When it comes to finding the perfect family car, the Honda Odyssey is a top choice for many. With its spacious interior, reliable performance, and advanced safety features, it's no wonder why the Odyssey has been a popular choice for families for over two decades.

But with so many different model years available, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best for your family's needs. In this article, we'll explore the best year for a used Honda Odyssey and why it's the perfect family car.

Why the Honda Odyssey is the Perfect Family Car

Before we dive into the best year for a used Honda Odyssey, let's first understand why it's such a great choice for families.

Spacious Interior and Seating Options

One of the main reasons families choose the Honda Odyssey is its spacious interior. With seating for up to eight passengers, there's plenty of room for the whole family and even some friends. The Odyssey also offers versatile seating options, with the ability to fold down the third row for extra cargo space.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for families, and the Honda Odyssey delivers with its advanced safety features. Starting in 2018, all Odyssey models come standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This includes features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Reliable Performance

The Honda Odyssey is known for its reliable performance, making it a great choice for families who need a car they can count on. With regular maintenance, the Odyssey can easily reach over 200,000 miles, making it a long-term investment for your family.

The Best Year for a Used Honda Odyssey

Now that we understand why the Honda Odyssey is a great family car, let's explore the good years for a used model.

2023 Honda Odyssey

The latest Honda Odyssey, released in 2023, offers all the modern features and technology you'd expect. But what's exciting is that Honda has made improvements to the engine, comfort, and fuel efficiency in this edition. The 2023 Odyssey comes with Honda's newest driver assistance and safety features, making it safer to drive. Plus, the third row of seats can easily fold down, giving you more space for storing stuff. You'll also enjoy better visibility from inside the car.

The 2023 Odyssey is available in five different versions, or trims, each offering more luxurious comfort and convenience than the last. Under the hood, it packs a 3.5-litre V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It's a front-wheel-drive vehicle like other versions, and it uses a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Overall, the 2023 Odyssey is a practical and comfy minivan perfect for families, but it drives with the ease and control of a smaller car.

2018 Honda Odyssey

The 2018 Honda Odyssey is a top choice for many families looking for a used model. This year marked the beginning of the fifth generation of the Odyssey, and it brought many updates and improvements.

One of the biggest changes was the addition of Honda Sensing as a standard feature on all models. This means that even the base trim level comes equipped with advanced safety features, making it a great value for families.

The 2018 Odyssey also received a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which improved fuel efficiency and overall performance. It also has a spacious interior and plenty of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

2016 Honda Odyssey

The 2016 Honda Odyssey is another great option for families looking for a used model. This year marked the end of the fourth generation of the Odyssey, and it received some significant updates.

One of the most notable changes was the addition of a standard rearview camera on all models. This is an important safety feature for families, especially when backing out of tight spaces.

The 2016 Odyssey also received a refreshed exterior design and an updated infotainment system. It also has a spacious interior and comfortable seating, making it a great choice for long family road trips.

2013 Honda Odyssey

If you're not overly concerned with having the latest features, the 2013 Odyssey, just before its 2014 facelift, remains an excellent option. Known for its solid handling and stability around corners, this model carries over the traits of its fifth-generation counterparts. Despite being an earlier model, it shares similarities with modern variants, boasting a 248-horsepower V-6 engine, stylish interior design, and safety enhancements like blind-spot assistance and a rearview camera.

In terms of transmission, the 2013 Odyssey Touring and Touring Elite trims feature a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the LX, EX, and EX-L trims come equipped with a five-speed automatic. Both transmissions deliver commendable performance. Additionally, the standard powertrain achieves an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, surpassing the efficiency of many competitors from that era.

Other Factors to Consider

While the above model years are some of the best for a used Honda Odyssey, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing the right one for your family.

Mileage

When looking at used models, it's important to consider the mileage. While the Honda Odyssey is known for its reliability, a higher mileage model may require more maintenance and repairs in the future. It's best to aim for a model with around 80,000-100,000 kilometres for the best balance of reliability and affordability.

Trim Level

The Honda Odyssey comes in several different trim levels, each with its own set of features and price points. It's important to consider which features are most important to your family and choose a trim level that fits your budget.

Budget

Speaking of budget, it's important to consider how much you're willing to spend on a used Honda Odyssey. While it may be tempting to go for a newer model, it's important to stay within your budget to avoid any financial strain in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best year for a used Honda Odyssey is subjective and depends on your family's needs and budget. However, the 2023, 2018, 2016, and 2013 models are all great options to consider, with their advanced safety features, spacious interiors, and reliable performance.

When searching for a used Honda Odyssey, be sure to consider factors such as mileage, trim level, and budget to find the perfect fit for your family. With its combination of practicality, safety, and reliability, the Honda Odyssey is truly the best family car on the market.

You have a variety of reliable options if you’re looking to buy a used Honda Odyssey, and few minivans could hope to match it in any model year. Finding the ideal pre-owned Honda Odyssey may take a few test drives, but our dealership here in Calgary, Alberta, is at your side. Make a list of the attributes that are most important to you, and contact Wheaton Honda West if you’d like any assistance with your Honda shopping.