Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

vanman441

Opinions please: GG or SS?
GG is the most popular color, likely good for interest in terms of resale.
SS looks sleek, but I am concerned about getting too dirty. My white car is a mess, while even dirty GG vans (seen many on the road) seem to look OK at a glance.
Also, what color is SS interior?
Thx!

hotspur

...is a soft grey, with maybe a slight hint of mauve in it (we have it in our CSS Ody). The GG interior is called fern, a darker grey with a slight hint of green.

ztzz

John,
In response to your querry, "Ody newsletters, clubs, technical manuals, other web sites, etc." I also have been reading the Edmunds forum on Odyssey since last December. The Helm Service Manual for $66 +s/h is an excellent resource for DIY projects. I haven't come across any Ody newsletters, but I have visited other sites that have Odyssey info. If your interested, you can email me and I can share them with you.

ny11111

Why not just post the links? I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd appreciate more Odyssey sites to visit.

odygirl1

I did post some links but they aren't showing up now.

odygirl1

apparently you can't post links to other sites.

I was sent this after I posted them.
_________________________________________________
Your specific post has violated our Contributions and Participant Conduct regarding Solicitation/Promotion. "I agree that, except with Edmunds.com Inc.’s prior consent, I will not solicit or promote any products or services within Town Hall."
_________________________________________________

4rlane

Trevor, could you suggest a source for Honda approved cable chains?
TIA Dick

ztzz

"apparently you can't post links to other sites."

John ... That's the reason why I did not post links to other sites.

binkybarnes

robr2: i can't elaborate...i only saw gess' reference and few posts up from mine.

vanman441: i have SS, my SIL has GG. i think the grey interior looks cleaner than the fern and may actually wear better...jmho. btw, jdpowers says that silver was the most popular car color last year and they predict it will remain hot for awhile.

robr2

I missed gess' message and saw yours. Thought you had the inside poop.

gess

Tim's wife was due about 2 weeks ago. Last I heard he was working at home and was to busy for his usual surfing. He should show up eventually.

mrt7

Picking up my GG Ody LX tomorrow here in central Florida. Has anyone had good/reasonable success with finding seat covers online that match the fern interior of the GG Ody?
Thanks...

h20guy

Why bother comming to an ody page when you have been trashing ody's BIG time on the dc pages. You are losing it

dchopp

Disregard message #1781. I pushed the wrong button.
Hi! Oddy owners. I have been away for a while. Over a year. At that time Oddy owners where big on Zano Products. Do you still feel that way?

lexsar

I have been using Zaino on my '00 Dark Blue EX for about a year. The first time the prep and application takes a investment of effort and time. However, that being said, subsequent applications are easy and fast. Water just sheets off of the van when it rains. The ice and snow this winter slid off easily.

After I wash it, the finish is so shiny and deep that it is amazing. I highly recommend it.

hvan1

I am considering having the drawtite class III hitch installed on my 2000 Odyssey. Has anyone else out there installed one, and how does it look? Does it blend in, or does the stick out like a sore thumb??

I was going to have the Hidden Hitch installed, but I don't like the dealer in my area. I'd appreciate your comments.

billg7

I have been following this board every day, for about a year, I think. Don't remember the new flag symbols being explained. Since I don't see a way to add them my self, I am guessing that they are automatically added according to where your post originates from.

As soon as I post this I will know if my guess is true.

zot2

Took delivery of my new Odyssey 2 months ago. Many of the reasons for the purchase are the same ones most Ody owners cite, perceived build quality, engine power, roominess, safety etc. The last thing I thought I would have to do was to bolt on a 5 gallon reserve gas can to my lift gate so I can trek more than 350 miles on a tank of fuel. What's uuuuuup? Geeze, I get 15 mpg's from my 4.7L V8 iron block Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is not what I expected from my first Honda, and it doesn't make sense to me or my pocketbook. Before I check with my dealer, has anyone had this problem and had success with a solution. Any input would be appreciated!!

ztzz

The flag next to your user name is based on your profile. If you modify your profile to make "Your Town" public instead of private then the flag will show. The US flag will show if you select a US state. If you want to select another flag, you select that country and do not select a state.

Try it.

PS. I'm actually in New Jersey.

billg7

Thanks for the information.

me_2

When I put the two optional child tether anchors into the back of the car, these anchors gets in the way of the folding third seat. I have tried both the anchors supplied by the car seat company and by Honda, with the same problem. Is this what I should expect, that I need to REMOVE the tether anchors if I want to fold the third seat down? Thanks.

robr2

I presume you are anchoring seats in the second row to the rear hatch tether anchors. I know that the 2000 + models have tether anchors under the seat. See Page 43 of the manual

Can anyone advise on 1999 models.

niebur

Hi,

first posting here although I have lurked for some time but I could never contribute. Would like your opinion now.

We picked up our LX today. Went over the very helpful checklist published here and did not find any problem listed (no clunking in reverse, no pull to right etc). HOWEVER, there is one problem: The salesman told us that there had been some transport damage, somebody dropped a chain on the van during loading or unloading. He (and the sales manager whom he brought in when I started to ask questions) said that it was purely cosmetic and that it had been completely repaired. On my request, he showed (and gave) me the copy of the repair bill ($650.-, mainly labor for painting plus replacement of a 'molding' and a 'garnish,' the latter supposedly being the rubber strip over the roof carrier attachment).

The paint job was certainly done very nicely; I could not find any paint line. The only problem I could see is that the rubber molding around the windshield is peeling up slightly from behind (about 2 mm) where it meets the rubber strip over the roof carrier attachment (garnish')). The sales manager said it should not make any problems since 'the natural movement of rain' is from the front of the car and that I should simply avoid spraying water across the roof from behind when I wash the car to avoid water entry. Also, that the deformation would disappear by itself over time.

The only other defect I could find was a rattle in the rear door, sounds like someone dropped a screw in there or something. They said they would fix that the next time I came in since they did not have a mechanic on duty (picked up the van Sat afternoon). I also noticed that the brake drums (rear wheels) were really rusty but was told that this was normal in any car.

In the end, I signed all paper work and took possession of the van (one caveat: since my credit union is closed on Sat, I only signed a promissory note saying I would bring the check on Monday but I suppose this is equivalent to having given them the money).

So, here is my question to the group: did I make a mistake in accepting a car which may have problems? Should I have insisted they fix the moulding before I pay for it? At the time, the slight deformation of the windshield moulding seemed like a minor problem but when I later thought about it I was no longer sure that the rain know how it should 'move naturally.'

Perhaps more importantly, should I have negotiated a lower price for the van since it was damaged and repaired?

Other than that, it looks like a really nice vehicle. Other stats: paid MSRP, entered waiting list last October, paid deposit in December. Only option we bought was the Hondacare warranty 7/100K/0 which I got for 885.- after I told them I could buy it for this price on the internet (this group sure saved me a bundle there!).

cincy_ody_mike

Hi all,
I just joined the group and expect to pick up my 2001GG EX Ody in 3 - 4 weeks here in Cincinnati. I've seen postings where people refer to a checklist to use to evaluate the vehicle at pickup, but I have been unable to find it on the message board. I tried scanning the first 100 or so messages, but I have a slow connection and going through 1700+ messages would take me all day. Can anyone either post the list, post a link to it, or email it to me @ buczkomr@hotmail.com. Thanks.

stever

Check out billg7's message here for the link:

billg7 Feb 8, 2001 7:27pm

Steve
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billg7

Since you waited about 4 months to get the car I would have accepted the car myself. I would save a copy of the repair bill, as proof that it was damaged before you bought it. If that molding does not go back to where it was, within one month, I would have them do it over. No reason for you to have to be extra careful about getting water in there for the rest of the cars life.

When you added paint to a car after it had been manufactured it use to not stick to the car quite as well. They use to heat the metal body before they applied the paint and you can't heat it that hot, or you will burn something, after the car is built. This use to fuse the paint into the metal. So there is a possibility that that area might not be as durable as the original. This use to be a problem anyway, about 25 years ago. Maybe it is not a problem today.

When you take possession of the van it is yours. I would not be concerned about it. At the most it will be a minor problem. I was just covering all the potential problems I could think of for you.

masshoosier

Something must be up with your van if your talking highway driving. Most of us seem to be getting anywhere between 22-25 on the highways. I get 28 sometimes when traveling in the midwest on the long flat sections where there is no wind or a tailwind. The city is a different story, i'm lucky to pull 14 with my in town driving but its very extreme stop and go however.

gsarchet

Dear Fellow Helpful members,

I just picked up (last week) a LX (with rook rack, cargo liner tray, cd player) and had a very nice purchase experience at Jacobs Twin Honda in Chicago, with salesman Mike Bartosz. Very fair deal, a bit below MSR and discounted add-ons.I waited 8 weeks for the car. No pulling to the right or reverse clunk that I can detect.

johnnymd

We bought an Ody. Paid the asked price which was less than MSRP. The deal was completed. After 10 days, dealer called us to inform that he has charged us less, made a mistake and asked us to pay additional amount to make-up MSRP. He has already cashed our original check. Do I really owe him anything. We are mad at his unprofessionalism. Can he do anything by law? We do not want to pay anything. Any advice. Thanks,

Johnny

billg7

If you have a signed contract with both the dealer and you then thats your price. If you have a signed contract and have the car, then there is nothing the dealer can do. A deal is a deal and a contract is a contract. It works both ways. You can't ask for a lower price on the car after you have signed the contract either. Actually in some states if you have a signed contract by both parties and the car has not been delivered you can probabily walk away but the dealer can't unless the contract says he can.

The bottem line is if you have a signed contract by both parties then that is your price and that would easily hold up in a court of law. If the dealer caused you problems you could get a lawyer and collect damages. Tell the dealer you expect him to live up to the contract or you will get a lawyer and sue him if he makes trouble for you.

mtsang

I have a '99 Ody EX with 21K miles on it running on factory Affinity tires. I noticed that the inside AND outside of the front (L and R) tires are much more worn than the center area. The wear on the rear tires are normal and even. I always check my tire pressure and maintain it to 37psi (factory spec = 35 psi). The steering is normal, i.e. not off-centered or pull. I am considering getting a front wheel alignment but really don't think it will correct the problem.

Does anybody have this issue or any suggestions on what to try/do? Thanks.

Mike

pat84

I consider you welcome here. You are one of the really long time Edmunds posters and have offered some good advice in this forum.
I really do hope your relatives enjoy their Odyssey.

sbelfield

just a test.

sbelfield

I changed it and it did not show the flag...

rockycow

At about 9K miles I had the suspension checked on my Ody since there was a pull to the left. The readings were so far out of spec that the subframe had to be adjusted to bring the suspension in to spec. Only the left rear tire was within specs. Honda eventually gave me a new set of Mich MX4's. Everyone should check their tire wear closely.
Happy motoring -Rockycow

stever

It looks like you have "USA" selected as the country in your profile. Try logging off Town Hall and coming back in.

Steve_
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sz1

I would like to hear from Odyssey owners as to what mileage they are getting city and highway. I want to see if people are getting the same mileage or if the results are really far apart.

Thanks.

hgani

mtsang - based on your description, I'd say your tires are under-inflated, check the tire pressure with a good pressure gauge and be sure it is 35psi. If the center is worn more than the sides, it indicates over-inflation. If you have alignment or suspension problem, you'll see either scalloping problem (high & low on one side), inner side worn more than outer side (negative camber or excessive toe-in) or outer side worn more than inner side (positive camber or excessive toe-out).

Unlike most Honda cars which use double wishbones, Odyssey uses MacPherson front suspension setup which do not have adjustment for cambers, so what's left is toe-in and toe-out which rarely needs adjustment unless you have modified your suspension.

Hope this help.

sbelfield

I'm trying my flag once more

stever

Looks like you got it up the flagpole at last :-)

Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

mtsang

I have a good tire pressure gauge. So, I don't think the psi is being mis-read. To compensate for the wear pattern, I have now intentionally over-inflate to 38 psi. Strange problem?!

Mike

ryu

ut_ski_bum

I'm consistently getting about 20 in town (combined highway and city I/ mostly city and hills) and got 26 on a recent road trip averaging 75mph. My '96 Accord with the 2.2L gets 28-30 so I'm quite pleased with Odd considering the additional weight.

acsmith

01 Ody EX delivered 1/31/01:
20 - 22 mpg combined city and highway (commuting to office). 24 - 26 mpg on the Interstates at 70 with gentle acceleration, etc. 18 - 20 mpg city only (start and stop, traffic, running errands, etc.)

Location: Washington, DC area, weather generally in the 40s. Month = February/March '01. Gas: regular only.

billg7

A good way, I believe, to compare gas mileage is to look at what Consumer Reports got. They use a standard test route On the Odyssey they got city/highway 12/30 mpg and 19mpg overall, and 19 seems to be about the average people are getting on the Odyssey. For the other mini vans they got overall FW 11/24, 17; CV 12/27, 19; DGC 11/27, 17;TS 12/26, 18. So the Odyssey compares well with other mini-vans. If you do a lot of your driving in the city your mileage is going to go down. As an example of a car which does not do well. On a 1999 GMC Yukon they got 8/21, 16.

blatch

With my 00 LX with 10,900 miles, I'm getting 22-24 mpg city and freeway driving. I use only 87 octane reg fuel. Had the pulling to the right and vibration at the beginning but dealer changed tires to michelin which corrected the problem. So far, very pleased!

niebur

Thanks for the help. I went to talk to the dealer and they offered to lower the price a bit, to compensate me for the fact that my van is not completely new anymore. I thought this was a fair arrangement and I am happy with the deal.

binkybarnes

i have consistently been getting about 22.25 mpg in normal around town with some freeway driving. about a month ago, i finally broke the 23 mpg barrier and was pretty happy. however, on this very last tank, it dropped to 19.5 mpg and i'm at a loss as to the reason why because our driving is almost consistently the same week after week. now, on 100% freeway driving, it doesn't improve much at all, only about 2 to 4 mpg more. i use only 87 octane from costco. overall, i'm very pleased although i'll be curious to see what the current tank yields.

johnnymd

This is in continuation with message# 1792. Thanks for the response Billg7. Dealer called us back again today and told us that he made a mistake in the deal. We picked up the car 9 days back, and deal was closed the same day. He threaten us today that if we do not pay the extra amount he will not be sending the Title papers to State of IL. Basically he is telling us that he has the title for the Odd. Can he do this? He has already cashed my check. Any opinion or advice from fellow Odd owners. Thanks

dave84

What is the figure for the price of the van on the sales contract? If you gave the dealer the correct amount of $ as per the figure on the sales contract, then you are done. If the dealer says a mistake was made on the contract, too bad, so sorry, the deal has been executed. If he continues to hold your title paper work hostage, offer to introduce him to your attorney. This is nothing less than extortion.

If, on the other hand, the finance person that took your check and/or processed your trade (if there was one) made an error and collected too little money from you from what the sales contract specified, then I would think that your conscience (and probably the law as well) would dictate that you need to pay the additional money to meet the terms of the contract, even though you are already in possession of the van.

Please let us know what happens. By the way, who/where is the dealer?