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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  Best Van on planet - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By SS99 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey is the best van on this planet. Its a perfect vehicle. Its looks like dream comes true.

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  Good but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Eva - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Oddysey ,but after 30000 miles I have started to have problems with transmission. At dealership I have been told that maintenance should fix a problem, which really helped for another 9000 miles.I believe that transmission is the only problem (2001 model). Otherwise this minivan is perfect.

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  Good van for the price - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By dcordell - March 27 - 10:54 pm

  I got a good deal on a 04 Odyssey LX with 55,000 miles on it so I chose it over the more expensive Sienna. In the three months Ive owned it I have been impressed with the power, roominess, handling, and reliability. This van will keep up with the traffic with no strain, even in the mountains of NC. Handling is good and it really sticks to the road but the ride on mine is not smooth. You can use the van to do some pretty hefty hauling with the 3rd row seat in the floor and and the 2nd row moved out. With the seats up it seats 7 fairly comfortably. The little lug wrench that comes with the van wouldnt budge the lugs when I had a flat. Overall I have been pleased with the van.

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  Where is the reliability? - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Low Budget Dave - March 27 - 6:36 pm

  I spent the extra money on a Honda because my friends told me the Chrysler was unreliable. But the Hondas check engine light came on after 20 miles, and is still on. The dealer can turn it off for me, if I drive the 20 miles back to the dealer. The road noise is worse than my 4Runner, the seats are less comfortable, there are fewer features, and the VCM feature stopped working when the engine light came on. I want my 4Runner back.

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  Not what I expected - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Tomba62 - March 27 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Honda Odyssey as a certified used car and thank GOD it came with an extended warranty. I have been experiencing various transmission issues. When taken to the dealer they claim not to be able to find any issue. This week as I was on my way to work the car popped out of gear, the engine revved wildly, the check engine light and traction control lights came on and stayed on. Took it to the dealer and at 64957 miles the transmission is dead. Chrysler took a beating over transmission failures on their minivans. Its time Honda acknowledges that this design has some serious issues. I used to consider myself a loyal Honda owner. No MORE.

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  2004 Honda Odyssey transmission-beware - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By 71chall340 - March 26 - 6:52 pm

  The vehicle is one of the best driving vans I have owned. The van has been reliable (other than rear vent window motors) for 85,000 mi. until my transmission had to be replaced. I previously serviced my transmission at the dealer ship with fluid changes. I was lucky to have purchased an extended 5 yr/100,000mi warranty. The early 2004 model year had a recall for this same problem in which my car didnt fall under. I feel Honda should compensate those out of warranty because this problem goes beyond the recall time period.

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  Honda Does It Again - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Daddypo - March 26 - 2:10 pm

  Great vehicle. I was impressed with the comfort and upscale feel of this van. Traded in a 2000 Dodge van, and the difference was amazing. I did not notice any problem with road noise, which is a common complaint against Honda per the magazine reviews. This van has plenty of power, comfortable ride, and good gas mileage (for a van at least). Total package.

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  Long time Honda fan - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By AEdwards - March 25 - 9:33 pm

  This is our sixth Honda product, first van. Love the way Honda packages models so you dont have to buy an option you dont want just to get something you do want. Great quality that we expect from Honda. Odyssey has definitely lived up to its reputation. Lots of fun features to keep kids and dads happy.

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  105k Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sid - March 25 - 1:37 pm

  Bought new with DVD system (nav and DVD not possible together on this version). Powerful van and rides smooth today like it did when we bought it. Lots of space. Had 2 recalls which were fixed. Minor annoyances with engine check light coming on at times. Left sliding door is now malfunctioning and needs to be fixed. When braking hard, there is sometimes a clunking noise at the back that sounds like ABS. Fuel economy is avg at 20 mpg combined. Overall - satisfied.

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  Honda Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dwayne Rolfson - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  Just completed a 7,000 mile plus trip from Maryland to Alberta, Canada.. Vehicle was very comfortable, fun to drive. Disappointed in miles per gallon though. Would barely make 20 mpg during most of the trip, with an occasional peak of 22 mpg.. Previously made the identical trip in a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria, same speeds, similar load, same route. The Ford with a 4.6 liter V8 averaged 24 mpg with peaks of 27 mpg. I expected to do better with the Honda with its 3.5 liter V6 and ballyhood VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) that advertised up to 29mpg... My Ford averages 20-21mpg in our normal around town driving... So far the Honda only averages around 18mpg in the same..