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Honda Odyssey Owners-Meet the Members

Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
edited March 2014 in Honda
Please introduce yourself!

My name is Karen and I'll be your host in the Odyssey Club. Some of you may remember me? It hasn't been that long since Vans was my stomping ground. :-)

Let me know what discussions you would like to have included in this folder. Perhaps take a look at the already established Owner's Clubs for ideas? Anyone care to be a representative/Community Leader for the club? Let me know!

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Owner's Club Host
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Comments

  • bryannbryann Member Posts: 54
    my name is Bryan and i just picked up my odyssey today. i got the dark emerald green. i was hesitant to get a van because i didn''t think i would need it with only one child on the way, but the wife thought otherwise. anyway, i must admit to warming up to the idea. i really like the van, but i didn't like the dealer's attitude about the price negotiations. thanks for hosting.
  • mesabg2001exmesabg2001ex Member Posts: 3
    I picked up my new Honda Ody finally after daydreaming about it for more than a year! There was just something about owning a 2001 Odyssey (wonder why Honda didn't come out with the "Space" edition??) that appealed to the sci-fi fan in me! I'm just crazy about it so far. My name is Robin and I live in South Florida. I have two children, three and seven. We're going to be doing a lot of cruising in this vehicle. My oldest may just take it off to college . . .
  • dj5dj5 Member Posts: 42
    Hi all,

    My name is Dennis and my wife and I purchased a 2001 Honda Odyssey EX about three weeks ago. We live in Atlanta but had to drive to Kentucky to avoid the arrogant Honda dealers in Atlanta and to get the deal we wanted ($1000 off MSRP).

    We sold a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee to get the van.
    The Odyssey is a big improvement in ride and getting our 3 year old in and out. Glad to see people getting well informed before making their puchase. This message board really helped me in my decision and making my deal. Also good to see people shopping for their financing before seeing the dealership's finance guy. Places like e-loan can save you hundreds in interest.

    I planning on stopping by the Odyssey boards often.
  • gessgess Member Posts: 90
    Welcome back Karen. You were sorely missed.

    I have a mesa beige '99 LX (one of the first off the assembly line). It has performed well and has had no major problems. Our kids are 4 and 2 and this vehicle is by far the best around for us. Wouldn't mind trading up when the next design rolls around though.

    Richard
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Good for you/us.

    My name's Phil and I own a 2001 EX. It is "Fern" in color as we Canucks say. I now have about 3500 very pleasant km on it.

    My suggested topics are: Problems, Options and Accessories, Audio/Video Ideas, Care and Appearance.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Great to see some familiar (type) faces!

    Keep the suggestions coming for discussions!

    KarenS
    Owner's Club Host
  • hondaexownerhondaexowner Member Posts: 2
    I am driving my new Odyssey EX for last 3 months. Overall I am very happy with it. Only my concern about reading fuel gauge. The indicator needle comes to very close to Empty when only 13-14 gallons are consumed and lights the gas reserve indicator. I believe the tank capacity is 20 gal, so I would expect it should be in reserve when 16-18 gallons used. At half of gauge, only 6-7 gallons are used. Two questions: 1) Is it a problem with my Honda only? 2) If not, how do you keep track of gas? I do not want to fill up gas every 2-3 days since I drive at least 250 miles in 2-3 days. I always feel insecure when gauge needle shows near to empty. I had never this kind of problem when I used drive Chrysler mini vans or even Honda Accord.
    Can someone help me on this?
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    My name is Dave and we have a 01 SS EX-Nav with leather seats. Got it on Sept. 30, 2000. When we ordered it we ordered the old Gray and was told to expect it in Dec. Since we had a 99 Cadillac STS that was off lease the first of Dec. we thought great. Well, wouldn't you know it, Honda brings out the Starlight Silver and floods the market with them first. Oh well, its great to have it and no problems so far to speak of. After 3 1/2 months the only thing wrong is the wipers. They set to low and when in defrost mode they don't get any of the heat to the windshield so the ice sticks to them which smears the windshield. Will check with dealer at first checkup to see if there is a fix. Anybody else having this problem? Did you get it fixed?
  • binkybarnesbinkybarnes Member Posts: 69
    we had never thought we would own a minivan, but now, we can't imagine ever living without one! we have a 2001 SS EX we picked up in september 2000 after waiting since february 2000 (they make you wait that long so that when you finally do get it, you'll feel like you won the lottery). we live in northern california and my dw and i have a 3.5 year old dd and the most squirmy, cantankerous little ds (9 mos.) in the world. i fully expect to get at least 300,000 miles on this ody before we sell it for another one (based on our previous experience with two previous hondas).
  • jamescaninejamescanine Member Posts: 13
    Just received our LX a few days ago. Its my wife's car and I hope it will be as reliable as my 11 year old acura integra with 140,000 miles. No problems so far, but when the fuel tank gauge was 1/4 tank we went to fill it and it only took 10.4 gallons bringing the gauge to slightly above the full mark. I guess our gauge is also affected. We had driven over 230 miles, so the mixed driving mileage was pretty good (~22mpg). I would like the following topics: problems; accessories and options; and care and appearance.
  • eric_ceric_c Member Posts: 2
    I am looking for advice concerning towing with my ody. I am considering a pop up camper in the range of 2500 lbs. I do not yet have a trailer hitch. Any suggestions or towing experiences would be greatly appreciated.
  • dwilkersdwilkers Member Posts: 6
    Hi. I actually worked in the Odyssey plant for about a year as they were starting it up (doing systems work--production control type stuff). I've seen the underbelly of the beast, and it is good.

    I'm supposed to be getting a '01 Starlight Silver EX model in February, no nav system.

    My biggest concern: the electric doors. Those things have got to be the #1 quality problem for the Ody, but from what I can tell they're a headache for all the other vans too.
  • stoltziestoltzie Member Posts: 15
    My wife and I have owned 2 Ody's in less than two years: A '99 LX purchased 7-99 which we traded for an 01 EX last November. Both selling dealers priced the vans at MSRP and gave us a discount on the Honda Care Warranty.

    One of my old haunts was the Ody Vs. Windstar Thread. My parents have a '99 Windstar SEL and we generally give each other good natured ribbing about our vans.

    We have an 18 month old and another one due in 6 weeks, so we plan on exercising those power doors.
    I would like to see a virtual online owners clinic. Perhaps an area where we can post pictures of our vans, accessories installed, etc. I would also suggest an ODY homecoming(like Woodstock)where we could actually get together with our fellow Ody owners.
  • masshoosiermasshoosier Member Posts: 70
    Live in Salem, MA, 3 kids....11500. Just sticky sliders have been the problem. Slip tape and shin-etsu took care of it. Nice to have the club up and running.
  • jacklewjacklew Member Posts: 6
    Jack, wife and kids 7 and 4 years old. Can't believe it has been 7 months since I picked up our '00 GG Nav from So. California. The sharks here in the Bay Area still want a bundle for the vans. Just had a bad battery and rear spoiler with cracks around the nozzle replaced. It's time to wax the vehicle again...
  • kelsenkelsen Member Posts: 10
    I'm Dave Kelsen, I've had -- OK, my wife has had -- an '01 EX since early October; we have about 6K miles on it and are generally pleased. There are some nits, but we haven't had any of the major problems that have been discussed in the Odyssey venues.

    I suggest a topic of "Recommended changes to the next Odyssey".

    Dave Kelsen.
  • sblack3sblack3 Member Posts: 4
    We picked up our 01 mesa beige Dec 29 after starting our search Jan 5. I think this was a world record. We test drove on the 22nd and then e-mailed about 15 dealers in northeast Ohio one dealer was willing to work with us a little on the price so we purchased through them. We are expecting the Ody to perform as well as our CRX 220,000 miles and the Accord we just sold with 145,000 miles. We could not be more happy with our purchase and would recommend the Ody to anyone.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    I've created a few discussions in the Odyssey club folder. Please take a look and let me know if anything needs to be added or edited.

    Thanks!

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Club
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Special Event Chat with Ed Hellwig

    Tues., Jan. 30th, 5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET


    Ed Hellwig - Associate Editor, Edmunds.com.

    Associate editor Ed Hellwig came to Edmunds with a diverse automotive background that included stints as a gas station grease monkey, automotive spy photographer, and ice rink Zamboni driver. Ed spent five years making sure he hated cold weather at the University of Colorado in Boulder where he somehow earned a degree in American history between beer runs and football games. Upon returning, he proclaimed "snow sucks" and forever pledged his allegiance to the Southern California sunshine. Prior to joining Edmunds, Ed toiled under the iron fist of Tom Lindamood at A&M Specialists, a press vehicle logistics company, as a road-tester and delivery driver. While tooling around in Bentleys and Porsches was less than grueling, Ed just couldn't shake the editorial urge and jumped at the chance to join the Edmunds team. He's now responsible for writing road tests, editing our "Future Telling" column, and assisting in performance testing.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Club

  • alysaalysa Member Posts: 5
    My husband just flew to OH from suburban Chicago last Saturday to pick up our new GG LX. I have a 9 month old and am nervous about driving a big, honkin' minivan. Also nervous about reliablity, as the thought of schlepping in and out of the repair shopping with a kid in tow is quite distasteful, and after reading about the various problems with the vehicle, I'm keeping my fingers crossed....
  • masshoosiermasshoosier Member Posts: 70
    I haven't had many problems, just the sticky doors and that was fixed. I schlep in and out with three kids in tow(all 5 or under) and its not so bad. They see you with kids and they get the car up and out of there.....at least they do at the dealer I go to.
  • mojo66mojo66 Member Posts: 83
    ....but not before saying hello. My name is John and we've had our GG '01 EX since September 2000. It's just a great van, but then everyone here knows that already. Couldn't decide between the Odyssey or waiting for the new MDX but I'm glad we chose the van. A lot less money than the SUV and a whole lot more room. It's been 100% trouble-free so far and I'm looking forward to adding some things like a video system and aftermarket x-bars for some of our toys. Can't type anymore, I'm too dang tired. Bye.
  • exindenverexindenver Member Posts: 32
    My name is Walter and we got our '00 CSS EX in April '00. Love it so far. Also plan on getting the MDX after the demand dies down. Didn't really want to be at the dealers mercy 2 cars in a roll.

    What is the differences/advantages between the club board and the Town Hall Odyssey threads? Or is this just an additional place I have to check for the latest scoop on the Odyssey.
  • mojo66mojo66 Member Posts: 83
    own an Odyssey. (backwards)
  • ckonckon Member Posts: 22
    Very good!!
  • diymandiyman Member Posts: 11
    Hi everyone. I'm Steve from MA. Soon to be Ody owner. Reading everything I can regarding experiences, dealers, problems, options, etc.

    exindenver: I asked Karen (moderator) that same question (#25) directly. No reply yet...

    Karen: please reply to us all here publicly

    mojo66 - clever, very clever. I like that. (#26)
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    the van's host in the other area the same question. His reply was that discussions will tend to migrate to this area over time. Specific concerns/issues are better answered here, and the original topic is also part of the owners area so you can track that thread here also. I guess we'll see.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ...but in less than a week, the Owner's Club board has added 8 new clubs. Whew!

    Edmunds.com is actively working to bring experts/representatives from manufacturers that will participate on the board to answer your questions and concerns.

    Since discussions can only be created by the host(me), this board will be less cluttered. Please let me know if you feel a new discussion should be added. I'll be happy to do it!

    Weekly club chats are also provided for those interested. And other "events" are being planned for the future....shhh...even I don't know those secrets.

    Hope this answers some of your questions!

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • hummyhummy Member Posts: 3
    My husband and I picked up our '01 EX last month and we absolutely love it!!! However like many of you, the power doors was a source of concern but not enough to deter me from purchasing my Ody.

    Just like to add that these postings are really informative and I truly appreciate all the feedback/comments from other owners! It's comforting to know that we can post our questions and share ideas with other happy Ody owners.
  • jihleejihlee Member Posts: 9
    I just purchased an EX with Navi. Love the power and the Navi system. I have a question for everyone. I would like to get the HondaCare 7/100/0 warranty. Can people tell me how much they paid for it? My dealer was asking $1300 for it but I thought that was too much. I have seen it for around $900 on the web. Is that an accurate price right now? He mentioned to me that HondaCare are $1050 retail and aftermarket warranties (not HondaCare) are a lot cheaper. Is he telling me the truth? Am I able to get HondaCare warranty for around $900?
  • martinplmartinpl Member Posts: 3
    I also have a concern about my new Odyssey EX fuel gauge. The indicator needle comes to very close to Empty when only 13-14 gallons are consumed and lights the gas reserve indicator. The tank capacity is 20 gal, so I would expect it should be in reserve when 16-18 gallons used. At half of gauge, only 6-7 gallons are used. I taken it to the dealer twice. The first time they replaced the "sending unit" but still didn't read right. The second time they said it is a "feature" of the Odyssey. I say I am not getting the benefit of having a 20gal tank. Is this a "feature" or do I have problem with my VAN???? If not, how do you keep track of gas?
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    I spoke to Dana/Community Manager and they are trying to get all the Club chats set up on

    Tuesdays: 4-5pmPT/7-8pmET

    -or-

    Thursdays: 5-6pmPT/8-9pmET, 6-7pmPT/9-10ET, 7-8pmPT/10-11pmET (This last time would be kind of late for East coast, but is available if you want it.)

    The first scheduled chat would be March 6 or 8.

    Let me know what time works for you!

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • sputumsputum Member Posts: 2
    Hello,

    My name is Dan and I'm a proud owner of a '99 Odyssey. I have been reading entries of Odyssey owners for some time and felt I had better start posting a little. I live in the Toledo, Ohio area and have seen some other owners from around the area I believe, so if you wish to compare dealerships, please email me.
  • gessgess Member Posts: 90
    Do you have an LX or EX? Have you had any problems from one of the first model year vans?
  • sputumsputum Member Posts: 2
    I have an EX model. Since purchasing it, I initially had some driver side sliding door issues which seem to have be worked out via the dealership. I've learned to make sure the contact pads for the sliding doors are clean so that a false alarm doesn't sound. Also the fuel gage (sensor??) had to be replaced; it was giving me false readings. Lastly my molding for the roof rack and the passenger door weatherstrip had to be replaced/resecured twice =( I'm currently in the mist of getting an extended warranty and found that 935.00 is the best I can do around here(toledo, oh). Also of note Honda does offer a 1yr payment plan no interest for those thinking of picking up an extended. Overall, I must say this mini-van has been the best experience I've had owning a vehicle.. thus far =)
  • plcntmeplcntme Member Posts: 2
    Hi Karen and all other members...I feel like I've joined an well renowned group!...My name is Steven...after realizing that my '92 Eagle Summit was on its way out (2 gears still worked and it tended to move better sideways than forward!), ended up, after much (re)searching, with a 1997 Odyssey LX...first time I ever bought out of emotion...(or was it the dealer's sales pitch?)...so far after a week, the van has driven well...kids like the moon roof and rear (aka 'secret') seat...while pretty much deciding on the Odyssey early on, reading the
    comments/trials/travails of the members helped in the selection...looking forward to hearing from others...will have some questions to ask, but will save those for another time...thanks!...ss
  • alaraalara Member Posts: 2
    Hello everyone. My name is Javier and I just bought my wife and kids a silver '01 EX. They loved it from the minute they set eyes on it. Paid sticker price in Joliet. Hope to drive it forever...
  • beercoffeebeercoffee Member Posts: 1
    Hi everyone, I just joined the Odyssey Club..... My name is Kevin....I am only 19 years old..... My car is 99 Ex Canyon Stone Silver model and is Canadian edition.... At my age most of the teens chose Civic or Prelude for their car... but I love my odyssey because is SPACING, nice handling and good performance.... Hope all of our members all enjoy of their Odyseey....=)
  • neech7neech7 Member Posts: 23
    Hi everyone! My name is Chris and my family and I have a 2000 Odyssey EX, GOLD color (that's Mesa Beige to the ignorant ones! ;-)). We've had it since Feb 2000, after a 1.5 month wait. Anyone from the Seattle area looking for an Odyssey, but can't get it for MSRP should talk to me. I know of at least two dealerships willing to do MSRP.

    Hope to put the new style fog lights and amber-color rear turn signal lights on the van sometime in the future. And perhaps replace the "Odyssey" emblem at the back with "La Great", to make it stand out more in the crowd.

    The van is primarily my wife's vehicle. I drive a 1998 Accord LX. I am a big Honda fan. My last four vehicles have all been Hondas. And my mom had a 1979 Civic that was virtually unbreakable.

    I hope to see some kind of "exchange program" between North American Odyssey owners and Japanese La Great owners, like swapping of accessories not found on either side. Also, would be interested in knowing how to add EX level "upgrades" like auto climate system and homelink to an LX (this is mainly for my Accord, but I'm sure some Ody LX owners would be interested too.)
  • scusiscusi Member Posts: 2
    I test drove a Honda with a Navigation system and it had the compass/temp in the rearview mirror. Does the Odyssey EX (without navigation system) have it? I forgot to ask the dealer when I was shopping.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    The compass and outdoor temp. do not come on the Odyssey. It is NOT even an option. That was a dealer installed extra.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    The Edmunds.com Drivers' Opinion Panel has just launched. This initiative will further establish Edmunds.com as the voice of the consumer by becoming a key source for automotive market research. Through this initiative Edmunds.com will send traffic to the Opinion Panel promotion and registration area. Members of the panel will participate in key market research studies for Automotive OEMs and related companies on-line as opposed to more traditional market research methods.

    To become a member of the panel, please visit

    Drivers' Opinion Panel

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Would that be a new feature for us, or a new revenue generating device for Edmunds... :-)

    Just kidding. I know it's voluntary and that it's a good way to get manufacturers to listen to concerns.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Why, phil47, whatever do you mean???? ;-)

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • the_shadowthe_shadow Member Posts: 5
    from So. Calif. We got our '01 EX this past Saturday afternoon and can't wait to give it a good road test. I find the looks and handling to be the best in its class. While we were considering 2 other makes I am glad we stuck it out and got the Odyssey. I just wish the customer could have more control of the purchase process intead of here it is...take it or leave it. I am looking forward to learn more from other owners.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Please take a look at Owner's Club Changes to offer your opinion.


    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs

  • rictomrictom Member Posts: 89
    Karen: I was wondering how the posts with actual solutions-or at least worthwhile attempts for some of the ODY's problems could be moved/copied to the problemns/solutions area of the Ody club. In the regular Ody forums (Odyssey xxx and Problems VII) there have been posts that include solutions. Since you and Drew and Steve probably read every post--when you come across a solution or suggested solution can't you zip it into the problems solutions area? Wouldn't that cut down on the repeated posts asking the same question "does anyone know of a fix for ______?"

    Thanks
  • 3senough3senough Member Posts: 17
    Hi my name is Serra. I have three boys and we were getting squished in our 4-runner. We wanted an Odyssey, but when my husband work car died suddenly a few months ago I knew we couldn't be carless while waiting for a new Odyssey. I excited to find a 2000 EX with Nav in Canyon Stone Silver a few hundred miles away. It was a Honda factory reps vehicle which I'm sure receive good care. My husband is anti-used car, so this was a big feature for us. I have been very pleased. I have had no problems with doors, transmisson clunks, gas sloshing, right pull or any other problems posted in the problems forum. The gas milege has been good and I adore the navigation system.
    I am so glad that I didn't have to settle for a different van because of availability. This van has made loading an unloading the boys a pleasure instead of an ordeal, the power doors have changed my life. I also love the amount of groceries I can stick in the well and none of them roll around, plus I can store the double-stroller upright so it takes up very little room. I don't mind if the sound system is not great. We mainly seem to listen to children's cds which unfortunately sound the way they sound dispite the system. All in all Mom is happy, and when Mom is happy everyone's life is easier.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    That is a great idea, BUT hosts are not allowed to move Town Hall member's posts. All I can suggest is that someone take it upon themselves to post the known problems and solutions in that discussion.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • kelsenkelsen Member Posts: 10
    Karen, you can copy it, can't you? Leaving it where you found it, as opposed to moving it?

    Dave Kelsen.
This discussion has been closed.

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