Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

ragtop · November 2003

Ray,

Can you please e-mail me Dick Brooks Honda's contact for the warranty. My e-mail address is in my profile. Thanks.

Steve,

I tried that first but I couldn't find a real person to contact and most of the post seem outdated.

stever · November 2003

That's one of the problems with posting names too. Besides attracting shills, salespeople move so often the info gets stale fast.

Anyone else purchased an extended warranty recently, especially on-line?

Steve, Host

kimo9 · November 2003

still buy the extended warranty?

I'm curious, too, how many have already gotten their monies worth out of it......and how many have not.

Thanks.

rduel · November 2003

I purchased a HondaCare extended warranty from my dealer for $ 835. when I purchased my 2000EX. I have 63000 miles on the van, and to this date have not used the warranty. No transmission problem,(knock on wood)no sliding door problems, or any other drive train problem. The only real mechanical issue so far has been warping of the front brake rotors, which I believe is considered normal maintenance.

bryann · November 2003

like Rduel, i have not had to take in my car for any warranty repairs. i have an 01 EX with 62k miles, and also the warping rotors issue. the warping rotors are terrible. they warp very quickly and often, so i have upgraded to brembo rotors and new pads. i have driven 5k miles since, and all has been good. the steering wheel no longer shakes out of my hand when i brake from highway speeds. i bought the warranty to protect me from having issues with the power doors. i know that if i had not bought the warranty i would have had a problem with something. oh well, such is life. hopefully the new rotors will hold up like they do on most cars. also, in MD, looks like dealers are ready to deal on the vans, because of the competition. i paid MSRP in 2001 for mine, but there was no competition back then. happy motoring.

wpalkowski · November 2003

I have three different vehicles, that if you read the message boards, folks complain about frequently warped brake rotors. I have yet to experience the problem on these vehicles(, not that I want it.) My driving is a fairly normal mix of city/highway. I change my own tires and torque the wheel lugs to spec, and recheck them a couple hundred miles later. Could this be the deciding factor with respect to pulsing brakes?

I'm curious if the people with the warped rotors are having their tires mounted by the teenager at the tire repair shop, with the his impact wrench set on 300 ft-lbs? Or do you change your tires yourself?

isellhondas · November 2003

Is a major cause or warped rotors. People don't want to hear this, I know.

I follow people everyday who drive too fast for conditions and brake hard at the last minute.

dako_tian · November 2003

In Texas it's the last 5 seconds! ;-)

sbpceap · November 2003

Another cause of warped rotors is to drive fast, brake hard which heats up the rotors, then drive thru a cold puddle. The thinner the manufacturer makes the cast iron rotors, the more prone to warpage.

kimo9 · November 2003

Well, I went ahead and got a Sage LX this weekend....and will pick it up next week. I wonder if Honda is aware of the rotor problem (if there is one) and put a fix into the 2004 model. We'll see.........

During the initial warranty period is the rotor warped covered?

eslamberson · November 2003

We want to get rid of our Suburban and buy an Odyssey. However, we have a boat to tow and a two horse trailer (complete w/ 2 horses, of course). Horses + featherlite trailer (Brenderup) weighs about 3800 lbs. Will the optional towing pkg on the Odyssey be sufficient for towing the horses?

clpurnell · November 2003

I think the max towing capacity is 3500# with a braked trailer. I don'tthink you will find what you need in a mini. Trya a nissan pathfinder armada or toyota seqouia.

hayneldan · November 2003

Check this Edmunds link
http://dcx.edmunds.com/products/nvc/dodge/VehicleComparison;jsess- ionid=148l80nai32BW7KbVPnE1WuQ1hJb0EruXzcK20q1WdAx2RpUOLsx!-93248- 178!174352299!7001!7002?basestyleid=100289827&styleid=1003472- 33&styleid=100305064&refid=&maxvehicles=5&op=3&am- p;tab=performance

dako_tian · November 2003

I don't think you'd want to tow 3800 lbs. with a vehicle rated at just that maximum. You'd have no margin for safety beyond what the engineers gave in their max figure. Besides, if one of those horses starts retaining water....? ;-)

Also, you would doubtless have clearance problems with such a trailer weight hanging off of a minivan. They just don't sit that high off the ground unloaded and with the trailer hitch slung below the bumper... well, many here have complained of grinding their hitches off bit by bit on even moderate driveway assents even without a trailer attached.

I'd stick with the Suburban (or the Yukon XL I just bought -- but, hey, I'm not biased or anything!?! ;-)) since they are more than capable of handling the load. That's a primary reason they are still around.

hookba · November 2003

Anyone with inside information on Odyssey coming out w/ awd like the Sienna? Sure the Pilot is out there, but an Odyssey w/ awd would be a lot more versatile. Isn't Odyssey due for redesign soon anyway?

hayneldan · November 2003

But, If the van had Automatic load leveling and height control via air shocks in the rear as standard in the trailer tow package, the rear bumper would remain at the same height regarless of the load. Guess which one that can tow 3800 lbs has it?

dako_tian · November 2003

OK, I'll allow that it will scrape the same with or without the trailer on it. ;-)

But, with running right at the maximum load rating, you know he'll still have to watch how much the horses eat and ensure that they are regular....

wpalkowski · November 2003

Still think there'd have to be a big tradeoff for AWD running gear to be fitted. Either move gas tank . (To where? I can't imagine.) Or lose the Magic Seat. (Probably not a popular tradeoff.) Other than that they'd have to make the van a foot or two longer to make it all fit.

bryann · November 2003

i take my van back to the dealer to have them change the oil and rotate the tires every 7k miles. i change the oil every 3500 and the tires get rotated at 7k, sorry, felt like i had to qualify my first sentence. the honda dealer has rotated the tires so they should set the impacts at the proper torque, if not, yes, it is my problem, but their fault.

lsinc · November 2003

I would not go above the 3500 lb towing capacity of the ody. I also question the overall weight of the horse trailer with two horses. I have a popup camper that has a gross vehicle weight of 3500 lbs. Unless these are small horses?

I have experience with towing a 3 slant goose neck horse trailer and we use a Chevy pickup with a Duramax Diesel. The pickup also has 4 wheel drive and believe me, we've needed it. Just don't see an ody towing a horse trailer without problems.

My two cents for what they are worth.

rduel · November 2003

I should have known better than to say I have had no power door problems with 62K on my Ody. Now with 62,500 my right slider quit working.(Guess I forgot to knock on wood.) It won't work with the dash switch or the key fob. In addition, a yellow light comes on (stays on) in the instrument cluster that says "Sliding Door." I have an appointment with my dealer service dept.

wpalkowski · November 2003

Did you try resetting the doors by cycling their power? Open passenger side kick panel fuse box. Pull the fuse out for the clock - think it's #9. Wait ~30 seconds. If the door just got confused by something and stopped, this will clear its memory and restart it. If there's a real problem then it will stop working again, and you'll have to keep your repair appointment.
You can search on power doors over on "Odyssey Problems & Solutions" forum - door diagnostic and reset procedure has been posted there multiple times.

rduel · November 2003

Thanks wpalkowski for the info on the slider door malfunction. I tried the 30 second removal of the clock fuse, and the door now works fine. It was fuse # 13. I appreciate the direct response to my door problem. I know there are postings on this site regarding solutions to specific problems, but it sometimes is a little difficult to find them. Thanks again.

andyjen4 · December 2003

I am looking to replace my Michelin Symmetry's on my 01 ody I am looking at Michelin Xradials at costco for 104.99 per or Bf Goodrich premier at 64.99 also at costco or Cooper sle's for 89.99at a local discount shop. Any opinions? The BF Goodrich's seem to cheap, is the Cooper a better tire than the Mich X's? Any advice?

andrewtran71 · December 2003

I would go to Tires.com and buy the Yokohoma Avid Touring tires for about $55 per tire. Then take it to Hibdons or Tire Plus or Walmart or where ever to have them mounted for about $10 per tire labor.
Example, Hibdons was going to charge me $525 for 4 Yokohoma Avid Touring tires for my LS400. I bought the tires at that time for about $200 total. $40 labor to mount. So that's a savings of almost $300!

lok888 · December 2003

I recently bought my '00 Odyssey EX (33K miles) to two different dealers for sell. First one is the a Toyota dealer. The one that I just ordered a '04 Sienna from. I didn't mention trade in because I was afraid that I won't get a good deal on the Sienna. Second one is a Honda dealer. They both offered $10K. The Honda dealer told they will do $12K if the van is in excellent condition. This is a company van which shows some wears and tears. There is no tranny problem. I mean, isn't the resale value really hurt for the van during these years. Or it is because a new Odyssey costs less than before, plus the Sienna and Quest came out. I was so disappointed by the dealers' offer. I think I have to sell it by myself.

robr2 · December 2003

TMV here at Edmund's shows about $14,800 for a trade in average condition here in Boston. You say it's a work van - does it really show it? Is the $10K their opening offer or their only offer?

tlivac · December 2003

How does the Odyssey do in snow without AWD? I'd like to get an Odyssey over the Sienna or Pilot but think I may need AWD. It's snowing here in NY as we speak and we make occasional trips to Vermont.

lok888 · December 2003

I did negotiate a bit. But it looks like a final offer for both dealers. I did some research on Edmunds and KBB. I think the trade it value is around $15K price range for a GOOD condition. The condition can be upgraded by getting a new paint job (minor scratch on bumper due to city parking) and interior detailing. I will try more used car dealers or internet.

sbpceap · December 2003

I have an '03 Ody. I'm also in NY. Survived last year's blizzard with Ody, and I'm an avid skier for 30 years. I've never had AWD, never got stuck. I think Ody does fine, and AWD is overrated in most populated areas of the USA. I have seen many 4x4 and AWD's slide into the gully alongside country roads and highways because they go so well in snow. Trouble is, they don't STOP any better. All vehicles have 4 wheel brakes. Hope this helps in your decision.

wpalkowski · December 2003

Don't spend the money on AWD, get the Ody and put 4 good snow tires on it. You'll be more stable and stop faster than an AWD vehicle with stock all-season tires.

phil47 · December 2003

Great...I get to be the dissenting opinion. Yes, an Ody with 4 good snow tires is pretty good at getting around on snow and ice, and it can even stop better than an SUV with 4 all-seasons. However, AWD (even with all-seasons) will typically accelerate and corner, particularly in deep snow or on snow-covered hills, MUCH better than the Ody. And AWD with 4 good snow tires will blow the Ody out of the water under most all snow/ice situations.

I base my observations on my 2001 EX Ody and my 2001 LE Nissan Pathfinder both sitting in my garage for the last 2 1/2 winters. Here in Calgary we sometimes get alot of snow, but we often get alot of ice on the roads and I live in a very hilly section of town. When the going gets tough, the Pathfinder beats the Ody hands down. Just my $0.02.

dako_tian · December 2003

Is that $0.02 Canadian or US? ;-)

minivan_time · December 2003

Was JUST looking for a minivan-in-the-snow-AWD discussion myself, so GREAT timing! More opinions please??

I am also considering the Ody over the Sienna or a 4x4 but am wondering how well it handles in slick conditions. My current car is a beloved AWD wagon which the family has outgrown, but I'm afraid I'll miss the AWD.

How effective is the traction control on the Ody? What exactly does the Sienna's new "vehicle stability control" do in addition to the traction control?

phil47 · December 2003

hehehe...with the Cdn $ making a strong run, that CDN$0.02 is worth more than USD$0.015 today...

Unfortunately, that strong Cdn $ is not good news for us Canadian oil and gas producers (we do much better when the buck is weaker).

jchan2 · December 2003

kinda like how Honda and Toyota do better when the yen is weak.

dako_tian · December 2003

Well, if you factor in the relative percentage of snow and ice you experience, it dramatically increases the value of your CAN$0.02 in an AWD-FWD discussion! Though I'm not sure that alleviates the pain at the pump.... ;-)

cartagram · December 2003

My wife and I have two last-gen Accords. Lately, my eye has gravitated to all the Odys shuttling kids to school. I don't need a minivan around town, but I wonder if there are things you can do with one when it comes to recreation.

For example, can I camp overnight in one with one of my kids? Or do the 2nd-row seats interfere?

What can I do with a minivan above and beyond what an Accord could provide (with a bike rack, a small trailer for a kayak, etc.)?

jchan2 · December 2003

I have seen a family pump up and air-bed, pull out the seats in a Oldsmobile Silhouette, and sleep there for the night. I still had an Accord back then, and my son and I camped out in a tent. An Odyssey can do much more than an Accord. You can haul a big arm-chair with four people. You can buy two dressers and still have a family of 4 sit down comfortably in the car. You can go on vacations without having all the stuff that couldn't go in the trunk of the Accord in the back seat with the kids. Now, I just throw the stuff in the third row seat, and I am able to seat the whole family. There's a lot more that you can do with an Odyssey or Pilot that you can't do with an Accord, I'm sure.

pat84 · December 2003

I had a 99 ODY EX with traction control. I had it in over 2 feet of snow and it went right through it. A lot has to do with knowing how to drive in the snow, though.
  I once had a cop stop me in the Odyssey and say he followed me through the snow. I went into the wrong lane to avoid a 4 foot drift in my lane near a local small plane airport. (It always drifts there because of the large open area). I took that as a compliment of the ODY's capability in the snow. The traction control worked by putting the brake on the slipping front wheel. It only worked up to 18 mph. The ODY is heavy and takes a lot of distance stopping in the snow.
  I now have a Toyota 4Runner, V-8 4WD. It does better getting going in the snow than the Odyssey, as you may imagine. It weighs almost the same as the ODY and takes about the same distance to stop in the snow as the ODY did.
   The reason you see a lot of 4WD vehicles in the ditch in the snow is do to the fact that they are likely to have their owners play with them in the snow. Many 4WD owners think that because they get going better, they go faster and don't account for increased stopping distance at their speed. Lastly, 4WD has the front wheels pull the SUV through corners tighter than FWD. Those unfamiliar with 4WD can get into trouble on corners, too. I owned 2 military type Jeeps in my misspent youth so I know what 4WD can and can't do in the snow.
  Once again, The ODY did very well by me in the snow

kjack2 · December 2003

Can someone tell me if the Ody middle seats on the '99 - '04 models adjust front to back?

robr2 · December 2003

Yes they do.

jchan2 · December 2003

yes, they adjust.

dako_tian · December 2003

alright you guys, cut down on the rapid-fire and overly verbose postings. It's so hard to keep up! ;-)

robr2 · December 2003

OK

02mdx · December 2003

I have been going back and forth between these two models. The Sienna being the new kid on the block has covered the short comings of the older Odyssey, but at a premium cost. One of our biggest requirements was the dual power sliding doors, which can only be obtained on the Sienna XLE, a $5K difference vs the Ody EX. So we took the plunge and bought the EX at $200 over invoice. Some of the niceties I will miss are the auto head lights, outside temp., memory seats (Sienna doesn't offer either) would have been nice. The Sienna XLE comes standard with the power tail gate, but I think it would result in more damage cuased by my toddler than anything else. Also wasn't willing to wait three months and be forced to buy "what the factory is producing" package. Coming from a sedan, the kids love the added space and view. I'm certain the Ody will provide years of (hopefully!) trouble free driving, as did my '90 Accord (156K miles) I traded in. Wind noise doesn't seem to be an issue, but the Michelins are noisey on concrete roads. The Ody/MV's seating position is more up-right compared to sedans, so it will take some getting used to, but TownHall feedback seems good.

The '04 Odyssey seems to have a few new features (correct me if I'm wrong): Auto Up/Down Driver Window, Engine Immobilizer and a passenger seat sensor to de-activate the front air bags if a child under 70 lbs is detected.

Anyone add a TV/DVD combo unit to their Ody? Not the flip down kind, but the tube kind? I figured with the room between the front seats I could put a combo unit in for a couple hundred vs getting the leather and DVD option for $2500. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

robevts · December 2003

Congrats on your ody purchase. I was poking around in a pawnshop and picked up a dvd/vcr 9" 12V for 60.00 out the door. No, it is not dvd, but it works out well for my kids who are the ones who mostly use it anyway, and have lots of tapes. I leave it on the floor between the 2 front seats of my 2003 ody ex. Works perfect, and has the hookups for a dvd which I will get when I stumble on another good deal.

wpalkowski · December 2003

Toshiba makes a nice unit - 9" TV/DVD AC & 12V. Have had one for about two years. ~$225.00

Only one important thing - don't leave the TV on the floor or on the table between the seats - you're gambling with your life in the event of an accident or even a panic stop. It'll become a real missile. Even if doesn't hurt anyone, sailing across the van would probably ruin the TV.

The perfect solution is called a Steel Horse Tote. Special carrying case to hold the TV - with four serious straps that hook around the base of the seats and the headrest. It has quick release tabs for easy removal, but holds everything in place, and has pockets for remote and DVDs. Do a web search on the name, it's ~$75.

It was a much more affordable solution than the DVD RES, though less convenient.

02mdx · December 2003

robevts: "I leave it on the floor between the 2 front seats of my 2003 ody ex." How does the tv/vhs fit between the seats? Is it tight? I'm assuming it's under the tray table. I would think kids would have problems watching it with the tv on the floor, looking down and all. How do your kids fair? Apparently it's not too low.

wpalkowski: Thank you for the "missile" warning, I will check out the Tote.

General question: The temp. has been dropping here in Ohio and my wife has noticed that the Ody is having problems starting when left over night. It takes about two or three tries to get the engine started. She does not press the gas on the first try, but noticed that pressing it helps turn it over on the second try. Is the "cold start" syndrome typical for the Odyssey?

dave594 · December 2003

DO NOT PUSH THE GAS PEDAL BEFORE STARTING THE CAR!!!

This is a fuel injected engine. You do not need to push the pedal down before starting.

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

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