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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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By gerald smothers - March 15 - 8:00 pm

  Have owned the odyssey for 13 months & have othing but good things to say about its performance.

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  Family car - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather Johnston - March 13 - 11:50 pm

  We are very comfortable with 2 boys in this car. I love my Honda.

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  2500 mile vacation - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By allan d - March 13 - 5:10 pm

  Took a 2500 mile trip with my Honda LX. Best mileage was 26.47 mpg highway, the worst was 16.99 mpg with city and low octane gas.The seats are very uncomfortable and firm, and we had to stop every hour to get out of the van.aWe added padded seat cushions and several small pillows for the chairs, then we could sit in the seats several hours without our legs going numb. With a full load for vacation the van rode very harsh over rough highways and expansion joints. We had wind noise from 35 to 70mph. It is the windshield trim strip gap. Acceleration was great. It has a much sharper turning radius for parking.

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  She loves the van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By kagey1 - March 12 - 4:41 pm

  My wife had gone on record as saying she would never drive a minivan. Three kids later shes driving the Odyssey and loves it. The interior is extremely versatile and great room for the kids, their friends and all of the accumulated stuff. Weve had it on several trips and its performed great with just over 25 mpg on the highway and around 19-20 around town. The seats are comfortable and it drives more like a car than most vans and handles surprisingly well. It does have a lot of wind noise, primarily from the front passengers seat, but we just turn the radio up. The breaks are softer than what Id prefer but not to the point of feeling like were in danger. My wifes glad we bought it.

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  Odyssey vs Pilot - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Join Gordon - March 10 - 1:42 am

  I went to buy a 2016 Pilot. Wanted it bad, was dreaming about one. Family is growing, was thinking a Pilot would do it. Or is OK it has a smaller trunk, OK that 3rd row is smaller, OK it is 5 grands more - such a nice car. Well, after trying Pilot and Odyssey (just to prove myself that Odyssey is no match for a 40yo alfa male) I almost cried. Pilot is a truck, plain and simple. I felt that Im driving an 18 wheeler. Attach wheels to my house, give it an engine - thats how it I felt. Parking garage at work? OMG, not in Pilot. Odyssey is a car like. Not as silent as Pilot, but so much easier to drive. Feels much secure. Acceleration is about the same. So much easier to see what is around you. Dung, I hate minivans. But unless Im in the middle of a desert in Texas Odyssey still would be my choice. Also, 31k for SE OTD with 0.9% apr is so much better than 37k with 2.8%.

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  Do NOT buy Honda Minivans - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Arun Gupta - March 7 - 10:23 pm

  This van has too many design flaws when I compare it to my 8 year old Dodge Caravan which I traded in. I could tolerate design flaws but I cannot tolerate transmission bumps when shifting up and down shifting. The dealers "expert" mechanic says that this is how all Honda minivans shift. Not comfortable to feel sudden bumps when going from 60 to 70 mph. Many Honda user forums also complain about this bump. The engine also makes a lot of noise when driven between 40-60 mph. The dealer again says that this is how it is. Unacceptable. The bumps and noise make driving experience horrible.

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  Odysseys a Disappointment - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kas - March 6 - 8:15 pm

  I was so excited to purchase the redesign model of this van after owning an Accord I loved. We had to move to a minivan after the birth of our 3rd child. Weve had the power steering pump replaced 5 times, and were preparing to put on the 3rd set of tires (@ 67K miles)! Weve been told only 1 tire is made for the van-- Michelin --cha ching! I love the overall look of the van inside and out, enjoy the interior features and layout, and love to drive it despite all the aggravation. I must say, though, the van was a let down in general. I was really hoping for better fuel economy with the Honda reputation. I average 18 mpg around town.

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  Like a car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ki - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Powerful drive train and great responsiveness. Quick and very easy to drive around but ride is not comfortable due to sensitive steering wheel.

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  Average - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JTLS - March 4 - 11:08 am

  Bought after totaling 02 Grand Caravan. Has awesome power, looks great. Climate control poor, only can control temp of rear cabin and not fan speed or mode from the front. Interior is extremely uncomfortable and hard. Dome lights will not go off automatically (What?). I drive mostly highway @ 80MPH and get about 18MPG. Caravan was 22MPG. Kinda confusing about maint schedule. There is no set time, you have to rely on the comp to tell you when to take it in. Might be 7500 miles or 3000. Stereo controls are too far away from driver to be comfortable. Hopefully the reliability and longevity will compensate for the shortfalls. Wish I had my Dodge back but playing the cards Im dealt.

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  Our Odyssey for a reliable Transmission - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenoz - March 3 - 12:36 pm

  We bought our used 2001 Odyssey after our first child was born in 2003. It was reportedly one of the safest minivans on the market and we felt good about the purchase. Within the first year at about 90k miles, the tranny went out and the dealership replaced it. Two years and 40k later, the replacement tranny went out, this time we had to replace it. After only 21k miles on this tranny, it goes out and the dealership agreed to replace it but we had to pay the labor cost which was about $750.00. We did so and sold the van immediately after. We replaced this unreliable vehicle with a Lexus GS400 and have never looked back. If you are looking for reliability, stay away from this vehicle!