Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

wpalkowski · November 2002

Considering where you live I'd opt for snow tires. Van does admirably well in snow on stock tires, but dedicated snows will help a great deal with controllabilty and especially stopping on icy surfaces. Best traction snow tires are Bridgestone Blizzaks - best stopping power on ice. Only shortcoming is rather limited mileage especially when driven on dry roads - can wear 'em out in 20K miles. Next best (IMO) are Michelin Arctic Alpens - almost as good as Blizzaks but get anywhere from 30-50% better tread wear - depends on how you care for them. Important on Odyssey - put snows on all four wheels or not at all. If you only put snows on front, then front/rear weight balance disparity can make winter driving quite an adventure as the rear end of van develops an urge to try and pass the front end when going around curves. TCS is great for getting started, but good snow tires & ABS brakes can give you a bigger margin of safety while you're moving.

My wife's Ody has 4 Alpens that are mounted on separate rims. Unfortunately, they're stacked in garage this morning as surprise Thanksgiving snow caught me unprepared. However, we've also got a Ford F350, 4x4 pickup; with 800 lbs of sand bags in bed for added traction and snow tires -- nothing stops it. On those really, really bad days the Ody stays home snow tires or not..

Not trying to spend your money, but it's a good way to protect your vehicle investment and most importantly protect your family.

jdiaz2 · November 2002

Do these vans have air conditioning for the rear part of the passenger compartment, or do they rely on the dash vents to cool the entire interior? I saw no mention of rear AC on Honda's website.....just curious how it works in really hot weather.

Jon

grandtotal · November 2002

Yes, they do have rear air conditioning (and heating). Check this link under comfort and convenience.

guardener · November 2002

I concur with wpalkowski re message 5357. We have a 2000 EX that came with Michelin Symmetry all-weather tires. I purchased 4 extra rims and 4 Bridgestone Blizak WS-50 tires in Nov 2000 from Tire Rack and have used them over the last 2 winters. Our driveway is a long paved incline and we have no problems getting up the driveway in the last two winters. We are in northern Illinois near Wisconsin. There was not much use for snow tires last winter - very little snow. We are very judicious about using the van on dry roads such as interstates for long trips in that the tire compound is relatively soft and will wear out quickly. We have two other vehicles (also each mounted with 4 snow tires - Pirelli) that don't wear as quickly that we try to use more than the van. While the Bridgestones are excellent in ice and snow, their dry traction is quite a bit different from the stock Michelin Symmetry tires. The Bridgestones feel spongy or squishy in the dry even with proper cold inflation set at the required 35 pounds. Knowing that cars handle different from vans, I would point out that the Pirelli Winter Ice tires on our 97 Maxima SE does not as seriously change the handling charactersistics of the car as does the Bridgestones on the van. The same comment would apply to the Pirelli 210 Snowsports mounted on our 01 Acura 3.2 TL.

anl1 · November 2002

Can anybody tell me about first oil change. My new ODY had 3000 miles, when I called my dealer for oil change he said no need to do at 3000, it has to be done at 5000. Is this true.

bowke28 · November 2002

factory recommends oil change and tire rotation at least every 6 months or 7500 miles. doing it more often wont hurt anything except your wallet.
look in the black-edged pages in your owner's manual. there is a very comprehensive maintenance schedule for normal AND extreme conditions.

the odyssey's rear climate control includes a/c vents above every seating position, and heat vents under the front seats.

anl1 · November 2002

Thanks, for the info. I will check the manual

jdiaz2 · November 2002

Thanks Grandtotal!

Jon

ndboomer · November 2002

My wife and I have an '01 LX. Question: Has anyone added a CD player? If so, did you have the Honda dealer install it? Can you simply add a CD player to the standard stereo or do you have to replace it? Any input on non-Honda CD players?

Any advice would be appreciated as I would like to have this added to the van as a Christmas present.

woleebear · November 2002

I have a 2003 EXL Res on order. I'm wondering if the standard CD player that comes in it will play CDs that contain MP3 files.

- thanks

gatorhawk · November 2002

can anyone tell me a reasonable price for the rear backup sensors and rear camera which ties into the nav screen?

thornyschizoid · November 2002

I'd like to hear more tire comments, including tires you did not like. I have a tire that's probably deflating right now due to a screw that's stuck in it. Tires are due anyway @ 42,000 (2000 LX).
With winter coming (Minnesota), I have considered getting a separate set of snow tires, but when considering how often I actually drive on snow and ice vs plowed roads I wonder if it's worth it.

guardener · November 2002

In my experience, the Bridgestone Blizaks on a 2000 Odyssey EX will definitely give more traction on inclines as well as control in acceleration, turning/handling and braking than stock OEM tires. The Bridgestones are probably the next best in traction/control in comparison to 4-wheel studded snow tires that I used to use on our cars back in the late 60's and early 70s'. Studded snows where outlawed for use in Illinois sometime in the 70's because the State department of highways determined that they damaged the road surface.

I think that snow tires in general provide advantages that could be useful in avoiding another vehicle that may go out of control in front of our van. This could be an important factor when driving on icy or snow-packed country 2-lane roads. I also feel more confident when having to drive on an Interstate during a snowfall. Snow tires are probably a little less of a factor when driving on suburban 4-lane roads where there is generally more room for avoidance of another out-of-control vehicle and the speed limits are lower than country roads or interstates.

miniman · December 2002

I have an '01 EX (Silver). Not been to Town Hall for a while, but had to post the latest.
Poor rear speakers - decided to repalce, found 3 brands of 4" speakers to replace rear ones. Almost bought on the Web, but happenned to be in a Circuit City, found last year's model (Kenwood) for $12 (they usually run around $50). I decided to go for it. Took about 1 hour to install today - and there is a significant difference. The OEM speakers are lousy - just looking at the materials and design it is obvious. Not only is the new sound more clear, but if you crank the radio, you can really hear the music now. Sometimes you hear a great song on the radio, want to crank it (kids not in the van, of course)and the OEM speakers just muffled the song. Now, remains clear.
While I am handy, I am not a major car nut. Never changed oil and do not care to. If others are interested, I can post a brief how to. If you own the tools, you can do it. Hearing the improvement, I think it would be worth the $50 if you can't find a great bargain on the speakers.

leonardmp · December 2002

In the event these break, can they be operated manually? (When I turned the power switch off, I was able to move them...but it was a little hard).

Thanks.

mfeldman · December 2002

I've got about 2000 miles on the car now. I'm lucky if I'm getting 15mph. It does alot of short trip driving mixed in with 15-20 mile freeway runs. We love the car, but really expected better mileage. Any similar experiences?

robr2 · December 2002

...gas mileage should improve through 10K miles. My 00 gets about 19 with a mix of suburban and highway driving. Best ever was around 23 for a mostly highway mix. Originally it was around 13 and has improved to the 19 we get now.

Remember, it weighs over 2 tons and short city drives kill gas mileage. Also, oxygenated fuels affect mileage.

Good Luck.

billg7 · December 2002

By the way this ETH link seems to have moved. I had to re find it. My old URL no longer works.

Consumers Reports lists the gas milage of the minivans. I notice that for their overall round trip mileage they got 19 m/g. I don't remember any van getting more the 20.

The Odyssey is a heavy car so the more short trip driving you do the more your mileage is going to vary downward from that 19 figure. If you do mostly long trips on the highway it will be better then the 19.

rduel · December 2002

I have 47K on my 2000 EX. My last two tankfuls gave me 21 and 23 mpg, with about 80% hwy miles. Mostly city driving gives 15 to 18 mpg. The van is a very practical family vehicle. Before purchasing the Odyssey, I tried an Expedition and really liked the vehicle, but the 12mpg was a concern, plus it took up just too much garage space. Practicality won out.

stever · December 2002

Billg7, you're the third person today (that I've noticed) with the link problem. Not sure what happened, but our tech staff has been advised. There some new stuff getting rolled out too that may have affected your link. Apologies!

Steve, Host

boiloff · December 2002

i have a lot of these edmunds discussions in my favorites folder, and when i checked them yesterday, none of them worked. i thought it might be the long weekend i took:-) now it seems i was not the only one.

dchopp · December 2002

Which Honda Parts dealer does not charge for shipping?

leonardmp · December 2002

In the event these break, can they be operated manually? (When I turned the power switch off, I was able to move them...but it was a little hard).

Thank you.

marcus216 · December 2002

I have not been on this board for a while. My 2000 Odyssey EX has just hit 30,000 miles. Occassionally, I would get a clunking sound from the transmission when putting the car in reverse. This happens maybe twice per week, certainly not often. I remember others mentioning this problem on this board with 1999 and 2000 Odyssey models. When I took the van in for a 30,000 mile service, I mentioned this to the dealer. They told me that even though they did not hear the clunk when testing for it, they were going to replace the transmission under warranty. This surprised me. Obviously this is a known problem which can lead to future transmission difficulties. I want to alert those of you out there that have experienced the "clunk" that dealers are replacing transmissions.

grandtotal · December 2002

Sounds like your dealer was short of work.

oddyjoe · December 2002

Someone was asking about the 2003 Odysseys car seat tethers for the 2 captains seats. They are under the captains seat. I take my kids two seats in and out often. Easy to latch and unlatch.

golic · December 2002

I started another board but let me throw this question out here to. I have 3 toddlers/infants in car seats (that's another story).

For first time doing out of town travelling where we will not be using a vehicle. Going from house to airport to hotel to ship.

Trying to decide if I should bring seats and install in hired transportation ie (limo's/shuttles) or I am overreacting and just go w/o the seats?

robr2 · December 2002

...I'm a firm believer in always using car seats in limos, shuttles, and airplanes if you can.

Luckily, the limo company we use provides car seats. It makes it so much easier to just toss yours in their trunk. By using them on planes, they should let you board earlier in order to get settled. We've always bought the extra ticket as well when they were infants - made life so much easier for everyone on the plane.

Luckily for me, the car seats also seem to lend familiarity for my kids. They seem to know that sitting in car seats for a long time means they should go to sleep!! :-)

It is a bit of a hassle to carry them, but IMHO worth every bit for the safety of my children.

bamahonda · December 2002

This is a known problem for series of vin numbers for 1999 & 2000 Odys. There is a technical service bulletin on this and Honda will replace affected transmissions covered by the TSB.

bwoodard1 · December 2002

I have a new 7200 miles on a 2002 Odyseey. The brakes make a noise when applied in reverse then again in drive. It sounds like the pads are shifting into position. If you are turning the wheel when appling the brakes it it even louder. This happens the every time the brakes are first applied after selecting reverse and again after selecting drive.

rogerberkowitz · December 2002

First time on the board in a long while. The radio on our 99 EX will not come on. I checked the fuse which seems to be ok (interestingly enough there is a 10 amp fuse in that spot, while the manual says it should be a 15 amp fuse). The only thing I can think of that might have sent a 'shock to the system' is that we gave a jump start from the van 2 days ago...the same day I'm told the radio stopped working. The anti theft light is blinking, I have my code, but cant even get to the point where I can enter the code. Any suggestions or help out there?

leonardmp · December 2002

In the event these break, can they be operated manually? (When I turned the power switch off, I was able to move them...but it was a little hard).

wpalkowski · December 2002

Looks like you answered your own question. You can move power doors manually in a pinch, but I'd recommend going to the gym for about six months if you plan on doing it on a regular basis. ;-)

billg7 · December 2002

Oil leak apparently around timing chain area.

A number of 1999-2000 Odysseys may have a transmission problem. Dealer can check your VIN number to see if you may have problem. They will not replace it unless it fails. Warranty is extended out to 7 years or 100,000 miles, which ever occurs first.

bdaddy · December 2002

Chain is a belt, but I get your drift. Hope it's not bad enought you can't live with it. Many happy miles.

libertycat · December 2002

Look at the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country, or even the Mazda MPV, Kia Sedona, Chrysler Voyager, and Dodge Caravan if you don't lots of extra room. The 2002 Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest also had fold-flat 3rd row seats so you might consider those also.

grandtotal · December 2002

I'm sure everyone is going to place a lot of faith in your opinion when you also say this.

nolterd · December 2002

I have a 2 yr old one that is stuck in eject mode.
One CD has been removed but now the others are inaccessible and the E-01 error mode keeps appearing. Trouble shooting guide in manual says see the dealer.
Any other experience here or ideas? Help!

billg7 · December 2002

That's good detective work, on your part, grandtotal. Not many persons would say the Aztec is a good looking car. It is a subjective matter, so I would never argue the point. It is more practical that way it is designed, as you can sleep several persons in the back of the car.

There is a trade off in a design between practicality and looks. What you do is try to find a place where they meet, as they like to say. That is true in house and auto and many other types of design.

Most persons would agree that a sports car looks better then a minivan, but most would agree that a minivan is more practical for most persons. The minivan has more room, and is safer, and more comfortable to ride in, among the practical considerations. With the speed limits on our roads you are not going to get someplace faster in a sports car.

As far as looking good I don't think there is a big difference in minivans. Perhaps the Odyssey could have been designed with more rounded corners etc, but then it might not have held as much cargo or had some other practical problems.

bdaddy · December 2002

Most parents see only the good in their children's appearance, even when the child is, er, well, ugly. Same holds true for autos. I don't know anyone who doesn't own an Aztek, thinks it looks good. The Odyssey's looks are pleasing to some in that they don't look like all the other cute, curvy, egg shaped minivans out there. Others prefer the egg shape. To each his own.

libertycat · December 2002

here's my proof. The Grand Caravan and Town and Country feature the best gauges available in the U.S. (black on white). They also have a power rear hatchback and lots of interior room. The MPV however has slightly less room but a folding third row seat, windows in the second row, second row seats that can be put together and separated, seatbelt receivers that fold into the rear seats for easy sliding across seats. Don't buy a minivan without testing the MPV and a Grand Caravan or Town and Country. By the way, all three minivans happen to have the best styling in the business, they blow the heads off of the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Volkswagen Euro Van, Chevrolet Astro, and GMC Safari.

billg7 · December 2002

You make some good points. No one should buy a minivan that does not have black and white gauges. One of the first things I look at in a minivan is what color the gauges are and if they are not black and white I usually rip them out and put black and white ones in. Unfortunately I could not find any of that color, that fit my Odyssey, so I had them painted black and white by a famous artist.

Also agree on the power rear hatchback. Who wants to try and operate a rear hatchback without power? Fortunately for me my wife is an exceptionally strong woman, as she lifts weights, and is a body builder. So she has been assigned the task to open and close the Odyssey rear hatchback, in the family.

wpalkowski · December 2002

My info on competition may be dated, but I thought that Ody had the most useable interior room?

grandtotal · December 2002

The Odyssey has a quadruple 5-star safety rating, 3 point seat belts for all seven seats, precise steering, disc brakes all round, standard side air bags, traction control system, standard 4 wheel ABS with load-balancing electronic brake distribution, independant rear suspension... Can you see where I'm going with this?

As if that were not enough it has second row seats that slide together (though why you'd want to do that I cannot imagine), an engine which doesn't sound like it came out of a truck, and windows in the second row (don't all minivans?)

I also happen to like the way it looks, I'm not saying it couldn't be improved upon, but I like it the way it is.

rduel · December 2002

I just received notice from Honda that they are extending the transmission warranty on 2000 and 2001 Odysseys and other selected models to 7 years or 100,000 miles. I have not had a transmission problem with my Ody, and I am at 47K. Does anyone know if the 4 speed on the 2000 Ody will be replaced with the new 5 speed tranny?

maple49 · December 2002

I can't tell you how embarrassed and angry I am having to look at the non-black & white gauges in my Odyssey. Honda really screwed up on this one. I think I will try painting them this weekend. I figure black spray paint and white-out should work. Any feedback on whether or not I should remove the clear plastic cover first?

billg7 · December 2002

I see that the Service Bulletin 02-062 says to replace the transmission with a re manufactured one, not a new one. So that most probably rules out that they would use a 5 speed.

Also says refer to Service Bulletin 98-061,
" Automatic Transmission In-Warranty Exchange Program " That bulletin would probably contain the details of the exchange.

billg7 · December 2002

I would caution against a person, who is not an expert in this area, to try and convert his own gauges to black on white. It almost always ends up looking very nonprofessional, (a mess), when you get done.

There is an awful lot of detailed work required to paint each mark on the gauges, in just the right place, and also to get the lines straight.

I would ask someone you know who has had this work done, who he/she used, and then take a look at the job they did.

This type of modification is becoming more and more popular so you will probably be able to find somebody in your state who is competent to do the work.

Because this is a highly skilled profession and very few persons have the talent, figure on paying about $450 to $550 per gauge. It is really almost equivalent to having someone doing a fine painting for you.

If you are on a budget you may want to consider having just the most looked at gauges done, like the speedometer. You could probably skip the temperature gauge, if you happen to be short on cash. You can always have extra gauges done at a later date when you have the money.

billg7 · December 2002

Is the Odyssey. Link below.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/mostwanted/2003/index.html?id=lin9133

bdaddy · December 2002

I removed the clear plastic lens from my dash, pryed off the indicator needles and installed an adhesive-backed black and white gauge package in my Odyssey.

I made this myself by removing the original assembly, scanning it into my computer and editing the colors in PhotoShop. I then printed it out on adhesive-backed lable paper. Total cost was only about $1.00 for the paper, but I spent a lot of time on it. The upside is I now have the image saved and can color it any way I wish. I already have a red and green one done for the Holidays. I also did a black and orange one for Halloween, a pink and blue one for Easter and a red, white and blue one for the 4th of July. Let me know if you want one Libertycat, and I'll make one for you.

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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