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 Now, Greatest w/Improvements - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DDH - May 10 - 2:00 am

  First 4 months were the pits doors continueously had problems. The contineous returns to the dealer eventually fixed the door problem. Then a low grinding noise when backing up, the transmission was replaced Dealer had vehicle more than we did. Even with being put out over the period of problems, I love my Odyssey. It is roomy, it is great for the kids, my elderly Mother who is handicapped finds little difficulty getting in and out of the Odyssey. Lastly the knobs for the driver side are in a bad place, I have had to have the knobs replaced due to the children stepping on the knobs.

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  An Impressive Vehicle - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Chrysler Exile - May 5 - 11:38 am

  This vehicle replaced a 2000 Town & Country Limited that literally fell apart on me. I liked the ride a little better on that vehicle, but the Odyssey is extremely well-designed in terms of day-to-day practicality. That even extended to the pre-drilled bolt-holes that allowed me to install a trailer hitch in about a 1/2 hour using only a socket wrench. The Hondas principal drawbacks are that it is noisier than other minivans and the entertainment system is too complicated. Plus, its wider than other minivans, which makes garage parking harder.

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  Hope based on reputation - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By HHSBS - May 5 - 10:18 am

  Honda is a well reputed co., so we bought the minivan. Having said that, overall I am very happy with the interior room. But it lacks features and the most disturbing thing of all is the road / wind noise. If you plan to go out with family on long trips, this is not a van for you. Noise level is high and makes the journey a bit of a torture. Also lack of power outlet is a big disappointment. Will look elsewhere for my next car / van.

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  Great gas mileage and very versatile - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dcarden - May 4 - 1:21 pm

  We bought a 2007 Odyssey EX-L during Hondas annual clearance event in October 2007 and saved about $4K on MSRP. The EX-L has the VCM (variable cylinder management) feature that shuts off up to 3 cylinders when not needed. It is very unnoticeable to all but the most expert drivers and adds up to an average fuel economy over 25 mpg with every tank of gas for our family. We added an Alpine Overhead DVD system for the kids and saved another $1K versus getting the EX-L with factory DVD, besides the Alpine has a bigger screen, "mommy controls" and game playing features that the factory DVD does not have. We added luggage racks and use our Thule Roof Box for cross country trips for added comfort.

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  Dont buy this car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bighurt - May 3 - 6:42 pm

  Man what a mistake. Had the chance to purchase a Chrysler for $3,000 less. Decided to go with the Honda because they are much more reliable. Man was that a mistake. New transmission new brakes new front end and all the scheduled mait. Car has been to the shop and all the costs have been outrageous. Car has never been in an accident. I am now the poster child for not buying a HONDA!

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  Glad I bought a mini van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Texdav - May 2 - 4:13 pm

  I was really stuck whether to buy a van. But now I am glad I did. After 10 months it has been a good experience. I was also wondering about the cylinder shutdown feature but never notice it its so smooth. Mileage on a half city half hwy was 21MPG when checked. Havent really found any thing I dont like. Everyone that has driven or rode in it is impressed.

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  Honda is only company making deals - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - May 2 - 11:08 am

  This is our 2nd Honda Odyssey. First had 105k miles, 6 years and we paid sticker no discounts. This time we looked at Toyota, Nissan, and Ford. Ford, Toyota, and Nissan were basically offering invoice pricing which is what they did last time, not great deals... Honda was 28% off sticker and way below invoice listed on websites. Way different than last time we bought from Honda. This van was thousands less expensive than what Nissan or Toyota would do. Ford was not that great either. Now I know why Honda has the best year over year sales figures. They know what market they are dealing in... I have a 2000 Acura RL with 115k, but cant get Acura to do a deal... strange.

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  166,000 miles and going - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - May 1 - 2:15 pm

  I have three cars with over 120,000 miles and the Honda Odyssey has been the most expensive to maintain in the past two years however, it has been the car we have put the most miles on. We recently replaced the alternator and it seems to eat through brake pads, but no major major problems (like tranny). Many of our repairs in the past year are first time ever fixes. Very nice van still that we will continue to drive.

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  2008 Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Pam - April 30 - 5:43 am

  Touring model is a lot of fun for media fanatics. There are potentially 6 different sources of entertainment for one car and for a large family that drives a lot it is fantastic. The van is top notch for driving, handling and overall fun for civilized driving.

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  2008 Odyssey EX-L - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Doca - April 28 - 6:48 pm

  Got a screaming deal on the Odyssey EX- L 2008 for only $26,388. I have to admit that I was not that excited when my wife wanted to get a van but now I am a convert. Roomy, functional, and surprisingly agile, which is the reason why I picked the Odyssey over the Sienna. Nice fit and finish, power delivery is smooth across the range (no kick down , comfortable ride even in the third row!! My only beef with it is that the gas mileage stinks in city driving. No other issue so far after over 9000 miles. Improve the gas mileage rating and its a true winner. Very happy with purchase.