Price for Honda EX-L with Nav and RES was amazing right out of the gate. So we bought it. The van is good, but disappointed in Honda. They seem stuck in the past with basic styling. The van is built well, but the exterior is boring. The van is loaded, BUT I am so upset that with all the great features that there are basics missing. Automatic lights are not on the van. We leave the lights on once a week. Basics of "Miles to empty". It has a nav system but I cant tell me how many miles until empty. The van is good.....dont love it, but its good.

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  Love owning this car - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By AMR - August 9 - 5:16 pm

  I have loved this car from the very beginning. I have driven it for 10 1/2 years and still love it for the most part. There is plenty of room for the four of us and our vacation gear. It drives like a car. There have been a few electrical problems to crop up in its older age like the clock light no longer works and drivers door lock motor fried, but what do you expect its old?

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  love my Honda Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Vanessa Dodson - August 8 - 10:43 pm

  Had a 2005 Honda Odyssey which had 183k on it. Needed a new car and got another Honda Odyssey (E-LX with rear navigation). My purchase price was fair (but on the higher end), but they gave me more for my trade in than they should have, so it balanced out.

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By RG - August 8 - 5:26 pm

  This is One of the Best Minivans you can you. Me and My Wife were planning to buy a SUV but after looking at the Odessey it took us minutes to change our mind. The New 2005 Looks Great from Interior and Exterior.Really Classy. I have a toyota so we were deciding between a Sienna and a Odessey ... Both are Pretty Similar Except that Honda is Cheaper than Toyota with Same Features. Pros : Everything Cons : None

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  I love it - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By candy523c - August 8 - 2:00 am

  My family & I love this vehicle and we never regret what we pay for.

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  So far so good... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Christy - August 7 - 11:02 pm

  Well, I never thought Id say it, but I love my new minivan! Ive only had it a week, but I dont know how I got along without it before. The power sliding doors and tailgate are awesome. It is so easy to get my kids in and out of the car now. The carseats are easy to configure and install in this vehicle. My babys infant seat fits perfectly behind my seat, even with seat back to accommodate my longer legs length. So far, my only complaint is that there is only one 12V outlet in the front of the van, so I cant charge my Garmin and cell phone at the same time. My previous ride was a 2006 Pilot and I had three outlets within arms length. Despite this, Im still lovin my new Ody!

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  Great Vehicle - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Racer X - August 6 - 10:00 pm

  Bought this van used from a private owner, has some high miles on it, but after hearing it, driving it, and drove it hard, to see how it responded to my testing, Im pretty impressed on the solid sound and ride the Honda drove. Ive owned a 1994 Honda wagon and I really liked the car, it was solid and had no what so ever any problems on the engine or drive train, it had hi miles on it and now that we have grand kids and need that extra room and have a the best a van can have on mpg of 24 city/29 hwy. Mixed 27. Kid you not, why, clean your injectors, set your spark plug cap to engine specs, tire pressure, and a good tuneup on the valve tappets and timing, you can achieve this kind of performance.

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  Be Careful - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - August 6 - 9:09 pm

  Bought it new to replace a Plymouth Voyager. The Odyssey ranks right down there with Chrysler mini-vans in terms of reliability radio electrically shorted at 40,000 miles, transmission at 65,000 miles, front wheel bearing at 70,000 miles, motor mounts at 95,000 miles, passenger door window glide at 105,000 miles (had a cold 600 mile drive home without a passenger window in January as it broke on the week end), driver side window glide at 110,000 miles. Honda paid for the transmission and I PAID for everything else. Total for other items = approximately $2000. Electronic doors "hang" at times but at least they work for the most part. A very nice van IF you dont mind the repair bills.

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  Great van but discovered few odd things - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew - August 6 - 7:56 pm

  So far so good, no problems yet but then its still new. The VCM cuts in and out without ever you noticing it. Lots of power and gas mileage has been decent so far, averaging 24mpg in the city. I like the climate control system but the AC has this musky smell when using it in fresh air mode. Also, my daughter discovered a few odd things. 1. While sitting in the back row she noticed that the bottom of the cup holders and the storage box on the passenger side were warm. 2. With the middle row windows opened 1/2 way it sounded like a helicopter was right over you, actually hurts the ears driving at 35mph+. 3. The bottom 1/3 of the huge tailights dont light up when you turn them on.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sashaulmer - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to drive.