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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  Wife calls this her "Grapefruit" - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bjgreen - January 3 - 12:48 am

  It isnt quite a lemon, but the legendary Honda reliability has passed our van over - hence we call it a "grapefruit." We bought the van new in 2001 and it continues to be our primary family (of five) car. During warranty we had a leaking gasket and a defective fuel pump. After warranty weve had to replace the hinges for both sliding doors and the key cylinder ignition. So the car has left us stranded twice in 8 years. One of the plastic air conditioner knobs split (we glued it back together). The drivers side interior door handles metallic covering started to peel off and was sharp enough to cut my wifes finger. It is now wrapped in duct tape.

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  The first 1000 miles - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RSH - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Have not driven enough miles to make an in-depth review of this vehicle. But have notice a few glaring errors that Honda passed over. There are no automatice locks for the doors, this van has no driving lights, and has no fog lamps. All of the items just listed are safety issues and is an embarrassment for the likes of Honda. My 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix has these standard features and all for over $12,000.00 less. Honda needs to re- think their standard features, certainly on a $30,000.00 vehicle.

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  Hoping for 10 good years - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob H - December 29 - 1:35 pm

  Bought the van used with 20km. Certified so when the door motor died it was free. I now have 65km and no significant issues. Replaced timing belt and brakes and have intermittent issues with doors buzzing and check engine light coming on. Most are liveable issues with a 8-yr old car. It is tough to get transmission into D3 other than when I am parked, but I havent really needed to do that all that often. Great car for long family vacations. I will probably keep the car for a few more years and get another Honda.

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  Vantastic! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dolphie - December 27 - 10:50 pm

  I had the EXL with RES for five months and every drive has been a pleasure. Great power and handling for a minivan that is so carlike . I had a 2000 Mazda MPV and upgraded to the Honda this year for my two kids needed growing room. I was pleased the two vans were similar in interior design and handling. I got comfortable the first time I drove the Odyssey. Vantastic!

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  No more Hondas for me - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By brandy - December 27 - 5:21 pm

  I had lots of problems with this van. I bought this van for more room and dvd player for my children. I owned the CRV and loved it. I had to replace tires and the battery. Hate the lights do not auto shut off in the inside or head lights. I have young children that turn on lights and get out. The dvd player broke had to get new one put in. The small drawer above floor broke the tracks fell right off. The middle storage is hard to use because of the reaching in. Most important it is horrible in the snow. I live in Michigan and have had many small front wheel cars that drive better. I am on this website because Im looking to trade this in.

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  Sold it within a year - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By gift4gab - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Maybe Im just not a minivan person, but I hated this vehicle. Where were the memory seats, what about the wind noise, gas mileage bit it and for the amount of money we spent, they couldve made the interior design more appealing and less plastic. The automatic door openers were too sensitive, but if you turned them off, the doors were too heavy to open or shut. We sold it and got the Volvo Suv and I feel like Im in heaven now.

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  Transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Chad - December 24 - 2:27 pm

  We bought our van used, but it only had 43K miles. At 52K miles we noticed that every morning it would hesitate shifting, or shift hard. Once it warmed up, the problem wouldnt appear until the next morning. We took it to the dealership, and they said it needed a new transmission. I am a die hard Honda lover, but am disappointed with this flaw. We buy Honda for their reliability.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jackleg - December 23 - 2:28 pm

  Great van! We bought the EX-L. My wife vowed never to drive a van, but after taking this one for a test drive she was sold. We test drove the Toyota, but the overall options, handling (doesnt feel like a minivan), and interior design fitted our needs the best (two kids). We replaced the power steering pump after 65k miles, but luckily we bought the extended warranty). Great van to travel in or just around town.

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  A Buy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By max_virginia - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great minivan and well worth the price. I am impressed with its handling, powerful engine and the navigation system is a must have. The naviagation system has already saved me a few times. I looked at the new Sienna too, but it is a few grand more, and doesnt yet offer the navigation.

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  Most Overrated Minivan in the World - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By JOHNPAR - December 19 - 4:46 pm

  The drivers side power door opens a few inches and then stops, a real pain with a new baby which is the only reason we went the Honda route. Poor noise insulation, DVD works ok but the headphones have never worked correctly. Dome light barely lights up, Back seats are uncomfortable on a long trip. Traded a mid-level 1998 Olds Silhouette in on this much quieter, better ride, comparable power, and handled the same. 105K miles was time for a new vehicle, this is our last Honda.