Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

timhonda · February 2001

I'm getting a new SS EX in March, hopefully. I called around about HCW. I got a quote of 950 dollars for 7/100/0 and 80 dollars more for the money back gaurantee, meaning I would get all the money back if the warranty wasn't used at all. Have you heard of it? If so, can you please share your experience? Thanks.

billg7 · February 2001

I never heard of that and I have the HCW. That may be something your dealer is offering and if so you can bet he makes money on it and you don't know what the lowest price is he will accept on it, so the $80 is probably the highest price. Sounds like you are paying $80 at Las Vegas odds which is not a good deal. You could call the HCW people at 1-800-999-5901 and ask them if it is they who offer it. I don't think they do.

I think the deal is it is almost a sure thing that you will have some warranty expense, better then 12 to 1 against you , and as soon as you do, even if it is $10, then there goes your $80. It sounds like a gimmick the dealer dreamed up to make money.

I think it is a bad bet and I would stay away from it.

acsmith · February 2001

The 2 at the front of the VIN does identify Canada, but then they are ALL made in Canada until the US plant opens in the spring of 2002.
Have no fear on the "2".

The VIN: to the right of the letter H on the right side of the VIN is a six digit number. If the number is 500000 or higher, it was manufactured for the US market. 499999 and lower means Canadian market. There IS a difference in some stuff between Canadian units and USA units, not the least of which is no Honda warranty on Canadian vans in the USA. Other postings have the differences so I won't retype all.

My '01 ODY manufactured in January 2001 has a number H544405. That is 44 thousand from the "start". I understand H. makes a bit over 9500 units a month; that says that H. started the series in September 2000,, which makes sense on the 2001 model year.

acsmith · February 2001

If you look at the jam where the door latches, you'll see an assembly with a bunch of pins that are on springs. On the movable door are a set of matching pins that are fixed. In closing, the fixed pins on the door push in the pins on the jam and make and break all sorts of circuits.

Adjustment of the door pin assembly may solve a bunch of problems with latching, beeps, etc. The assembly can be adjusted six ways: up, down, left, right, in and out. My mechanic tried a bunch of adjustments before fixing it. After that, the beeping going out of the dealer's lot across the water drainage concrete pipe stopped!

caviller · February 2001

As promised, here are the Complaint Index numbers from the Ultimate Car Book 2001, by Jack Gillis:

Chrysler T&C/Dodge Caravan:5
Mazda MPV:5
Nissan Quest:5
Toyota Sienna:3
Mercury Villager:2
Chevy Venture/Pontiac Montana:2
Ford Windstar:2
Honda Odyssey:1

These ratings are compiled from user-submitted complaints to the NHTSA.

In their category ratings, Odyssey did well in areas of Crash Tests (10), Rollover Rating (7) and Insurance costs (10). Odyssey did poorly in areas of Preventive Maintenance costs (3), Warranty Coverage (1) and Complaint Index (1). Their top Minivan picks overall were the Windstar and Quest.

alan927 · February 2001

I posted a message a couple of days ago asking the value of our 00 EX, well forget that . . . after talking to my wife she said she loves her van too much and doesn't want to get rid of it. I figured it would be nice to get into a new car but I have to say that after driving the Odyssey over the weekend, it is a really great driving car(or should I say van). I really enjoyed it and that's coming from someone that drives a sports coupe as my daily driver.

Sliding door problem - Our's had the same exact problem where it wouldn't fully latch closed, the dealer replaced some type of assembly and it's never happened since.

There is a way to stop the annoying beeping noise if it goes off while you are driving, turn the power door switch to Off, this will stop the noise. The switch is located on the drivers side above the open & close switch for the sliding door.

rrr54 · February 2001

I am about to purchase a '01 Lx. I've read in this forum that the Oddy's have break in oil. I've spoken to two service managers and both have stated there is no special break in oil. Is this something that is mentioned in the owners manual?

jkbajones · February 2001

I am seriously considering buying a 01 Odyssey. I already own one Honda which has been an excellent car so I am naturally inclined to purchase the Honda van. My concern is quality. It seems like a lot of the EX models have a problem with the sliding door. Also, I read on other boards that there are transmission problems with the Ody but I can't seem to find any here. I would be very upset if I had to keep taking my vehicle in to the dealer to fix a door problem and I would be really steamed if I had to replace a transmission. Any owners out there have an opinion on this?

cabrales1 · February 2001

The Odyssey does come with break in oil. I don't have the manual in front of me, buy I am positive that information is either in the manual on in the accompanying literature. When I first got my van I got mixed messages from the sales people and mechanics on this issue, so I talked to the service managers at 2 different dealerships and they both confirmed that there is special break in oil, and that Honda recommends the first oil change is after 7,500 miles in order to allow the special oil to do its thing.

mr_d · February 2001

All:

Try this link for Honda fluids:

http://www.honda2001.com/owners/service_parts/faqs_fluids.html

Don

billg7 · February 2001

From that link, provided by mr_d, below it says to wait for first oil change recommended by owners manual. If you drive under severe conditions,as defined in the owners manual, your first oil change would come at 3750 miles. If not, it is about twice that mileage. Actually severe conditions are not that severe, or unusual, so a number of owners would qualify for the severe conditions.

Also I would go to that link and read about the special fluids Honda says you should use. I have never seen this on my other cars. Note for example they say use only Honda antifreeze, and if you should have to use anything else for an emergency, you should drain it out afterwards, or you will cause damage to your car and could void the warranty. Fortunetely you can use nonHonda motor oil without a problem as long as it is the right kind specified by the owners manual.

"Why should I wait to change the oil the first time?"

"Your Honda engine was delivered with an oil that is specially formulated for new engines that have not yet developed their "natural" wear patterns and may contain minute particles from the manufacturing process."

"American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions."

msgjvh · February 2001

As promised, here are the Complaint Index numbers from the Ultimate Car Book 2001, by Jack Gillis:

Chrysler T&C/Dodge Caravan:5
Mazda MPV:5
Nissan Quest:5
Toyota Sienna:3
Mercury Villager:2
Chevy Venture/Pontiac Montana:2
Ford Windstar:2
Honda Odyssey:1

I have serious doubts about these numbers! Specially when you look at the MPV number. Just check out the MPV problems topic on this very site and you will know that is wrong! The Odessey has far more complaints than the MPV does.

caviller · February 2001

I made no claims about the quality of these numbers. I also did not claim they were compiled from the Edmunds forums.

Also, as noted in my previous post, higher is better (fewer complaints).

ocuihs · February 2001

Odyssey VIN Decoder: 2HK RL1 8 7 * 1 H 500001 (example)

Position 1-3: 2HJ Honda of Canada (Light Duty Truck); 2HK Honda of Canada (MultiPurpose Pass. Vehi)
Position 4-6: RL1 Line, Body, and Engine Type Odyssey/J35A1
Position 7 : Body Type and Transmission Type 8: 5-door/4-speed Auto
Position 8 : Vehicle Grade (Series); 1: VAN; 5: LX(w/captain seat)
6: EX; 7: EX (with NAV)
Position 9 : Check Digit
Position 10 : Model Year 1 means 2001
Position 11 : Factory Code H is Ontario Factory in Canada
Position 12-17: Serial Number (starts at 500001 for USA; below 500000 for Canada)

ENGINE NUMBER
J35A1 2000001
J35A1 - 3.5l SOHC VTEC Seq MPFI engine
2000001 - Serial Number

msgjvh · February 2001

Sorry I didn't get past the first number! I beg your forgiveness.

mojo66 · February 2001

jkbajones-- It's true, there have been many posts here on EX door and transmission problems, but there are also far more of us out there (myself included) who haven't had these problems with the EX. My advice, and it's just my opinion, of course, is to go with a brand you've been happy with. You've had a good experience with your current Honda, and there is no garrantee that if you went with another brand you would not have problems (especially with transmissions, many different minivans seem to have problems). The same logic applies if you've have good experiences with Chrysler or Toyota products, etc. You could read these forums forever and get just as many different opinions on which van is better. I don't know that other manufacturers' power sliders or transmissions have proven to be any more reliable than Honda's. If the doors are a major concern, check out the LX. Overall, the Odyssey is a great value and we've been very happy with it.

alan927 · February 2001

I wouldn't worry too much about the reliability factor, as you know Honda's are very reliabile. As I stated in an earlier post I had one problem with the Sliding doors, it was fixed very quickly by the dealer and it never reappeared.
It wasn't like they tried to fix it and I had to go back several times to fix it, they get it corrected on the first try.
Since the Odyssey is out for 2 years now, the dealers are now familiar with the common sliding door problems so if it occurs they fix it rather quickly. When the Ody first came out, they were trying to learn what the cause of the problems were and some people paid the price by having to go back several times for the same problem.

As far as the transmission . . . well I haven't been checking this board out for many months and didn't know this was even a concer, our van is just fine.

So as they say, go for it . . . it is a great van ! ! !

pat84 · February 2001

I have a 99EX with over 32K miles. I have not had a single problem with it since I got it in late June of 99. I did have about a total of 1 hour on 2 recalls. I had not experienced either of the 2 problems that resulted in the recalls.
My milage for my last tank of gas with 70 % commuting and 30% highway was 20.83 MPG.
I would recommend an Odyssey without reservation.
IMHO, most posts are in regard to questions or problems. Very few are about good experiences.
BTW there were some bad transmissions in some of the earlier ODY. They were replaced under warranty.

rbadan · February 2001

If you know of anyone in the Philadelphia area interested in a 2001 Odyssey EX with less than 1000 miles, purchased on Feb 1, please have them e-mail me at madonna826@aol.com.
Thanks

kprn94 · February 2001

I just got my Odyssey about 2weeks ago. So far it has been in the dealer for pulling to the right. The sliding door rattles when I drive on rough surfaces. I am also talking to the dealer about the cost of the HCW 7/100/0. I've been reading here that they go for about 900. The dealer charged me 1285.00. I told them I want it for less. How much could I pay for the HCW and does anyone know about this pulling to the right thing. The dealer said it was slightly out of alignment. What about the door noise, it's very annoying. If anyone has any info please write back. Thank you, kprn94

stevedrew · February 2001

http://acurawarranty.com/

stevedrew · February 2001

4 Year / 60,000 Miles $485
5 Year / 60,000 Miles $525
5 Year / 75,000 Miles $595
5 Year / 100,000 Miles $685
6 Year / 75,000 Miles $650
6 Year / 100,000 Miles $775
7 Year / 75,000 Miles $695
7 Year / 100,000 Miles $905

Prices are based on a $50.00 deductible
Check this box for a $0 (zero) deductible for an additional $125.
these are the best prices I've seen so far and if you don't live in nj there's no tax

johnd15 · February 2001

I am considering buying an Odyssey, but hoping for some new colors (inside & out) for the 2002s. Possibly they'll upgrade the stereo too, which I've heard is really unsatisfactory. Anyone hear or read anything, or care to speculate? I am in no hurry to buy, but will eventually be a minivan owner (2 kids with exponentially increasing amount of stuff to transport around). I rented a 2001 Grand Caravan in Jan and it really puts the ODY to shame in interior esthetics; can't say about the radio firsthand but it sure seemed good.

FYI potential buyers... demand in my neck of the woods and elsewhere seems to be slowing with the economy softening, news of corporate layoffs, etc. My local Honda dealer had an EX sitting on the showroom floor for 2 weeks unsold, and I looked at 5 unsold at a dealer in FL while on vacation. I also just got a call they had a white LX in that wasn't spoken for. More deals could be forthcoming if you can wait a few weeks (months?). It may be worth it.

caviller · February 2001

"I wouldn't worry too much about the reliability factor, as you know Honda's are very reliabile."

Most resources generally back this up, with the exceptions of Odyssey and Passport. They may still be reliable, but probably not among the best in class. Minivans as a group are among the worst in reliability. For some, reliability isn't a major issue. The differences from "best" to "worst" may not be all that great, and other factors like Safety, Convenience, Cargo Space and others may be more important. You can scroll back in this forum to see where CR suspects there are problem areas. Transmissions are not one of them. If you look through the forums, though, you might get the impression there are still major transmission problems with various vans, including Toyota and Chrysler. It is possible these issues are not very common, or have been resolved. Take anecdotal forum accounts with a grain of salt. They're useful information, but not statistically significant and may not always apply to the current model year.

Our 2001 Odyssey LX has been problem-free after 3 months and 3000 miles....

fultont · February 2001

kprn94

This is a "known" issue with the odyssey, and there is a service bulletin out for it. The bulletin is posted somewhere on the web but I do not have the url. However I do have a copy of the service bulletin and I would be happy to email it to you. That way you can enjoy the surprised look on the service managers face when you show it to him..

When I picked up my van I asked my salesman if he was aware of this problem, not surprisingly he said he was not. Then as we were getting ready to test drive it I wiped out a copy of the bulletin and his eyes got big and he shut up..

Anyway, email me at toms_carsearch@yahoo.com and I will send it to you. Good luck

mrperfect · February 2001

Honda freely admits they are having problems with installing front and rear subassemblies. they have released new bolts in an attempt to do a field fix. A large number of defective steel wheels (LX) has also contributed to this problem. There have been scores of complaints here in the 30 some Honda Odyssey lists of complaints. MAKE HONDA FIX IT or ask for a replacement vehicle. Honda does not consider the problem a safety related issue. have fun getting it fixed. All dealers are very aware of this problem -- all you have to do is get their attention. :-)

davb1 · February 2001

Purchased 2000 LX, mid August. About 4,200 miles. No problems at all. Changed the oil and replaced w/MOBIL 1 5w30. Vehicle runs great, tracks straight and true, handles well in dry, rain or snow. Thanks to all of the posters(I read them all before buying); helped to strike the deal, buy the x-warranty for $899, and know what to check before taking delivery.

hondaaccessory · February 2001

Hi,

I've got the TSB at:

http://www.handa-accessories.com/odyssey/drift.pdf

-Trevor

fneigh · February 2001

I recently purchased a used Honda Passport. Does anyone know how to determine from the VIN what model Passport you have. I think the model I bought is a EX. However, it is nowhere to be found on the vehicle or the paperwork for the vehicle. It also does not say it is a LX. It has all the features of the EX. However the dealership I did business with did not provide the remote control keyless entry. I tried to get them to provide it but they say that the vehicle is a LX which does not come standard with this option. Any help would be appreciated.

miniman · February 2001

RE: Your door problem. Had same EXACT problem, both failure to close at times, other times looked good but the damn annoying beep!
Three dealer visits did not help (incl one where they said latch warranty repair will do the trick but did not).
Letter to Honda Zone office, cc to dealer owner and salesman -> BAM! Dealer had the head service guy work on it, they called the 'tech line' during the repairs and if they could not reproduce the problems, the service manager was going to use the van to drive home in for a week until they reproduced the problem. I complained about the added wear and tear, warranty extended to 5/50. Less than a month since repair, but has not broken again.
I asked them what was wrong and what they fixed. They said problem with contacts made the door beep, and a problem with the latch which was replaced with "upgraded" components cause the door not to pull in at the end.
Nothing like the letter to Honda Zone Office.
Good luck.

drew_ · February 2001

You may want to try posting over in the SUVs message board, (try the Isuzu Rodeo or the Honda Passport topic). You may also want to try this link: http://www.edmunds.com/used/honda.html

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

stevedrew · February 2001

found out something interesting at the dealer today. I was inquiring about when to bring the car in for the first oil change and mentioned that the manual specifies 5w-20. The service rep said I must be mistaken because they just got the new specs from American Honda that said to use 5w-30 and he showed me the chart. I said I was not mistaken and showed them the manual to prove it (am I the only one who read it?). They called American Honda and after verifying with the engineers, they confirmed that the manual is correct (5w-20) and the spec sheet that was sent to the Honda dealerships was incorrect!! Amazing isn't it. Anyway, be sure to verify with your dealer that he changes the oil with 5w-20.

jmurman42 · February 2001

Your model number is a 5digit letter/number combination. Starting at the 4th letter and thru the 8th number. Thats your model number.

Example:1HGES155Xil036953

This is an ES155 (Civic LX)

cardingtr · February 2001

I went to two Honda dealers today here in Austin. In First Texas Honda the used car lot has at least 5 1999 and up Odyssey and new car lot has 2.(512)458-2511. In Classic Honda, there are at least 3 brand new Odysseys sitting there for a week...Looks like we can bargain now.

dlh2 · February 2001

Even the Honda Fluids link that has been posted on this forum many times specifies 5w-30 (post #1223 or thereabouts). Surprised no one has caught this slip up before. I probably would have assumed 5w-20 was a misprint in the manual! Glad you checked into this. Did your dealer have 5w-20 and ,if so, what brand? I'm fast approaching my first oil change and intend to do it myself. Just ordered filters and crush washers from Trevor today.

stevedrew · February 2001

yes the dealer does have 5w-20 on hand as should other dealers because the same chart does CORRECTLY specify this weight for other Honda Models. Not sure what brand it is. But, in the manual it specifies (surprise-surprise) HONDA MOTOR OIL.

masshoosier · February 2001

You'll be lucky to hear anything reliable about the 2002 by midsummer at the earliest. They seem to be very secretive.

billg7 · February 2001

This is all very confusing.

In my manual for the 2000 Odyssey on page 240 it says "An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel economy and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 10W-30 oil if the temperature in your area never goes below 20F (-7C)." I see when the dealer changed the oil in my Odyssey he used Valvoline All-Climate. I don't know what weight that is.

I suppose that Honda may have recently decided that 5W-20 is better. I wonder if that is in all parts of the US or maybe it is 5W-20 for the colder areas and 5W-30 for the hotter areas.?

If Honda changed the recommendation recently then it could be that the dealers have not seen the service bulleton and probably most of them are continuing to use 5W-30. I hate to be the one to have to get my dealer to get rid of his 5W-30 and go to 5W-20. In all probability he will say he did but will not, or he will just refuse to do it. I wonder if it makes that much difference.

I don't see any easy way to get the Honda dealers to change over to the new specification. Do you?

stever · February 2001

Your email bounced. I think this is the checklist link you were asking about:

http://www.1netweb.com/checklist.htm

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

chanak · February 2001

Just bought the Honda Care 7/7500 for my Odyssey @ $755 with $0 deductible. Is this a good price?

sfearing · February 2001

Steve, here are two less expensive quotes for the same warrantees.

Union Park Honda (Wilmington, DE) - Greg Allen (302) 573-5222
(no out of state sales tax)

7 yr/100K/0 Ded. $925

Saratoga Honda (NY) - David Winnie (518) 587-9300
(no out of state sales tax)

7 yr/100K/0 Ded. $975 (compared to your $1030)
6/100/0 $845 (compared to your $ 970)
5/100/0 $745 (compared to your $ 810)

stevedrew · February 2001

Thanks for the quotes! Those are good prices. (the 6yr/100,000 was actually $900.00 but your $845 still beats that (especially considering no sales tax) Coincidentally, the second set of figures you quoted happen to be from my dealership!! I'm curious, How long ago did you get those quotes ? The price I was given from Saratoga Honda by my salesman (Joe Hahn) for 5yr/100k was $969.00, $222.00 HIGHER than your quote of $745.00! Even though I would have to pay sales tax, If I can get that price, it would be $797.00(7% tax) still $13.00 cheaper than the price I got. Did you buy a warranty from Saratoga Honda?

2001ody · February 2001

My local honda dealer had no literature, and in fact was pushing another third party warranty. Does anyone have a URL containing the hondacare warranty details? Thanks in advance.

shawbr · February 2001

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone in the NE US have had any problems with the rear passenger door stcking when the weather gets really cold. I have has the weather strips replaced however when the the doors still stick in the cold weather. Has anyone had simliar problems.
Bhavin Shah
shahbr@rocketmail.com

stevedrew · February 2001

http://www.honda2001.com/hondacare/

floth · February 2001

I saw on that hondacare web page that if you have Honda Care Sentinel you will get oil changes as well. I haven't heard this mentioned before. Does someone know if Is that in addition to the cost of the hondacare warrenty or is it already part of the package?

mover1 · February 2001

Thanks for sharing the info - I'm interested in this level of protection. Where/fron whom did you buy the 7/75k/0 HondaCare? Does it include the full coverage - Comprehensive Component + Powertrain Component Coverages? Do they sell out of state?

billg7 · February 2001

I see if you go to that site and select Comprehensive Component Coverage, it says the HC Sentenal warranty is only available with that coverage as 3yr/45,000. What that means if you want the normal HCW with free oil changes, you are only going to be able to get it as 3yr/45,000. It may not even be available for the Odyssey but only for some other Honda models.

I saw the same thing when I asked a Saturn dealer about the warranty. I have the plans in front of me. You get all the regularly scheduled maintenance But the most you can get for the Saturn is 5/60/0 for $1795 versus $925 without the maintenance items. So it did not seem like a good idea to me. You are paying extra for something that you are going to have to do anyway. It is not insurance. You are paying for the maintenance ahead of time.

rollison_i · February 2001

I have a 2000 Odyssey EX and both my passenger and drivers electronic side doors are not operating properly. The passenger side is actually worse. The vehicle has been into Honda 6 times in the last year (10,000 miles).

Summary of problems:
-Doors do not open
-Doors do not shut properly
-Doors register as open while driving

I have the vehicle in the process of trying arbitration.

If you have had this problem, please email me your experience at rollison_i@yahoo.com

Thanks much,
Isaac

binkybarnes · February 2001

does anyone know the URL of the website that has the latest rumors of upcoming changes? i used to have it bookmarked and it was a great site. it is not the edmunds' what's new and future telling pages. i'm particularly interested in what's planned for the ody in 2002.

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy