Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

dsm6 · February 2003

My wife is enjoying the new Oddy more than she thought she would. Spacious, comfortable, safe. She misses the low end torque of her Grand Prix GTP, but other than that doesn't mind - I think the Oddy actually handles almost as well, and brakes better than the GTP. Driving experiences are so incredibly relative. My daily driver is an Acura RSX Type S. The Oddy seems like a bus in comparison, but driven back to back with another minivan or a mid sized SUV, it seems very sporty - handles fairly well for its girth, with minimal body roll and good brakes.

The main reason we purchased wasn't space, but safety, especially in light of how common 3 ton SUVs and trucks are where we live (Colorado). Didn't want to buy one of those gas guzzling, poor handling beasts, but did want to even up the weight difference some - with superior crash engineering thrown in. We are enjoying the extra room and will use the towing capacity nonetheless.

The upcoming 04 Sienna looks good - adds stability control and AWD to the mix, optional 8 person seating capacity, and a some extra room (as if the Oddy isn't big enough! - my folks raised three boys on nothing more than mid-sized sedans). They should start trickling into dealers any day now.

fibber2 · February 2003

I posted a response to some bozo under the 'problems' thread back on the 10th, and then we had a week long period of silence! I thought maybe it was something I said. ;-)

About the only news on my end is the thanks from my wife for putting snow tires on her Ody. She looked at me like I was crazy in November. But we have had one heck of a winter here in NY!!

Steve

jmjkon · February 2003

I agree Steve, the bad weather here has made us happy that we got a vehicle with AWD (a Subaru Legacy wagon). And also, it's making me think more and more about that 2004 sienna. Too bad for me, I think the prices for those will be MSRP+ due to high demand.

Any idea what Oddy's are selling for these days? Last year they all were at sticker, have they come down? Or maybe just the 2003's have been reduced to make room for 2004s?

Any news welcome - JK

stever · February 2003

Suit claims automakers, dealers conspired to stop Canadian imports

Steve, Host

robr2 · February 2003

...If automakers raise their prices in Canada the issue will go away since there is no price difference anymore?? Just as long as the lawyers get a cut.

Also, when did US Antitrust laws start applying to transactions in foreign lands??

vcheng · February 2003

.... is based on violation of free trade arrangements under NAFTA, as far as I understand this.

robr2 · February 2003

Nowhere in that article is there any mention of NAFTA or violations of that trade agreement.

Also, NAFTA deals primarily with commercial/business to business sales - not individual sales to consumers.

stever · February 2003

The lawyer's press release talks about NAFTA.

Steve, Host

robr2 · February 2003

NAFTA is mentioned but it's doesn't indicate that any NAFTA regualations are being broken.

NAFTA has nothing to do with the retail price of any product in any market. It's goal was to reduce and eliminate tarrifs placed on products traded among the members of NAFTA. AFAIK, there isn't any place in NAFTA that says products must be priced the same throughout the trade area.

I find this suit to be another waste of time and that we overcharged Americans are going to get a coupon for $100 off a new car while the lawyers walk away with $$$$.

vcheng · February 2003

... the stance they seem to be taking to my untutored mind is that free trade under NAFTA would have a tendency to equalise prices. Under NAFTA US agricultural products have wiped out lots of small mexican producers since they could not force prices of the commodities in their local market higher, and thus lost market share to US imports.

In this case, by denying warranty coverage and other tactics, carmakers are preventing a similar sort of analogy from operating for cars over the US-Canada border.

smartyboy · February 2003

For those of you posting questions on the price to pay for an Odyssey, you might want to check out the other forum where people are posting their deals.

I was able to get $2000 off the MSRP for an EX-LRES.

stever · February 2003

Here's thelink:

Honda Odyssey - Prices Paid

Steve, Host

pnn1 · February 2003

pnn1 · February 2003

I have 99 Oddy 46K miles. The road was full of snow and slippery; I tried to shift from D4 to D3 but I could not do it. The van was completely stop with my foot on brake and still could not move the lever from D4 to D3. Please let me know what is wrong with this van? I have no problem shifting between D4 - N - R & P.

Thanks,

robr2 · February 2003

...were you pulling the shift lever towards you? If so, that could be the problem. To go from D4 to D3 you just need to lower the lever without pulling back.

Good Luck.

fibber2 · February 2003

Remote possibility - something another poster on the Subaru board experienced. Snow and ice can get packed in such a way as to interfere with the shift linkage mechanical movement. His dealer had to warm the car and chip away at an ice blockage.

Steve

pnn1 · February 2003

Robr2: Thanks, yes I did pull the lever toward me. I did without pull-in then it works. Thank-You.

robr2 · February 2003

No prob - glad to be of help. Careful going back up - no need to pull when going in neutral either.

momstruck1 · March 2003

I am currently in a Chevy Trailblazer that now I realize is not easy with three kids and we like to travel. So i am again looking into a new car. i am looking a the honda because I hear that they are like the best mini-van out there I had a chevy venture and have had it with american made cars before the chevys i had a ford . so I am stuck in this lease for 2 more years but need to get some advice . How do you like the van and has it been in the shop alot? Is it easy to get kids in and out of and with 3 kids is there fighting over the center two seats?just wondering any help is good thanks.

rockycow · March 2003

Hard to go wrong with the Odyssey, but there is a new and larger Toyota Sienna that will be coming out soon. 2003 is the Ody's 5th year in the current design I've heard rumors that they may not change the current model in 2004, but I'm not certain. Check them both out.
rockycow

mattginnetty · March 2003

Hi, I have a 2001 LX W/35k miles and it is time for new tires. I live in Massachusetts and I need a tire that is good in the snow and quiet on the highway. Any ideas would be great.
Thanks, Matt

stever · March 2003

Try a "Search this Discussion" for "tires" for older messages too.

Steve, Host

andrewtran71 · March 2003

The best two minivans are the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey because they are both reliable and have all the great features.
Your decision should be based on the price---how much discounts can you get.
If you are not going to buy until 2 more years, then perhaps the Sienna is the minivan to buy because it will have been out longer than the next generation Odyssey which will come out probably next year or the year after next.
I think the next generation Odyssey will be awesome just like the new 2004 Sienna is awesome, but I think just because it is newer when it first comes out, you won't have much bargaining room. I could be wrong, though. Perhaps bearpamplin could give you some more insight. Perhaps Honda will still give you a better discount in two years. Then it depends on the package and price that is just right for you.
I bought an Odyssey because I was able to get the better package/price for what I wanted.
So it all comes down to package and price because they are the best two minivans out there.

momstruck1 · March 2003

Hi I am really looking into this now because the last two cars I got from chevy were the worst two investments I got into . I am in a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LTEXT I loved it for two weeks and then the problems started. Well I also loved my 2000 chevy venture mini van but that also went south pretty fast. I am doing all the research now because i want to stay away from another American made car. I am also looking into safety as well as reliability. Any information I can get is helpful . Thanks. The only problem with the Toyota is it doesn't yet offer a manufacter installed DVD player . Right now I have it in my Trailblazer and would not be able to go anywhere without it . Does toyota plan on putting it in their vans? I know some of their trucks have it.Also I only lease how are the payments on these things ?

andrewtran71 · March 2003

Yeah, unfortunately "American Made" vehicles are just not as reliable as "Japanese Made" vehicles.
I guess it must be the important parts in the vehicles like engine, transmission, A/C, etc.
For example, when Nissan got stupid and used the "American Made" parts on their Quest minvan, the reliability when down drastically, which is not characteristic of Nissan.
Growing up my dad always bought Chevy, Ford, and Chrysler products and I remember him constantly complaining and bringing the cars in for repairs.
So I did my homework and learned that Toyota, Honda, and Nissan products were usually the most reliable----except of course the late Quest from Nissan.
According to (CR) Consumer Reports, Toyota and Honda are probably the two best non-luxury vehicles, the best overall being Lexus.
Perhaps someone else can cite the exact numbers for you.
CR says that the first generation Sienna is a little more reliable than the Odyssey. But knowing that the Odyssey outsold the Sienna big time, it makes sense that the more vehicles you have out there, the more chances you have of somehing going wrong.
The fact is, there are a lot more Odysseys out there than any other minivans.
I don't think anyone can disagree with me that Sienna and Odyssey are the best two minivan out there. So if I were you, I would definitely focus on either the Odyssey or the Sienna.

Yes, Sienna does offer DVD RES factory and dealer installed, but just realize that you are paying about $2,000 for them when you can get it cheaper or even better at some other places--Alta Mere, Best Buy, Circuit CIty, Ultimate Electronics, etc.

The reason I bought the Odyssey was because I wanted the Navigation Sytem (more of a Toy than anything for me!). If I wanted one in the 2004 Sienna right now, I would be paying just about $36,000. Of course this price includes Moonroof, 10 Speaker system, CD Changer, DVD RES, Navigation with rearview camera, but I don't need all that. If I wanted all that, then I would get the Sienna and pay for it.
I got a leather 2003 Odyssey with DVD Navigation sytem for $28,860 ($2,000 off MSRP). I plan on having Alta Mere install a Pyle 17" LCD monitor ($885) plus a Pyle DVD player/TV Tuner ($145) plus labor cost for installation. So for about $30,000 I will get an awesome 17" DVD movie system and a DVD Navigation system instead of paying about $36,000 for the 2004 Sienna.

grandtotal · March 2003

The fact is, there are a lot more Odysseys out there than any other minivans

Not true by a long way. I know you're trying to make a point but let's try and keep it real. There are several times more Caravans sold than Odysseys for example.

andrewtran71 · March 2003

Sorry, your'e right. I was thinking just between Odyssey and Sienna. Sometimes when you try to type fast, you tend to overlook a thing or two.
Sometimes I think the Odyssey and Sienna are the only two minivans out there.
Grandtotal, just out of curiosity, do you have the actual sales numbers for 2001/2002 for Odyssey, Sieanna, Caravan, Sedona, Windstar, etc. ?

grandtotal · March 2003

For 2001

Ford Windstar 179595
DC Triplets 430039
GM Triplets 174388
Toyota Sienna 88469
Honda Odyssey 131036

andrewtran71 · March 2003

Thanks for the sales figures, grandtotal.

Are people buying all these DC/Windstar/GM because they are so much cheaper or what?
By father-in-law has owned two caravans and I think they are terrible----very noisy (engine, wind, and road), rough ride, and the I noticed he has to bring them to the dealer for repairs about three times in the last 2 years (2 on the older one and once on the newer one). One has about 100K and the other 60K miles.
But I guess they must be really cheap.
Maybe I'm just being narrow minded.
Or maybe they just don't offer what I want: looks, leather, and Navigation system.
That's what I call selective vision: I noticed only Siennas and Odysseys when in fact there are a whole lot more DC/Ford/GM out there!

deepan · March 2003

this article has some figures that might be interesting. Its a sienna article.
http://tinyurl.com/77ci

There are a lot of fleet sales that are included in the DC/Ford/GM products.

briansbluetoy · March 2003

I just changed my pollen filter in the '99 oddy at 70k miles. Whew was it dirty.

I took it to the dealer and they wanted over $100 to do the job. It took me a 1.5 hrs and the filter cost from HandA.com was $25.

Don't know about you folks, but I think I waited too long to change the filter...for no good reason.

dave594 · March 2003

How'd you get to the filter? I read that you basically had to cut away part of the housing in order to get to the filter, not exactly an easy thing to do. Is this procedure explained in the shop manual?

robr2 · March 2003

The first time takes a while. After that I'd say less than 30 mintues:

http://www.handaaccessories.com/odyssey/pollenfilter.gif

nofeer · March 2003

Looking at the o4 sienna and the ody
sienna groups together butch of stuff to get nav
above posts show the differences, so do dealers have add ons like they do for the pilot to add items like daytime running lights, auto dimming rearview mirror, in dash cd changer etc what is available as dealer add ons. maybe i should get an ody and save 4-6k
NAV is a must so which way to go. maybe the ody update this fall will include more options, and maybe sienna will allow nav and more pick what you want options on lesser models. you would think that these two would be comparable in price and features
do you think this will happen????

tsjewan · March 2003

Been quite awhile since I posted. Just wanted to put out a short quality update on our 2001 Ody LX.
-- Mileage: 32,000
-- Serious problems: None
-- Minor problems requiring service: None
-- Minor irritations not yet serviced: fuel filler door intermittently doesn't pop open from remote lever without a slight pry at the edge of door; passenger-side sliding door (manual) once in awhile has become "stuck" when child closed door most of the way but not totally (adult has to push their body hard against door to first get it to close all the way, then it will open again); recently, backlight for dashboard clock went out.
-- Equipment replaced: got rid of junky Firestone Affinity OEM tires at 31K miles and put on Bridgestone Turanza LS-T's. So far, seems to be significant improvement in ride and snow traction.
-- Gas mileage: for "straight highway" (such as trips), get between 25 and 28 mpg, avg. probably 26. Straight city is fairly "poor" but what I'd expect from this size vehicle-- as low as 14 mpg during cold winter weeks (in MN), up to about 18 in moderate summer weather not requiring A/C.

Overall, we're highly satisfied with the van so far. We've used the folding seat option much MORE often than I thought we would. Also have hauled 4 x 8 sheets of materials on several occasions after taking out center seats. Odyssey is great for family driving vacations too-- and front seats are much more comfortable for long driving days than I'd been led to believe they would be before purchase by some online comments I'd read.

SteveSatch · March 2003

I'm having a difficult time find the cargo volume with the third row folded flat and the second row in. Thanks for any help.
Steve

guardener · March 2003

TSJEWAN: How many 4 x 8 sheets can you load in your 2001 Ody. I found that I could only fit 4 sheets of 1/2" drywall in my 2000. Additional sheets beyond 4 would not slide forward enough because of the front seat(s) mechanism and then they would hang over the rear sill slightly and not allow the rear hatch to close. Thank you.

ragtop · March 2003

Oops. Hit enter too soon. Just picked up my Sage '03 EX-RES this weekend and was curious if the DVD player can play Super VCD ?.

tx_buyer · March 2003

Why does Honda Odyssey's VIN starts with 5FN?
First Character denotes the country and the second character denotes the manufacturer name, right?

Does it mean that FORD makes this van for Honda?Would someone please explain? This is very urgent. I am planning in buying the odyssey in the next 48 hours

auburn63 · March 2003

5FN is the new plant in Alabama. There are several differant ID's these days 1 still Ohio USA, 2 still Canada, 3 Mexico, S is UK and 5 Alabama..The first 3 of the VIN are the manufacturer, make and type of vehicle the plant designation has moved to the last letter before the numbers at the end

stever · March 2003

Learn something new around here every day :-)

Steve, Host

sda · March 2003

We just acquired an 03 EX-L on friday. It is tafetta white with fern (dark gray) interior. We are really impressed with it and certainly know why it has been highly rated by so many major periodicals. Going forward, I will be actively reading this forum and will share my thoughts and experiences with you. Can't wait to find an excuse for a road trip!

andrewtran71 · March 2003

I know what you mean about finding excuse for a road trip!

dave594 · March 2003

At least try to put off your roadtrip until you've broken in your engine. The Ody has a tendency to like cruising at 90 mph.

momstruck1 · March 2003

I HAVE TO RIDE OUT A BAD LEASE ON A 2002 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE KNOWS IF HONDA OFFERS 3 YEARS OR 30,000 MIL. ROADSIDE ASST. WHEN YOU LEASE A NEW ODYSSEY? I AM REALLY LOOKING INTO HONDA BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GOOD ABOUT THEM I ALSO HEARD THAT THE ODYSSEY WILL BE UNDERGOING A FACE LIFT AND WILL BE CHANGING IN 2004 OR 2005 . JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE KNOWS WHEN THE CHANGE WILL BE AND WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE?? ANY HELP IS APPRICATED.

auburn63 · March 2003

glad to be of some help every now and then...

fibber2 · April 2003

Please don't SHOUT!!!! ;-)

I am going to take a guess here, but I doubt that you would get any courtesy items like roadside assistance when you lease, as the basic Honda warr does not include this (?). I think I picked this up when I bought the Extended Warranty (which would make no sense for you to consider as a leasee).

I think the buzz is for a new Ody for the '05 model year???

Steve

andrewtran71 · April 2003

I wrote in upper case once too, and man, this one girl I "once knew" let me have it!
I heard the new Odyssey will be "aggressive" in appearance, but knowing where Honda is going, I believe it will be of good value in pricing. The new Sienna will definitely help your negotiaion price next year since Toyota will be giving about $4,000 off MSRP on the new Sienna. Gosh, I'm still having A HANG OVER about the appearance of the front dash on the new Sienna. Why didn't they think "LEXUS" when they designed the front dash?

momstruck1 · April 2003

As you all know I am currently in a Trailblazer that I hate . I love the oddsey because It seems so reliable and everyone seems to love it . The only draw back i see right now is that the 3rd row magic seat is not a 40/60 split or a 50/50 split. i am considering turning in the nissan i have a 2001 sentra and letting my husband take the TB and I can get the van for the kids.Does it sound like a good idea??

blandfordm · April 2003

Do you think you'll have much need for the 60/40 seat? I think it is nice. But unless you plan to buy a Sienna 7 passenger AND drive with 5 passengers in it or buy an 8 passenger with 6 passengers in it(one person sitting in the splitted 3rd row seat) , to fit in some extra or especially long cargo, I would not think it would be a deciding factor in the purchase.

And as far as ease of putting the 3rd row seats down, I personally do not see a big difference between the two vans. The Odyssey's bench seat is a little heavier than either of the Sienna's split seats, but to me, the Odyssey's bench seemed to go flat on it's own a little easier (since the weight was not an issue for me). With the Sienna's 3rd row seats, it seemed to me that after you flipped them over, you have to push them down a little on your own.

As I said, I don't think the differences in the 3rd row seats are anywhere near enough to make a difference in which van to buy.

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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