Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

fibber2 · September 2003

but I was thinking "Godzilla" meets "Bride of Frankenstein" in the looks department. The new Nissan Quest looks even worse..... ;-)

Steve

rbell2 · September 2003

Have any of you Ody owners out there added a temp/compass display to your van? I have mainly found the rear-view mirrors on the internet with temp/compass display. Anyone out there with experience with installing one of these??

Thanks

stebu · September 2003

This is all subjective, as are anyone else's posts about style, but I have to agree about the looks of the Sienna. Regardless of its other qualities, I was sorely disappointed with its very frupish exterior when it finally arrived. In fact, I think it stands at the back of the MV pack in the looks department behind just about every other one out there including the Kia.

However, I hold a very different view of the new Quest. IMHO, it is both stylish and a refreshing change in a car segment that has lacked much imagination following the very first boxy Caravan. Not surprising that it's Nissan that's taking the gamble, and the lead, in this area given the full assault they're currently making in virtually every automotive category from sports cars to full size trucks. Love'em or hate'em, no one can say they aren't raising some eyebrows across the automotive landscape.

Luckily, Honda did such a great job with the redesign of the Odyssey in '99 that it has continued to be a contemporary and attractive looking MV in a sea of mostly utilitarian designs. I hope they don't drop the ball when it comes time for the new Odyssey in a year or two.

stever · September 2003

Looks are definitely subjective. I still think the Dodge/Chryslers are about the best looking minivans, and think the Odyssey is a bit slab sided looking. But mostly I can't tell one from another unless I see a badge.

None of which matters much imho, because unless you cruise by lots of plate glass windows or park your van in your living room, you spend a lot more time looking at the insides.

Steve, Host

billg7 · September 2003

I agree with Steve. There is a trade off between looks and utility. For a minivan you want the utility over the looks. You spend very little time looking at the outside of your minivan anyway.

I think the main reason persons want a good looking car, is the same reason they wear good looking clothes. They want to impress other people. Actually, if you think about it, you gain very little, by impressing others, by your minivan looks. Why not impress persons by the fact that you had enough sense to buy a very good minivan, overall?

If you want to impress persons by your car, to the point where it makes a significant difference, you are going to have to buy another kind of car then a minivan. I would suggest a top of the line Mercedes or perhaps a Corvette. Also I would tow a large yacht behind the Mercedes.

ragtop · September 2003

Did they move the www.hondawarranty.com web site??
My Odyssey is note 6 months old and it time to really think about set an extended warranty for the power doors.

stebu · September 2003

Oh, I agree whole-heartedly that looks are mostly a non-issue in the mini-van segment. It's all about utility, dependability, safety and the like. Which is why I would put the new Sienna at or near the top of my "most wanted" list, right along side the Odyssey, even though I'm not partial to the Toyota's exterior styling.

The only people my Odyssey ever impress, are the ones who hitch a ride with me and who have either never ridden in an MV before or haven't ridden/owned one for a number of years. For them, the Odyssey is quite an eye-opener.

BTW, for the most part I don't have any trouble telling these beasts apart any more then I have distinguishing different models of almost any other vehicle type. The degree of difficulty probably relates more to how recently a person has shopped a car type then the type itself. All the MV's certainly have a similar overall boxy shape. But, would anyone here have a problem picking out an Odyssey in a row of MV's. I doubt it. I know I wouldn't.

stever · September 2003

I'm getting a little better at picking them out. I'm really hopeless when it comes to sedans. The one thing I like about the recent DC vans, style wise, is the way they hid the sliding door tracks.

Ragtop, your warranty site seems to be down. I guess you'll have to shop a few dealers and see what prices are being offered.

Steve, Host

the_schlepper · October 2003

My 2002 Ody transmission was replaced at 25,300. She was not able to change gears. Seemed to be from second to third gear or from third to fourth gear. I could self correct by taking foot off of gas pedal to change gears. It would happen on surface (20-45mph) and on highway (65-80mph). At 22,000 I had the transmission flushed and the lateral cylinder (solenoid?) replaced. She continued to have the same not-changing-gears problem, but still not on a regular basis. At 25,300 going up a VERY small hill, I watched the RPM's go up and the speed went down and garbage trucks passing me by.

jb_shin · October 2003

We have had 3 Accords with auto and 1 Integra with manual. Of the 3, 2 Accords (89 and 94) had their transmissions replaced around 100,000 miles and 90,000 miles, respectively. They were mostly driven by my father, who drives like it runs on 3 cylinders, and the oils were changed per the service interval recommendations. I have also heard from Acura TL owners that many had their transmissions replaced, not to mention the Odyssey owners here. I did hear that Honda/Acura finally updated the TL's with new transmission design in early 2003. My Integra (US spec.) with manual, no problems so far, despite my abuse and cruising at 100+ for hours on German autobahn.

It seems the transmissions were, or are the weak points in Honda cars. I hope Honda will take it seriously and come up with a decent design that will last a bit more than the duration of the typical car payment. Despite my wife's resistance, Odyssey might be our next car, and I certainly do not want have to pay for a new transmission. It is just as bad as the infamous sludge problem with Toyota V-6 engines.

wpalkowski · October 2003

You're concerned about 90 and 100K on Accords?. I've had trannies on Fords and Plymouths that have gone out at 22K and 34K respectively. Both were out of warranty (by date) at that time and got no consideration from dealer or manufacturer. At least Honda's going to bat on the 99-01's and if you make a stink they appear to be making good on later models as well. Toyota on the other hand denied all the sludge claims for several years, accusing owners of poor maintenance, before finally admitting to engine design shortcoming.....

jb_shin · October 2003

"You're concerned about 90 and 100K on Accords?. I've had trannies on Fords and Plymouths that have gone out at 22K and 34K respectively."

Exactly why it would take a LOT for me to consider domestics over Japanese imports. Sure, the imports will also have its share of problems, but the numbers show that one is less likely to have problems with Japanese imports than domestic counterparts.

dave594 · October 2003

I think we need to use a new terminology here. The Odyssey is by all definition a domestic vehicle as it's made in Canada and Alabama, and almost all the contents are made in North America. The Siennas are made in Kentucky and Indiana (?). And what's the status of DC these days? They're a wholly owned subsidiary of a German company. Things are getting confusing.

stever · October 2003

What is an American car?

Steve, Host

walstib1 · October 2003

Just picked up my 2004 Odyssey EX with Leather and DVD. Is the Roof Rack supposed to come with the cross bars also or is that an extra option?
Mine is without the crossbars and I am pretty sure they should be there. Thanks for your help.

dave594 · October 2003

Cross bars on the EX are optional.

rbell2 · October 2003

Congrats on the new Ody! Would you consider posting your deal on the "Prices Paid" discussion for the Ody?

Sylvia · October 2003

EX roof rack cross bars are optional. I picked mine up at http://handaaccessories.com along with a cargo mat, cargo tray and leather steering wheel cover (cheaper than the dealer). All were easy installs.

wheelz4 · October 2003

Honda is showing an 8 seater minivan at the Toykyo Auto show......probably a pretty good indication of what the next Odyssey will look like.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/03images/asm.jpg

grandtotal · October 2003

A year ago I'd have said that North America wasn't ready for something that looks so radical. Today, they just might be. It's certainly not my personal taste. They still haven't hidden the tracks for the sliding doors.

lichtronimo · October 2003

Here are more pictures of the ASM concept, including the interior which is very BMW like. I'm not sold on the exterior. The high window line and front end make it look really bulky. Also, note that the rear door track is still exposed in the quarter panel versus hidden just under the window.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=162473

I'm still curious as to the "new bits" the next Ody will have that its competition doesn't from Honda exec statements at Wards Auto.

dave594 · October 2003

I don't know about you, but that thing reminds me too much of the Astro!

lichtronimo · October 2003

grandtotal · October 2003

There is a reason it reminds you of the Astro, that is the height of the front end. You'd better get used to it because it's the way all vehicles will look soon. The reason is to allow more space between hood and hard bits beneath so that pedestrians who are unlucky enough to be involved in an impact with a vehicle suffer less severe injuries.

isellhondas · October 2003

I've seen a lot of these "teaser" photos. The end result is usually much different.

Interesting though...

jchan2 · October 2003

I think that Honda should create an Odyssey DX for families on a severely limited budget and don't want to be driving around in a Caravan SE yet want something new.

andrewtran71 · October 2003

Now you're talking Sienna style--make a lot of trims.
But that would increase cost of production+loss of $$.
If the demand is greater than supply, which it is, why bother making a cheaper van?
If I were Honda, I would make nothing but the EX-L, EX-L RES, and EX-L NAV+RES--just three trims.

The Ody is so hot, people would buy whatever they can get their hands on, and they won't mind paying another $2-4K for the best.

The same with the Sienna. Toyota should have just made the XLE and XLE Limited trims. It is so hot right now that people will buy whatever they can get their hands on and they are willing to pay $30K plus right now.

But that's just my little brain thinking.

dave594 · October 2003

You're thinking only in the short term and in making the $$ now. Many buyers are not interested in spending $30k for am EX trim Ody, and I'm one of them. Honda wants buyers from all segments of the population, and offering them inexpensive entry level vehicles like the LX gets them to "buy in" to the Honda family. Those people will then become loyal customers over the years and keep buying Hondas. That's how Honda has built its customer base. They're not only in it to make $$ now, but look at the long term growth potential. If they don't buy from Honda, then they'll walk over to Toyota of Dodge or whoever.

I'm pretty stingy with my money. When the 99's came out, and the LX was the first ones off the assembly line, I got one of them at MSRP. At $22,400 it was cheaper than any comparable minivan from the Big-3 or Toyota. So it was a no-brainer even with the wait. I wasn't really interested in the EX as I didn't want the powered doors and all the other bells and whistles. They would have lost me as a customer if that's all they had to offer, and I would have gone with a Sienna LE.

user777 · October 2003

i think adrewtran71 sees the merits of the LX trim-line, at least in exchanges with me there is a recognition, like in your case that not everyone values the higher trim-line offerings.

and to jchan - i'd be unimpressed if Honda offered a DX version of the LX/EX.

owning an LX myself, i don't see what they could "toss" or leave out, that would represent a good value for the buyer. certainly you wouldn't toss 16" wheels, and you wouldn't toss 4wheel disk brakes. you wouldn't toss rear AC, and you wouldn't toss those floor mats...

...unless you were one of those other manufacturers that is...

just my opinion here: if they offered a lower-trim line than the LX, they'd cheapen the whole product line. i feel the same w.r.t. lots of trim levels and packages.

dave594 · October 2003

I sure wish my 99 had 4 wheel disk brakes. But so far the disk/drum setup has worked fine, even in panic stops. I figure I'd save a few bucks over the years with the lower maintenance cost of the drum brakes.

lichtronimo · October 2003

You should know as well as anybody that Honda's 'teaser' concepts are acurate reflections of the production model to follow.

andrewtran71 · October 2003

Yeah, if they are not exactly the same, they should be similar. It doesn't make any sense to spend money and time on a concept design and then turn 180 degrees to make something completely different. Even then, it should also be based on another concept design model.
The only question is, are these models really truly concept design models? They sure seem like real concept models.

chet7 · October 2003

"Honda says it will make an array of safety hardware standard in all U.S. models and will phase in changes aimed at reducing crash damage.

The package of safety goods would include stability control, side-curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes, premium hardware that most manufacturers don't offer on low-price vehicles and usually charge hundreds for on others.

The other change, a more crash-worthy front end, used now only on a minicar sold in Japan, must await full redesigns but should be in all Hondas worldwide within seven years, says Takeo Fukui, Honda president and CEO. First to get it in the USA: redesigned Honda Odyssey minivan and Acura RL sedan, both coming next fall."

jcroberts · October 2003

With 61k on my 1999 Odyssey LX, I think it is time to change my spark plugs. Rarely do I wait for the factory suggested time for replacement, ie, oil changes or antifreeze replacement. The OE NGKs cost $10 a piece. In talking with various parts warehouses, their Autolite, Bosch, and other brands would do fine (some multiple-tip plugs cost up to $18 a piece); however, they recommend using Platinum plugs again. What have you found as a good replacement?

isellhondas · October 2003

Personally, I think a DX Odyssey would be a flop.

As it is, we sell VERY few LX's compared to the others. I think in eight years, I may have sold five DX Accords. Few people want them.

As far as teaser photos...I remember the photos of the '98 Accords that came out. The end result was not even close. Same thing before the 1997 CRV's were introduced.

So, although they ae fun to look at, they really should be taken with a grain of salt.

dave594 · October 2003

Which is it, the fact that LX's don't sell well? Or that Honda just isn't making many of them? What's the ratio of LX to EX models that you are allocated? My bet is that there is demand there for LXs but that most of the vans coming in are EXs so that people are forced to "buy up" in order to get an Ody if they don't want to wait around for an LX.

stever · October 2003

Have you considered pulling them and inspecting them? Most platinum plugs are good for ~100,000 miles but there is some concern that they could seize if not removed before then. Eyeballing them could ensure they haven't frozen in place and give you a chance to see if they are visibly worn and to re-gap them.

Steve, Host

jamestren · October 2003

Okay, this has been gut-wrenching for me. To buy a preowned or to buy new? To buy Toyota or to buy Honda? What about that new Quest? Do I really need the DVD? Can I afford this silly thing? Is it really worth it for a Minivan?.... Well, I guess I just answered the questions for myself. I just purchased a 2004 EXL w/RES (got black). Total out the door was $27,540. Since this is only $100 over invoice and includes the customary doc fee, I feel pretty good about the deal. Best of all, they are only an hour away, so I don't have to fly to Dallas to get it. I bought it from Riverside Honda in Mcalester, OK. I did all of the dealing over the phone and they were hassle free. I told them the best price I found elsewhere (McDavid Honda in this case), and he met it without flinching. Email me if you are in Oklahoma and are interested in the same deal and I'll pass along the guys names (jamestren@yahoo.com). Both the salesman and manager were great. Good luck to those still lurking and thinking about it!

andrewtran71 · October 2003

Congrats on the awesome deal!
You da-man!

isellhondas · October 2003

Dealers order what sells the best. LX Odysseys sell O.K. but there is nowhere near the demand there is for the EX models.

People want everything it seems these days.

Someone suggested a DX Odyssey? Those would REALLY be a dog on the market. Still, someone would probably want one.

billg7 · November 2003

AP: Effected is the 1999 Odyssey. Don't see any other Odyssey years in that notice.

Honda Motor Co. is recalling nearly 652,000 sedans, minivans and sport utility vehicles because of a defect that allows drivers to remove the key from the ignition when the vehicle isn't in park.

The National Highway Safety Administration said Monday it has records of four injuries, 28 crashes and 169 complaints about the defect, which is caused by excessive wear in the ignition switch. In many cases, drivers assumed their vehicles were in park because they were able to remove the key. In at least one case, a rolling SUV caused a multi-vehicle accident.

billg7 · November 2003

I have wondered for some time why I suddenly find the board with messages from the last few days that I have not seen, when I view this board almost every day. Now I see why.

If I go to the board via AOL it does not show me my message of #6324, now matter how I try and how often I use the Refresh Button of my IE browser. However if I go to this link with my cable connection, outside AOL I see my #6324.

Now I know why it takes me sometimes days to see the latest messages on this board. I really don't know why, but I understand how to get around the problem now. I will use my cable link from now on. Maybe the electrons are a bit slow on AOL.

stever · November 2003

That's odd. Please send in a Feedback Form. Thanks!

Steve, Host

dako_tian · November 2003

Thanks billg7, you've helped me to further justify my unabashed hatred of all things AOL. I can now sit more securely ensconced in my self-righteousness. Harrumph!

;-)

dchopp · November 2003

Just received in the mail a notice from Honda to take the van to a Dealer and have the Timing Belt Tensioner replaced. I didn't even know there was a problem.

robr2 · November 2003

Yes the LX is supposed to have power front door locks.

jchan2 · November 2003

I got a notice too. (2002 Odyssey EX) But when I check my Honda Owner's Link list, there is no recall for my Odyssey about the Timing Belt. But I guess it must be a TSB or something. Going to take it back to the Honda dealer as soon as I'm not busy.

ragtop · November 2003

Didn't there use to be a discussions on extended warranties ? Couldn't find it, so I'll post over here. I had problems with my power sliding doors today. Lucky it ended up being a strap being caught in the doors that made it jamb. This little problem has convinced me to get an extended warranty. I remember reading about it by other posters but can't find it any more.
What I remember reading was for a 7yr/100K/0 Ded for around 900-1000 dollars.
Does anyone have the web site or e-mail address??
The only one I found was for curryhondacare.com for $1045.

Thanks for any ones help

raygur1957 · November 2003

I don't know if we are allowed to post the contact name of the person, but after some shopping around I found a 7yr/100K/0 Ded for $910 at Dick Brooks Honda in South Carolina. I have the toll free number. You may have to e-mail me for it if you can't find it. If we are allowed to post it, I will.

stever · November 2003

No individual names please.

Try the Search This Discussion tool to find other warranty posts.

Steve, Host

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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