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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2nd to NONE! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Teacher Guy - February 19 - 9:00 pmWe researched minivans for years before we finally bought one and without a doubt the Odyssey has met all of our expectations except for one. To us it looks the best, but it truly shines in all the important areas. Its ride is awesome. Plenty of power and handles like a dream. The fit and finish are impeccable and everything is where you would expect to find it. The leather is fantastic. It is the best vehicle we have ever owned.
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Practical and Utilitarian - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By DR. KARL - February 19 - 10:09 amJust traded in a 2007 MB CLS550 for a more practical vehicle... no regrets! This minivan is more useful and spacious than our MB GL450. Touring model wonderful in that no options apply (comes fully loaded) avoid the PAX system however - expensive to replace the tires. Sound system/DVD player/navigation system are user friendly. Cylinder deactivation of 3.5L V6 is great, enabling 26 mpg on highway. Amount of storage space (without folding 3rd row seats flat) is astonishing. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone with kids and dogs (we have one child and 2 dogs).
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Best One Yet - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By itsjustme - February 18 - 5:17 pmOur van is used for both in town grocery getting, and long road trips. We typically get 18 mpg in suburban driving and 25+ mpg on the interstate. Once you get over the "Im driving a mini van" syndrome, it is highly functional and drives like a car. We just went to the Chicago Auto Show to look for alternatives. Many smaller vehicles get less mileage, have greater depreciation, and cannot do all of the things a minivan can. Cant wait to take our tandem bike to Florida and escape from the Chicago winter.
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Best van out there - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By east - February 16 - 8:57 pmReally nice van. When you drive it, you know it is quality. Gas mileage seems average for a van. Stereo stinks - replace with better speakers Cant go wrong with a Honda
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Love It - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Austinmom - February 16 - 5:50 pmI have been so happy about my Odyssey. I owned a 2004 Sienna (for 3 months before it was stolen), but we decided to get the Odyssey when it came out. We love the way the Odyssey drives - much less like a boat (Sienna) and more like a sedan. My husband, a sports car driver, doesnt even mind driving the minivan now!!
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chaufeur - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By HERITAGECOVE - February 16 - 4:00 pmRear fender panel loose. Battery failed in 3rd year. Carousel under floor too low to the ground. Smashed it in hitting road hazard first year. Gas mileage terrible. Tires wearing unevenly. Road noise very loud, brakes squeal.
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Its Been A Good Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By Pat - February 16 - 1:32 pmWe bought this van new because my 6ft 2in husband could fit comfortably. We owned 3 Ford Aerostars I loved. This van sits lower to the ground I like high. No major problems but I dont understand why it likes to roll back on an incline. Dealer said that was normal. It can carry 4 kids in the back and 3 in the center with the seats pushed together. Ill keep it til 200,000 miles and look at a Pilot.
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My Honda is Awesome - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By TW in New Hampshire - February 16 - 1:27 pmI pulled her off the showroom floor in November 1999 and have for the most part put every mile on her. She is phenomenal. No Major repairs. Tires, oil changes, spark plugs, the regular maintenance. I would recommend a Honda to anyone who works hard for their dollar.
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Great Minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By RV - February 16 - 10:58 amThis is my first Honda experience. A very reliable well built car. Has many features but always wondered why they couldnt have a back-up sensor (versus a camera) or a windshield wiper fluid sensor, common features on American made vehicles. One of the few minivans still in production. My biggest complaint in the navigation system, which was outdated the minute I drove it off the floor. The system also tells you that you have arrived at your destination when you are still at least a block away. You cant get the back up camera without buying the navigation system. I carry a plug in portable system for navigation.
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Love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Laura - February 15 - 8:23 pmThis is my 5th Odyssey and we love it. The lease is up next month and I have been searching for something to replace it as we no longer need a vehicle this large. I have test driven so many cross overs and mid size cars that they are becoming a blur. Nothing Ive driven meets my expectations after my experiences with my Odysseys. I am seriously considering getting another one even though I wanted to down size a little, because they have been comfortable, reliable and great in the snow and ice.
