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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Transmissions!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Dick - March 3 - 8:54 amI was first caught in the Canada vs. US fight, but finally resolved through Tokyo to correct first transmission failure at 78K mile. Second transmission has now failed after 70K miles and every dealer and transmission shop is familiar with the problem. Honda US will not help because of the gray market status! What a joke. All 2000 Odysseys were built in Canada and I do not believe built in Canada with US use is why the transmissions fail. US Customer Service is useless. Im going to try Tokyo again.
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So far so good.... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By sid - March 1 - 8:29 pmAfter months of flipping between Odyssey and Sienna, I am a very happy owner of a Honda. Its fun to drive and turns like a normal car. Doesnt feel when you are driving a van, only when you see the space, it feels like a spaceship.
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09 EX-L w/RES Just off Assembly Line - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By raechris - March 1 - 12:08 pmJust purchased my first Honda and first minivan. It just came off the assembly line two weeks ago and the family could not be more excited. Having driven sports cars, sedans and wagons up until this point, I can honestly say after a short adjustment to the driving dynamic of a van, it is just wonderful. Having the unusual ability to detect even the smallest fault, there is a slight rattle/buzz above drivers head area, but the radio easily compensates. It is a living room on wheels, the kids have plenty of room and love all the options/variations, space. Insanely comfortable, amazing visibility, plenty of power and a VCM system that is nearly imperceptible. On the first half tank 19 mpg city.
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Read before buying 04 Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By chambalam - February 26 - 1:48 pmI think you are about to see the rating of the 04 Odyssey plunge. We had an accident that resulted in our 04 Odyssey with 70,000 miles being totaled. We were so happy with the van that we went out and bought another 04 just like it, except it had a few more miles on it. 10 days after purchase the D light starts flashing, turns out it is a transmission problem. I do some research on the internet and there are HUNDREDS of posts showing that TRANSMISSION FAILS at 80,000 - 100,000 miles. There was actually a recall on the tranny for some 04 models, but those that were not included in the class action lawsuit or out of luck. Honda has refused to stand behind there faulty transmission!
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Happy Mountain Man - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By rock doctor - February 25 - 10:00 amThe vehicle handles extremely well. Plenty of zip and amazingly quiet. Controls are well placed. Obviously a lot of thought to the interior which is roomy. Styling and color makes you proud to be driving it.
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Great seats for the long drive - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By Mark Cooke - February 23 - 1:30 pmI love my Honda van. I bought it used at 116,000km 6 years ago and it now has 310,000 km on it with only an alternator and the usual tires and brakes. I added a transmission cooler since I pulled a 3000lb trailer for two summers. This van is driven daily in town and driven coast to coast twice in Canada plus has seen 25% of the States.
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Sweet Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Sou - February 23 - 1:20 amSo Far I had a few things to pick about. The van came from another dealership so i really didnt have a choice other then that it was the color that i wanted. 1.scratches here and there inside the van(dealer going to fix that). 2.needed alignment(dealer taking care of that as well. 3.Glove box off alignment(did that myself). All in all the van is really nicer then most in its class.
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the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By royal5177 - February 22 - 10:00 amthere is nothing i dont like about this van it is great
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The Best Mini in its Time - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Eddie Santana - February 22 - 10:00 amThis Mini has been the best, Its had no problems, runs great. good power, and I love its styling. add some ground effects, and youll never want another one. the interior design is old and sligtly outdated but ok. The factory radio is slightly weak, but add an amp and good speakers, and should be perfect. This van has the best handling on a minivan. I have avioded sevral major accedents due to its great handling, thanks Honda!
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Typical Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Hurricane - February 20 - 10:00 amEverything works well. All controls are in the right place. You do not even have to read the owners manual except to find the spare tire.
