Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

jrdowney · February 2002

I have a 2001 EX. On a recent trip to the south I noticed several Ody vans that had a rubber moulding around the rear wheel well. Not sure what year each was but my 2001 does not have these. Was this a standard feature that went away or a dealer option? I know there are varying opinions on the value of these, especially in salt/snow country but I generally prefer them. Thanks for any insights.

Jim d.

jmurman42 · February 2002

what you saw was the dealer installed option called 'fenderwell trim. Should sell for 157 installed.

Jerry

flapjack2 · February 2002

Hello. I'm new to this particular discussion, having not really considered a minivan until now. Did read some of this thread today, however. I went car shopping today, and came across two older Ody's, a 95 EX with 83,000 miles and a 96 LX with 118,000 miles. For the 95 they are asking $8900, for the 96, $9400, although they offered $8200 without my even asking. I think I could get either one for about $8000 by playing the dealers against each other. I don't expect this to be a perfect car, I just need something reasonably reliable for the arrival of my twins, and to get me through one more year of med school, and for a few years after that while in residency. I've read about Ody problems, most about the sliding doors (which this doesn't have), and the transmissions in the 99's. I can find nothing suggesting people have complaints about the 95-96 model. Maybe it is just such an old model that no-one cares to write about it, but I would be appreciative for anyone to offer their experience with this model. I feel like these are good prices for high milage, but otherwise servicable cars, but if I'm missing something that I need to know about this model, I'd appreciate a heads-up. Thanks in advance.
Flapjack

billg7 · February 2002

The Odyssey was completely re designed in 1999. All Odysseys before that are a completely different vehicle. The comments you see on this board only apply to the 1999 through 2002 Odyssey models. About the only thing the same about pre 1999 Odysseys and those 1999 and above is the name and the fact that they are both minivans.

Since you have a family of only 2 kids and appear to be on a budget, I don't see that you really have to have a vehicle as large as a minivan, unless you just want one of course. You might consider a mid size car as a better fit for your situation and budget as an alternate. Consumer Reports magazine rates used cars, in various price ranges, and you can get it at the library.

carleton1 · February 2002

Many owners of the Accord based Odyssey are sad to have it discontinued while owners of the 1999 and later like the new, larger size Odyssey the best.

flapjack2 · February 2002

I'm fairly aware of my options. And I realize (although I'm new to parenthood) that two infants don't absolutely need a minivan. I started out today thinking along the lines of Corolla, Civic, Prizm, Sentra. Went to the Nissan dealership, drove a 98 Sentra, which was ok, not very impressive, and would fit infant seats. Drove a couple of Saturn SL's, ditto. Went to the Toyota dealership to look at Corolla's, found two 98's one that smelled of cigarettes, the other missing the oil cap. The salesperson, of course, steered me towards Camry's and a couple of Avalons for $12K. Camry's are fine family cars in my opinion. I drove one, and it was quite nice, as a Camry is. But the 95 Odyssey at the Toyota place just caught my eye. I've always thought they were nice looking cars, and I think the 95-96 model has a sort of utilitarian look that appeals to me. I have a touring kayak that I use when I can, and I thought that my roof rack and kayak would look a little silly on top of a Camry, not that that is a big problem. I also liked the space in the van. I currently drive a old Nissan pickup, which has been great for hauling furniture, and Home Depot runs, but is obviously not going to be suitable for two car seats. So, from this kind of thinking comes my interest in these Odysseys. I've really wanted a CRV, especially the '02, but the current price/supply situation on those is not to my liking. I'm not going to put down a $500 deposit just to test drive one. I'll wait until the supply/demand favors the consumer. I realize this is also the situation many people are in regarding new Odyssey's. I appreciate the above comments, and I am not deadset on either of these cars, I can keep looking...but 1) they kind of appealed to me, 2) I can pay cash for one of them, and 3) I liked them, the best of all the cars I drive today, actually. I just need to get a feel for if anyone thinks the price is ok, or if it is a really bad idea. I don't need fancy or new transportation, but I don't want to spend time on the side of the road either. Just trying to strike a balance, and looking for opinions. Thanks again.
Flapjack

jrdowney · February 2002

jmurman42 - are you sure its the fenderwell trim. What I saw is rubber and does not protrude from the wheel well at all. It wraps around the metal lip and covers it. Seemed like a factory item to me and I didn't notice anything different on the front wheels. The description I saw for the fenderwell trim talks about removing the "vehicle rubber moulding." Thats what I'm talking about and what my vehicle doesn't have.

Jim d.

dmathews3 · February 2002

Why not go to one of the Honda sites that sell parts and look at the pictures and decide for yourself?

caviller · February 2002

Don't forget about the Isuzu Oasis. They were made by Honda for Isuzu through the 1999 model year. Same exact vehicle as the 1st gen Odyssey, and you wont pay a premium for the Honda name...

billg7 · February 2002

Consumers Reports lists the 2000 year Odyssey and Dodge Caravan as having average reliability. There is not enough data to rate the 2001 and 2002 models, but the Odyssey's reliability has been improving since 1999.

As for the cost of parts, a better way to look at it is, what is the total cost of ownership of one vehicle versus another. My guess is the 2002 Odyssey 5 speed transmission is more expensive then the 4 speeds out there.

One of the best ways to see the cost of ownership is to compare the cost of one companies extended warranty against another, as the companies costs to service that warranty are built into its price.

I don't know what that is but if you go to Edmunds warranty quotes for it's warranties it sells, you can compare the cost of one companies warranty against another.

I see the Edmunds spelling checker recommends that that word be spelled Edmonds.

caviller · February 2002

Are you using the up-to-date Consumer Reports data in their online subscriber area, or the information that is in their 2002 Buying guide? The buying guide data is over a year old, and is the same as that in the April, 2001 edition.

Also, you say Odyssey is below average. Do you know what average is, according to CR?

FYI- Intellichoice has their 2002 value ratings online. Odyssey LX and EX are rated excellent, though Sienna is best in class according to them.

duyenanhusa · February 2002

jrdowney,

I notice that the 2002 Ody's have this rubber moldings on the rear wheel well. I am mot sure about earlier model years.

These moldings are attractive but will increase the chances of getting rust since they will trap moisture. You can have mine during April time frame since I will be removing them once I get the van.

stangelj · February 2002

Here is an article from a couple of months ago on buying a used 95-98 Odyssey. All pricing is in Canadian dollars. I hope this helps.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jc/95-98odyssey.htm

dmathews3 · February 2002

I think you are wrong on the rear wheel well rust. Most Cars today come with galvanized sheet metal on all surfaces except the roof and don't rust as old cars did. Take for example the Pontiac Grand Am's that have all the bodyside clading on them. I live in Michigan a state that uses more salt on their roads than anyother state and I still see the 84-91's on the road without rust on the sides.

cararoo · February 2002

Hi!
Can anybody tell me the interior leather color on the silver odyssey? Is it a dark gray or light? Also, what about the leather color on the red odyssey. Thanks!

dmathews3 · February 2002

Why not take about 30 seconds and go to the Honda website where you can get all that information.

isosmithy · February 2002

About to purchase a 2002 ODY. Was wondering if someone would tell me what their owners manual says about towing. My question is, on a 2002 model can I tow less then 2000 lbs without the cooler add ons and does it say this in the owners manual?

jmurman42 · February 2002

I dont think that the owners manual will tell you that you can tow less lbs without the trans cooler. Why risk it?

Jerry

grandtotal · February 2002

Have just searched the 2002 manual and it only talks about towing up to 3500lbs with a transmission cooler and a power steering cooler and only two (150lb) passengers including the driver. No mention is made of towing without either cooler. The Canadian brochure lists towing capacity as 907kg (2000lbs), but I agree with Jerry, if you're going to tow fit the coolers.

mark189 · February 2002

I was promised delivery in April and assume that my van will be assembled in Alabama. That's a concern, considering that the Mercedes ML has had serious quality control problems from day one. Could be a Mercedes issue, since Honda has a good track record with production here in the US. However, as for Alabama, it's 0 for 1. Any info on this issue?

flapjack2 · February 2002

For the useful link

billg7 · February 2002

It will probably take quite a while to determine if there are problems at the new plant. One way to cover your self is to get the factory extended warranty. At the prices we pay here, the dealer is not making that much profit on it and it is an insurance policy.

isosmithy · February 2002

Just got off the phone with Honda Customer Service. After a day of research they concluded that any tow hitch no matter what is towed MUST include both tranny cooler and power steering cooler or else the warranty is void! This only applies to the 2002 model. Bummer because it is a $1000 add on to tow my little 300lb boat. Will be looking at another vehicle I guess.

rxcure · February 2002

I've had a 97 Ody for our 3 kids and it has been a great vehicle. It has quite a bit of storage space when only the middle seat is in use (which holds 3 on the LX), and the magic seat is also quite useful when you have a few unexpected passengers. It handles and parks very easily and has been rated very highly on reliability (ours has had nothing but oil changes and 30K servicing -- it just keeps on working). At a price less than $10K you'll be getting a very versatile vehicle that is more likely than most to give you trouble-free service. Good luck.

fibber2 · February 2002

Jim,

My '02 does indeed have a fitted rubber U-channel moulding that discretely cover the arch in the rear. The fronts have an overlap from a fender liner that protect about 75% of the painted surface. I like it....

Steve

billg7 · February 2002

The question is does that come with the car or did you pay extra for it. My 2000 Odyssey EX came with mud guards that I did not order. I paid extra for them, however. My dealer said they add them to all their Odysseys and it is an extra profit for them. I think I would want them anyway but maybe not at the price I paid.

I know that for the 2000 year models those moldings were a dealer installed option and my guess is that they are for the 2002 year also

mrbassman · February 2002

My 1999 Oddy is approaching 36000 miles and I have to decide if I will get an extended warranty. My dealer in San Jose, CA, just sent me a quote for Honda Care 7 year 75000 mile for $1210. Has anyone had luck getting different quotes from different dealers or will they all be the same?

Do any of you 1999 owners have any suggestions? Do any of you with more miles have any problems you could warn us about? I have not had many problems so far but I am worried since I have the first year model and it doesn't sound all that reliable statistically.

Has anyone used their Honda Care warranty and been surprised to find things that are not covered?

The Honda site mentions a "Sentinel" plan but doesn't give any details.

dmathews3 · February 2002

If you look back through the old posts here at Edmunds you will find that this question has been asked and answered hundreds of times. $895 is the going price.

dave84 · February 2002

$895 is the going price on the 7 year/100k mile/$0 deductible Honda Care extended warranty. Tracy McCrystal at Alton Blakley Honda recently quoted me the 7 year/75k mile/$0 deductible at $715 (that includes a $60 surcharge for Odysseys older than 24 months or with more than 24k miles). You can reach Tracy at (800) 264-3275.

billg7 · February 2002

It might be nice if someone kept track of who was offering the extended warranties at low prices.

I am not volunteering as I already have one.

My dealer wanted about $1800 for the year 2000 7/100/0 and when I told him I could get it for $900 he just said OK ,I will give it to you for that.

dkrab · February 2002

I have used my HondaCare warranty on my 98 Accord and for the most part it has been hassle-free. Only heads-up I can think of is to note that no body components are covered. I had the silvering inside a taillight flake off, but it's a body component so it isn't covered. No "normal wear items" like brake pads and rotors are covered unless their demise was caused by a covered part failure.

rockycow · February 2002

There will be a surcharge for the honda care warranty on a 1999 with 36K. So, the $895 will not hold for the 7/100/0. But I agree Tracy is the best contact.
rockycow

fibber2 · February 2002

Anthony,

I believe that the U-channel molding came on the vehicle, and was not a dealer installed item. I saw the Ody when it was still covered in plastic, and picked 5 items that I wanted installed *if* my dealer would match internet prices (which they did). Don't think that they would have given me anything for free....

Steve

jrdowney · February 2002

Folks,
Thanks for all the responses. My guess is the molding is factory and maybe mine just slipped through. If I can confirm this I will ask the dealer for a set. I tend to prefer them. I wonder how they will respond?

Jim d.

tcasboy · February 2002

Well, after the dealer replaced the fuel injectors of my LX with 33,500 miles the van was very hesitant to start and surged slightly at stops while in gear. Then the check engine light came on again yesterday, and it is really hard to start. Took it in again today and they replaced the EGR valve (hoepfully the problem to begin with) and say its ready to go. We'll see. I think they just replaced the fuel injectors to clip the factory for the parts and labor, as the van ran worse after they replaced them. Hopefully now the van will run like it used to. Has anybody else had any of these check engine maladies? I'll let you know how it runs after I go pick it up.

tcasboy · February 2002

I picked up the van last night after having the EGR valve replaced. Van started right up and seemed to run much better than it had been. I also went back to my gas log and determined that my highway mileage had decreased to about 21 MPG from the normal 25 MPG I had been getting a few months before he check engine light started coming on (our last long trip). Around town mileage varied between 15-20 with the majority in the 17-19.5 range, and that was less noticable, since most of our driving is in town. Hopefully this will be the end of the check engine light saga.

calg · February 2002

Check my suggestion in the Honda Odyssey Problems forum.

jls21 · February 2002

Has anyone had experience installing a tethered booster seat in a 2000 Odyssey? Are there hooks on the floor for straps to attach to? If not, has anyone had a dealer install something??

caviller · February 2002

See:

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

Let me know if you have any further questions, I'd be glad to help. Post here, or at http://www.car-seat.org if I don't get back to you quickly:-)

will4271 · February 2002

The see photo album doesn't let one into the photos. thx.

caviller · February 2002

Sorry about that. The specific pictures are no longer working. You can still get to the photo album using the main link in bold or with this link:

http://photos.yahoo.com/tcaviller

I'll try to have it fixed today. Thanks!

jrdowney · February 2002

I have a 2001 so I'm not sure about the 2000 but I would assume its the same. The tether hook attaches to the underside of the seat for the middle row captains chairs. That seems to be the best/easiest place for a car seat. No problem putting it in for us.

Jim d.

caviller · February 2002

Everything you wanted to know about Odyssey safety and carseat installation, and more:

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

lss1 · February 2002

got van this weekend from hersons honda in Rockville,MD (just outside D.C.) after a two month wait. paid list. look forward to continuing to read this board and add my two cents worth at times.

rictom · February 2002

I read on this or the ody problems post that someone had their front speakers on their 99 or 2000? Ody replaced under warranty with the new ones used in the 2002. I called my Honda service guy and while he said he hadn't heard of that he agreed to replace them no charge. I'm not an audiophile but they do sound better on my 2000lx. Here's what he said about them "There is no difference in the size of the speakers they are both 6.5". The difference is the original speakers were a single cone inexpensive speaker that had a small magnet and the ones that we put in your vehicle are coaxial a much better
quality and the magnet size much larger."

I dont'know if this will cause a run on Ody owners having their front speakers replace for free...but why not?

billg7 · February 2002

In their annual auto issue for April 2002.

The Odyssey continues to be the number 1 rated minivan and is rated number 1 in safety also of the minivans.

Reliability is rated 1999 & 2000, average; 2001, above average.

dchopp · February 2002

Finally test drove a 2002. I expected a little more power at takeoff. The extra power kicks in at a much higher rpm. Nice van but oh the rear is so ugly looking. I think I will wait until the new design in 2004.
DCH

mark189 · February 2002

I've ordered a Havasu Blue 2002 Odyssey. I was told by one dealer the end of January, and by a second, late spring (which is what the Honda brochure states). It's the end of February and still no Blue in sight.

Anybody have info on when this color will be available?

jmurman42 · February 2002

This color just became available on our last allocation. Look for it to be delivered in late April.

Jerry

hschultz · March 2002

Well, it looks to me as though supply is slowly catching up with demand. I know about the new plant just recently coming on-line, and it appears (from my personal experience in NoVa the past 3 weeks) that they're here to stay.

I drove an EX 2 weeks ago courtesy of the Tyson's Corner Honda dealership (Rosenthal?), and they had 3 others on the lot at the time. I liked it. More than I thought I would, as I was impressed with BOTH the '02 Sienna and a new '02 MPV I had driven in mid-January. Well, I thought the Odyssey blew them both away. And yesterday, my wife thought so too. Unfortunately this particular Honda dealership is still asking $2,500 over MSRP (according to the sticker; we didn't try to dicker). Fortunately for us, we're not buying anything (Odyssey or new Sienna) until late December or early January ('03) when my wife's current lease expires. Hopefully by then Odyssey production will really have kicked in, and demand will be lower. Also, the Pilot will have been out for 6+ months by then, so that may also reduce demand for the Ody.

That Odyssey really is a very nice vehicle. Now if they just make the Nav AND entertainment system available on the SAME vehicle for '03....

P.S. I know I can get the Nav standard from the factory and add a DVD-based LCD entertainment system myself after-market (and that's prolly what I'll do if Honda d/n do it for me).

:-)

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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