Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

donbroer

I normally keep my third seat down to transport golf clubs, etc.
When the van was new I went to Home depot and puchased some heavy weight carpeting to put over the back area of the van to keep it clean. This works out very well, easily removed for cleaning or when you want to use the third seat.
I spent around $20-25 for the carpeting. Also if it gets too dirty, it can be easily replaced.

pat84

I like your list of world class cars that your relatives have owned. BTW I also owned a Datsun 510 station wagon. After I re adjusted the engine to not have to be in 3rd or 4th gear and have the accelerator more than 2/3 of the way down to shift to the advanced (second ) set of points, and to always run on the advanced set, the gas milage greatly improved and its performance got better, too.
It was one of the best vehicles I ever owned. I bought it new in 72, put 66 K miles on it and sold it used for $300 less than I paid for it new 4 years later. That was a world class car IMHO.
I wish them the best with their Odyssey.

pat84

What you asked for was the pros and cons of the Odyssey.
I have 34 K miles on my 99 Ex. The last tank of gas with 30 % highway 70% stop and go commuting gave me 20.5 MPG The "needs fuel" light came on and I filled it 20 miles later. It took 17.334 gallons. I have not had one problem with it. It handles very well, holds the road exceptionally well, and does great in the snow.
Cons: (IMHO.)
The stereo system needs much improvement.
The roof rack cross bars need star bits to adjust (really user unfriendly).
I would like to see a truly variable speed rear window wiper and a rear washer that did more than dribble. The Daimler Chrysler vans front window wiper heaters should be at least optional (on all cars) on the ODY.
I would also like a "lock the doors at 16 MPH" system (also found on the DC vans).

rogerberkowitz

Has anyone seen any rust forming on their Ody's yet? I have a 99 Dark Green EX that's been subjected to a god-awful Minnesota winter (record road salt useage). I could have sworn that I saw some pin-head sized rust spots on the lower door panels while washing yesterday. Now they are gone, I applied a coat of wax to the lower panels.

What's the rust-through warranty on this?

Anyone?

ndboomer

Question: Can anyone offer specific recomendations for "breaking in" the new van? The dealer didn't offer any specifics. Does Honda offer recomendations?

caviller

Anyone found good replacement wiper blades? I'm looking for a quality replacement for the whole blade. I've cleaned the rubber, but I'm still finding the OEM wipers are leaving areas uncleaned, and it's worse at highway speeds. I think they are lifting off the glass, and hoping that a replacement with a wind spoiler might improve things. I'd appreciate any comments on brands and sizes. Thanks.

rrr54

You can get wiper blades at hondapartsforyou.com. Ask for Amy. She will meet or beat other prices and shipping is included. I've made several purchases and have been very satisfied with the service.

geb1

We try to baby our 2000 EX by avoiding inclement weather but... I got caught in a light shower this weekend and really found myself longing for an intermittent rear wiper. It is now a standard feature, right?
Is it possible to retrofit the 2001 wiper control to an alder model? What's involved: switch, controller, wiring??
Trevor or Auburn63, any thoughts on the subject??

robr2

geb1 - I asked my dealer and he stated that it involves changing the wiring harness from the switch on the lever all the way to the rear. I presumed it would just be a timer relay.

Maybe Y2KOdyssey has played with this.

johng14

Are the parts sold, original Honda parts. I'm thinking in ordering the cargo tray, but I want to be sure it is a Honda part.

thanks

caviller

Incidentally, many people (myself included) posting at www.honda-odyssey.com have had good prices and service from HandA-Accessories.com. I actually bought replacement OEM rubber refills from them, but what I want is an improved aftermarket blade, preferable one with a wind "spoiler" which will help keep it on the glass. Our other cars have had these one the OEM blades, though sometimes only on the driver's side. Don't know why Honda omitted them.

ndboomer

We just picked up our new 2001 Silver Ody LX this weekend. Thanks for the opinions on this web site as most were quite helpful in reaffirming my decision. For what it is worth, I will share my opinions regarding the decision and purchase process in case it can help anyone else in a similar positions.

I was hoping to avoid a van because I feel that sedans/wagons: 1) handle better 2) are generally more reliable and 3) are generally more economical to operate (fuel). That being said, I realized that a van was the best choice for my family (2 kids, 2 dogs, car pools, etc). My wife put the decision in my hands because, as she often reminded me, "It's just a van. It doesn't make any difference to me.' Now that's pressure!!

Like many, my choices came down to the Sienna or the Odyssey. I felt comfortable with either due to positive experiences with both Toyotas and Hondas. We currently have a Camry as our other car and love it. The following are what swayed me to Honda:

$$$ Price:
Even deeply discounted, a Sienna LE was over $1,500 more than the Honda. The Toyota salesman naturally tried to convince me that I was a fool to pay full retail for a van and that he was giving me the better deal. I don't like the idea of paying full boat for a new car either, but the fact is my Ody LX cost significantly less than the Sienna, and I like the Honda better.

Room:
The only draw back to the larger van would have been if I found it awkward to drive. As it turns out, the Honda has a tighter turning radius than the Sienna and the road manners are quite good. I also found the 2nd and 3rd seats in the Sienna to cramped, particularly the headroom.

Folding 3rd row seats:
After a couple of years of removing a 3rd row bench in a Chrysler T&C, I vowed never to do it again. Both the Sienna and ODY offered better alternatives than the old Chrysler, but the disappearing 3rd seat on the Honda was a better configuration for us.

Safety
Perhaps a wash, but the Honda was rock solid in every safety rating I could find. The safety of these vans (either one) was the most compelling reason for me to upgrade from the old Chrysler.

Depreciation:
I originally hoped to purchase a late model used van in hopes of saving lots of cash, but I was shocked at how expensive they were. Even the older body style Odysseys were fetching a pretty steep price. While I understand that cars are not an appreciating asset, I am confident that the Ody would hold its value better than most.

Reliability:
Again, this may be a wash. I know Consumer Reports rated the Sienna slightly higher, but I beleive that is due mainly to the problematic electrical options (power doors, etc.) that I avoided by buying the LX instead of the EX. Time will tell on this issue.

Minutia:
I was far less concerned about what I considered "minor details" that have been extensively debated on these pages.. Perhaps my wife said it best "IT IS JUST A VAN", not a luxury/sports car. If those other considerations were of primary importance, I would have been looking at a Mercedes E320 AWD Wagon. My primary buying criteria were: safety, value, comfort, reliability, adequate features and good road manners. The Honda excelled in every category and was less expensive than the Sienna. The final choice was easy for me, but I'm sure I would have been happy with the Sienna as well.

Misc:
Price: $23,900, $440 delivery, $219 Remote Locks
Financing: Was going to opt for E-Loans 7.29% rate, but dealer found 6.9% through Chase.
Availability: LXs are still tougher to find but getting better. EXs were in stock at both local Honda dealers. I wasn't even on a list when a dealer called offering me the LX that just came in that was still not spoken for.

Sorry about the length. I hope someone finds it helpful.

ztzz

"Your Question: Can anyone offer specific recomendations for "breaking in" the new van? The dealer didn't offer any specifics. Does Honda offer recomendations?"

When I picked up my Odyssey, the salesman told me to just avoid sudden braking and acceleration during the first 1,000 miles. Also not to exceed 75 mph, and not to stay at one speed for an extended period of time.

Hope this helps.

neech7

"Is there a way to change the climate control display from Fahrenheit to Celsius?"

If you can get hold of a Canadian version of the Climate Control display assembly (perhaps ordering it from a Canadian Honda dealer), you should be able to change it out.

Or better still, get in touch with someone on these boards who have bought a Canadian-spec Odyssey and would like to have Fahrenheit display.

I am quite sure the various functions of the climate control system are electronically controlled (at least on my 98 Accord they are). After you remove the dash panel, you can unscrew and then unplug the cables at the back of the assembly and then reverse the whole process with the new unit.

mojo66

Great post, very informative. You can't go wrong with either of those two vans but I believe the Odyssey LX, even at sticker, is one of the best bargains out there at under $24K. Enjoy your new LX .

grplavloff

"Has anyone seen any rust forming on their Ody's yet? ....I could have sworn that I saw some pin-head sized rust spots on the lower door panels while washing yesterday. Now they are gone, ..."

When my last van was about 4 years old, I was very upset one day to find what looked like "pin-head sized rust spots" on the lower half of the front doors. I tried rubbing a few of them but they stayed. I went through the car wash about three days later, figuring that I would touch up the spots with a bit of sandpaper & paint, but they disappeared during the wash. I still don't know what they were, but I am in the western NY area where, like you, we get a lot of snow & salt.

raybear

WARRANTY
· Basic: 3 Years/36,000 Miles Drivetrain: 3 Years/36,000 Miles Corrosion: 5 Years/Unlimited Miles

mschafer

I have a couple of stone nicks on the leading edge of the front hood (bonnet). They are down to bare metal. They are rusting, and the rust is creeping under the adjacent paint.

FWIW, that "creep" is a sign of poor metal preparation prior to painting. That's my business and what I sell.

dcrisler

After putting a set of these on my truck... that is all I will use! They work great and are silent. the Odyssey does not need them yet(00' EX_Navi with 18k), but I still may put them on soon.

mschafer ... so far we are having good luck on our DVBP(the rarest and best color), but that is why I wanted the windscreen on the hood... I just cannot bear to put a green one on it. By the way my other honda (LRR) has some chips on the hood from h/w driving... however none are rusting. I guess having an Aluminum hood is a good thing.

dcrisler

Pat84 and Carlton... my Dad is still driving a sibling of that Datsun 510... his bought new 72' PL521 truck. He finally fixed that problematic distributor this week by having an electronic distributor from a 79' datsun 610 installed on it. We had long ago removed the primary points leaving only the advanced set in operation! Now if I could find him a cheap front disk brake upgrade. By the way I learned to drive in that truck. Still am in disbelief everytime he puts away in it.

scusi

Does the Honda Odyssey EX have this feature? I like that feature on my Dodge Grand Caravan. I plan on buying a Odyssey and was wondering if it is standard or an option. Anybody know?? Thanks.

drew_

I highly recommend the Bosch Micro Edge or Micro Edge Excel blades. I have the latter on my van (had the regular Micro Edges before that) and another vehicle and I find that they're excellent. Both Micro Edge and Micro Edge Excel blades are aerodynamically designed, but the Excels have completely enclosed (in rubber) tensioning springs. They're also part synthetic (rubber), which holds up better over time against the elements.

The 40% discount on the Bosch blades at one of the local autoparts stores was the icing on top of the cake ;-)

Hope this helps!

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

caviller

Thanks for the Bosch recommendations. I had dismissed Bosch, since I was not very pleased with the refills I bought for another car. The rubber was fine, but the ribs and locking clips were some of the cheapest I've seen and kept falling apart. That was a while ago, so I'll give the blade replacements a try. Incidentally, I also found out that you can buy cheap plastic spoilers that clip on any wiper blade to give a little extra downward force. Now if only I could find those or the Bosch replacements somewhere...

rattles33

Thought I'd share with you my observations after 12k miles and a vehicle inspection. Just so you know, while I try to take care of my vehicles, I consider them to be utilitarian and therefore have no big attachment to them. If they get me where I want to go- great. If they don't- then I hate to be the service station.

Nothing annoyes me to the point I regret the purchase. Doors are a little sticky at times. Hard to keep beige interior clean. Slight vibrations. A little loud at highway speed.

Check up showed no problems. Brakes seem to be wearing very well.

mukesh11

Hi,
I have a 1996 Odyssey which has a 4 cylinder 140 horsepower engine. I want to know if it's ok to tow a RV of about 1500-2000 lbs. Does any one have any towing experience with older Odyssey?
Please share it with me.

In particular, I want to know about the problems which can arise, mileage, wear and tear on the vehicle etc.

Regards,
Mukesh Kumar
mukesh11@hotmail.com

acsmith

Canadian Odys do not get the Honda warranty. period. They also have speedos in KM not MPH. Changing the speedo to the USA version can cause problems at resale, because of the Federal law regarding mileage certification. If you convert your speedo to MPH, what do you report on the resale certification? Check out post #1059--apparently border states (Washington) have a way to have the State Police certify the km at conversion.

Biggest deal, though, is no Honda warranty and Honda will not sell you the Hondacare warranty.

On the positive side, Canadian Odys have heated outside mirrors.....

neech7

Although the Ody does not have an outside temp. guage, the EX already comes with an ambient and a cabin temp. sensor for the auto climate system. If someone can figure a way to tap into the data these sensors are picking up, we may be in luck ...

caviller

Just picked up a set of the Bosch Micro Edge Excel blades for $25 at Trak. Pep Boys lied to me when I called to see if they were in stock, and made a trip there only to find them out of stock. Trak turned out to be cheaper anyway.

While they do not have a wind spoiler, they do claim to have an aerodynamic style effective at all speeds. This appears to consist of louvres in the top, which are lacking on the OEM models. Of course, I don't trust their marketing hype much. Another "feature" was that the extended durability allowed a non-refillable design. At $25 a pair, I'm not so sure non-refillable is a feature...

Anyway, I'll put 'em on tonight. The sizes listed in the catalog are 24" (driver), 21" (passenger), 17" (rear). Didn't need a rear wiper, but I'll report how the others fit. Side by side, they appear a hair longer than the OEMs.

sz1

How does the odyssey distribute the heat and A/C in the van. Are there vents in the back of the van or is the blower in the front distributng the air to the entire van?

robr2

There are aircraft style vents over each rear seat which distribute AC. There is a single vent at the rear of the van for heat. There is a control on the dash which allows Mommy and Daddy control of the rear which can be placed in a rear control mode. Those in back can then select AC or Heat and a fan speed.

Hope that helps.

diyman

"On the positive side, Canadian Odys have heated outside mirrors....."

Trevor (or anyone else) do you have any Canadian connections so that you might be able to get heated mirror parts we could replace so that those in the colder climates in the US can benefit from this (IMHO) worthy feature? Otherwise does anyone know what is involved or has anyone done this? Any Canadian friends willing to find out?

Thanks!

masshoosier

Mine used to stick. The dealer did the "slip-tape" fix to the upper and side moldings...works great, that was almost a year ago too. I have 12,000 also, bought nov. 99....we don't do a lot of driving, everwhere we need to go is within a 2-3 mile radius usually.

mschafer

There'a a very nice after market one available that also includes a compass. It's also autochroic. See: http://www.DonnellyE.com/

drew_

A couple of years ago, an auto magazine in Germany tested a few wiper blades in real world situations (ex. actually driving on the road in rain) and found that the Micro Edge Excels were the best of the bunch. With the high speeds that they drive there, I'm inclined to believe them when they say. FWIW, I have driven my can up to 140 km/hr in the rain (though just a minute and on a straight/flat road), and the blades work just fine. My other vehicle came with full length spoilers mounted on the Micro Edge Excel wiper blades to create downforce. Those seem to work well too.


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

gess

You really ought to be careful when driving your can 140 km/hr in the rain.

Just filling in for TAD while he's off having a baby.

caviller

Thanks. I installed both Bosch wipers with no problems, didn't even need the universal adapter they included. The Passenger side blade is maybe 1/2" longer than OEM, but the driver side appears exact. No missed areas with the passenger blade, so that's an immediate improvement. Perhaps the built in tensioning spring helps keep the whole blade on the glass better. Though I don't see anything wrong with the OEM blade or rubber, I suspect I got a bad one since I've never seen another complaint on Odyssey wipers. When these wear out, I'll probably try the OEMs again with the refills I bought just to verify.

rrr54

Yes. The items/accessories ordered from hondapartsforyou.com are genuine honda parts. I've used them in the past and have been pleased with their service. Live in PA and delivery was the next day.rrr554

walt43

I want to add the driver's seat height adjustment that is standard in the 2001 LX to my 2000 LX. I contacted Trevor from HandA Accessories and he stated that the parts would be about $50, but because a new seat base pad would be used I would have to remove the seat fabric from the original pad/base and install it on the new pad/base. Has anybody done this, or at least know how difficult it is to remove and replace?

binkybarnes

ya beat me to it! :-D

but, timothydavis...HE'S having the baby??? wow...now that's somethin'!

robr2

Can you elaborate on the above post?

He hasn't posted in a couple of weeks.

alan8

Hi, All. A long time ago on this discussion FAQs and links were listed at the beginning posts, with one of the links giving the best available price on the Hondacare extended warranty for the 7/100000 plan.

I'm trying to locate the best prices and cannot seem to locate the links even though I've looked through a bunch of archived discussions. Also, the way things work seemed to have changed and I don't know how to easily scan the entire discussion for posts on extended warranty prices.

Can anyone please let me know where to get the best prices or how to find past postings that discussed this. Thanks in advance and I apologize if this is a frequently asked question.

johng14

I got mine through Sam Scope Honda 800-228-9086, dealt with Emily, paid $875 for 7/100K/$0 deductible.

mojo66

Try Alton Blakley Honda in Somerset, KY -- Odyssey w/less than 12,000 miles and <1yr old
7/100,000/0 $875
6/100,000/0 $755
5/100,000/0 $665
7/75,000/0 $655
6/75,000/0 $625
5/75,000/0 $575
5/60,000/0 $465
4/60,000/0 $415
Contact is Tracy Dalton at (800)264-3275 or tdabh@yahoo.com.

sz1

How do the dealers verify miles if you buy the warranty later on? especially if buying warranty out of state.

hondaaccessory

I don't have any info other than the picture on it yet.

-Trevor

HandA-Accessories

johng14

Interested in video systems go to this site

http://dev.rosenproducts.com/btoc/autovideo.asp

I had this system isntalled in my 2001 Ody and loved it. The system comes with a VCP, 2 wireless headsets. I would love to add a Playstation 2, but have not been able to buy one at a reasonable price.

ztzz

Trevor,

Is the video system a Honda OEM for the Odyssey or an aftermarket supplier? Do have an idea on when it will be available?

This looks very interesting.

hondaaccessory

Yes, it from Honda. The info I saw on it had April for the release date, but I'm not sure if it is still on schedule for then or not.

-Trevor

ztzz

Thanks Trevor.

ny11111

I have been reading these forums for about five months. I picked up my GG EX in December and have attempted several small projects: leather steering wheel cover, cassette player, and a TV stand for a 9" TV/VCR. I know about the service manual available for the Ody, but I'd like to know if any other sources of information for projects exist. I'm asking for Ody newsletters, clubs, technical manuals, other web sites, etc. I've picked up a lot here at Edmunds, but I'd sure like to get other information.