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:

• 

  Love the vehicle; hate the buying experience - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Terrence - July 8 - 12:24 pm

  After 12 years, 222,000 miles and raising 3 children with our 2004 Odyysey EX-L, we decided to buy another one. Its still an awesome vehicle for the intended purpose. This is my wifes daily driver, so she has to be happy. If you get car sick easily beware of this vans tendency. In the beginning the transmission was jerky as it was wearing in, and that was bothersome. But after 700 miles now it seems to be smoothing out. Everything else is great. My only other advice is to avoid contact with Honda dealerships as much as you can. We contacted multiple dealers as we were looking at both gently used and new vehicles and the experience was bad at every one. Weve bought other vehicles in the past from Honda and other makes and had good impressions, but this time we truly felt like just a number to them. It was so disappointing!

• 

  Love my Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By pebe98 - July 6 - 4:02 pm

  I have owned this van for 4 yrs after buying it from my mother-in-law. Somebody backed into the van, then pulled forward and backed into it again, and the only problem I have with paint is some peeling of clear cover on the drivers door probably due to shoddy repair because the rest of the van is perfect. I have NEVER had a problem with the transmission and have never been stranded while driving a Honda. While highway driving and the wind is in the right direction, there is a howl that would make a dog cry. The horn is nice and LOUD and shrill (especially nice when people pull out in front of you and their window is down).

• 

  New Odyssey Owners - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jer&Shar - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a Ford Explorer for this minivan. One of the est decisions we ever made! It rides smooth and quiet. It handles, such as cornering, great and much better than the Exlplorer. It is very comfortable and roomy for the legs on trips. Its storage space is great. We got the navigation system and it is very useful and fun. Thhis car vehicle is really a joy to own.

• 

  love my odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By saintsfan113 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It drives GREAT!!! It is a good minivan for its price. Very comfortable and drives smoothly. Definitely a A+ vehicle.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mother of three - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and Im not a big fan of the "minivan". Very roomy for all passengers and cargo space is great.

• 

  2004 Odyssey EX - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jme - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I got a Lemon and no one at the dealership or Honda wants to deal with it. The fuel gauges were replaced, didnt help. A new fuel sensor, that doesnt help. And now the car is stalling all of the time! The fuel gauge is so inaccurate. I love my Civic Hybrid, but I am really hate this van and how I am being treated by Honda.

• 

  Good Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Busy Mom - July 5 - 5:08 pm

  Enjoy driving the van, it really does not feel like a van nothing sluggish about it. Van has had some issues like brakes, a shaking as I approach 40 mph and a side door that is defective. All-in-all, I have to say I have enjoyed the van. My lease is up next week and I am considering keeping the van.

• 

  Not up to Par - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cc - July 5 - 2:23 am

  I have had the van in service dept several times for wind noise which is very annoying. Dealer states they can do nothing as it is a problem with all their vans. I have owned a number of new Hondas but I am very disapointed with this model and response from Honda to deal with the problem.

• 

  Bring them back Honda - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By A Missourian - July 4 - 12:02 am

  After reading numerous reviews on Volvos, Subarus, and old Mercedes diesels, we found out about the 1995-1998 Honda Odysseys. Talk about a car ahead of its time! The 1998 model came with the 2.3L 4-cylinder VTEC, which has excellent V6-like power. These 1st Gens were still made in Japan, and were built from the Accord platform (with the same engine).... because of that, the trannys are much better than what was found in the early 2nd Gen model (1999-2001). We have had ours for a few months, and it has been the best car we have ever owned! I switched to synthetic oil/filter, and get 31+ MPG highway on a tank! No gas car made in 09 that seats 7 can even match that!

• 

  Very Frustrated!!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben N. - July 3 - 8:07 pm

  Wonderful van with the exception of the steering issues. Read all the problems with alignment and steering with these vehicles (extreme pulling, memory steer, difficulty aligning, steering clucks, steering resistance, etc., etc.). I dont know how this vehicle got such high ratings in all editorials without anyone noticing the irregularities with drive and alignment. Dont buy it! Seems as though some must be OK, but more than one would think have issues...believe me and the others when we say this.