Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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Comments

  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
    jmurman,

    that should be interesting to see. i thought there was not enough space to fit an in dash dvd player in ody with navi.

    do you think it would be possible to just buy the in dash ives dvd player without the screen. I already have ives vhs and wouldnt' want to pay another $1500 for the ives dvd.

    srallen1,

    you might as well look into an aftermarket system to compare prices. if shop on the internet you should be able to get ives cheaper than what the dealer would charge you. you can then get the dealer to match the internet price. problem right now is that there isn't even a part number for the ives-dvd so it can't be ordered yet.

    It's probably going to cost you anywhere from $1500-$1700 installed. At those prices you might be able to get an aftermarket option that is better. just make sure that the dvd player can remember where it was playing once you turn the key. also, make sure they don't replace the factory radio because you will probably lose the audio functions of the steering wheel.

    that is the problem i am having right now with my portable dvd player that i connected to my ives-vhs. if the kids are watching a dvd and you pull up to pump gas, you have to switch the igntion to accessory. dvd continues playing with no problems. the moment you turn the igntion switch back to on, all power is cut to the vehicle briefly and the dvd player has to start all over again. pain in the butt!!!!!
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    but you take some risk. I have an aftermarket Audiovox DVD system installed (it's been fantastic for the 1.5 years I've owned it), and the installer gave me the choice to keep it "hot" with the ignition off exactly for that reason. It is a life saver as there is usually a very good chance that you will turn off the ignition for some reason during a 90 min or 2 hour movie...whether for gas or to pick up a few groceries, etc. However, you need to ensure the system is turned off if you are away overnight, etc. as it will kill the battery in about 24 hours (trust me). I find I just add this check to my usual check to ensure the interior lights are off...
  • ohloneohlone Member Posts: 55
    I'll bet you the dealer just took your deposit and decided he would call you when ever he had a car sitting on his lot - which is rare. Now he learns that there are no more Havasue Blue's being built? He never ordered "your" car is my guess.
  • ohloneohlone Member Posts: 55
    Newbaby:
    I couldn't transfer my Thule racks from my MBZ ML320 SUV to the Odyssey. I would of had to go buy new cross bars because the feet wouldn't slide in far enough. I went with the Odyssey cross bars since they provide a lower profile - you can still attach all your thule stuff to the honda cross bars, but you will need new clamp ons.

    I've abandoned putting bikes on top and opted for the Thule rear mounted 4 bike rack. Life is so much easier now.

    All the items you mentioned were grossly marked up by the dealer and all are easy enough to put on yourself - so just go to Handa.com.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    I also have both a Suv and the Oddy. Around town I like the Suv. On the Highway give me the Oddy.
  • maple49maple49 Member Posts: 66
    We looked at the MDX before we bought the Odyssey. The MDX is a great vehicle. We had a couple of Jeep GC so we were very familiar with SUVs. The MDX is in a class by itself. It drove more like a sedan than an SUV.

    We bought an Odyssey because we needed a usable third row. The 3rd seat in the MDX is OK but with 2 baby seats in the second row, we would need to remove one of the seats every time someone went in and out of the 3rd row. Also, with the 3rd row up, you have very little storage space. We got an EX-L which, I think, is very nice (not quite as luxurious as the MDX but still nice). Added benefits are better gas mileage and about $7k in my pocket.

    I think the MDX is the best SUV on the market. I did not drive a Pilot (not out yet) but since it is based on the MDX platform I would think it is also a great choice. The BMW is very nice but much smaller. The Odyssey is the best van. Can't really go wrong with either one.
  • chowrchowr Member Posts: 11
    I currently lease a BMW X5 3.0 which is amazing. But once the lease is up we will probably buy an Ody EX-L Navi because of the space issue. We have two kids and everytime someone comes to visit (which is often) we have to drive two cars -- a big pain. I thought about the MDX and actually was able to use my in-laws Touring with Navi for a week during a vacation. Same experience with maple49 -- with two car seats it was a pain to get into and out of the 3rd row. Plus you couldn't bring anything with you (like a stroller) if you had to go anywhere. I have some time before my X5 lease runs out to get all the fun out of my system and to get over my aversions to Mini-vans. At this point, I think the Ody will best fit my needs unless someone out there can make an Ody with AWD. Now that would be my ideal car.
  • birdstrikebirdstrike Member Posts: 1
    I see that a center console will be standard on the 03 models. I'd like to get one added to my 02 EX-L. Haven't seen them yet out on the web. Anyone have any information about getting these things installed?. I had one in my 89 Aerostar and I it's a handy thing to have.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    The Town and Country have an ALL-Wheel Drive
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    ...what center console? never has been one...just the folding table.

    no, the i-ves system cannot be installed with a navi if it goes to DVD. look aftermarket...especially audiovox or, even better, clarion...the clarion system has an 8-inch screen, a TV tuner, and an FM modulator for not much more than the factory RES system.
  • chowrchowr Member Posts: 11
    I would never pay money for an American car. Sorry to say but I don't trust the big-3 reliability and I don't think that their cars can last 10+ years like a Honda can. And yes I have own American cars before (hand-me downs in my youth) and I was in the shop weekly with only 60K miles.

    I have an Accord which after it's 90K service sounded and worked like the day I bought it. Other than maintenance things, I have never brought that Accord in for anything! Knock on wood now. I'm betting on the fact that Ody will have the same reliability that Honda owners have come to expect, although I do see that "Ody problem" message board.

    I love German cars but the reliability stinks too. That's why I lease my current X5. I've owned it since 2/02 and been in the shop 4 times already for a window that stop one-touching up. Luckily, I have 3 years free maintenance and after that, I'll go back to the reliability of the Hondas. One of those "need to get out of my system" thing.
  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
    how did you make that determination?

    no, the i-ves system cannot be installed with a navi if it goes to DVD. look aftermarket...especially audiovox or, even better, clarion...the clarion system has an 8-inch screen, a TV tuner, and an FM modulator for not much more than the factory RES system.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    There are all American cars as they are built over here. Bought my daughter an 89 Ford Tempo to be used in High school and College. She has long graduated and I now use it as a work car and it just turned 155000 miles. Sold my 90 Corsica to someone at work and it now has 146000 miles and my son is driving my dads 89 buick as a work car and it now has 134000. These three cars have been virtually trouble free. Prior to purchasing the 02 Ody I talked to my local Honda Service manager(not where I bought it) and he informed me that the 99--01 vans have had some problems and since I will be entering the retirement mode, he suggested I purchase the extended warranty as parts and labor are expensive. So thereI am the first time ever purchasing an extended warranty for a vehicle that claims reliability as its claim to fame. In my travels I do see a few Accords on the roadside with red flags on. One thing I do like about the American based cars is I can purchase the colors and options of my choice. I wonder if Honda will ever offer that choice. Probably not in my lifetime.
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    ...if the ives system goes to DVD, then there is no room for the player in the dash...they may put the dvd in the extra console, as was the vcp, but if it goes in the dash, then its a no-go to have it with the navi. the clarion system is in the dash, but its a much smaller face, and has room in the dash with the navi screen.
  • rseaderrseader Member Posts: 1
    I know this question has been addressed more than hundred times but where can I go to purchase an extended warranty at the best price. I understand there is a thread somewhere on here that lists dealers willing to sell at a discount. Help?

    I have a 2000 LX with 32,000 miles. So far no problems but I want the warranty so I can sleep at night and not worry about the tranny going and having to fork over $3k+.
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    the on,y place to get a honda warranty is at a honda dealer...most warranty discounts come at the point of sale, so you may not get much of a discount...however, all honda dealers honor this warranty.

    you can save money if you get an aftermarket warranty, but you take the chance of dealers not honoring it, and you may have a deductible.

    the honda warranty may cost you more, but it may also give you the peace of mind you are looking for.
  • tysonsk1tysonsk1 Member Posts: 5
    Re. fuel efficiency. Does anybody know if the odyssey's rear "A/C" is a separate A/C UNIT or just a blower (fan).

    I know a lot of people complain about fuel efficiency not being up to snuff. I wonder if it is because the Odys have to fuel 2 A/C units instead of just one.

    Along those lines - my gut feeling is that the A/C (in the front) is always running, regardless of temperature, semi-auto or full auto - unless you hit the "A/C off" button. The reason the default may be A/C on non-stop is that it is useful to dehumidify anytime and speeds up defrosting when you have the heat up.

    Our Canadian government Natural Resources Department quotes an increased fuel consumption of up to 20% for 1 A/C unit in city driving.

    ?Is this the reason why some people's fuel efficiency is so much lower than EPA estimate???
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There are some warranty sources listed in the link in this post:

    billg7 Feb 8, 2001 7:27pm

    Not sure how accurate the links are anymore, so usual disclaimers :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • wardmwardm Member Posts: 23
    Bowke.

    What is the suggested retail on the 7/100,000 mile Honda Care plan and what would be a good price to pay? I noticed the figure of $895 quoted from 3 dealers on the link that Steve mentioned. Is this for the 7/100,000 and is it a good price?

    Honda's site indicates that the Honda Care plans can be purchased anytime during the cars warranty period. Do you pay more later on, say at 24,000 miles?

    I’m also planning on getting some accessories. Can you enlighten me on what I should be paying for the installation of the following options:

    Fog lights
    Wood Grain Steering Wheel
    CD Changer (under seat)
    Subwoofer
    Towing Package kit with ATF and Power Steering cooler

    Also, if I purchase the parts from a place like HandA.com, will the dealer install? Will it be covered under warranty? If I buy the parts from HandA and install myself, will they be covered under the cars warranty?

    I appreciate your posts on the Edmunds forums and have found your comments to be very informative.
  • banddexpressbanddexpress Member Posts: 63
    We were either going to get a windstar or the honda mini van. What I was wondering though is I notice on alot of the mini vans like the windstar they have rear climate controls so I wasn't sure if it had just one ac and on the honda it says dual ac. So I was wondering does the windstar ac work like the hondas or would the hondas be better. Would app. response thanks for your time.
  • ragnouomoragnouomo Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had any problems or heard of any problems with the tranny in the 2002/3 model similar to those rampant in the 1999-2001 models? I am looking at buying one and I am hoping that the new transmission is a vast improvement over the last.
  • cavillercaviller Member Posts: 331
    While transmission issues may be one of the typical complaints you find on Odyssey owner forums, they may not be all that common overall.


    Our 2001 Odyssey LX has not had a reliability issue in 20k miles. Granted, that is a sample of one, but even Consumer Reports' latest online survey data gives the 2000 and 2001 Odyssey the best rating in the transmission category (full red circle), while the 1999 received the second best (half red circle). Also, Carpoint ( http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/usedrelover.aspx?make=Honda&model=Odyssey ) did not identify any particular issues for the 1999 model.


    If you are towing or hauling full loads, the cooler is certainly a good idea.

  • popperpopper Member Posts: 41
    with our '00 LX. We love this van. Feels as solid as it did on day one.
  • bdaddybdaddy Member Posts: 171
    Most minivans have dual AC. Why you would consider a Winstar is beyond me (look at the reliability of the thing and consider resale).

    I have heard of one problem with an 02 tranny. I agree with Cavailler, tranny problems on 99-01 are blown out of proportion, especially if your source data is Edmunds Honda Problems board. My theory is that with the scarsity of Honda vans out there, especially in the first 2-3 years, consumers were forced to the web as a source of pricing and product availability information. This has resulted in Honda vans owners being more inclined to communicate and post problems on web chat sites than owners of other minivans. Oh well, sounds good anyway.

    02 and 03 models incorporate a redesigned, 5 speed tranny.
  • deepandeepan Member Posts: 342
    I am not sure about the odyssey but on the sienna with rear a/c it has one compressor and two evaporator coils. the front A/c button controls the compressor and has to be turned on for the rear a/c to work. I suspect it would be the same with the other vans.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Bbdaddy, haven't heard the "communicate" theory before, but it would explain why discussions like Why is the Odyssey So Over Represented in these topics? were active a couple of years ago. Works for me!



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Rented a 2002 Ford Windstar in Vegas for my daughters wedding temperature 110. My wife and I both agree we were glad we chose the Oddy. The A/C couldn't keep up with the High temperature, it also was a gas guzzler. We got much better performance from the Dodge Caravan we rented 10 months prior. My Sister who lives in Vegas has a 2001 Ody and the van handles the heat very well. I wish Hertz would rent Oddy's but we all know why. Next time I will request a Dodge Caravan.
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    im not a finance mgr, so im not sure about pricing on warranties, or their coverage, but $895 sounds like a good price for any 7/100 warranty. just make sure you get it before the original warranty expires, or the price goes up.

    as for the accessories, i CAN help...

    1. fog lights $699 installed
    2.steering wheel $200-$300 installed
    3.changer $699 installed
    4.subwoofer $350-$500 installed
    5.towing pkg $995 installed

    price is the same whether you buy from honda.com or from the dealer. make sure you document prices from the net so the dealer doesnt gouge you though...never know what dealer you are dealing with.

    no, dont install yourself...especially electronics. the part is warranteed, but if, say, the foglight comes loose...its all on you. if you get all this done by the dealer, then any issues are completely on honda...let them worry.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    I'm also the proud owner of a 2001 EX with 30,000 miles and no hint of tranny troubles. I'd like to think that Honda had worked out most of the "kinks" in the 4-speed tranny by the time they were rolling the 2001's off the line. The number of serious tranny-related complaints from 2001 owners has certainly been close to non-existant on this board (and another that I frequent). Although I love the advantages that a 5-speed transmission offers, it usually takes a few years to work out the bugs in a new design...
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    If its past 36000, the bugs will be at your expense.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    the 7-year 60,000 mile extended warranty I bought (which was more for the power doors than the tranny).
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    I also bought the extended warranty. The first time ever. Its like pulling teeth to try to get Honda to pay for something out of warranty.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Don't mean to alarm everyone, but check this out:


    http://makeashorterlink.com/?k559111C1

  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    on another forum. Kinda scary. Funny thing is, I've heard about most of the types of tranny failures and failure symptoms on the 99-02 Ody, but nothing like this sudden downshifting. That would definitely wake me up on my morning commute!!

    dchopp: This was also the first time I had ever bought an extended warranty. I ended up also buying one for my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder (which has been absolutely bulletproof to date). It's just getting too expensive these days to fix vehicles, especially with power doors, traction control, ABS, all-wheel drive, etc., etc.
  • tysonsk1tysonsk1 Member Posts: 5
    Yeah, this transmission issue is a real drag. You read so much re. this on the boards, there's been all kinds of discussion re. whether the problem rates are skewed.

    The article clarifies this - 1.6% replacement rate (16,000 of 1,000,000)for the problem Acura and Honda transmissions. Honda admits this is high.

    We got our Ody 2 months ago. Wonder if it is part of the "problem-cured" series - anyone know which VIN numbers incorporate the fix?

    Re. ext.warranty - I also have never purchased an ext. warr until this vehicle. This is highly ironic given the Honda name and the fact that I paid full MSRP here in Canada.

    This proven Honda transmission problem is the reason why we went for the ext warr (7/160k - $1336 CDN)

    I wish everybody good luck on their trannys. Cross your fingers.
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    Sigh! All this talk makes me long for a manual tranny on my van, lol.
  • cavillercaviller Member Posts: 331
    "The article clarifies this - 1.6% replacement rate (16,000 of 1,000,000)for the problem Acura and Honda transmissions. Honda admits this is high."

    Consumer Reports gives its best category reliability rating when problem rates are from 0 to 2%, a full red circle. The next best is a half-red circle, 2 to 5%. Granted, this would encompass more than failures, basically anything defined as serious by a CR subscriber.

    This seems to give some support to my claim that while these problems are among the more typical of those found on the Odyssey, they are not as rampant as some people may conclude by reading owner complaint forums.

    Presumably, if it does become a rampant problem, we will all be awarded an extended warranty to cover specific transmission problems related to the failures. Most vehicles suffer from at least a few typical problems, which are easily found on owner's complaint forums. Toyota minivans had their engine sludge issues, Chryco vans had chronic transmission complaints for years in the mid and late 90s and Windstar's had a bout of engine problems in the mid 90s. You makes your choice, you takes your chances- and though every model will have lemons, most new vehicles are pretty reliable.
  • xafxaf Member Posts: 37
    The transmissions in question are for models from 2000 to 2002. They have had to replace 16,000 transmissions on vehicles that should have low mileage, the average driver only puts about 15,000 miles on in a year.

    What does the future hold when the mileage begins to accumulate on these transmission, and warranties have expired. I think the resale value of these vehicles may be less than hoped for as these cars age.
  • cavillercaviller Member Posts: 331
    "The transmissions in question are for models from 2000 to 2002. They have had to replace 16,000 transmissions on vehicles that should have low mileage, the average driver only puts about 15,000 miles on in a year.

    What does the future hold when the mileage begins to accumulate on these transmission, and warranties have expired. I think the resale value of these vehicles may be less than hoped for as these cars age."


    If, as you claim, many of these failures are early life failures at low mileage, then the future may not be as bad as you suggest.

    Most manufactured parts and assemblies tend tend to exhibit many failures early in life, perhaps from sub-standard parts, materials, etc. This often corresponds to the first phase of warranties on most products, often 90 days on electronics or 12/12k on vehicles where almost everything is covered.

    This is followed by a long period of relatively few failures, which is sometimes correlated to the remaining warranty, perhaps the extra year on parts for electronics or the bumper to bumper warranty on vehicles which may go to 36k, 50k or more.

    Then the failure rate goes up again as parts wear out from accumulated stress due to heat cycles or other means at the end of life, usually not covered by most warranties.

    While this "Bathtub Curve" doesn't apply to all systems, it does apply to a wide variety of mechanical and electrical products.

    If, as the article suggests, some sub standard bearings or clutch packs were used, then it is quite likely that the faulty parts will shake out as failures in the infant mortality period. The remaining majority will remain fairly reliable until mechanical wear causes end of life failures.

    These issues concerned me enough to change my transmission fluid at 20k, at a cost of about $10 and an hour of time. I did the same with our '95 Chrysler Cirrus which had the notoriously unreliable 41TE/42LE transmission (though ours never had a problem in the 50k+ we owned it). Unless the failure rates are above 10%, I'm not going to be too concerned about it. Granted, I don't usually buy vehicles based on perceived reliability or resale value. Safety and convenience are more important to me.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    My feeling is that if I could buy a vehicle with a demonstrated serious problem rate of 1.6%, I'd consider those fantastic odds, given that the overall reliability reputation of Honda is great.

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  • steelengsteeleng Member Posts: 71
    I agree that a 1.6% failure rate is not a big deal. The biggest thing that concerns me about this news is the failure mode. If somebody happens to be cornering hard (highly possible in some of the models using these transmissions) when this downshift happens it could easily lead to loss of control. This is more of a safety issue than a reliability issue.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    the WAY it fails is a huge concern. I wonder if there is a consensus as to telltale preamble symptoms that owners can be alert for so at least one would know when to take the vehicle off the road for diagnosis and repair.

    With both an '02 Accord V6 and an '01 CL-S in our household I'm just a wee bit nervous right about now!
  • tysonsk1tysonsk1 Member Posts: 5
    "My feeling is that if I could buy a vehicle with a demonstrated serious problem rate of 1.6%, I'd consider those fantastic odds, given that the overall reliability reputation of Honda is great."

    This is the **reported** failure rate.

    One thing I've noticed on some of the boards (OdyClub included)is how subtle some of the symptoms are of transmission problems that ultimately lead to replacement.

    Obviously, there are a lot of owners who are much more mechanically inclined than I who can pick up these signs and have them tended to.

    On the other hand, I'm sure that there are a large number of owners who are unaware of this issue entirely and/or lack the mechanical savvy to pick them out.

    Also re. wear and tear / time issues, we'll have to see if this rate of 1.6% holds, increases or decreases.

    ? Anybody know what VIN's have had the clutchpack fixed, or where this info could be found?

    Thanks

    '02 EX-L, Canadian built, took delivery mid July'02
  • oregonduck1oregonduck1 Member Posts: 1
    Our dealer had a 2003 Havasu Blue EX scheduled for delivery, and we ordered it. He called later to say that the color was "constrained" in manufacture and that he had no way of knowing when it would become available. A friend said that the color was listed as available for the 2002 but never produced to her knowledge. I've seen a Havasu Blue Pilot. What's going on? Should I switch colors so that I can get the van before Thanksgiving?
  • alindaalinda Member Posts: 67
    the color was produced around june for the 02s. our dealership saw 2 of them total. Right now, all we're getting from Honda is silver and red, with one beige thrown in for good measure. we have no word on when havblu is showing up, and no dealers in our state show it as even incoming over the next 2 months. i've got some pretty irked customers, myself. sorry.
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    Although the sudden downshift of a failed tranny poses a safety hazard, I think the bigger issue would be WHO in the minivan when this happens!

    Imagine a family tooling down the freeway when this happens. Freeway speeds are much higher than street speeds, and colissions are much more fatal. If a family were to be destroyed by such an accident, Honda might as well pack up their bags and discontinue the Odyssey from all the negative press.

    Yes, 1.6% is a low probability, but I bought my minivan knowing it was the best and safest minivan on the road (for 2000) for my family. Honda should at the very least have a program in place to test or check for these potential tranny problems before it fails completely and real people die from this.

    On the economic side to this, Honda should also step up their production for replacement trannys. I've heard downtimes of over a month for some tranny replacements. That's a ludicrously long time to wait for a $25+K vehicle!
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Honda should do this or Honda should do that. I agree,but the whole truth is if it cost money, Honda will not do it. Like everything else in this country, so many people have to die before anything gets done.
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    I am looking at the release that I received from Honda on Saturday.

    Odyssey leather and color restraint...62% for EXL, EXL/RES and EXL/NAV. Havasu is not to be included in this allocation. Availability of Havasu Blue will improve in January when Alabama begins to paint it.

    Hope this helps.

    Jerry
  • cavillercaviller Member Posts: 331
    "Imagine a family tooling down the freeway when this happens. Freeway speeds are much higher than street speeds, and colissions are much more fatal. If a family were to be destroyed by such an accident, Honda might as well pack up their bags and discontinue the Odyssey from all the negative press."

    Of course, the Explorer and Firestone Wilderness tires still exist, despite the real dangers of that issue. SUV rollovers kill people every day, yet people still snap them up in the showrooms with hardly a thought to the risk of death or injury which could be avoided with another vehicle choice.

    Personally, the remote odds of a transmission failing unexpectedly on the road and possibly leading to a sudden downshift don't bother me. Proven problems with tires and brakes and steering problems that have high rates of failure would bother me...

    If you see a rash of news stories regarding fatalities or injuries from this scenario, then maybe it's time to start a panic. Until then, I won't be losing any sleep over it, and I buckle my kids in our Odyssey every day...
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