Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

24567…137

Comments

  • jlr7jlr7 Member Posts: 9
    Sorry, I guess I'm just a little over excited. I have been waiting since shortly after the 1999 model first came out and just finally decided to take the plunge (my wife couldn't wait any longer)
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    ...congrats on your new purchase and welcome to the forum.
  • ryuryu Member Posts: 6
    I use PIAA Platium H4 for the head lights at 60/55 Watts. There are 80/80 Watts, but I think it is might be too hot for the (Plastic?) head light covers. And for the fog, I use Platium H3 bulbs. You can visit the www.autobulbsdepot.com for list.

    For fog light bulbs replacement, print the fog light iinstallation instruction from Trever's site. It shows how to replace them.

    As for the rear object detection. I have a device called AutoPark 2000 ( I have to check the name again). I got it from Costco awhile back for $15 ( list $50) It only sell for once and gone. I can't find them anymore. Not sure if the company still exist.

    I install the unit at the bottom of license plate by utilizing the empty holes of the plate. Then ran the wire through the space above the taillight. The wire enter the the small gap between the interior panel and the door frame and taps into the reversing light connection. It works quite well and beeps when there is object behind me.

    Hope this helps.
  • skiptomelooskiptomeloo Member Posts: 12
    But watch out for phil47. He may be trying to become phil48 (post #5).
  • ryuryu Member Posts: 6
    http://www.ctico.com/park.htm
  • gleunggleung Member Posts: 7
    We just picked up our 2001 Odys EX yesterday from Merced Honda, CA. As far as I know, they are one of the two dealers in Northern California who is selling the Odys at MSRP. Phil, our sales, was excellent and we had a great time working with him. For those of you who is living in the SF bay area and can wait a few months, I highly recommend Merced Honda and Phil. The deal was smooth, no hassles, no pressure, very quick and professional. For those who can't wait, (as in my cousin's case), the best deal in the SF bay area is about $1500 over MSRP (I saw dealers asking for 5k over MSRP in the bay area, believe it or not). And you probably can get it in 2 to 4 weeks.

    We waited a long time for our EX - since Feb this year. But then again, we waived 3 to 4 chances (wrong color, 2000 model, etc.) since July. Overall, my wife and kids are elited to get our minivan.

    During the paper work, we were given a piece of waiver form informing us that Honda does not recommend using tire chains on the Odys. Our questions were why and what can we use then in snow country. Does anyone have any answer to that? For those who just bought their Odys, did you have to sign this acknowledgement form as well?
  • jlr7jlr7 Member Posts: 9
    Thanks. I'm not completely new to the forum, I have been following on & off since around Odyssey II or III. I just didn't have anything to post until now. Will probably be more active after I finally get my Odyssey and have something to comment on.

    My big disappointment at this point is that we are leaving Thanksgiving Day on a trip to Florida (family vacation) but it sounds like the van probably won't come in until a few days after we leave (can't change the dates of the trip). The trip will end up being close to 2000 miles round trip. What a shame - that would have made a heck of a test drive. Oh well, things could definitely be worse.
  • royooroyoo Member Posts: 3
    My 2001 EX has a noise from 50-60 MPH. When I am off the gas it is quiet, with gas on noise. The noise is not terrible, but annoying. At other speeds, no problems. I have read that this is a tranny noise. Has anyone had honda fix this problem. Was it worth it. Otherwise the van is fine.
  • canadaodyownercanadaodyowner Member Posts: 16
    visit this site for info on snow tires:
    http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/faqs.html

    I live in snow country Canada. For my 00 ody EX I am going to install four Michelin Arctic Alpin snow tires, mounted on a separate set of LX steel rims. Since I plan to keep my ody for many years it will go through at least two sets of tires anyway. I am just buying two sets up front as opposed to sequentially. The savings on not having to switch rims twice a year will pay for the separate LX rims in a few years, plus the EX alloy wheels will not be subjected to the heavy road salts.
  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    I have followed this forum for maybe a year and I have never seen that a waver form was required on chains. My 2000 owners manual says chains are OK if you install them carefully and according to directions. This is because the wheel well clearance is marginal. If you had larger then standard tires installed, that is another matter

    My guess is some people may have not been installing the chains carefully and causing damage. Honda therefore may have wanted to cover themselves, because of that, and so came up with the waver form. That is only a guess however. All cars with standard tires should be designed to accommodate chains, with the exception of some sports car models.

    I would call Honda or vist there web site for a second opinion. Some places require tire chains on cars at certain times of the year. I would think there would be a requirement that a standard car be able to use chains.
  • finallydiditfinallydidit Member Posts: 4
    We have an 01 EX. I have always put remote starters on our car (most recent is 98CRV) since we park outside in Chicago.
    Has anyone put one on an Odyssey recently with the "chip in the key"?
    Ziebart can do it by taking our 3rd key and putting it into a rerouting device but I am a little concerned as I believe in the manual that nothing should done to the security system. However, I pretty much have to get one so that my small children and baby dont freeze in the car.
    Any owners or Honda dealers/mechanics with a comment or advice? Thanks. Mike Bauer
  • shawnandtshawnandt Member Posts: 15
    Our 2000 with 10k miles now has done this since day one. I read a ways back it's something to do with the torque converter. I ask my dealer, Perfection Honda, and the service advisor said put high octane fuel in it. I did that, but after three tanks, still the same thing. I'm inclined to believe it's whatever was posted about the torque converter a ways back.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I've never heard anything about tire chains being a problem.

    But I had a customer ask me if the Spider Chains work on Odysseys. I think I'm calling it the right thing?

    I see these on Caravans all of the time. a black hub is mounted on the wheel, and I guess the chains simply pop onto that. Looks easy.

    Has anybody here used these?
  • pat84pat84 Member Posts: 817
    I signed no disclaimer about tire chains. While there may be a few CA drivers who can drive in snow/ice conditions that would require chains, what's the use when most CA drivers never experience snow/ice. The ODY does real well in snow with no chains. If it's ice on the roads, I stay home until it melts or is sanded and salted enough to drive on without chains.
  • letmetalkletmetalk Member Posts: 19
    I have never heard of a waiver either. My owners manual (2000 p.269) states:
    "...mount only SAE Class "S" cable-type traction devices on the front tires.... Metal link type chains should not be used."
    I am in California and carry my cables from Oct through March. We do a lot of camping and I don't like to forget them. It is not a matter of knowing how to drive in snow and ice, it is mostly a matter of what the law requires.

    Dan
  • ferg52641ferg52641 Member Posts: 10
    Honda realized that not everyone wanted the
    "plain jayne" crossbars, that depending on
    the user's application, Thule/Yakima/?
    might serve their needs better.

    Our Thule railing foot kit (#415), locks
    and 51" bars cost $144, which includes
    shipping from NH to OK. That is the sale
    price. This kit fits the existing,
    factory installed rails that come on the
    EX model.

    I used www.allsportautoracks.com, who
    shipped the same day as my order.
  • aaodyaaody Member Posts: 1
    I have also been looking for a remote starter. The store I went to also said they would need to sacrifice a key.
    By the way, can anyone reccomend a brand that they have had good luck with before? And do you have to have a second remote unit, or can it be done with just one unit that integrates locks, doors, and starting?
    Thanks
    JP
  • hanskimhanskim Member Posts: 1
    I'm curious to know if those in colder climes get snow tires for their Ody. I have a '99 with TC, and I live in the Puget Sound Area of Washington state, an area not particularly known for snow but lots of drizzle and occasional ice and snow. I do go into the mountains to ski and generally frolic in the snow, and our mountains get LOTS of snow (Mt. Baker recently set the record for snowfall in a year). This will be my first winter with the Ody. And, having a toddler and a newborn, safety is my primary concern.

    Right now, I have newer Bridgestone Turanza tires, which I do not believe are all season (plus, I think the whole concept of all season is a compromise). So, do I need snow tires (I'm particularly interested in the experineces of others who live in Western Washington, but I'm opne to all suggestions)? If so, which ones? Should I go with high end Michelin Actic Alpins or Bridgestone Blizzaks? Should I go studded? Are there any discount snow tires that work well? Any advice will be appreciated.
  • hj_houdinihj_houdini Member Posts: 4
    I too am interested in other people's Winter experiences in the Odyssey. This is our first winter with the Odyssey. My wife is a little concerned since she no longer has her Jeep which went through everything.

    I'm interested in hearing from people living in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan who have and have not installed snow tires. I'd particularly be interested in someone's experience going from a full-time 4wd SUV to the Odyssey.

    Thanks for the help.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    I own a 2001 Pathfinder with full-time 4WD (and a LSD) and I own a 2001 Odyssey EX with Michelin Symmetry tires and traction control (I sold my Jeep Cherokee to buy it). I live in Calgary, so we get snow, but it melts often and refreezes so we usually have more ice than snow.

    Firstly, the Pathfinder is more reliable in the snow and ice than the Odyssey. I'm talking about significant snow and ice. It accelerates better and always has more traction. It is very comforting to drive (I love that truck!!).

    The Odyssey, however, is still surprisingly good in the snow. I really like the Michelin Symmetry tires. They may be a compromise being all-seasons, but not much of a compromise in my opinion. The TCS works very well in the snow keeping the vehicle moving forward and tracking straight. However, on patchy ice, althought it tracks straight, it still loses alot of momentum since the back tires are not helping out. If you turn the TCS off, it starts to veer and quickly starts spinning tires and grinds to a halt. The TCS keeps you moving, just not nearly as confidently as with 4WD. Hope this helps.
  • wrp1wrp1 Member Posts: 2
    After a three month wait, our 01" SS EX should arrive within two weeks. I have never been a believer in extended warranties and was not planning on purchasing the HCW until last week. Our 1995 Nissan Maxima needed a new starter at 60,000 miles. I consider this a fairly small repair but it still cost $514. In three years it will probably cost $650M with inflation (including rising dealer profit thresholds). While Japanese cars tend to be very reliable, they are EXPENSIVE to fix.
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    Good all-season tires are no match for dedicated snow/ice tires. It's all about compromise...

    I'd recommend the Michelin Arctic Alpins over the Bridgestone Blizzaks. Both are excellent winter tires (probably the best you can buy), but the Blizzaks wear quicker than the Arctic Alpins especially on dry roads. If you want to go with the Blizzaks, go with the MZ-01s or MZ-02s since they are better on dry/wet road conditions than the original Blizzaks (WS-15) that were introduced a number of years ago.

    As for studded vs non-studded, unless you get a fair amount of ice most of the time, I'd recommend against studs. Not only do studs damage the roads, but they reduce tire contact (surface area) with the road surface since you're riding on the little pieces of metal.

    Drew/aling
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • cavillercaviller Member Posts: 331
    One other comment- If you opt for snow tires, it is usually not recommended to increase the width of the tire from the stock tire. Narrower is generally better if you drive in medium-deep snow, as a lower contact area will help cut through the snow. Check out tirerack.com for great info and comparisons. If you usually drive in well-plowed areas, you may not even need snow tires, and could opt for the low-profile spider-type chains for the times you need to pass deeper snow or glare ice.
  • odsyownerodsyowner Member Posts: 1
    We picked up our 2001 EX GG two weeks ago. It seems to me that the 2001 model doesn't have the exact same color of Granite Green that we had seen in the 2000 model.

    Has anyone else noticed something like that? I wish I could see a 2000 and a 2001 model side by side to really tell.

    Just wondering...
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    I run 100/80 watt H4's in my Ody with a special wiring harness to carry the additional current. There has not been the first sign of any problems with too much heat for the plastic lens.

    There does, however, appear to be too much heat in the lens housing (not enough heat dissipation) for the bulbs. Mine only last a couple of months before burnout.

    My source for the harness and a myriad of choices for bulbs is: http://www.htnews.com/comptltd/ . It's all they do.
  • dlaffertydlafferty Member Posts: 14
    My 2001 EX/Navi has pulled a little to the right since I bought it, a common complaint in this forum.

    I did some experimenting, and found that the pull was considerably worse when I was accelerating, and gets better (but still present) when I just maintain speed.

    But when I completely take my foot off the gas pedal, the van tracks pretty straight, without any discernible pull or drift.

    This tells me that a big part of the problem is "torque steering", a common occurrence with early front wheel drive cars, where unequal torque to the two front wheels causes the car to pull to one side. I thought this problem had been engineered out of modern cars, but apparently it is still around.

    Daryl
  • van_fanvan_fan Member Posts: 8
    After a trip through the absurd (after years of Honda's with no problems) we bought a 99 Grand Caravan and 2000 Chevy Venture. We are sick of always being in for service and we are getting rid of them. Our '01 GG Odyssey EX should arrive within 2 weeks and we are trying to figure out what to add in.

    Does anyone know if the Honda hitch is really worth it or should we go with aftermarket hitches such as Hidden Hitch, Reese or Draw-Tite. We will be towing a pop-up camper. The Honda hitches are about 5 times the cost installed. The main concern is will the wiring being spliced to install the aftermarket hitch void the warranty. I can't seem to get a straight answer from any dealer on this. They told me the Honda hitch was better for heavier loads. In any event, we will have the tranny cooler installed by Honda. HELP! We don't want to mess up this van after waiting all this time for it to come in.

    Are the crossbars for the roof rack worth it? Can you intsall Yakima or Thule crossbars into the factory rack? Saw post 70, and will check that out too.

    Are the new fog lights out yet? Anyone have experience with them.

    In regards to the warranty, TSJEWAN in post 78, you said that you could find someone to sell you the warranty over the phone. Could you (or anyone) please post some telephone numbers for that. I am getting quotes of $1299 & $1399 from local dealers. Any info would be much appreciated. If we can get it for a good price, I think it may be worth it.

    We are open to any suggestions for any other "must have" options. Thanks everyone.
  • hondaaccessoryhondaaccessory Member Posts: 74
    "Are the new fog lights out yet?"

    current eta they are showing is the 28th +/- 10 days.

    -Trevor
    honda-accessories.com
  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    Interesting analysis dlafferty. Looks like you may have discovered the cause of the problem. That would be a hard one to fix. Fortunetly the pull to the right I have on my Odyssey is not really objectionable. I will have to see what happens with no gas also.

    I would think if that is the cause then doing a realignment to try and correct it would cause the tires to wear wrong.
  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    I have just made a discover tonight. I can now save messages on my computer hard drive from this forum so I don't have to print them out anymore, using a Print Screen software program. I had previously tried this using both Netscape 4.7 and EI 5.1 but it didn't work. Note you will get a message with EI 5.5 that you may not be able to save them when you try, but they save fine.

    I am fairly sure that is because the software used for this board has been upgraded, although I just went to EI 5.5, that probably has nothing to do with it.

    Thank you Karen S. That is going to be helpful to me.
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    No, the conferencing software hasn't been updated yet...It will most definitely happen by the end of this year though. I suspect that your browser upgrade is what provided you with this new feature.

    Good luck!
    Drew/aling
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • rdietrichrdietrich Member Posts: 5
    Regarding the question of the Hidden Hitch vs. the Honda Hitch- go with the round tube version of the Hidden Hitch. It fits perfectly and is easy to install. Just prop it up on boards or boxes under the car and then ratchet in the mounting bolts that are provided. You can decide whether you want to cut the extra tailpipe mounting peg off of the car or the hitch. The rounded shape blends in with the shape of the car and it has a Class III rating.

    The lighting harness will plug directly into a connector which is already provided behind the driver's side tailight. Two screws from the back of the tailight assembly, behind two little plastic tabs, will remove the entire tailight unit. It is described in the manual. It's a little tricky threading the harness through so that the conector for the trailer is under the car but it can be done. You can down load the directions for the installation of the Honda Hitch and use them although it is pretty obvious.

    Other posters have reported that they have ordered the round tube Hidden Hitch and the wiring harness over the internet and then taken it to a hitch installer and had them do the work for about $30-50.
  • cabrales1cabrales1 Member Posts: 36
    I tow a Palomino Mustang ('88) with my Odyssey. I have the Honda hitch & transmission cooler, which I got at somewhat of a price break. Now that I know a lot more about the subject I can say that if I had to pay anywhere near full price for the hitch I would go aftermarket. There is nothing wrong with the factory hitch, but it's way overpriced when compared to reputable names like reese. And the dealer who says it's stronger is full of it. Any brand name hitch you buy will be more than strong enough to tow the rated capacity. As for voiding the warranty, the Odyssey already comes pre-wired for a hitch, so all you need to do is run a standard 4 wire harness from the factory wiring box (see your manual) to the hitch. Another option for you would be to buy the Honda hitch from honda-accessories.com, at a nice discount over the dealer price, and install it yourself. This site is run by a guy named Trevor who often posts good advice on this site. The honda-accessories.com site has installation instructions you can peruse beforehand to see if this is something you want to tackle. You could also buy both the hitch and transmission cooler from this site, take them to a camping/RV/pop-up place for installation, and you will probably come out several hundred dollars ahead. Having said all that, I would buy the honda cooler from Trevor, take it to the shop, and have them install it and a decent third party hitch & harness. You should come out ahead. You may want to consider a tubular hitch which looks a little sportier than the factory one.
  • cavillercaviller Member Posts: 331
    If the problem was only torque steer, wouldn't almost all Odysseys have the complaint? While it does seem to be a frequent complaint on the forums where people gather to ask about problems, overall I suspect it is a small percentage of vehicles. Like many FWD vehicles, our 2001 LX does have some torque steer under modest-hard acceleration, but tracks normally while crusing at any speed and during light acceleration. Perhaps elements of the suspension can compensate for some torque steer, and the problem is that some vehicles weren't tuned properly? Or perhaps a number of elements were just out of spec (alignment, balance, tire flat-spotting, slightly out-of round-wheels, etc) and the errors are cumulative to the point to where the problems becomes apparent?

    I've seen a number of reports where people have solved the pull to right with one or more of the following fixes: Alignment, balancing, new tires, new [alloy] wheels, or a special fix from Honda (see http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/hondaodysseyownersclub?gc&.alabel=alb18).

    Just some thoughts based on what I've read on various forums.

    Finally, I'd like to put in my $0.02 for Trevor at Hondaaccessories.com. I've recently purchased a number of items (including remote keyless entry) and the service and prices are great.
  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
    bill isn't just as easy to hilight the messages on the page, right click, select copy and then you can paste them into notepad or word. it copies over as straight text.

    what would really be useful would be an export function in the forums.
  • hondaaccessoryhondaaccessory Member Posts: 74
    I've uploaded a copy of the service bulletin on the pull to:

    http://www.honda-accessories.com/odyssey/drift.pdf

    -Trevor
  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    Thanks. And I just did it with your message and it works fine. In fact that method works better because if you save it with IE 5.5 you get all the messages on the page,whereas with your method you can save only the message you want to. By the way if you have the software program Quick View Plus, and open the message you have saved with that, it even changes the fonts to a nicer more readable font.

    For some reason I got hung up trying to save the messages using one of my browsers and was having problems so I didn't try an obvious solution as that. If someone wants to save all messages here,for some reason,they can now do it a page at a time, with IE 5.5.
  • hondaaccessoryhondaaccessory Member Posts: 74
    "Apparently some Honda dealers don't even sell the Honda warranty-- I have no idea why."

    It is usually the same reason that some push aftermarket alarms and such. They can get a much higher markup since it is cheaper for them. The last dealer I worked at was real big on installing $80 noname alarms and charging $750 for them and generally pushed the aftermarket warranty for the same reason. If the Honda warranty costs them $830 and they sell it for $1200 then they'd rather sell the aftermarket one that costs them $500 for the $1200 or even at the extreem discount price of $1100.

    -Trevor

    -Trevor
  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    Yes I walked out of the dealers thinking I had bought a HCW. After I read it and called Honda, I figured out I hadn't and exchanged it for a HCW. The HCW says on it Honda Care Warranty.

    Yes, the reason dealers are reluctant to sell HCW is they make less money on them then the ones they try very hard to sell you. My dealer was even a part owner in the other warranty company. Unless you really are an expert on extended warranties you will do much better with a HCW.

    Things to watch out for, the dealer will tell you, which are not true. (1) Yes you bought a HCW (2) The reason we did not sell you a HCW is because our warranty is so much better.(3) Most Honda dealers no longer sell HCW.(4) I don't sell HCW. If you contact the management often they will. If they sell other Honda cars like the Accura,they can sell you one from that part of their dealership
  • elewelew Member Posts: 4
    OK, help me out, who has the lowest price for the Hidden Hitch round tube version??
  • cabrales1cabrales1 Member Posts: 36
    Does anybody know if there is a company out there, it doesn't have to be Honda Care, that sells a warranty that goes above 100k miles? The reason I ask is that I put a lot of miles on my van, and I would expect to go over 100k in about 4.5 years. As a result, a 6, 7, or more year warranty will do me no good after 100K. I have been wondering if I could buy something like a 6 yr, 120k somewhere.
  • rogerberkowitzrogerberkowitz Member Posts: 31
    I got mine last spring for around 120, including shipping, from Savannah Jones. I've heard since then that they may not still be in business. You may want to check Savannahjones.com (check the spelling!!!)
  • terry624terry624 Member Posts: 2
    Trevor- We have a new 01 Odyssey with the drift but can't open your service bulletin posting/connection. Have tried to click on the link and even entered it as web address on it's own but can't get anything "web site is unavailable". Can you post it in another fashion?
    Thanks
  • binkybarnesbinkybarnes Member Posts: 69
    no problems opening and viewing it...thanks trevor (i don't have the problem but wanted to read it anyway)

    btw, does anyone know how to remove the front cupholder/coin tray?
  • hondaaccessoryhondaaccessory Member Posts: 74
    There is a little tab on the bottom that you push up with a screwdriver while pulling out on the holder.

    See page 4 of:
    http://www.Honda-Accessories.com/odyssey/odyashtray.pdf

    -Trevor
  • hondaaccessoryhondaaccessory Member Posts: 74
    how about good ol' .gif files:

    http://www.honda-accessories.com/odyssey/drift1.gif
    (size 79k)

    http://www.honda-accessories.com/odyssey/drift2.gif
    (size 128k)

    -Trevor
  • rictomrictom Member Posts: 89
    binkybarnes--are you removing it because you're replacing it with something more useful or?
    Just curious
  • billg7billg7 Member Posts: 342
    Those links work well and I was able to save the files. It good to see that they have a fix to the problem. I am pretty sure my Odyssey will change lanes faster then 6 sec, but that is on a crowned road.
    The biggest problem will be finding a road with "little crown" that I can go 55 mph. Maybe they should have included a map of all the roads that qualify. :)
  • binkybarnesbinkybarnes Member Posts: 69
    i'm cutting out a piece of black plastic (thin notebook cover) to fit in the cupholder area. that way, i can keep extra spare change and what not in there without it falling through those two humongous drain holes. just wanted to take it out so i can make a precise template.
  • cavillercaviller Member Posts: 331
    The January Consumer Reports, due out in 2-3 weeks, will review 2001 minivans including Grand Caravan, Sienna, Odyssey, Windstar and Venture.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.