Honda didn't invent the minivan (Chrysler did); but the Japanese-brand company has come close to perfecting the body style, now in its fourth generation. We can see evidence of those efforts in statistics, as the Odyssey has been the most popular minivan in the U.S. for half a dozen years. Simply put, Honda’s Odyssey continues to earn sales and accolades as one of the best large-capacity, family-and-friends people/luggage movers on the market. Rivals include the Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, and new-for-2017 Chrysler Pacifica (which replaced the departed Town & Country).
What's New for 2017
Honda expanded availability of an acoustic windshield to SE and EX-L trim levels. Otherwise, the 2017 Odyssey is a carryover with no significant changes. This is the last year for the current Odyssey – a redesigned model is debuting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.
Choosing Your Honda Odyssey
The Odyssey may still proudly wear the “minivan” description, but not much is “mini” about this still-popular model. The driver and up to seven passengers can expect plenty of personal space. Cargo capacity in back, with all three rows occupied, is a decent 38.4 cubic feet. Fold the two rear rows flat, and available volume balloons up to 148.5 cubic feet.
All Odysseys feature sliding doors on both sides. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 248 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimates fuel economy for each version at 19-mpg city and 27-mpg highway (22 mpg combined).
Six carefully graduated trim levels constitute the Odyssey lineup:
With half a dozen versions available, making a choice isn’t so easy. Given how typical minivan journeys include the need to keep passengers entertained on long hauls, then clean up after them upon arrival, the SE comes across as a sensible best pick for the money.