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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Great Van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By Doug - July 18 - 10:08 amOur family absolutely loves this van. We have a 2009 EXL-RES. The rear entertainment system (RES) is a pleasure on trips. It allows the front drivers to listen to music while the kids watch their videos through the wireless headphones. Driving comfort and space is outstanding. The van is quiet and has very good road manners. The Odyssey replaced a Toyota Highlander for us. We were seriously considering the Sequoia for this purchase. We just found this to be a better vehicle for the money than the Sequoia. We are now van converts.
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Top Ride - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Barbara - July 17 - 10:36 amI love my odyssey. It is luxury for a great price. The kids love the entertainment system and the leather is luxurious. Gets great gas mileage; averaging 24 on the highway and about 20-21 puttering around town. Safety ratings are great and I feel safe traveling with my family. I would highly recommend the odyssey. It is worth the money.
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Horrible Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By rsteder - July 16 - 4:13 amWe purchased our 2007 Odyssey to replace a 2004 Toyota Sienna and I wish I could trade back! Fuel economy is unbelievably bad. We live in the country, about 30 miles from anywhere, and have yet to exceed 16mpg. Ive tried setting the cruise on a relatively flat road and then reset the mileage calculator -- it still wont get better than 17. The instant fuel economy often drops to below 10mpg on level roads and seems to get worse when the ECO light is on. The dealer said its within the stated range so too bad. This performance should be embarrassing to Honda. The Odyssey is only marginally (1-2 mpg) better than my full-size, full-time 4x4 Expedition with a 5.4 liter V-8.
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Bubba-build quality cant justify price - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By teamsc10190 - July 15 - 8:10 pmHonda has always exacted a brand premium and the Odyssey is no exception. I wish that I could say after 22,000 miles of ownership that the car was worth the premium, but its not. Chevy build-quality at Cadillac prices. The car is built in Lincoln Alabama and the assembly quality shows that Bubba needs to study a lot harder before hes ready to build a premium product. Im very disappointed in the cars fit and finish. Ive never had a car before where I needed to rehang half of the body panels to get the car to fit together properly. The paint has poor luster and horizontal surfaces are filled with dirt. The hood has splotchs where the factory attempted to wet-sand out some of the dirt.
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almost perfect... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By luckydogsix - July 15 - 6:40 pmLong dreaded joining the minivan club but our aging Ford Explorer couldnt handle a third car seat that is now less than 2 months away. Now that weve taken the leap, simply cant believe how great this vehicle is and why we didnt buy an Odyssey sooner. Outstanding fit and finish, utility, fuel economy (compared to a SUV), and ride comfort. Drives like a mid-size sports sedan. Quiet ride too--as long as the kids are pre-occupied with a DVD. A little embarrased to admit we really enjoy cruising around in a minivan now--this Odyssey changed our paradigm.
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Wonderful minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By nursejay04 - July 15 - 12:21 pmI love this van already. It has so much storage space it is ridiculous. We are still finding pockets daily! This is amazing and so is the fuel economy given the fact that it is almost twice as large as my small SUV owned previously. Also drives like a car and prrrrs like a kitten as you would expect from a Honda. My dad has a Honda Accord w/ 250,000 miles on it!
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No complaints - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By Danielle - July 15 - 8:05 amI am currently leasing the 2009 EX-L model with rear entertainment. I have been very impressed so far. The comfort is great. The cargo space is excellent! I wasnt very excited about crossing over into the minivan world as a former SUV driver but Ive actually enjoyed the switch.
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The Best Of The Mini-Vans - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By cm111 - July 10 - 10:02 amThe Odyssey is best-of-breed. Great build-quality and very functional. Where other brands put money into bells and whistles, Honda focuses instead on a great drive-train, top-notch suspension, steering and supportive seating. We have had the Towne and Country and Grand Caravan. The Honda is a more responsive vehicle that leaves the driver feeling in-control.
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Transmission problems @ 41000 miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By tmock13 - July 9 - 9:07 pmI purchased new back in Jan. 2002 and have faithfully followed the necessary scheduled maintenance. But guess what, with only 41200 miles, the transmission needs to be rebuilt. The check engine light came on and the code came up p0730 "incorrect gear ratio". Dealer told me that there is no extended warranty, as assumed by many people. The extended warranty applies only to 1999-2001 odyssey. The standard 3 year/36000 miles applies to my case which I no longer qualify. Dealer was quoting me $5000 to $6000 for a new transmission. I brought it to AAMCO and grudgingly handed over $3004 to rebuild transmission with a 12 months warranty. Again, what happen to Honda quality?!
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Transmission trouble - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By npond - July 8 - 7:06 pmAt 96,000 miles the transmission failed, $4700 later and Honda wont cover it! Unbelievable, we took excellent care of this van and had hoped it would last MUCH longer. I wont buy another Honda.
