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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  Love this van! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Deborah Thomas - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this van! We had a Toyota Previa prior to buying this and thought it was great - this one is even better! We have 3 active,tall kids and seem to always be on the road. No complaints aboutleg room or lack of spave to put their travel stuff. Have taken it on several long trips and it is very comfortable. Has that "car" feel and ride. Would reccomend to all!

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  A happy family - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Erin - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful and reliable car that can take a lot of abuse and still works and looks great. The power doors still amaze people daily.

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  Odyssey got it all - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Azhar Choudhry - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a minivan for a long time and was inclined to buy Town and Country but during the Odyssey test drive I changed my mind. I knew this is the one. So I bought 2004 model and since then I have no regrets. Its drive, safety, design, space and fuel economy is best in the minivan category. I know that I am driving the most reliable van out there.

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  Great Van, Poor Gas Mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Illinois Customer - May 28 - 7:10 pm

  This is the 5th Honda I have purchased and for the first time what was promised has not been delivered. They post a 28 mpg average and we are getting 20 mpg consistantly with predominately highway driving. It has been reported to the dealership and we are not alone with this complaint. They are working on the problem and hopefully it is just a correctable glitch with a couple of vehicles. It is also noticeable when the engine goes into the economy mode while driving. It would be okay if the gas mileage was improved, but to date we have not had the pleasure of improved gas consumption.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By carnut0118 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife has driven the EX w/Navi since new. The navigation system is extremely useful and user friendly. Weve had only two irritants. 1. The rear AC knob has broken off twice. Poor design in my opinion. 2. A piece of the roof rack fell off. The dealer did fix both items under warranty. We are no longer under warranty.

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  Need better Quality control. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ericchoe - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best mini-van so far. But still it squeaks and rattles on non- perfect road. All mini-van does this, but I was expecting better from Honda, especially from almost $30,000 vehicle. The front coin and cup holder is on same slot. When this try is out to hold cups, coins are visible and rattles. The second row seats can use better cup holders. One on each side of seat is to clumsy to use. The shifter is too close to the front panel. When I shift, Many times radio power button was unintentinally pressed. Power sliding doors has some logic problem. It would not open and close sometimes.

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  Honda Ethics - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Mary F - May 27 - 10:26 am

  I bought my Odyssey Van new in 1999. It has been a great vehicle, with 2 exceptions, both noted in reviews here and elsewhere. The transmisssion: went out just over 75000 miles the first time I have had three in all. The rear sliding door on the passenger side has never worked properly. After many excuses from the dealer, we closed it for good. Too many reviews here cite the same problems. Honda knew this, and ethically speaking,should have lifted the mileage restriction on recall. These problems had nothing to do with mileage, but with production. The transmission was a big expensive lemon, as was the door. Quality companies stand behind their products. Not this time.

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  Transmission problems - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By rich - May 27 - 9:33 am

  Would not be a bad van if not for transmission. Most other aspects of van are acceptable. However, I had to replace the transmission every two to three years. This seems to be a common problem based on the class action suits. My third tranny went after 120,000 miles, 10,000 miles out of extended warranty. When it ran, it wasnt bad, but I cannot depend on it.

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  Great decision - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Vangoalot - May 26 - 9:23 pm

  This is our second minivan. You get to know which features that you use daily, and the Honda has them all plus more-- and it doesnt feel like youre driving a large vehicle. It is very peppy, and the features are well thought out. I seldom takeout the 2nd row seats, so having the 3rd row easily fold flat was a big deal to us. Comfort in the 2nd row plus the extra jump seat just made sense! My wife and I seriously compared the Sienna and Chrysler Town & Country, and also looked at the other competitors but the Honda won hands down. I dont have small children, but the design makes sense. It still has plenty of room to haul, but it feels more like a luxury car (well, it is!) KUDOS, HONDA!

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  2009 Odyssey EXL RN! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Lorraine - May 26 - 7:55 am

  Very impressed! I love the minivan just like my 3rd child (I only got 2 children)! The engine is smooth, quiet, and powerful. Its the best car weve ever bought! 100% Satisfaction! No complaint at all! Just bought it ~ 3 weeks ago with 1 mile on it when brand new.