you must have a heck of a lot of free time, or just obssessed with the Odyssey (or both). Well, you got "us" on that one, so touche. Yeah, I suppose these kick backs are much worst than say, some safety issues from other companies? Just checking...
Well I could go to all the web sites and if you offered me a $1 for everything I could find wrong with it I could come up with a long list. But since I am not getting paid to do that there is no point to it.
You can find a lot of things wrong with it. So why buy it. Well if you wait to buy the perfect automobile you will have to get around town on foot, horseback, etc. They have their drawbacks also.
So what to do? You have to look at the vehicles that are out there and available and make the best choice from them. I had access to lots of data, and went to lots of web sites and spent about 3 months going over the data and came up with the Odyssey. I have now had my Odyssey for over a year and I still think I made the right choice.
If I had to do it over I might have waited for the 2002 Odyssey , but my other car was falling apart, so I decided not to wait. You can also wait and wait. As time goes by the autos do get better and better but a buy decision has to be made sometime.
Also there is no law that says you have to buy the perfect auto, or even the best auto out there. So I would not spend a lot of time worrying if you did or not. That would not be the perfect or even best thing to do with your life.
I thought the Alabama plant was supposed to start production in the 3rd quarter, at least Automotive News had said so. We can afford to be patient, though, so we will.
Side note: when I see that most of the negative comments on the Odyssey does not in fact come from actual owners, this reinforces my choice.
My 01 oddy shifts into second gear at about 3400 RPMs. Also, if I dont make a complete stop and then accelerate again, the tranny drops into 1st like a rock. This is very annoying, I noticed this from the very beginning when I got the van about a year ago. Any one with similiar experience?
Alabama has run 50 test mules to ensure the plant is meeting quality specs according to another post in this forum. Their deliverable output is supposed to start this month and as they ramp up, Canada will ramp down. I believe the plan is for Alabama to be doing 100% of the Ody's (120k/yr) by the end of spring 2002. Capacity in Canada to go to supposed Honda Supersize MDX Tahoe fighter.
So unless something drastic happens, production will remain the same. With that thought, Honda dealers sure have been lucky. Can you imagine the fourth model year of a mainstream vehicle is still selling at MSRP or at minor discounts??
"...what matters is what you would have to pay for the alternatives, and which you like more, not the dealer margin."
Exactly. Once I got over the shock of paying MSRP for our Ody and compared the buying cost vs. Windstar and GC, price was a wash. We really liked the low finance at the time and adjustable pedals of the Windstar and the quiet and zoned climate control of the Caravan. But we just couldn't see not have the magic seat. We have that seat up and down 3-4 times per week.
A friend just got an MPV after emphatically refusing to pay MSRP for an Ody no matter the value. Thus far he's happy with it.
I agree about the 3rd seat. Not only do you not have to remove and store it, but also it leaves a well with more cargo space than competitors.
The MPV has some really nice features, like a similar seat, rear windows that open, and the side-by-slide middle seat. I know it's a lot smaller, but the wife may find that easier to live with.
Is the 2003 Sienna supposed to get a similar folding 3rd seat? Maybe that and the bigger engine on the MPV will ease demand a little on the Ody, but I doubt it.
My understanding is that it will, but I've heard nothing official yet. Supposedly the Sienna will grow a little bigger and offer the seat. I barely looked at Toyota when shopping as I really didn't like the way it looked and the one dealer I visited only had XLE super loaded for over $30K. My neighbor bought a Sienna and loves it.
Not sure if this is the right place to post this. I'm a first -time Odyssey owner. Just bought a 2000 Odyssey LX for $21800. Thought I got a great deal. Has roof rack with sliding bars, rear well liner and of course the three huge floor mats. No other extras. The vehicle has 23, 534 miles on it. I was told that you could pick up an Extended Warranty on a Honda more easliy and cheaper if you do it before 24K? Can anyone comment on that AND where do I go to get the best price? Thanks!
The current Sienna is small and lacks the folding seat, so I agree it's overpriced.
Chrysler is temporarily offering a 7/100 warranty, but I've had multiple friends that owned them and not one had a tranny last 80k miles. It would be covered, but I still don't want the hassle.
Has anyone installed an i-VES VHS/LCD system in their Odyssey? What alternative installations and/or combinations did you consider?
Is i-VES available with a colored console that matches the interior color scheme, or still only black? Does anyone know who manufactures the components for Honda? I know these questions were answered back around April or so, has anything changed? Any comments on reliability/durability of it?
On a related side note, how do you remove the foglight switch and/or center console? The installation instructions for the i-VES that can be downloaded elsewhere depict removal of the console after the foglight space cover is removed, but I've already installed the foglight switch...
For the Honda Care warranty, there is a premium of around $60 for vehicles with more than 24,000 miles that I think is fairly standard. For the best prices on the Honda Care warranty, check out www.odyclub.com; they have a forum that deals specifically with extended warranties on the Odyssey. We have a 2000 EX that just turned 32,000 miles, and I am currently shopping for the best price on the Honda Care 5 year/100,000 mile warranty; I expect to pay between $700 and $800.
I had the i-VES installed back in July by a local dealer, and we love it. My kids are entertained whenever we get stuck in traffic and/or on long trips. The color matched my interior (grayish); but I'm not sure if it comes in other colors or not. Since I have the extended warranty, I don't worry about the durability...I was told by HCW toll-free help line that my i-VES is covered under the HCW.
Also note that a 99 Odyssey with TCS and Firestone Affinitys can run in the snow better than a 00 Subaru Legacy GT Ltd with those cheap RE92s. I know, I was in the Legacy. I traded in my 96 Blazer for the 00 Odyssey with the better Michelin Symmetrys. Nevertheless, I'm running with Blizzak MZ-01s on the Legacy and Artic Alpins on the Odyssey for the winter. Bought both tires and alloy wheel sets from Tirerack.
We own a 2001 Odyssey with Michelin Symmetry tires and a 2000 Outback (w/cold weather package) that has the Firestone H-rated Wilderness HT tires.
While the Odyssey is good in the snow, there is no comparison with the Outback. Odyssey often takes a sloooow start on real slick surfaces or heavy snow, while the TCS clicks and whirrs. The Outback is point and go, and remains that way above 20 mph where the TCS is no longer effective. The Odyssey is the car I drive daily, and I've never had a problem in the Chicago winter. On the other hand, if conditions are bad I take my wife's Outback without a second thought.
Haven't put snow tires on either vehicle, though. I also believe the '00 GT has a limited slip in the rear, as does the Outback with the Cold Weather package, so no difference there. Perhaps the differences is with the performance tires on the GT. More details on TCS vs. AWD here:
Well, we've had our '02 Ody for three weeks now, and have over 2000 miles. In three weekends drove it from Orange County CA to Palm Springs, Julian (San Diego), and Las Vegas. My wife (gulp) actually says she prefers it over our other car, a Lexus GS400, because of the versatility and room. More power to her! Couple of things I've noticed recently, though:
1. Got the Audiovox DVD System with the player under the passenger seat with an FM-modulator. Problem is, as soon as we're about 15 miles from home, a Mexican radio station cuts out the modulator. Tried to go through the channels on the stereo, but it picks up a signal on every possible frequency on the FM dial. Anyone else experienced this phenomena? What do I do?
2. Noticed this afternoon there were a few drops of transmission fluid on the floor of the garage. Is this possibly from a overflow valve, or is this a problem?
We like our van a lot so far, would recommend it to anyone. Just figured out today how to make mp3 CDs that will play in the DVD player, can listen to 150 songs on one CD and see their names on the TV screen! Cool!
I just got my 2002 EXL yesterday. Wonderful experience, called Friday night, picked up Sat. Morning @ 400 below MSRP. Don't know how good the deal was but I am not going to give it much thought. Anyway, I am looking at the DVD (audiovox) and was wondering what size screen you choose? If you don't mind posting the size and letting me know if you think it is too small, too big etc. I would appreciate it. Also, where did they mount the player? I assume you got a powered antenna with the TV tuner. If not, placement and power level may help. Thanks.
Just wanted to clarify that I wasn't trying to imply that FWD can beat AWD. Just stating that out of the factory, an Odyssey can do better than a top-of-the-line Subaru "Legacy sedan" (with RE92s) for the 2000 model year. Simply, "Subaru should not have put poor traction tires on a most capable vehicle." Yes, the GT Ltd has LSD. But, 2 spinning tires that grip can indeed outperform 4 spinning tires that slip. I love driving the Legacy and highly recommend Subies. I replaced my 91 Accord with the Legacy. The Michelin MXV3s on the Accord were also lousy tires in the snow. Michelin Symmetries do pretty well in the snow because the tread pattern does have a lot of sipes, more so than the Fireston Affinities. Just letting Juice (a fellow Subie owner) know that an Odyssey does remarkably well for a minivan on winter roads. The Outback tires and additional ground clearance basically make it a different beast compared to its twin the Legacy sedan. Each twin has it own capabilities and limitations. RE-92s restrict the true potential of a very capable Legacy.
I'm enjoying my 02 EX Ody daily. One video option you can consider that may save you some bucks AND offers a Honda Warranty is what I did: I bought a Honda I-VES (in Vehicle Entertainment System) from Handa-Accessories.com. They have a great deal for about $1350 which includes the 6.8' screen and a VHS console player that comes from HONDA. I added a subwoofer & 6 cd changer (also Honda) for a total of $1735. I had it all installed by my Honda dealer so it all will be covered by the vehicle warranty. Here's the best part: I bought a Panasonic portable DVD player with NO SCREEN from etronics.com for $249. It is barely larger than a Walkman & half as deep. It fits perfectly almost anywhere in the ODY especially on the folding tray table between the seats. The Honda IVES system comes with front panel inputs for DVD or Video games. It takes a second to connect & is a cinch to control. You also have the added benefit of being able to take your DVD player with you into a Hotel for example to play on the hotel room screen. It can also be used at home as aan additional DVD player if needed if you only have 1 stationary DVD player. I just took a 2 day trip yesterday with my kids in the Oddy & the watched 4 different DVDs, and 2 Video Tapes. It was great. PS The system comes with 2 wireless headphones.
Sometimes it's "normal" for high mileage vehicles to begin leaking transmission fluid as the seals dry out. Perhaps your van came from the factory with too much transmission fluid. Buy an extended warranty just in case, and some sand to help protect the garage floor.
Well... before spending big bucks on an extended warranty because you're worried about a leaky transmission on a vehicle with only 2,000 miles on it, I would suggest a visit to your dealer's service department first. Tell them what you found and ask them to take a look at the transmission. Now you've got the problem documented in Honda's system, and maybe if there is a real problem the fix is something relatively simple. In any event all repairs are covered under the factory warranty. If the service guys say nothing is wrong, just keep an eye on your garage floor. If the transmission keeps leaking, repeat the process above. The transmission on a 2,000 mile vehicle should not be leaking.
All my American cars developed leaking transmission and/or oil leaking from the engine/rear main. When I moved into my new home I had the garage floor coated with an epoxy paint so I could clean it easily, which is a good idea to do anyway.
My last American car a Buick., was frequently repaired under warranty for engine and transmission leaks. It was also repaired a number of times for this problem after the warranty expired, until I just decided to put up with the problem.
So I have been checking my Odyssey carefully and so far no leaks. If it develops any that is a warranty item and I will have it fixed under my 7y/100km/0d warranty.
Yesterday we picked up our 2002 EXL from an out-of-town dealership. Drives great. But sometimes, it feels, like it is pulling slightly to right? The dealer checked the air in all tires. Dealer could not put on alignment machine, because alignment tech had gone for the day (being Saturday afternoon). Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions? BTW, we got the 7yr/100K/0 HondaCare warranty. Is an alignment check/adjustment covered?
The shifting symptoms you describe may be indicative of a problem. Take the van to the dealer with your complaint. At least you will have the problem documented.
I owned a Chrylser van that did the same sort of thing. It turned out to be a programming glitch in the computer that controls the transmission. The transmission in the Odyssey is also electronically controlled, maybe there is a computer problem.
I hope this post, at least, was helpful and not snide.
Since you pointed it out to the dealer right away, the alignment check and alignment if it needs it, should be covered. Cars are suppose to be delivered to the customer in alignment.
There have been a large number of posts on this board about the Odyssey pulling to the right but the number seems to have tapered off, so hopefully it is not as much of a problem as it use to be. I had some slight pulling to the right. The dealer has a procedure from Honda to fix it if it is really a problem, and that has been posted here also. It is more then an alignment.
You would need to find a non crowned road to really test it and that is hard to do. The dealer also has a procedure to road test it.
As for me and my problem I only noticed it because of the posts on this board and I never found a non crowned road to really test it. I did have my vehicle aligned however, and the first thing they try to fix this is to cross the front tires so the R tire ends up on the L and the L ends up on the R. If I still have the problem I have never noticed it, so it is really not a problem.
In regards to your question, we got the 6.8" screen, with the trim ring. The DVD player is under the passenger seat and faces forward. The installers were able to match the trim almost exactly to the beige interior of the van.
I think the 6.8" screen is a perfect size. I was originally thinking larger but several people mentioned that larger screens will block the majority or all of your vision out of the rear view mirror when in use. A couple of my passengers actually said the best view is from the far rear seat, it is still large enough to see and you don't have to crank your neck around quite as much.
Installed the whole system w/ 2 wireless headphones cost me $1200, and with an extended 5-year warranty the total was $1400. With the 6-disk installed it was $1550. About the same as the I-VES system, but with DVD instead of VHS, and a longer warranty. I got the system without the TV-tuner, it was less $ and I probably wouldn't use it that much anyway.
By the way, thanks to those who responded to my question about trans fluid. I'll take it in soon to get it looked at.
At the risk of being repetitive, DEFINITELY get this documented with the dealer's service department. I thought nothing of the small transmission fluid leak in my garage, but when I asked Honda service to check it out, they ordered me a new transmission and a loaner car.
Wake up, Honda - the '99 trans are problematic. At 47K miles, while having a routine oil change/tire rotation, I asked the dealer to check the "slight hesitation" I noticed while the trans was shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Surprise! I needed a new transmission, and I had not purchased the extended warranty. While I was getting over the shock of the news, the technician was pretty sure Honda would pay for the " reman trans" as long as I agreed to pay $600 to install it. (First clue that Honda knows it has a problem). I failed at trying to shame the dealer into paying for the labor with their "goodwill" funds, really needed my van back, and reluctantly agreed to paying for the labor. Once the reman trans was installed and the dealer was test driving it, the dealer informed me that this "new" rebuilt transmission was worse than the originally bad transmission. So another reman trans had to be ordered. The dealer provided an Accord loaner while waiting for all this work. The third trans arrived, was installed and is apparently OK. The final surprise was reading the bill and realizing that I no longer have a Honda transmission in my van because "the Honda rebuilt transmissions are backordered" (Second clue!) I am now the proud owner of a Howard Engineering rebuilt trans. The dealer conveniently forgot to tell me that the trans was not a Honda trans, but was from a different manufacturer. Needless to say, I'm quite disappointed in Honda's lack of acknowledgment of this transmission problem, which the Honda technician informed me he has seen in 2000 and 2001 Odysseys, also.
Thanks for the info. I didn't even think of the obstructed view problem with the screen. I have been told that audiovox or panasonic have very good screens and not to waste your money on a tv tuner. Thanks again.
I would usually get an extended warranty for a vehicle in at least the first year it is built, which for the Odyssey is 1999. Manufacturers do not seem to charge extra, for first year built warranties.
The argument against an extended warranty is that the dealer makes money on them. They don't make that much off readers of this board however. At the lowest prices we pay, maybe they make $150-$200 profit on the 7 year warranty, from the numbers I have seen on this board.
So with a 7yr/100k/0d warranty that is about your average risk for 7 years, or about $25/yr, for a profit of $175. I think paying for the extra warranty can be looked at as a worthwhile extra option, which gives you piece of mind. By the 7th year if something is going to fail because of design, it probably will and hopefully be replaced with something of a better design. You can look at the extended warranty as making your vehicle almost equivalent to the most reliable vehicle ever designed, when you have the extra protection.
Besides not having to worry about extra repair costs, if the dealer tells you you need a repair you can just tell him to go ahead and repair it. Without a warranty, for a high cost repair, I would want to go to another dealer and get another opinion because I have learned I can not always trust the dealers.
I just put on new winter tires and alloys on my 00 Odyssey. The OEM Honda/Enkei alloy wheels that I took off are coarsely machined on the inside and picked up a lot of brake dust and other particles. What's the best way to clean them? I tried some Eagle Mag Wheel cleaner which is strong since it burned my hand and appears to make the bare aluminum whiter. I then tried 3M Cleaner/Wax but it didn't do much but remove some surface oxidation. Did anyone else notice how extremely dirty the inside of these wheels get? My other alloys which are mostly painted on the inside do not attract the amount of grime that the alloys do and they are definitely easier to clean. These outside clearcoated and painted sections are well protected and are clean when protected with wax.
A Howard Engineering rebuilt trans is still a Honda trans it is just rebuilt by them instead of Honda. We use that company for out of warranty transmissions that we don't do in house. They still should have told you what they were doing but really doesnt matter much as long as it is a working unit that they will stand behind. I know it will be hard to convince you of this since you have had such bad luck but we see very few transmissions going bad in the 00 and 01 models, while there were some 99's with problems even the majority of them were fine on a percentage basis. Good luck with the trans I'm sure it will be fine and serve you for years..
Interesting review. I wonder if when they compared the prices of the Odyssey, Caravan and Windstar, if they compared them with the same options in each car?
When I was out comparing prices the Ody did very well when comparing MSRP to what the others were actually selling for. I have an LX and it is still nicely equipped compared with the lower models of Chrysler and Ford. Hey, even the Kias aren't the bargain I'd expect them to be since they are actually selling at list.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I just bought a used 96 Ody. We have a 2000 as our main family (4 kids) mobile and when it came time to get rid of my old car I wanted to get something that would haul us all in a pinch and still be a good commuter car for me. I found a 96 in great shape, reasonable (63K) miles and bought it at a dealer so I could get 3/36 HondaCare tacked on. Anyway, I am looking for two specific pieces of advice, plus any general ("wish someone had told me...") words of wisdom other old style Ody owners might have.
The two specific questions have to do with a roof rack and trailer hitch. Mine has neither, but I am thinking of adding both. I knwo it can't tow much, but all I have is a little 4x8 utility trailer that I use to haul yard trash, a 100 lb sailboat and other light loads. I have been looking at this hitch:
I've seen a Hidden Hitch installed on a Subaru and it looked nice and sturdy. Even though they are not custom, they do tend to fit well, from what I've seen.
DrawTite also sells aftermarket hitches. Places like U-Haul will even install them for you, as will Trick Trucks and I'm sure plenty of other places.
Has Honda started a recall on the '99 transmissions yet? I have 30k and and on my 3rd transmission (1st when new, 2nd @ 5k, 3rd @ 20k). I bought an extended warranty at time of sale and this is the only comfort I have. Honda fought tooth and nail for the 3rd transmission claiming the "thunk" was a "feature" of the vehicle. I started reporting on this problem quite a while back in this forum. Sorry to see that others are now having problems and expense. Are other model years experiencing problems? The 2002 Odyssey has a new 5 speed trans - is this compatible with 99-01 models?
Picked up my new Red Rock Odyssey on 11-9 in Cleveland. Great color! Drove it home yesterday, and now have 599 miles on it. Very impressed with its highway composure. A bit jittery on bumpy stuff, but otherwise quiet with just a bit of wind noise. Seat was comfortable even after a 9 hour drive home.
Power was good with 240 hp, but I never pushed it to allow for a good break-in. Mileage was very good in my opinion, first tank averaged 23 mpg, 1/3 city, 2/3 highway driving. My next half tank produced 26.5 mpg, better than est. 25 hwy EPA (note: I am light on the gas pedal). The engine as barely turning 2000 rpm at 72 mph (seemed to like to be in range of 1500-2000 rpm), so I believe the 02 with its 5 spd trans will be better off the gas pump than previous years, although I don't think estimates have changed at all. If you live in warmer climes, you will see better. When I left Cleveland it was 31.
I also had a subwoofer installed. In all honesty, I think the stock stereo is OK unless you are a real aficionado. The subwoofer makes the sound great; although I had to adjust the bass down a bit, too much bass for my taste.
Sliding doors are nice with 2 kids in & out of the back all the time. My son especially loves them, and told everyone in his 1st grade class how cool they are.
I paid $700 under MSRP from Ganley Honda in N. Olmsted, OH, outside Cleveland. This was their "internet" price. Also got a full tank of gas. I bet someone who was patient and not set on color could do better. I didn't ask for anything else since I was so surprised to be offered this price. It took one week to get this car. It was unclaimed when I first inquired (not on lot yet but due in within days).
My only complaint is the cloth trim on door arm rests looks cheap. Otherwise, I expect I will love this Honda like the others I've owned. Should be a great vehicle. Honda did their homework, as usual.
Comments
http://www.auto.com/autonews/ciwrd29_20000629.htm
Hope this helps, I really like this topic.
you must have a heck of a lot of free time, or just obssessed with the Odyssey (or both). Well, you got "us" on that one, so touche. Yeah, I suppose these kick backs are much worst than say, some safety issues from other companies? Just checking...
http://www.autosafety.org/autodefects/HONDA.htm
.
http://www.autosafety.org/Airbag/Release.htm
http://www.autosafety.org/autodefects/CHRYSLER-MINIVAN.htm
More interestingly is that which relates to the transmission topic Carleton1 created:
http://www.autosafety.org/autodefects/CHRYSLER-ultradrive.htm
You can find a lot of things wrong with it. So why buy it. Well if you wait to buy the perfect automobile you will have to get around town on foot, horseback, etc. They have their drawbacks also.
So what to do? You have to look at the vehicles that are out there and available and make the best choice from them. I had access to lots of data, and went to lots of web sites and spent about 3 months going over the data and came up with the Odyssey. I have now had my Odyssey for over a year and I still think I made the right choice.
If I had to do it over I might have waited for the 2002 Odyssey , but my other car was falling apart, so I decided not to wait. You can also wait and wait. As time goes by the autos do get better and better but a buy decision has to be made sometime.
Also there is no law that says you have to buy the perfect auto, or even the best auto out there. So I would not spend a lot of time worrying if you did or not. That would not be the perfect or even best thing to do with your life.
Side note: when I see that most of the negative comments on the Odyssey does not in fact come from actual owners, this reinforces my choice.
You may have just sold me on an Odyssey, scanner.
-juice
So unless something drastic happens, production will remain the same. With that thought, Honda dealers sure have been lucky. Can you imagine the fourth model year of a mainstream vehicle is still selling at MSRP or at minor discounts??
Then again, what matters is what you would have to pay for the alternatives, and which you like more, not the dealer margin.
We will also shop the MPV, which is smaller but discounted heavily, when the 3.0l arrives.
-juice
Exactly. Once I got over the shock of paying MSRP for our Ody and compared the buying cost vs. Windstar and GC, price was a wash. We really liked the low finance at the time and adjustable pedals of the Windstar and the quiet and zoned climate control of the Caravan. But we just couldn't see not have the magic seat. We have that seat up and down 3-4 times per week.
A friend just got an MPV after emphatically refusing to pay MSRP for an Ody no matter the value. Thus far he's happy with it.
The MPV has some really nice features, like a similar seat, rear windows that open, and the side-by-slide middle seat. I know it's a lot smaller, but the wife may find that easier to live with.
Is the 2003 Sienna supposed to get a similar folding 3rd seat? Maybe that and the bigger engine on the MPV will ease demand a little on the Ody, but I doubt it.
-juice
My neighbor bought a Sienna and loves it.
Can anyone comment on that AND where do I go to get the best price?
Thanks!
It's probably just your Odyssey transmission doing the thinking for you and is "normal." Buy an extended warranty and try to get used to it.
Hope this helps.
Chrysler is temporarily offering a 7/100 warranty, but I've had multiple friends that owned them and not one had a tranny last 80k miles. It would be covered, but I still don't want the hassle.
-juice
Is i-VES available with a colored console that matches the interior color scheme, or still only black? Does anyone know who manufactures the components for Honda? I know these questions were answered back around April or so, has anything changed? Any comments on reliability/durability of it?
On a related side note, how do you remove the foglight switch and/or center console? The installation instructions for the i-VES that can be downloaded elsewhere depict removal of the console after the foglight space cover is removed, but I've already installed the foglight switch...
Regards,
Dean W.
Hope this helps.
Also note that a 99 Odyssey with TCS and Firestone Affinitys can run in the snow better than a 00 Subaru Legacy GT Ltd with those cheap RE92s. I know, I was in the Legacy. I traded in my 96 Blazer for the 00 Odyssey with the better Michelin Symmetrys. Nevertheless, I'm running with Blizzak MZ-01s on the Legacy and Artic Alpins on the Odyssey for the winter. Bought both tires and alloy wheel sets from Tirerack.
While the Odyssey is good in the snow, there is no comparison with the Outback. Odyssey often takes a sloooow start on real slick surfaces or heavy snow, while the TCS clicks and whirrs. The Outback is point and go, and remains that way above 20 mph where the TCS is no longer effective. The Odyssey is the car I drive daily, and I've never had a problem in the Chicago winter. On the other hand, if conditions are bad I take my wife's Outback without a second thought.
Haven't put snow tires on either vehicle, though. I also believe the '00 GT has a limited slip in the rear, as does the Outback with the Cold Weather package, so no difference there. Perhaps the differences is with the performance tires on the GT. More details on TCS vs. AWD here:
/direct/view/.ef04d37
1. Got the Audiovox DVD System with the player under the passenger seat with an FM-modulator. Problem is, as soon as we're about 15 miles from home, a Mexican radio station cuts out the modulator. Tried to go through the channels on the stereo, but it picks up a signal on every possible frequency on the FM dial. Anyone else experienced this phenomena? What do I do?
2. Noticed this afternoon there were a few drops of transmission fluid on the floor of the garage. Is this possibly from a overflow valve, or is this a problem?
We like our van a lot so far, would recommend it to anyone. Just figured out today how to make mp3 CDs that will play in the DVD player, can listen to 150 songs on one CD and see their names on the TV screen! Cool!
Sometimes it's "normal" for high mileage vehicles to begin leaking transmission fluid as the seals dry out. Perhaps your van came from the factory with too much transmission fluid. Buy an extended warranty just in case, and some sand to help protect the garage floor.
Good luck!
My last American car a Buick., was frequently repaired under warranty for engine and transmission leaks. It was also repaired a number of times for this problem after the warranty expired, until I just decided to put up with the problem.
So I have been checking my Odyssey carefully and so far no leaks. If it develops any that is a warranty item and I will have it fixed under my 7y/100km/0d warranty.
Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions? BTW, we got the 7yr/100K/0 HondaCare warranty. Is an alignment check/adjustment covered?
I owned a Chrylser van that did the same sort of thing. It turned out to be a programming glitch in the computer that controls the transmission. The transmission in the Odyssey is also electronically controlled, maybe there is a computer problem.
I hope this post, at least, was helpful and not snide.
There have been a large number of posts on this board about the Odyssey pulling to the right but the number seems to have tapered off, so hopefully it is not as much of a problem as it use to be. I had some slight pulling to the right. The dealer has a procedure from Honda to fix it if it is really a problem, and that has been posted here also. It is more then an alignment.
You would need to find a non crowned road to really test it and that is hard to do. The dealer also has a procedure to road test it.
As for me and my problem I only noticed it because of the posts on this board and I never found a non crowned road to really test it. I did have my vehicle aligned however, and the first thing they try to fix this is to cross the front tires so the R tire ends up on the L and the L ends up on the R. If I still have the problem I have never noticed it, so it is really not a problem.
I think the 6.8" screen is a perfect size. I was originally thinking larger but several people mentioned that larger screens will block the majority or all of your vision out of the rear view mirror when in use. A couple of my passengers actually said the best view is from the far rear seat, it is still large enough to see and you don't have to crank your neck around quite as much.
Installed the whole system w/ 2 wireless headphones cost me $1200, and with an extended 5-year warranty the total was $1400. With the 6-disk installed it was $1550. About the same as the I-VES system, but with DVD instead of VHS, and a longer warranty. I got the system without the TV-tuner, it was less $ and I probably wouldn't use it that much anyway.
By the way, thanks to those who responded to my question about trans fluid. I'll take it in soon to get it looked at.
I'm not that concerned about snow, because we get only a few inches per year here, not to mention we'll be keeping our Subie.
I like AWD and RWD more for their feel in every day driving. I'm sure the Ody with FWD+Trac would be more than adequate for our needs.
-juice
My cousin just bought a Honda Odyssy .. He want to put a TV and a PS2 into it.
Anyone know of anywhere in Massachusetts around the Boston Area doing that .. also the price including installation ???
Thanks a bunch
Needless to say, I'm quite disappointed in Honda's lack of acknowledgment of this transmission problem, which the Honda technician informed me he has seen in 2000 and 2001 Odysseys, also.
The argument against an extended warranty is that the dealer makes money on them. They don't make that much off readers of this board however. At the lowest prices we pay, maybe they make $150-$200 profit on the 7 year warranty, from the numbers I have seen on this board.
So with a 7yr/100k/0d warranty that is about your average risk for 7 years, or about $25/yr, for a profit of $175. I think paying for the extra warranty can be looked at as a worthwhile extra option, which gives you piece of mind. By the 7th year if something is going to fail because of design, it probably will and hopefully be replaced with something of a better design. You can look at the extended warranty as making your vehicle almost equivalent to the most reliable vehicle ever designed, when you have the extra protection.
Besides not having to worry about extra repair costs, if the dealer tells you you need a repair you can just tell him to go ahead and repair it. Without a warranty, for a high cost repair, I would want to go to another dealer and get another opinion because I have learned I can not always trust the dealers.
The 2002s have a 5 speed, so I wonder if those trannies are different.
-juice
Record - Bergen County review
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
When I was out comparing prices the Ody did very well when comparing MSRP to what the others were actually selling for. I have an LX and it is still nicely equipped compared with the lower models of Chrysler and Ford. Hey, even the Kias aren't the bargain I'd expect them to be since they are actually selling at list.
That's a bargain, any way you look at it. The Ody would set me back $30 grand with leather, and does not offer a moonroof.
-juice
The two specific questions have to do with a roof rack and trailer hitch. Mine has neither, but I am thinking of adding both. I knwo it can't tow much, but all I have is a little 4x8 utility trailer that I use to haul yard trash, a 100 lb sailboat and other light loads. I have been looking at this hitch:
http://www.hitches4less.com/19honodclasi.html
and these roofracks:
http://customautotrim.com/products/roofracks/makes/honda/odyssey1.html
Any experience, thoughts or other information?
I will come back and look for responses, but an email (arbarnhart@aol.com) would also be appreciated. It's easy to miss things in this popular forum.
BTW, we love our 2000 Ody. Zero problems in 18 months and 20+K miles. Many short trips and two long ones.
DrawTite also sells aftermarket hitches. Places like U-Haul will even install them for you, as will Trick Trucks and I'm sure plenty of other places.
Make sure you get a wiring harness also.
-juice
-juice
Power was good with 240 hp, but I never pushed it to allow for a good break-in. Mileage was very good in my opinion, first tank averaged 23 mpg, 1/3 city, 2/3 highway driving. My next half tank produced 26.5 mpg, better than est. 25 hwy EPA (note: I am light on the gas pedal). The engine as barely turning 2000 rpm at 72 mph (seemed to like to be in range of 1500-2000 rpm), so I believe the 02 with its 5 spd trans will be better off the gas pump than previous years, although I don't think estimates have changed at all. If you live in warmer climes, you will see better. When I left Cleveland it was 31.
I also had a subwoofer installed. In all honesty, I think the stock stereo is OK unless you are a real aficionado. The subwoofer makes the sound great; although I had to adjust the bass down a bit, too much bass for my taste.
Sliding doors are nice with 2 kids in & out of the back all the time. My son especially loves them, and told everyone in his 1st grade class how cool they are.
I paid $700 under MSRP from Ganley Honda in N. Olmsted, OH, outside Cleveland. This was their "internet" price. Also got a full tank of gas. I bet someone who was patient and not set on color could do better. I didn't ask for anything else since I was so surprised to be offered this price. It took one week to get this car. It was unclaimed when I first inquired (not on lot yet but due in within days).
My only complaint is the cloth trim on door arm rests looks cheap. Otherwise, I expect I will love this Honda like the others I've owned. Should be a great vehicle. Honda did their homework, as usual.
-juice