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Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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Comments

  • chryslervan1chryslervan1 Member Posts: 52
    1. My wife at 5'2" had same concern about legs hitting the dash. However, it seems the problem is resolved if the front passenger seat is slid all the way to the rear....still leaving more than adequate leg room for the person in middle row if their seat is also slid to the rear.
    2. Road noise seems to be more a result of the road surface and brand of tire on the van than a deficiency of the van. Old cement roads are horrible causes of road noise while the same van on a newer asphalt road will be very quiet. Have you driven all vans tested so far on the same stretch of highway?
    3. We have owned 2 DC minivans and frequently drive my brother-in-law's 2001 Odyssey EX home from the airport and then a week later back to the airport to pick them up after their vacation. My wife and I each feel that our 2002 Chrysler T&C eL is marginally quieter than the 2001 Odyssey EX on the same road...but not very much.
    Our 1991 Astro CL with UniRoyal Tiger Paw Plus AWP tires was quieter on cement roads than either our 99 GC SE or 2002 T&C eL BUT was noisier on asphalt roads.
    Place your order for an Odyssey if those 2 little items are the only negatives. The Odyssey is a VERY NICE minivan and we would have purchased one if it had been available at the time we needed it. We are satisfied with our DC minivans, but the Odyssey does have more comfortable seats in my opinion and the Magic Seat gives outstanding convenience.
  • ohloneohlone Member Posts: 55
    well put. thank you.

    Re: RES
    We've got the DVD system from the factory. There are jacks in the back where we could plug in a VCR or even the cam corder and play tapes off the TV. The screen is smaller than I had hoped, but it's great to have it out of the way where all rear passengers can see it.

    Other economical choices are to strap the 9" TV/VCR AC/DC set to the top of an ice chest. Or if you are hand with wood, just build a custom fit cabinet that will rest on the floor and tilt the screen up.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    For 2003 look for some color changes only as the mid course design changes are on the 2002 model. The Ody will get a new look in 2004. I do not experience any excessive road noise on our 2002 Ody. If that does bother you I suggest playing some Polka Music. Put the Ody in Auto, lean the seat back and listen to a good polka band. The outside world just dissappears.
  • wpalkowskiwpalkowski Member Posts: 493
    Hey Doc,
    Guess you're forgetting your Physics from pre-med days. ;-) Those portable TVs make a deadly missile in a panic stop. If you're gonna use a portable tv/vcr get a SteelHorse Tote. It's a bag made specifically to hold 9" TV/VCR/DVD in a car. It's got 6 straps that secure the set well enough that it'd stay put in a rollover. Also has quick releases and handle so you can take it out quickly. It's around $75, much cheaper than leather repairs. Couldn't stomach the $1100+ for aftermarket RES, so went with the portable stuff for around a third the cost. Fits in our Odyssey (and the F350 Crew Cab too), plus we use it in the camp trailer too.

    Wp
  • srallen1srallen1 Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have any thoughts or heard rumors on the possibility of Honda offering four wheel drive on the redesigned Odyssey ? It would seem logical since the Pilot has the same engine/chasis as the Odyssey and has four wheel drive. We are considering ordering a 2003, but would wait for the redesign if four wheel drive was an option.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    It's already there - the Pilot!! :-)

    Seriously, people have speculated that AWD can't be done due to the design of the magic seat. Couple that with the fact that DC sells less than 10% IIRC of their vans with AWD, I doubt Honda would go through the trouble. Design costs, crash testing, regulatory approval would all stand in the way.

    But then again, you never know.
  • chryslervan1chryslervan1 Member Posts: 52
    As stated eloquently by robr2 "It's already there - the Pilot!! :-)"

    We looked at, sat in, and priced the Pilot. The Pilot feels quite small inside when sitting next to an Odyssey.

    Since not all people want the space and utility of a minivan, Honda produced a practical, mid-size SUV. Honda has another winner. Compared to gas guzzling V6 powered SUV's, the Pilot is a breath of fresh air in a time we all need to be more concerned about the levels of pollution emitted by gas guzzling road hogging resource wasting behemoths.

    The Magic Seat is a far more valuable asset for a minivan than AWD. As a repeat DC minivan owner, I wish DC had dropped AWD and added the Magic Seat. We would probably be driving a Honda Odyssey if Odysseys were available without a $500 non refundable deposit and a waiting list.

    Based on our research, it seems highly improbable that the Odyssey will be available in the foreseeable future without a waiting list. Will the same "waiting list" feature of the Odyssey be duplicated with the Pilot?
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    chryslervan1:

    Well in So Cal, Pilot right now is WORSE than Odyssey. Due to it's newer. But if you look at Acura version's MDX. It's still hard to get too. Honda now have 3 vehicles Odyssey, Pilot and MDX share major parts so supply won't be high.

    bjk
  • chryslervan1chryslervan1 Member Posts: 52
    No other company has the waiting list demand for any mass produced vehicle that Honda has for 3: Odyssey, Pilot, and Acura MDX.
    The fine folks at Honda have a very uncanny ability to produce attractive, quality vehicles at a decent price. When will other manufacturers wake up and smell the coffee?
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    the CRV too. I just placed an order for a CRV EX with manual trans and we will have it in Dec/Jan...and I work here!

    Jerry
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    Jerry:

    Sorry, I am laughing soo hard now (laughing with you not at you). Obviously, you don't have enough "connection" with the people you work with. Does your customer have to wait that long too, or just YOU? Are you waiting for 2003 CRV? I bet you pay pennies for CRV.

    Ben
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    The trick is the manual tranny. Honda hasn't shipped any that I'm aware of.
  • alindaalinda Member Posts: 67
    two weeks from now the dealership I work at is getting the first 5 speed crv we've seen in 6 months. its silver. it has been sold for 4 months. crazy, no?
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    Raybear is right, manuals aren't easy to come by. Yes I am paying pennies for the car...a little over 2,000,000 of them.

    Jerry
  • chryslervan1chryslervan1 Member Posts: 52
    Local Honda dealership has 3 waiting lists prominently posted on the wall near the sales manager's office: Odyssey, Pilot, and CR-V. However, it seems there is also a waiting list for the S2000.
    Now the question: Will there be FIVE waiting lists at Honda dealerships with the NEW 2003 Accord also available only after getting on a waiting list?
    Must be nice being a Honda salesman these days.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    There has been some mention of Honda using Breakin oil in the new vehicles. I thought that went out years ago. I can't find anything in my operators manual about it. My Local Honda Dealer didn't know. Any thought?
  • bdaddybdaddy Member Posts: 171
    No break in oil used. Honda uses and recommends 5W-20 oil. 5W-30 can be used as a substitute (preffered by some in warm climates).
  • bdaddybdaddy Member Posts: 171
    No break in oil used. Honda uses and recommends 5W-20 oil. 5W-30 can be used as a substitute (preferred by some in warm climates).
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    dehopp:

    p196 2001 Odyssey Honda Owner's Manual Break-in Period says: "Do not change the oil until the recommended time or mileage interval shown in the maintenance schedule." Some dealer said Honda put in "special polymer additive oil in the factory." Some people said it was Synthetic Mobil-1. My sales told me "Honda put in special break-in oil in the factory, DO NOT change oil at least for first 3-5k miles.

    Regards,

    bjk
  • doxmandoxman Member Posts: 2
    We just spent the afternoon driving Dodge Grand Caravan Sport(3.3 was very underpowered, kept downshifting to keep up) and a Chevrolet Trailblazer LT (also seemed underpowered for it's big 6cyl) Then we headed for the Honda dealer and drove the Pilot and the Oddy. I liked the Pilot but wife says we need the room of the Oddy. We were very impressed with the solid feeling on the road, the smooth transmission, lots of pep and the quietness inside. The radio was a little disappointing but not terrible. Would like to know what gas mileage every one is getting. Also, is anyone towing with their oddy? Thinking of pulling a pop-up camper (about 3000 lbs max).
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Residual Value Award



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • chryslervan1chryslervan1 Member Posts: 52
    The "Industry Brand Residual Value Award" should have been won by Honda.
    No surprise that the Odyssey won the ALG Residual Value Award for minivans....BUT, when Volkswagen wins "Industry Brand Residual Value Award" the entire article loses some credibility.
    Based on personal experience owning 5 Volkswagens, I feel Volkswagen has earned the "Most Prone to Break Down Award".
  • jcrobertsjcroberts Member Posts: 54
    My wife noticed the Check Engine Light was stayed lit. I stopped by a parts store and they kindly took a reading with their keyboard computer to find code 401 which means the EGV is clogging up with carbon and restricting exhaust. He kindly reset my computer. I proceeded to my Honda service dept. understanding there was an extended warranty on the EGV. Since the Check Engine Light no longer glowed needing attention, he would not touch it. Did he think I make up this story? I wait for it to light again so Honda will do something to clean up or replace my EGV. My question is there something I can put in my gas to clean out the EGV on a regular basis? In the good old days a regular pedal to the metal would clean would clean it out. Any suggestions? Thanks.
  • jcrobertsjcroberts Member Posts: 54
    I failed to mentioned that my wife's vehicle is a 1999 Honda Odyssey with just 38k miles on it, Thanks. Overall she is very happy with "Her van." I only drive it for gas and inspections. It is definitely a low maintenance vehicle.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    jcroberts:

    If your check engine light went on due to EGR valve is clogged with carbon, and it was reset without cleaning not due to on board computer glitch. I am sure it will light up again very soon.

    bjk
  • ohloneohlone Member Posts: 55
    doxman,
    we went through the gas milege thing about 20 posts back - I'm not sure I saw anyone getting the high end (25 mpg). My car which has only 2k miles ranges 17-20 city/ hwy.

    I would think the honda would tow 3,500 lbs as it is rated pretty well. The engine is just awesome.
    But you'll need the hitch with a transmission cooler -$900 at Honda or half that 3rd party.
  • donbroerdonbroer Member Posts: 15
    I recently, July 22 thru July 23, drove from Cleveland, OH to Toronto ON and back 736 miles and then from Cleveland to Hamilton, OH (filled up part way back on return trip) on 7/25 to 7/27. Total of 1119.9 miles using 39.91 gals. giving mileage of 28.06.
    This is with a 2000 Ody ex with Air Conditioner on most of the time, The Canada trip was with 3 adults and luggage for 2 nights stay, Trip to Hamilton, OH was 2 adults with luggage for 2 nights. Most of the time cruise control was set for 67-68 mph.
    On most trips of 200 miles or more, driving between 65 and 70 mph I can get 25 mpg or better. 50/50 mixed highway and city I get about 9 to 20 mpg. Use 87 Octane gas.
  • hayneldanhayneldan Member Posts: 657
    From NHTSA (National Highway Saftey Administration) " Honda is recalling 1.3 MILLION 1997-2000 Honda Accords, Civics, Preludes, CR-Vs and Odysseys and 1999 Acura TLs and 1997-1999 CLs to replace an ignition switch that can cause the engine to stall.
  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    Do you have a web site link for that?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    NHTSA Press Release

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    Try to sign up @ Honda's owner link website! Its' free! Once you type in your VIN they will tell you if your Honda is on the recall list on not.


    http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/

  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    Thanks for the links. I see after going over the seemingly, endless list that the recall notice is for 1997-1999 Honda Odysseys.

    Honda says they have already sent out the notices in July.
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    I called my dealer a month ago on this recall and they said to wait for the recall notice to be sent out before they will work on it. Honda has been good to date about previous recall notices, but I haven't received this one yet.
  • doncasdoncas Member Posts: 11
    I am thinking about purchasing a 2003 Odyssey. Is it true that the Odyssey still uses a timing belt as opposed to a timing chain? If so, will the engine be damaged if the belt breaks while the vehicle is in operation?
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    Yes, the Ody has a belt vice a chain. And the 3.5L V-6 is an interference engine, which means that if the belt snaps, the valves will be smashing into the pistons, making a big mess. So it's always a wise investment to change the belt at about 60k miles.
  • maple49maple49 Member Posts: 66
    Pretty sure the timing belt can go 105K miles before being replaced (I need to double check the manual). As long as you properly maintain the vehicle and have regular inspections you should be fine going the entire 105K miles. I won't lose a second of sleep waiting until 105K before I change mine.

    Timing chains are great but they also need to be maintained.
  • mfeldmanmfeldman Member Posts: 140
    Anyone know what changes there will be for the 2003 model,if any. Dealers won't say.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Most of the changes were made in 2002. For 2003 look for some color changes only
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    I have timing chains on my '02 Corolla with the 2.0 liter vvti 4 cyl engine (it's one of the reasons I bought the Corolla over the Civic, I figure it'll save me about $300 every 60k miles from the belt replacement). The owners manual does not mention any recommended maintenance on the chain. In the Corolla forum they say that the car will die before the chain fails. So what kind of maintenance is required for a timing chain?
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    dave954

    Owner's manaual says to replace Civic timing belt @ 105k miles but to play safe typical gets replaced every 90k miles its about $200 bucks. Small price to pay for 90 k miles. I don't own a Corolla so not sure how often to replace timing chain. But other than timing chain there is water pump needed replacement, typical people replace water pump when they replace timing belt. I don't think timing belt will last longer than the Corolla. Suggest you call your Toyota dealer to ask them about recommended timing chain replacement mileage. Also ask them how water pump.
    BTW Corolla has 1.8 L not 2.0 L engine.

    bjk
  • maple49maple49 Member Posts: 66
    Timing chains very rarely break (can happen but extremely rare). Chains do need to be inspected because they can stretch or need adjustment. Again, not common but can happen. These days they are both fine and I wouldn't make my decision based solely on this criteria.

    FYI - the new Accord went to a chain so there is a good chance the redesigned Odyssey (2004) will too.
  • maple49maple49 Member Posts: 66
    Looks like the only changes for 2003 are a few colors (some gone, some new)and the option to get both the Nav and DVD.

    Odyssey will be redesigned for the 2004 model year.
  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
    maple where did you get the info that both nav and dvd will be offered? so far i only have heard speculation on that subject, mostly based on the fact that the mdx will have both. i hope you are right.
  • maple49maple49 Member Posts: 66
    Someone on the Odyclub board mentioned they got this information from a dealer. I can't independently verify it.
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    I haven't heard of ANY changes, except for some color changes. Still no pricing info either.

    Jerry
  • doxmandoxman Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the mpg information. Fairly new to the discussion and missed the earlier discussion. I know it can be irritating to go over it again and again.
    Thinking about leasing an Oddy lx or Ex. Went to the Honda website and checked out their leasing option. With 4k down, an Lx leases for @270 and an Ex for @310 per month. Do these numbers sound accurate?
    What do you think of the Honda Lease? I have been quoted pretty much MSRP on either Lx or Ex and haven't tried to work on a better deal, "yet".
    Thanks.
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    The numbers quoted by ehonda.com for their leases are at "retention" that means they quote prices that the F&I dept gets their buy rate at. We have brought this up with Honda on many occaisions, but there isn't a solution with it as of yet. Also, there is no provision for state sales tax. Both of those comnbined with give you a substantial difference in lease payment.

    Let me give you an example. Last week I had a customer that leased a Odyssey from me. Now, he is in Pennsylvania. In Pa they tax the payment and not the vehicle, can be quite confusing. Because of the variance in taxes, ehonda quotes a payment of 416 for 48 months. The reality is that he was at 480.

    Hope this helps

    Jerry
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Jerry-

    Let me give you an example. Last week I had a customer that leased a Odyssey from me. Now, he is in Pennsylvania. In Pa they tax the payment and not the vehicle, can be quite confusing. Because of the variance in taxes, ehonda quotes a payment of 416 for 48 months. The reality is that he was at 480.

    That puts his tax rate at about 16.5%! Looks like you caluclated tax on both the vehicle and the payment.
  • anchormananchorman Member Posts: 9
    Does anyone know who makes the DVD player used in the Odyssey? (Pioneer, Kenwood, etc.) I have several VCDs and DVD+RWs that I would like to be able to use in it, but don't know what kinds of discs it's capable of playing? Haven't bought the van yet, but would like it to be able to play these formats. Any ideas?
  • anchormananchorman Member Posts: 9
    And one other thing... Has anyone installed the woodgrain dash accessories? My wife wants the Odyssey to feel more like her MDX. Thoughts?
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