Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

odyowner · July 2001

Thank you so much for that latest thread. I laughed outloud here at work. Got to love Star Trek!

bobbob7 · July 2001

I have a 2000 odyssey with approx 29k miles.
My front tires are worn and need replacing. The
rear tires are worn and will need replacing soon.
These are original equip Michelin tires.
We avg equal mileage between city/highway.
I frequently check the tire air press and have had
the tires rotated once.
I know this is a front wheel drive vehicle with
a lot of the weight over the front wheels, but
29k mile life on the front tires is certainly not
what I expected.
Anyone having similiar tire wear issues ????

auburn63 · July 2001

Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles and if wear is noticed on the outside and inside edges the presure should be increased a few pounds.But even with that said 30k still sounds a bit too soon but it is hard to say how they would have been if keept an eye on a little closer.Try going to the Michelin tire dealer near you and complaing to them and see if they will help you.Good luck

mojo66 · July 2001

Yawn. Just saw a color chart for 2002 Odyssey. Havasu Blue Metallic couldn't be more bland. Honda could've hit a home run with a nice deep bluegreen color but instead chose washed-out light blue that probably won't attract many buyers. The other two colors, Redrock Pearl and Evergreen Pearl, should look good on the Odyssey. Dealer confirmed the other upgrades mentioned here already for 2002 and said the company has promised dealers a much improved audio system.

wsog1 · July 2001

My husband and I have ordered an Odd X. The dealership has given us 1 week of a loaner car while we wait and $300.00 off the msrp. Where we live most dealers are in a take it or leave is mode. Does this seem like a good deal? Also how does everyone like the 2001 Odd? Just wondering.

cwbeetles · July 2001

Hi, I am looking for the post for the check list one should use when picking up their new odyssey. I know this was posted before, but I can not find it.
Thank you

bjk2001 · July 2001

Don't know where you live. But 300 belows MSRP is an excellent deal in So. Calif. According to the posts I read here, even better in No. Calif. Not even mentioned the loaner car. If you only need to wait is 1 week I will jump on the deal. I am on waiting list for my 4th weeks in So Calif @ MSRP. No loaner car.

caviller · July 2001

I've added a photo gallery and information on tether and LATCH anchors in the Odyssey. If you'd like to know where to find them, how to use them, or how to add them to your Odyssey, check it out. There are also a variety of other links to websites on minivan safety and child safety:

http://www.car-safety.org/odyssey.html

The pre-delivery checklist by Shagnasty is here:

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

cincioddy · July 2001

Great price in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2001 EX Odyssey without Navi -Starlight Silver color
Van price with delivery included $26140.
No markups, no dealer prep fees, no advertising fees. No tricks!
Price quoted was done over the internet with no haggling.
I added leather for $1600, above the $26140 price.
No muss no fuss!
I wish all the cars I have purchased were this easy.

Honda East
Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati Ohio
ask for Lou Ann Rob,nice lady, VERY easy going!

wait time was about 6 weeks as promised.

sz1 · July 2001

Can someone please tell me something about the Odyssey X I have been hearing about?

Thanks
Steve

ricksick · July 2001

I would like some reliable info on availability and delivery for the 2002 Odyssey model year. Please also respond privately as I may not be checking this board often enough. Thank you!!

dfitz1 · July 2001

Can someone comment on their experience with the Odyssey on snowy/slick roads? I've checked the boards and haven't seen any comment on this. Thanks.

pat84 · July 2001

I have a little over 41K on my 99 EX. It came with Firestone Affinity tires. They are between 1/2-2/3 used up. I guess I'll get close to 60 K miles out of them. They have already exceeded my best ever tire mileage. I do have them rotated at 7500 miles. I check my pressure regularly. I have always been fairly attentive to tires as I do drive quite fast at times.
As for snow, the ODY does very well. Starting in snow is helped by the TCS. If you know how to drive in snow, the ODY will get you through.
I have not had one problem with my Ex, I average about 21.5 MPG in about 70 % highway and 30 % bumper to bumper. My gas gauge and "needs fuel light" are spot on. No weird noises. My only complaint is that the stereo could have been better.

wpalkowski · July 2001

Hi,
Have 2000 EX and live in CT. Last winter was pretty rough, where I live we got about 80+ inches over the course of winter. A lot of times we get a "wintry mix" - snow, sleet, freezing rain which can be much worse than just snow. Van did fairly well with Michelin Symmetry tires and TCS - never got stuck and I've got a steep driveway. Ody does great in just snow but it would do much better on ice with snow tires on all four wheels. Rear end is lighter than front, and van had a tendency to waddle a bit going through icy turns; but it always stopped straight and controllably thanks to ABS. I'm contemplating buying another set of wheels and permanently mounting a set of Blizzaks or similar snows, just for the added piece of mind and stability/stopping grip they'd provide.
The Ody holds its own pretty well, provided there's less than 6 inches of snow on the roadway. As long as you use common sense, and you don't live in the Colorado Rockies, it'll serve you fine as is. I've had vehicles that were much worse in the snow even with snow tires (Chevy Caprice wagon, Ford Crown Vic). However, for the real bad stuff the Odyssey doesn't compare to my Ford F-350, 4x4 Pickup, with 600 lbs of ballast sand in the bed, but that's a different story altogether..

geb1 · July 2001

I know it's very subjective but... I'm finally happy with the sound in our '00 EX. I replaced the speakers with Pol EX series coaxial ($160 for all 4 at Circuit City). They were the brightest sounding speakers I could find. Dropped right in with no mod and, with the plug adapters, no cutting.
To fill in the bottom end I added the Honda Kelton sub woofer ($215 from Hand Accessories). You won't hear the van coming down the street from 1/4 mile away, but it boosts the sound output from the stock head unit. Installation was straightforward - wiring harness plugs right into the fuse box and stock radio, sub woofer bolts to existing holes in the seat frame, just a little tough to fit the connectors through the spaces under the dash.
One more thing, the radio will work with the key in the access. position, but the sub will not! I went nuts trying to find why the sub wasn't getting any power - until I turned to key to the run' position. Dub! It pays to read the instructions carefully.

ferneau · July 2001

Here is a very useful URL which contains the preview specs for the Honda Odyssey 2002 versions.

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/new/odyssey/odycopyspec.htm

Note that I am not affiliated with the dealer in *any* way. I just saw this URL on another board and thought *everyone* would want to see it. Note these are *preliminary* according to the page.

ecollins1 · July 2001

I am amazed to see so little about the grunts and groans that come from the struts of the Odysseys. They have a service bulletin out on repacking the bearings with high temperature grease but it has never worked for me. I had a 99 and currently have a 01 that was replaced by Honda and the Dealer after so many problems. The dealer tells me that almost every Odyssey has the strut grunt and groan. You hear it most at low speeds especially when backing out of your garage or turning from side-to-side. I have spoke with "the higher ups" at Honda and they seem to have no plans to correct the noise. They call it a "characteristic of the vehicle" (how many times have you heard that one?) and do not seem consider it a safety issue. My dealer tells me that occasionally one comes from the factory with the noise (it usually starts after about 1,000 miles) and the prospective purchaser refuses to purchase. They are not too concerned because they just sell it to the next in line. Don’t get me wrong; I love the vehicle. I just don't understand why they are not addressing this problem. I have 3,500 miles on my 2001 and it sounds like an old car with a torsion bar problem. I would love to hear from others with similar problems. I have a copy of the service bulletin that I can pass along for whatever good that might do. edcollins@knology.net

bjk2001 · July 2001

Thanks for the URL. Too bad there is no sample color of 2002 Odyssey.

ferneau · July 2001

I was hoping for colors too, but I know that I'm not interested in the Havasu blue by how it has been described and the red isn't for me.

Hopefully they'll post an update.

Good luck.

rudy1000 · July 2001

I am picking up my new GG(Fern in Canada)LX on Monday.I was talking to my insurance company today and they asked if I wanted glass coverage(about $70/yr)Just wondering with the larger windshield on a mini-van if it was worth it?

Also,does anyone know what an Odyssey windshield is worth?

Appreciate any comments

ocuihs · July 2001

Honda is currently at work on a 250-hp version of the Odyssey, using a substantially reworked version of the 3.5L V-6 that now makes 210 hp (premium gas). The new Odyssey reportedly will have a five-speed automatic and unlike the current version, will require only regular gas.

davemm · July 2001

When can we expect the 250-hp 5-spped auto. version of the Odyssey? We are currently considering ordering a 2002.

billg7 · July 2001

Got my Odyssey back from the body shop after someone hit me on the passenger side, in a parking lot, at a speed under 10 miles per hour. He was using his cell phone and had plenty of time to stop, but he was not looking in front of him. It damaged the bottom of both doors and bent the center pillar a bit and one other pillar, a bit. There was no damage to the frame. They kept it 2.5 weeks after they had received the new doors. They said they had problems getting the power sliding doors to work right.

It now looks and works just like new. They even put clear coat on top of the new paint. I would highly recommend that you have a Honda dealer do your body work, as I did. I don't think that anyone else would have been able to bring it back to a new condition, especially the power doors. Total cost to his insurance company was $4200 to fix my Odyssey plus the auto rental cost. If he had any damage to the front bumper of his large pickup truck I did not see it, but it was already dented previously.

Also my insurance company suggested, since it was his fault, I call his large insurance company and work it out, instead of going through my insurance company. That way I would not have to pay a deductible and his insurance company would pay for a rental auto. This works only if the other guy has a large insurance company as the small ones are going to try hard not to give you anything. It worked great. I made one call to his insurance company and they gave me no problems. They paid for everything after that one phone call.

billg7 · July 2001

The current Odysseys 1999, 2000, and 2001, do not require premium gas. They work just fine on regular. The owners book says 86 octane or above. If you put premium gas in them the engine will readjust to it and give you a little more horsepower.

I have always used regular gas, at 87 octane, in my Odyssey and it works fine with no problems. Good thing with premium costing about 12% more then regular.

fhsg · July 2001

Having just cracked the windshield on my 2000 EX, I needed to investigate replacement. It turned out to be better to do it on my own and I thus cancelled my glass coverage and replaced the windshield at a cost of $330 (CAN). With my insurance company, I get a 10% discount per year for "no claims" on my two cars ($150/yr discount). A windshield claim would cause me to lose this for 3 years; on top of this, it costs about $70/year additional for the windshield coverage. Bottom line, it is better to take this risk yourself. Would only payout if you had to replace the windshield frequently. Would still suggest you take out "Limited Glass Coverage" that provides coverage on your other windows due to vandalism, hail, collision, etc (the front windshield is not covered for vandalism, but is for the other hazards).

rudy1000 · July 2001

Thanks Frank,some very helpful info.I see you live in Calgary as well.$330 for a windshield seems reasonable,where did you get it done so I can put away for future reference.

robr2 · July 2001

I just had mine replaced and was thankful I had the coverage. I don't know how much it cost because it got billed direct to my insurance company, but a windshield on a 93 Escort I had cost over US$350 just a few months ago. I had PPG do the Odyssey windshield since they are the Honda OEM.

Every policy is different regarding the possibilities. AFAIK you can't delete glass coverage from your policy in MA without deleting comprehensive (fire/theft/vandalism). Taking a $100 glass deductible saves you about $20 a year. Glass claims don't result in surcharges/loss of discounts. So as always, read the fine print.

As an aside, I've driven for 20 years and never replaced a windshield. Now twice in 6 months.

fhsg · July 2001

Rudy 1000 - I replaced it at Economy Glass on 17th in Calgary. Policies in Alberta generally do include glass claims as a claim on your insurance with a loss of discount as per my policy (due to the higher likelihood of claims with all the gravel used here in winter). As Robr2 notes, you have to read the fine print.

billg7 · July 2001

My windshield (not my Odyssey) got a deep pit in it. I had it repaired by having the pit filled in with clear epoxy. My insurance company pays for this type of repair in full and waves the deductible and it does not count against my accident free discount. They do these repairs at auto washes now days.

The pit could have caused a cracked windshield to develop in time.

I always carry $100 deductible to save money on this type of insurance.

mschafer · July 2001

$500 deductible will save you even more; and is very cost effective.

hhearn · July 2001

Does anyone have personal experience with cargo carriers on a Odyssey EX? If I read the Sears compatibility list correctly, the Sears cargo carrier may not be compatible. How about Thule or Yakima? Why can't one use the Sears cargo carrier with U-bolts on the cross-bars?
thanks.

billg7 · July 2001

Actually you are right. The idea is that the insurance company makes money on you, so it pays to insure yourself to the extent that you can easily afford it. It would be better if I carried a higher deductible. I could certainly afford to pay out $500 every 20 years say, when I might save $1000 in insurance cost over that time, or more.

For some psychological reason I have not been able to bring myself to carry high deductables on my auto, but it makes financial sense to do so. I seem to feel better, safer, if I carry lower deductables.

I agree though that most people would be better off with a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive and also $500 on their house, or more. Next time I renew my auto insurance I will think about it. I think I will at least increase the collision part from $250 to $500.

I think what happens is you ask your agent how much you will save going from $250 to $500 and he says, say $30. So I say it is not worth it. But $30 every six months is $60/yr and when you are a good driver and have an an accident every 20 years, that gives you a saving of $60x20yrs - $250 = $950. And maybe ,if I look into it, I can save even more then that,especially if I also increase the comprehensive to $500.

rockycow · July 2001

I just returned from a 3000 mile trip using the Thule Excursion carrier with Honda EX crossbars. The unit work very well and was easy to install. I used the Honda crossbars for my EX. When installing the crossbars, I had slight problem with one of the plastic facia pieces, the pax side came off in 5 seconds the driver's side took 20 minutes of fiddling. Once the bars were installed the mounting of the Thule unit was easy. Last months consumers report tested some carriers (the sears Xcargo was included) suggest you read the article.
The Excursion carrier was absolutely no problem at speed up to 90 mph. I had 5 adults and two children on a two week outing to Mexico. The Ody was at max gross vehicle weight and at speeds ranging from 75 to 90 I average 20 mpg. BTW my son-in-law was the gross speeder. Tire pressure on Mich MX4 set at 44 psi (max for the tire). Checked tire wear and it is uniform on all 4 tires no evidence of excessive center ware.
Anyone wondering about the a/c don't worry. The biggest complaint was too cold in the back. We went by Baker CA. with the town's large temp guage showing 118 and the rear unit was on low the front on 73.
Some subscribers have said the plastic bug deflector doesnt work well. IMHO it works very well to keep bugs off the hood. I don't believe it was designed to stop rocks from hitting hood or windshield.
I used regular gas for the entire trip.
Happy motoring and yearning for 250hp
rockycow

donbroer · July 2001

I had my windshield replaced last August after my trip tp Alaska. Had a 10 inch crack in it low down on passenger side plus some large pits.
Cost $376. This is in Cleveland Oh., by the service that does windshields for Honda.
Took van to the shop, even tho they will do in your drive or whatever. Can do a better job in the shop.
Took about 2 hours.

asfram · July 2001

My 2001 Odyssey LX, which i got eight months ago, is getting 12 mpg in typical suburbs-type driving. That's with very little highway driving. i didn't expect to get the 18 mpg the sticker said for city driving, but this is appreciably below that. anyone else having a similar problem?

hpare · July 2001

I am looking to buy an Ody and was also wondering about the tires. I read somewhere that it comes with either Michelin or Firestone tires... what does that mean? I have been looking at the Ody's on the road(actually in parking lots-its difficult to read what brand when the tires are spinning) and I have seen mostly Firestone tires. Maybe I am totally overreacting but that actually concerns me a bit. I don't have a lot of confidence in Firestone lately!

Does anyone have any good advice on purchasing an Ody in Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire? I hate dealing with car salesmen!!! And what kind of tires does it come with??

rudy1000 · July 2001

Do the new 2001 LX's come with Michelin's or Firestone tires?I am picking mine up tomorrow and I thought I read somewhere that they come with the Michelins.

Thanks

sgf5 · July 2001

Where is the best and least expensive place to get the extended warranty for an Odyssey? The dealer quoted a very high price when we recently purchased it. I have read posts on these boards from people who got it cheaper but can't seem to find those messages now.

hpare · July 2001

Message #34 in prices paid starts a discussion about extended warranties. Its a little difficult to follow, maybe I didn't read it closely enough, but it sounded to me like the cheapest way is through a 3rd party company. Does anyone have experience with such companys? Are they on the up and up?

gpalm · July 2001

For US information/best price see post 2448.

For Canadian (Honda Plus) the best two were at:

Ready Honda - $970CND for 7/160KM Comprehensive. Ask for:

Tom Dickson
Business Manager
www.readyhonda.com
905-896-3500

Cob Honda also was at $970.
(905)372-5445
scott hunter [cobhonda@eagle.ca]

dmathews3 · July 2001

The LX comes with Firestone and the EX comes with the Michelin's.

drew_ · July 2001

Honda Odyssey wins Car & Driver's 5Best Vans category:

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2001/July/200007_5best_hondaodyssey.xml

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

rogerberkowitz · July 2001

Finally...after two years and 25,000 miles, we took a 1000 mile road trip this holiday weekend and had two fillups after highway driving averaging 25 mpg and 27 mpg respectively. The best we had ever done before was 24+. Must be the more expensive gasoline that does it (tongue planted firmly in cheek)

ocuihs · July 2001

The new re-designed Odyssey will be available in
2003-2004.

the_shadow · July 2001

I would like to remove the roof rack on my '01 EX and would like to know if anyone has had any experience doing the same and what did you use to cover/plug the mounting holes? Any suggestions.

michael12054 · July 2001

We'll be receiving a new Odyssey at the end of July and I was trying to find out what the driving restrictions or recommendations were for the break-in period. We taking vacation the week after delivery and we'd like to take the new rig but I'm wary of driving it at 70 mph for 250 miles straight through. Any help would be appreciated.

DTKWOK · July 2001

I was told to keep the rev's under 3000 rpms and to vary the speed for the first 1000 miles. Of course you should also avoid full throttle launches (excluding emergency situations). So far so good with our '01 EX (5500 miles +). Good luck.

ncrod · July 2001

From what I gather, the re tuned engine will not be available until 2003-04? Can anyone confirm this? I am considering placing my order in a few weeks and would like to know this ASAP.

rudy1000 · July 2001

Just picked up my LX.........LOVE IT!!!
Was very happy to see it come equipped with Michelin's.So far so good!!

dmathews3 · July 2001

You don't suppose that with all the Firestone mess that Honda is getting a little nervious?

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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