Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

DTKWOK

Suggestion: Sell your Odyssey, get something else that you think you'll like and move on with life (I mean that with all due respects) or go to a different dealer. Heck, as a consumer, you do have some degree of control, use it.

ateixeira

Change dealers, for sure.

Fix the tranny and it'll probably also take care of the mileage. For the fogging, run the A/C compressor to dehumidify the interior, that helps.

Hope you have better luck from now on.

-juice

donsell

I don't understand the problem with other van owners reading and participating in the Odyssey forum. If you read any forum you'll find the same thing. Some people like to bash the van they didn't chose so they can feel better about the van they did chose Other people like to provide honest feedback to help other make an objective decision. Odyssey owners do the same thing.

2004runner

If you own an Odyssey, good for you. You made a wise choice amongst minivans. If you didn't and chose, say the Toyota Sienna - well good for you, too. Like everything else, all minivans are not the same - each have their own strong points. In this case, the Sienna has proved a bit more reliable than the Odyssey. While the Odyssey is bigger and has a lower price tag.

The point... this forum is for everyone that wants to talk about the Odyssey. Good or bad. It's that simple. So it's confusing to me, too as to why someone who isn't 'pro-Odyssey' would get such negative feedback.

rudy123

As I mentioned in a prior post, I have both a 2001 MPV and a 2001 Ody, and I really prefer the Ody. Here are my comments:

1. Fit and finish on the MPV is really cheap. It sort of evokes a Ford Escort--lots of thin plastic. Doors and latches are lightweight and feel less sturdy than the Honda.

2. Size: the Mazda is a lot smaller. When the infant seat is installed in the middle row, I cannot have my seat back where I need it because it contacts the car seat. Not so in the Honda. My wife actually prefers the smaller size of the MPV because it is not as large, and it is easier to park, etc.

3. Power: MPV is gutless, and the tranny feels very iffy when you punch it to merge on the highway. The Ody really goes when you need it to.

My bottom line is this: I got a great deal on the MPV because they are not popular, while I got hosed on the Ody because they are flying off the lots. In fairness, the MPV is OK, and it has some of the features of the Ody (magic seat). It is OK for around town, but the larger size of the Honda, along with its power and superior fit and finish really sold me. I find myself trying to drive the MPV as much as possible because I'm putting all the miles on the Ody!

billg7

You read all the test reports and Odyssey comes out the top minivan.

So does the Odyssey have problems? Well it has areas that could be improved upon, but it is still the top minivan.

Maybe we should send our suggestions to Honda on how to improve it. I would have some. So far, I would like them to fix the spare so I can easily put air in it, or just check the air pressure in it. I would like to be able to park up against the parking stop with one front tire. I currently can't do that as I hit something under the car before I get there. So there is two things I have found so far.

Also the day may come when it is not the top minivan, as the other manufacturers are going to come out with their new models.

Bottom line: The Odyssey a very good automobile and I don't have to own a perfect car or trade it in for a better one when it comes along.

dirkdaddy

Excuse me for commenting on my last post GM vs H --- Boy, you Honda guys are touchy. I just happend to have subscribed to a number of different forums and had just bought the van about 20 hours before I logged in and read subscriptions. I guess I should have immediately unsubscribed when I bought a pre-owned GM van for about $10.8 instead of a Honda. (BTW, a used Honda van would run what $18-20or so, and you can't even get the equipment on the thing in those years you could with GM).

I guess objective opinions from another viewpoint are not appreciated.

ps. After a day driving the van, I don't regret my decision at all. It outruns my 4x4 truck, gets much better fuel milage (20-26) and is very comfortable with tons of features. The only thing I'm changing eventually would be to put custom wheels and tires on it so it will handle better. I'm not used to vans.

dave84

Yes, it's all very subjective, including the last sentance in your most recent post. And there are plenty of people who have stopped buying other minivans from companies like Ford and Chrysler to put their name on a waiting list for a Honda Odyssey. How many people who end up buying a Ford, Chrysler or GM van would have gone with the Odyssey if one had been immediately available? Probably quite a few. How many people who end up buying an Odyssey would have gone with a Ford, Chrysler or GM van if one had been immediately available? None, because there's no supply issue with the domestics.

Your reasons for buying the van you did are personal, and you shouldn't have to defend them to anyone. So please stop trying to rationalize your choice to the Odyssey owners.

stever

We already have Honda vs. ______ comparison forums on Town Hall. This discussion seems to be overloaded with "vs" commments recently - if you want to talk about the Caravan or Sienna, fine, but please do so in a more appropriate forum.

There's plenty to discuss about the Odyssey without comparing every feature to how another make handles mirrors or armrests, and we could certainly use a bit less sniping in here.

/grumble/

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

mojo66

Amen to that. It's a stinkin' minivan, for crissakes. A year ago I was excited about our new Odyssey (still trouble-free after 18K mi.) but I think I'm getting a lot closer to a mid-life crisis because being thrilled about owning an Odyssey isn't cutting it anymore. Maybe my neighbors' new M3 has something to do with it....

inky

Please, you can make your point without muffled blashempy --this time of year especially consider others. You are correct just a hunk of metal and plastic.
My 2002 trip report via Redrock EX. One week old and 1500 miles. I owned a 99 EX that I sold after accident and can report the 2002 is better in many ways. 1. The sound system is adequate (note adequate for avg folks) 2. Engine and tranny are well mated and the 1-2 lunge is gone. I was driving 75 mph at 2000 rpm. 3. My mileage with wonderful .96 cent gas on the trip was 25 mpg with fully loaded van-first tank was 15 mpg in city. 4. Brakes are nominally better but not in Sienna league (Sienna has rear drums) hmmmn. 5. After about 1k miles I finally floored it to pass up a mountain and wow. My wife was watch TV in the back and said I thought I was on the space shuttle. In short, we are very pleased. Oh, and our 99 had zero problems other then the accident.
Good cheer to all
INKY

shaners

I traded my '00 Olds Silhouette "Premier" on my new Odessey. Sticker on the Olds was $32+K, and I got $17500 on trade against MSRP with only 9K miles on the Olds. I attribute this to 2 things. One I was trading on a Honda, and the other being the used car market is flooded right now and used sales are soft.

My '00 Olds was not a good van from day one. The '98 Olds Silhouette GLS we traded for it was a great vehicle. The only problem was a fog light burnt out. I would always get at least 26-27 mpgs on a trip with it.

I'm "hard-core" GM, but after my last experiance with them, my wife is now enjoying her new Honda EXL-RES. (Although she does miss all the Gizmos that are standard on GM and not even available on the Honda).

ateixeira

Thanks, Rudy. I'm afraid my wife will also prefer the smaller size. At least they've address your issue #3, which I think is quite valid.

-juice

lenoble

Hello,

I have an '02 Oddy, and I'm curious about the gas tank. The owner's
manual states the tank holds 20 gallons. However, when the fuel light
goes on, and the gauge is close to E, and I fill it, I can only add 15
gallons. Is this normal? Is the tank really 20 gallons? I would like to
drive it until I only have 1 or 2 gallons. Maybe I should go another 50
miles AFTER the light goes on?

Thanks,
Barry

dmathews3

Not normal but to Honda it is. Thats the way they all are. Most cars when the light goes on you only have a couple gal. of gas. We've had our van for over a year and it only came on once and that was just to see if it worked. Not a big problem to us.

seguy

does the 2002 ex-l have both front seats heated or just the driver's? I hope both fronts are, according to the brochure it does. thanks for the response ahead of time.

auburn63

Both front seats are heated..

slocko

both are heated but the manual says only the driver's seat as both the back and the bottom heated.

slpmom

Now that it is cold in Ohio, my back window squeaks. This happens particularly when the car has not had a chance to warm up fully. Has anyone else had this experience and anyone know what can be done? By the way, I have had my 2000 for not quite 2 years and I have almost 60,000 miles on it. I have not had any real problems and liked it so well, my mom just bought a 2002!

billg7

I would apply a silicon grease to the rubber seals back there. May be able to get it from Honda or a place like Pep Boys.

dcwong1

Does anybody know which dealer in the Twin Cities would offer the best deals on an EX model?? Are they so in demand that I would have to wait for 6 weeks?

antlese

I've had my van for 4 days now. Although I have not taken it for a ride longer than 10 minutes yet, I love the vehicle. This is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. I'm a little disappointed with the horn. It sounds so small and feeble for such a large machine. no big deal though.

Merry XMAS to all.

akin67

I am waiting for a 2002 Honda Odyssey EXL with Navi. Want to replace the radio with the Nakamichi MB-75 indash radio 6disk CD Changer.

The reason I would like this radio is because it only occupies a single radio slot which is all that is available on the Odyssey with Navigation's dash.

The concern is as follows:

1) Will the steering wheel controls still work?

2) Does the standard radio on the Odyssey automatically mute when the Navigation emits audible directions? And if so would the Nakamichi work the same way?

Any info would be very helpful.

Thanks

ody99

Per manual, at 30K, it requires to replace AC (Micron) filter. Would you please tell me where it is located? Thanks,

ojc

Has anyone tried these? For the wood, is there anything better than Honda's?

Thanks

mschafer

This had best be left to someone with the shop manual, the proper tools and some pretty good finger dexterity. You have to remove the glove box, and cut out and remove a dashboard brace to get at it. The shop manual has very clear instructions on how to do it.

dirkdaddy

Good gosh, do all that as normal maintenance? My olds has a door in the glove box and it can be done in 1 minute. I thought my pop's old pontiac was crazy when he had to cut a hole in the fire wall to get the blower motor out, but that was not "routine maintenance". Can someone confirm that for OD99?

BTW - most service intervals are fairly conservative and depending on the item you can defer. For instance my PCV valve was fine for the life of my last car - 13 years! Ditto the lube on the rear wheel bearings ( I did one side until I realized I was creating lots of work) Lots of perfectly good stuff gets replaced if you follow the rules to letter. Nothing wrong with that strict approach, but you can burn through some cash doing it. Just don't miss a timing belt replacement though....

DD

billg7

I plan to follow the maintence items on my Odyssey according to the manual and let the dealer do it all. I want my car to be reliable transportation and I have found in driving of 450,000 miles in my vehicles, I only had to be towed about 4 times and three of those times was in vehicles that had exceeded 100,000 miles.

The dealer is the most likely to do it right and if you follow the manual you will have the least probability of ending up having to have your vehicle towed.

dirkdaddy

As I was saying, the only drawback to following the maintenance schedule to the letter is time and money. When you do your own work, it soon becomes apparent what items are necessary and what things you are replacing that are still perfectly good. I have a box of perfectly good fuel pumps, MAP sensors, oxygen sensors, from at one time trying to keep up with the factory recommended service. At least now I have spares, but what a waste. In many cases the original equipment stuff (like rear wheel bearing grease packing) is done better at the factory and you're taking your chances having it redone at the dealer where skill levels vary.

The service managers in some places get nutty and start padding the bill with things that are maybe 1/2 way worn, brakes, for instance. I've had friends who had the local dealer recommend replacing the valve guides on a motor as a "preventive measure", and recommended service for getting the dust out of the rear brake drums.

FYI Oil changes, transmission fluid changes, coolent changes, brake fluid, brake parts, filters, belts, etc are things I do not skip maintenance on.

What ever works for you, just a different opinion.

DD

ps. I've only had to be towed once in 23 years of driving and it was for a head gasket, not a maintenance item.

ody99

After posted the mesage. I talked to co-workers who also own Honda. They stated that old cars work fine without AC filter, so they have not replaced theirs yet. I also called local Honda dealers who want $80 to replace the AC filter. Ouch! I may have to defer this a little bit.

dmathews3

Those AC filters are those special micron type that filter out the ultra fine dust etc. that some people who have aleregys need. Just a little something extra from Honda.

ateixeira

But if it gets clogged up, doesn't that make the HVAC system less efficient?

In other words, if you're never going to replace it, you may just want to remove it.

-juice

mschafer

The Brasilian Flag said: "But if it gets clogged up, doesn't that make the HVAC system less efficient?"

Yes. When I replaced mine at 30,000 miles there was a lot of trash built up in front of it.

The down side to removing and not replacing it is that all that trash will get into the heater core and AC evaporator; and, then, it will be major surgery to clean it out.

billg7

Besides helping those of us with allergies it should help to keep the inside of the vehicle cleaner and more free of dust. The A/C and heater system are constantly drawing some air in from outside, even in the re circulate mode, so as to make it safe from potential carbon monoxide build up.

$80 does not seem like so much, if it lasts for 30,000 miles. Perhaps if the first time it is replaced it requires that something be cut out. Then after the dealer does it once and does the cut out, the owner could then replace it himself without too much trouble.

mschafer

The filter itself sells for $24.00 on HandA Accessories website. The job takes a bit less than an hour to do.

Even with the cutout removed, it's still a pain in the neck. There's a brace that must be removed and replaced; and at least one of the bolts holding it requires long and dextrous fingers to reach without dropping it into the behind the dash "netherland".

toys4iq

I would like to get a remote starter (RS) for our 2000 ex navi. Any suggestions on RS models etc. I was told I would have to give up my valet key which would be installed under the dash to allow the RS to work. They insist that this does not cancel the security feature because you need your key to actually drive away. I do not buy that argument.

I have also heard that RS can really screw things up. Pros and cons would be appreciated. It would be nice to put our little ones in a nice warm car and not have to leave them in the house alone to warm it up.

Thanks!

dmathews3

I suppose someone during the 10 min. or so you have your van warming up could break into it tear apart the whole dash looking for where they hid the little key and drive it away. I have had a number of cars with remote start and they all worked great and were no problem.

ateixeira

Sounds like Honda could relocate that filter for easier maintenance.

-juice

toys4iq

dmathews3:

-- actually my thought was that if the key was embedded in the dash to override the chip for the remote starter, all anyone would have to use is a screw driver in the ignition to put it in gear - no???

What is the point of needing another key with a chip if there is already a chip embedded in the dash? Couldn't I use an identically cut key (without a chip)to drive away if I had one embedded in the dash?

tonybano

I'm also posting this in the prices paid forum so nobody misses it!

Below is an excerpt from a post I entered in this forum in early November after just picking up my SS EX. At the time of the purchase, 3 different people told me to fill in all excellents in the Honda survey and they would give me a $100 credit to be used at their dealership for parts or service. They said anthing less than excellent was a failure to them and Honda. When I rcvd my survey I was very honest about my experience with the 3 people I dealt with at College Park Honda and they therefore did not get high marks. (see below) They rcvd middle to low marks on almost all aspects of the survey. Yesterday morning at 10:30 AM while at home, I rcvd a phone call from the general manager of the dealership. He just wanted to call to let me know that he rcvd the survey results and let me know that I'm a JERK. I let him know that I felt the same way about him and commented that his behavior was very professional. So if anyone in the Washington DC area wants to spend $29K on a new van, and then rcv harrassing phone calls at home from the GM of the dealership and be called a JERK, please be sure to buy your new Oddy from College Park Honda in College Park MD. Be sure to ask to speak with the GM. He'll take care of you.

We wound up getting a Silver EX at MSRP with the crossbars and mudflaps included at no additional cost from College Park Honda in MD. They were not the nicest people but they were willing to throw in the crossbars and mudflaps for free and we got the van in a week. I had a big problem with their ad in the Washington Post and eventually had to speak to the GM there. They advertise $790 under MSRP for an EX but then they add options you don't want at exorbitant prices. That ad is in today and if you call them, they will tell you that you can't actually purchase the vehicle at that price without pay for dealer installed option which will then take the price over MSRP. Certainly seems like deceptive advertising to me. They will, however sell at MSRP, no questions asked.
Overall this was the most unpleasant new car purchase experience I ever had. This is a very good vehicle but for the dealers to act as though you should be grateful for them ALLOWING you to purchase one at MSRP is beyond me. I don't think I should feel priviliged to give a dealer a $3500 to $4000 profit on this vehicle. I was the one paying $27190 to buy a new vehicle and all dealers were treating me like I was purchasing a 1985 Chevette with bad credit.
Overall this is a very good vehicle, not the best vehicle of any kind, ever made, by anybody, at anytime, at any price!! But a very good vehicle. Take into account the very obnoxious dealers, and an unreasonably high profit for said obnoxious dealers and you have the ingredients for an unpleasant situation.
Again, I am very happy with the vehicle, but the purchase experience left a lot to be desired.

billg7

I think it must be against Honda company rules for one of their dealers to pay money for an excellent rating on their dealer performance survey.

I would call the Honda company and tell them what happened. It might serve to improve the dealership. Maybe they could also lose their dealership to someone else if they get enough complaints.

bostongarden

Good for you. Unfortunately, the new car buying experience in many instances is less than customer friendly or comes up short of civil. I can tell you for a fact that automobile manufacturers become aware of comments discussed in forums such as this. As you likely know, online word-of-mouth can spread quickly and, when credible and compelling, have significant impact. When my cousins and colleagues in DC look for a new car, I'll be sure they are aware of the information you posted.

tonybano

Billg7, I took your advice and called Honda customer relations. She almost laughed when I said the GM called me a jerk. She couldn't believe it. She was also curious about the $100 incentive to complete the survey with glowing marks. They created a case and will have it assigned to an investigator. I should hear from someone next week. I'll post what happens here.

valueguy

We have had our Odyssey about one month now.
This vehicle is my wife's car so I drive it only occasionally. But, we just returned from a 1200 mile trip and I think the lumbar support on the front seats stink.

Also, our car is starlight silver and like many silver Odyssey's ours arrived with 2 minor paint defects. I saw the defects before taking delivery but bought the van anyway. The dealer refused to give me $1.00 off MSRP. "If you don't buy this van someone else will." My wife said the defects were minor and she had waited 4 months for the van. I was aware of the paint problems on the starlight silver color from www.odyclub.com

Overall, a great van but Honda needs better quality control on the silver paint and I need lumbar support as an option. I paid MSRP but no doc fees.

Drew, now I am looking to add a convertible as a third car.

ateixeira

Good for you, Tony. College Park had markups back in the early 90s and scared my dad away from Honda entirely.

-juice

akin67

The 02 came with the tires inflated to 36 psi despite the fact that the weather here in NJ is about 27 degrees. I lowered them to about 33 psi. Later when the dealer called to see if we had any questions I informed him of this and he said they are supposed to be inflated to 36 psi? Any feedback on what the proper tire pressure would be appreciated.

Had a chance to play around with the Navigation and have one gripe about it. It allows two seperate users to save upto 50 personal addresses. This is a nice feature, however, each time the system is turned off and on to perform any function it prompts you to enter in a PIN. I didnt assign any PINs yet I am still annoyed that I have to hit the dne button every time it asks for a PIN. Is it possible to turn off this PIN inquiry every time we start up the vehicle?

Thanks

inky

do any of you really use 5w20 as recommended?
the 99 and 00 used 5w30 and 5w20 is hard to get.
I like synthetic and no one makes one I know of.
INKY

inky

I remember my 99 Odyssey 3 years ago when I went on a trip and saw no others. Now all is changed. I see GG everywhere. Silver also and many MB. Anyhow, I am pleased with 02 improvements and will be curious to see how this all plays on resale values as 02's get $500 to $1000 discounts common this summer. I had a buddy who traded a 01 GG EX for a 02 GG EX-L-DVD. Trade difference was a bonafide $4,500. I saw buyers order. I was amazed. His 01 did have VCR but that was a good trade. The new 240 hp engine is impressive on regular fuel. The disks have broken in and handle nicely in a quick stop. Drove in snow and this van is solid. Mileage was hurting with full load of xmas junk and passengers and fell to 23 mpg with 20 mph headwind and 73 mph. But factor in regular fuel advantage very happy. The power reserve is great especially passing on WV hills.
All in all two thumbs up--oh yea Vanilla Shy was not IMHO
INKY

dmathews3

The book and decal on door both say 35 lbs. Can't be any plainer than that.
Oil should be 5W 30. I believe there was a misprint in the book but if you look on the oil cap mine says 5W30

inky