Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

ukrick · January 2002

We've had our 2002 Ody EX since September. I've tracked the mileage over the last 2-3 months. We've put over 7000 miles on the van already, but only averaging 19.3 mpg. EPA estimate is 18/25. Most of our mileage in the van is highway miles. Unfortunately we're required to use RFG here in KY. Which I'm told hurts gas mileage.

rolandk · January 2002

I'm not sure how things work in the US, but up here I've heard that the fuel consumption listed for new vehicles is always done on a Dynometer, using high pressure tires, premium fuel, no wind resistance etc., so real life values will be different.

inky · January 2002

Would like a D4 selection on the shift knob. Tight wads left it off on 99-02's
INKY

billg7 · January 2002

I have had a number of cars and have not considered my Odyssey 2000 EX to be noisy. Perhaps that is because the tires are Michelin on the EX and Firestones on the LX.

I would think that you could undercoat the car and reduce the noise. I have read that the 2002's are less noisy as Honda worked to improve this.

Consumer Reports lists the fuel consumption they obtained on real test drives for an overall mileage to simulate a combination of city and highway driving, in addition to their highway and city mileage. I noticed all the vans they tested had about the same overall mileage from about 18 to 19 MPG range.

The Odyssey may get a bit lower gas mileage then other vans in city driving as it is one of the heaviest. I doubt thought that the difference in what a person would pay in gas from one minivan to the next would be significant over a years time.

For a vehicle getting 17 mpg versus 20 mpg, for 15,000 miles per year, at $1.30/gal the difference is 882g versus 750g = 132 gal x 1.30 = $172/yr. That is probably about a maximum difference between minivans. Minivans do use more gas then most passenger vehicles as they weigh more.

stangelj · January 2002

Here is the Motor Trend Future Vehicle Forecast which states redesign should happen in 2004. I tend to trust them more than the Temple of VTEC.

http://www.motortrend.com/future/2004.html

I'd also be surprised at a complete redesign for 2003 given the rather substantial make-over the Odyssey got for 2002. It should be good for 2 years. Complete redesign after 5 years is about right. That's also the plan for Toyota Sienna, it gets its redesign for 03, and of course came out in 98, a year before the current generation Odyssey.

caviller · January 2002

"I have had a number of cars and have not considered my Odyssey 2000 EX to be noisy. Perhaps that is because the tires are Michelin on the EX and Firestones on the LX."

I have Michelin Symmetry on my LX. Supposedly, a previous buyer paid for the upgrade and then backed out of the deal. Granted, it is fine on most asphalt sections of highway, but the drone is very loud and annoying on long stretches of concrete.

neussl · January 2002

The reason there are so many posts about the noise in the Odyssey is because Honda decided to use 60 Aspect ratio tires (which are more suited to a sports sedan)instead of the 70 Aspect ratio tires used on the Toyota Sienna. The less rubber between the wheel and the road surface equates more noise transmitted into the cabin. You'll hardly ever see a post about noise in the Sienna. The result: the Honda handles very crisp and the Sienna rides very quietly. Everything is a compromise.

stangelj · January 2002

Up until this year, they came with 65 aspect ratio. You're still correct though about higher aspect ratio reducing noise.

billg7 · January 2002

I was thinking you could undercoat the car to reduce road noise. They use to apply a coating of something like asphalt to the underneath of the car. I just looked in the yellow pages and I don't see any such thing, so I am guessing they no longer do that for some reason.

Perhaps a certain type of tire would help. After seeing the post above it may be that all the roads here are asphalt and that is why I am not noticing the noise.

Consumer Reports for January 2001, rates the 2001 Odyssey EX noise as an "Above Average" rating, meaning that it has a below average noise level, compared to other cars. The only higher rating would be Excellent. This is with Michelin Symmetry size P215/65R16 96T tires. They list that tire with their test report.

Interestingly under their comments they say " Some pronounced road noise enters the cabin"

Also they list the SE Sport Ford Windstar as having "Average" rating on noise. They say "the engine is noisy" So that minivan has the worst noise rating of the minivans listed here and in the article.

The other minivans in the Jan 01 issue, Toyota Sienna LE, Dodge Grand Caravan Sports extended 2WD, and Chevrolet Venture LS extended are rated for noise the same as the Odyssey EX as "Above Average"

I do know having been bothered by noise myself from time to time, in my life, that part of the problem can be in ones mind. If you focus on it and it starts bugging you, you can be hearing some of that noise as imaginary noise.

I just read in PC magazine Vol 21 No.2 on page 59, in the column by Jim Seymour. He talks about how noisy environments he is in, bother him, and his solution. He says, "I have found a great solution that I often recommend to others who must work in nosy environments: the Bose QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Canceling headset." ($300 street). He takes it on airplanes. Looks like it works on batteries by itself, and he uses it without music. Not sure if that is legal in all states, if you are driving.

dmathews3 · January 2002

Ziebart has the spray on noise deadner you are talking about. We got it on ours and I really can't tell enough difference to make the about $150 price worth it. I really can't tell any difference. Now if you lived on a gravel road I'm sure it would cut down on the noise of stones hitting the underside, but the noise from some roads and tires has no effect.

caviller · January 2002

There are some threads on one of "the other" Odyssey forums about owners who have done their own soundproofing with the cans of material you get at the auto parts store. I think some only treated the wheel wells, and had good results.

I'll get around to that someday, but it isn't so bad that I've put it on any kind of priority. Rather than calling the Odyssey noisy, I guess I'd say that it isn't as quiet as other vehicles we've had on some types of pavement.

dmathews3 · January 2002

I too am not sure it is the Odyssey as I had the Ziebart done and on certain highways it is louder than some cars. I think most of it is the tires as we had a 99 Seville STS with the high proformance touring tires that also made just as loud of noise as our Odyssey on the same highway and believe me the STS has plenty of sound deadning material in it.

dchopp · January 2002

Thats why they put sound systems in automotive vehicles. When the noise gets loud (wind etc.) turn up the radio.

dmathews3 · January 2002

I just bought a new Cavalier to tow behind my motorhome and the radio that I got in it you don't have to turn up. The faster you drive the louder the radio gets all automatically.

dchopp · January 2002

Hey thats a great. I had a 1990 Chevy Corsica that did the same thing until my son ruined it with one of those aftermarket radios. Glad to hear that Chevy is still one foot ahead of the competition.----DCH

sammyc · January 2002

My 99 Ody need extended warranty. I've sent the email to some dealer. All of them quoted me the 7/75,000/0 deductable for $1,105.

I've read the thread and found that people can get much better price for Hondacare. Need help.
--sammy

shued · January 2002

Because of Honda Pilot and Toyota 2003 new
Sienna Van, do you think it is possible to
have Odyssey Limited Edition in 2003 model?
In my mind,Odyssey Limited Edition is
LX model plus the following:
1): Am/FM, Cassette and CD player unit.
2): Alloy wheels.
3): Alarm System
4): Luggage Rack.

dmathews3 · January 2002

Every limited edition I have seen is the top trim level with all the toys. So my guess would be a EX nav. with leather and special trim and decals.

ateixeira · January 2002

Honda has sold Accords in the past with SE labels. They were 4 bangers with auto and ABS, basically an LX with a few goodies added.

But the Accord needed incentives to sell, while the Odyssey does not. Also, note that wait lists are actually longer for Odys with more equipment. The demand is for loaded ones, not value-priced models. I doubt an SE will appear.

-juice

shued · January 2002

I don't SE will be produced because it
needs to modify the suspension. As like
Accord, Limited Edition Accord is LX model plus
some good items. At last half of 2002,
after Honda Pilot, New 2003 Sienna model,
and Ody Van 180,000 production capacity, the
demand and supply may change, and Ody LE model
may appears.

billg7 · January 2002

After the post #4120 on Jan13 6:37 PM. I tried several times during the day today, including about 2 or 3 hours ago, and that was the last post. Now I see posts listed throughout the day. I also hit my reload button at least twice each time.

It appears that the posts finally were post tonight. Also were there posts on Jan14 that did not get posted?

Or do I need to do something special to get the post updates. Have not had problems before in the about two years I have been coming here.

stever · January 2002

Were you unable to log on at all, or just unable to post? Town Hall has hiccuped some in the last two days (including a 5 minute spell for me just a little bit ago), but this is the first report of possible missing posts I've heard. You should see new posts when you log on.

I'll ask around - thanks for the heads up.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

billg7 · January 2002

I was able to read all the posts, with the last post showing as #4120 6:37pm Jan13. I looked at the posts several times during the day including about 3 hours before I just posted and the last post I saw was #4120. So I was not seing the other posts through out the day. I notice though, now, that others were, as they were posting posts responding to posts through out the day. I did not try to post but had no trouble loging on.

I realise you have to hit the reload button sometimes twice to get an update. I was just wondering if using I.E. 5.5 browser if I should do something else to insure I can update the posts here.

I know that some web sites have some detailed directions on how to do it. I have not had a problem before. It could be that at the time I was looking, your web site was not working right or perhaps their is now a problem in my browser. It was just a mystery to me as it has not happened to me before.

stever · January 2002

Hitting the reload button should do it, I'd think. My reading method is a bit different as I subscribe to all these topics in Vans. I use IE 6 and don't have too many problems with the browser - usually its something on the server end that messes up. Maybe after I sleep on it I'll come up with a better explanation (or maybe no one posted in here on the 14th?).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

inky · January 2002

As an engineer I like to post mileage and I check each and every tank of all my cars. 02 RedRock EX.
xmas trip 2200 mi I-70 @ 70 mph = 24.5 mpg heavy
in town 5-7 mile trips=16.45 mpg
At least regular gas is called for.
I like the highway mileage. With nearly 4400 pounds of girth this van needs an infusion of a liberal use of aluminum.
I also think replacing the 60 series tires on the 02's over the old 65 series was a mistake. I prefer erring toward better ride. Much better than my 99 but why change tire size after 3 years?
I find the 02 seats very comfortable and the van is much smoother with 5 speed and somewhat quieter. I still like the old alloys and 65 series tires. Should have traded off from a 01.
Best of all the power is outstanding for a van.
The new steering wheel is slightly thicker. I added a leather wheel cover with cross stitching from PEP boys. It takes well over an hour to put on but result is worth it. For $13 these steering wheel covers are well worth it. Warning: Be prepared for hard work if you do it yourself. Honda dealers peddle a Honda one for $42 plus about $40 installation.
Time for an oil change will use Motorcraft 5w20 semi synthetic. Walmart carries for $1.77 qt.
Considered Amsoil 5w20 but too expensive. No Mobil One.
INKY

wholigan · January 2002

#1 - If I own an EX-L with RES, does the HondaCare warranty cover the RES?
#2 - If I own an EX-L with Navi, does the HondaCare warranty cover the Navi?
Better yet, has anybody needed warranty work on these yet?
TIA-
Wholigan

billg7 · January 2002

Nice thing about the Honda Care Warranty is it tells what it does not cover and everything else is covered. The other warranties do it the other way around and you then have no way to tell what they left out.

The telephone number for Honda warranty customer service is 1-800-999-5901. They would be able to answer your question.

dmathews3 · January 2002

yes to both

stangelj · January 2002

How much of a difference does the 240 hp engine make compared to the 99 EX you had? Did you run the 99 on regular or premium? Thanks.

inky · January 2002

Well, I find the 02 Ody engine/tranny as nice or better then my 3.2 TL--the TL takes premium!
The 02 has another cog and that is all the difference in the world--no lunge from 1-2 and smooth. Regular unleaded runs great that is like getting 2-3 more mpg since premium is 10-15% higher in most places. I ran my 99 on premium in town but on trips what did it matter cruising at 70 mph at 60 HP. Now it does not matter at all.
I imagine premium may still have some benefits but perhaps not. I saw some octane tests that showed lower preformance when running 91 or higher in a car designed for 87. Accord is one of them. Cars designed for 91 or higher usually need it to obtain HP and torque figures.
INKY

dclar07 · January 2002

I was thinking of buying the crossbars for the rack above just to have on hand for someday. Found a good deal. But I wonder if I would ever really need the rack with all the room inside. I plan to have around 2.3 kids someday and we occasionally take trips to the beach.
What do previous owners think? Thanks...

billg7 · January 2002

2.3 kids is the average family, but why be average. I would recommend you have your family in whole numbers.

The rack can come in handy for extra stuff, but why not wait till you might need it. You should always be able to get the cross bars anytime in the future, either from Honda or one of the Honda accessory places on line or even a wrecking yard. Why buy it just encase you might need it. I doubt the price would increase by much as the material it is made of is just iron. I have a lot of stuff laying around, that I bought, just in case I might need it

If you do buy it you may not want to install it and it would just be laying around. The cross bars normally cause extra wind noise and a slight loss in gas mileage, which is one reason why Honda may not include them. You can load stuff up there without the cross bars if you put a pad underneath on the car roof. Some people have rubber strips installed onto the roof.

fernandog · January 2002

I would buy the Oddisey with cross bars. Two years ago I was vacationing with my Windstar in Vermont and my wife wanted to buy a piece of furniture that she liked. The cross bars allowed me to carry it on top of my van without a problem.

ateixeira · January 2002

Actually, that's a good reason not to get them. It would've saved you the cost of that furniture! ;-)

2.3 kids means 2 kids and a dog.

-juice

vthokiefan · January 2002

I requested price quotes from several dealers through Honda.com, and I'm getting no response from any of them. Has anyone else attempted to use this service?

vincereynolds · January 2002

http://www.epinions.com/content_34199539332

Instead of rambling, I thought that I would post regular updates of my van's performance and problems.

Take care,

Vince

Atlanta, Ga

billg7 · January 2002

The folding seat was very important to me also. Usually it takes two people to take the rear seat out of a van and then store it, and two people to put it back. We just can easily fold it into the floor. The other auto manufacturers would have liked to have added it but since they sell their models as four wheel drive also, there was no place to put it.

There have been a lot of posts here on the gas gauge and thats the way it works for everybody, and I don't know of a fix for it. I think they would have to change the design of the gas tank to fix that and they may not have the room for it.
If you know how it works however I would think you could then compensate for it. When it gets to empty, set one of your two miles driven gauges to zero. Then figure you have a minimum of about 12x7= 84 miles, which is the lowest mileage you should get in town.

From another post: So 2.3 kids means 2 kids and a dog. Thanks for the definition. I would never be able to find that, even in my unabridged dictionary. Sounds like a good question to ask on a TV quiz show. I guess I have not been keeping up with the current English language

caviller · January 2002

http://www.epinions.com/content_34498776708

Also a link for Odyssey carseat and safety information:

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

billg7 · January 2002

Some comments that come to mind.

On the safety: That is the main reason I chose the Odyssey minivan over a passenger car or a SUV. Consumer reports also has long recommended a minivan over a SUV as a more practical vehicle. Another big reason for my choice was the retractable seat.

On dealers taking unfair advantage: I wish I had seen some of the posts about that on this site before. My dealer told me he would have no idea when the van come in till it came in. Four months later at the end of June he called me. That is about the latest he could have sold me the 2000 year Odyssey. So I expect he sold my vehicle a number of times before he sold it to me. A positive is they had more time to put recall modifications in my vehicle and it has never been in a recall. Also I just drove my old car longer before I gave it to my brother anyway. So I didn't really lose anything.

On weak stereo system: The good thing about that is for some extra money, and not a great deal of money, you can easily have a great after market system installed, including a better speaker system.

On the window washer: It would have been much better if they had added a rear air deflector, that you see on the American minivans and SUV's. I had one for years and they work very well to keep the rear window clean.

On visibility: I can not see in back below the window level well and that bothers me, when I am backing up. I would like to have seen a rear collision alarm, like they have on some minivans. I know you can add one after market.

On noise: You and I seem to agree that the noise is not a big problem. I don't find it a problem at all as I don't find it noisy. However I don't seem to drive on concrete roads where some are having the problem.

On a problem I found and I believe I was the first to comment on it, at this site. I have to be careful and not park my front tire up against the parking block, like I have always done before. Something underneath the car hits the block if I do. It may be the mud guards, perhaps.

mcmv11a · January 2002

I have a 2001 Ody. Is the TCS on by default? Or I need to press the TCS button everytime starting the engine? Whenever I press the TCS button, it turns on the amber light. I asked a Honda dealer, he said amber light on means TCS is on. It just doesn't sound logical to me that other systems have green light meaning working, while TCS uses amber. Any help?

rmud · January 2002

I have a 2000 LX that has had a history fro week one of both sliding doors sticking and being very difficult to open. I had the right handle come off in my hand last year, and yesterday, with 36,700 miles on the van, the left one broke of in my hand. In all four cases I have documented the dealer simply could not duplicate the problem and attempted to fix it by lubricating the door or adjusting the strike plate. The service manager acknowledged one time that the doors were a problem. How many other people have had problems with sticking doors, and what did your dealers do to make the problem right? Thanks.

auburn63 · January 2002

When you use that switch you are bypassing the traction control. You should be able to verify that in the owners manual some where..

auburn63 · January 2002

There is a service bulletin out for that problem and it involves replacing the sub seal and the maun seal on both doors.

mschafer · January 2002

I am really amazed at the ignorance of some of these folks who sell and service a vehicle, not just only Honda.

The Traction Control is on by default when you start the vehicle. Pressing the button which turns on the indicator light in the instrument panel turns the TCS *OFF*. Simply put: Light on steady = TCS OFF.

When the TCS is activated by slipppery conditions, the TCS will flash; but is not on steady. This flashing means that it is controlling the traction; i.e. in use.

Hope this clears things up for you. Both you and the dealer should read the owner's manual. It spells this out pretty clearly there - better than I just did here.

tracyz · January 2002

Hi, we have a 2000 Odyssey (which we absolutely love). We have 2 kids and a dog and are planning a long road trip this coming summer. We are hoping to put a hard bodied rooftop carrier on top to store stuff during our journey.
We went to Sears the other day to look at their Thule carriers - the models they had on display would not fit the Odyssey according to their book.

Does anyone know of any that would work with the Odyssey?

auburn63 · January 2002

From all that I can see and have learned from other techs in the shop the motor mount is the only thing that most of them remove. Only 1 out of 5 that have done Odyssey T-Belts has said they loosen up anything but the motor mount. However since the 1 did say he tried to loosen the sub frame it does mean that the possibilty is there. Other than that a visual on the van doesn't give me any ideas on what they could have left loose.. Let me know what you find..Good luck

mschafer · January 2002

Thanks for the feedback. I need to wait for a little nicer weather to crawl under and remove the splash shield/shroud in order to see if the subframe might be what's rattling. I'll let you know what I find. Thanks again.

mcmv11a · January 2002

Thanks everyone. Following your direction to check the user manual (p.221?), I verified that TCS amber light ON = TCS OFF.

opus99 · January 2002

I am considering a used 1999 odyssey. It has 150,000 Hwy klms & full service history, new tires,timing belt replacement, good shape all around.
@ $20,000. firm
Just want an opinion on this value for the Buck. Or should I spend another $ 10,000 for an EX with low klms.
Over all the honda products seem to be be very bullet proof even at high klms.
Any opinions?

gess · January 2002

That's seems like a decent price from what I can see of the prices in the Vancouver area anyway.

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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