See post in Pilot forum for post but quick overview of Ody. Didn't have time to test drive but wife and I sat in it. Read is very comfortable. Wife didn't like armrest of EX-L, too narrow and not very well padded.
My comments - Ody seat OK but when I activated or brought Lumbar support out it was very uncomfortable. When I released lumbar support, it didn't seem to return to the original position and seems "a little uncomfortable". Not sure how big a problem it would be.
Ody driver's seat felt as if it didn't support the upper back and shoulders, as if the seat had a slight backward tilt at the top. Tried to adjust but not sure. Need to try again.
Picked up my Touring with RES/NAV on Monday night. For the first few days the kids were able to listen to things in the backseat with their headsets while I listened to something else in the front. Yesterday, it stopped working.
Neither wireless nor wired headsets are working. The DVD screen still shows the DVD (or XM or CD or Radio), but I can't get any sound. Checked the volume on the headsets and hear a low hum, so I know the batteries aren't dead. Since the wireless and wired ones both aren't working, I don't think there's something particular to the wireless sets.
It's not a fuse (checked the fuses). Any other thoughts or ideas? I was able to get it to work at first, so I don't think I'm trying to do anyting different now. Many thanks. . .
Well, I will not be one to cast judgment here, but having had experience with both if you think Honda Customer Service is a problem - try Ford! Man, they treated us like lepers!
I have no idea how Toyota would be. Their dealers as a rule are snakes but a lot of Japanese dealers ended up like that when trying to break into the market. It's why their upscale dealers are so much better - all of a sudden the manufacturer could be picky.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I've just purchase a '05 Odyssey and got a problem. Each time I turn on the engine, run a very short distance, I hear some unusual clunking noise when the van downshifts. Would anybody share this experience with me? And what should I do about it?
I have a 2005 honda. When the car runs a short distance after started and begins to accelerate, it sometimes make a sound just like the front chassis touched the ground (Just like you pull forward too much when you park your car and your front chassis touches the curb). Anyone has any idea what is going on here? Thanks a lot.
"Your vehicle only has 2700 miles on it. Hondas are known to have a rather lengthy break-in period (up to 10,000 miles) before gas mileage is optimized.
Winter mileage (assuming you don't live in a warm climate) tends to be worse than in warmer weather. "
Both of these reasons are a LOAD OF BS! Hondas do not have a "lengthy break-in period". I've owned SIX Hondas and Acuras over the last decade and NONE of them experienced any noticeable MPG change from day one to the day I've sold them. In all the cases my mileage was comfortably within EPA estimates range.
Similarly, the winter gas formulation is not going to have a noticeable effect on MPG.
You can argue all you want, but the fact still remains that a VERY LARGE portion of new Ody owners are experiencing mileage that is NOWHERE NEAR the EPA estimates! If the estimate for city driving was 20 mpg and I was getting 18 mpg, I would not consider it significant. But I am CONSISTENTLY getting 14.1-14.3 for SUBURBAN driving.
Was by the Honda dealer today (so I could look uninterrupted) and I noticed an Ody with a sticker stating the mileage was 19 city and 25 hwy!! Almost a Pilot! I looked at other Odys and they all had 22/28 which is what I thought but this one was different. Then I realized the difference. It was an EX without the variable cylinder thingy!
This made me wonder, maybe the problem with the mileage on the Odys is partly due to the fact that the variable cylinder function doesn't work as well as predicted? If that were the case, the the mileage would be closer to reality.
I wonder if the majority of folks fussing about gas mileage are EX-L and Touring folks. Are the LX and EX folks as frustrated about gas mileage?
Sounds like we have the same problem. My Odyssey makes an unusual noise after running a very short distance. Mine is an EX-L. What model is yours? I am wondering if the noise is caused by a system's self test or something because it is repeated at the same time and distance. What do you think?
the noise at about 10mph when you first start out is the ABS system self check. It is normal, and they even document it in the owners manual.
As to mileage, I think that part of the problem is that the VCM doesn't get to operate enough in the real world to make that much of a difference. I do think that most people complaining are VCM golks, but then again, most of the posters seem to have the higher line models.
If the EXL was rated at 19/25 (like the EX) you wouldn't see as many complaints.
My '00 Ody EX received a tranny replacement in January under the extended 100k warranty. 3000 miles later and the trans is still slamming into first gear(downshift)at low speeds (10-20 mph).
Also, today the shift selector won't go into D3 or any low gear. This activated the check engine light.
Ugh...what did I get myself into...bought the car used in December. Me thinks I made a mistake.
Yes, that seems to be where I hear the noise (10 mph). Why the ABS system self check so loud? Where in the owners manual should we found the info? Thanks
I sympathize. My mileage is rather not quite as bad as yours on my 2002. But not good mileage. It never did improve with age. One thing puzzles me. Why get a Pilot? It has an engine and transmission that are similar to the Odyssey. And it is made by the same manufacturer that made you so unhappy. It is sold by the same dealer that made you unhappy also, although you could avoid the original dealer. It is a free country. There are other brands.
Drove home with my new van and found a bag containing 4 oblong rubber plugs in the glove box. Anyone know what they're for? Otherwise, so far so good...
We baught a '05 EX cloth a month ago and put 1k today; thought of sharing some info related to a few above messages: (i) Noise at 10mph immediately after starting is ABS as many said. Its not loud in our case its almost like a mild click (you would notice the sound though). (ii) Mileage is OK. giving 19.5 city/ 26 highway which is what I was expecting before buying anyway. (iii)I'm still concerned about revving noise that comes when I climb small hills (previously had compact cars never really noticed any problems while taking same road; Ody being a V6 I was expecting that ride would be even more smoother). While driving at lower speeds notice upshift/downshift; and ride is not smoother. Dealer tried to explain this as normal. not sure but am disappointed with these jerky drive after spending 26k (my previous car worth 5k drives so smooth on the same drive).
You misunderstood my message (it may not have been clear when I quoted, sorry) I don't have an Ody, I was merely quoting the others and expressing my concerns about the Ody. Actually the engine isn't the problem, my concerns are related to the new design and the little things.
Sorry for the confusion but I was just expressing my concerns based upon what others are saying.
It certainly seems like a great idea for all owners of a particular model of car to be able to easily communicate and share experiences and problems. I always thought my Volvo had its share of issues but I could never get the dealer or VolvoUSA to admit it. I have a 2005 EX-L/RES Ody. Are there any other forums that would have a lot of info on the owner experiences with this car? Wouldn't Honda gain a lot of information if they were to really read stuff like this and get real feedback instead of those idiotic surveys they ask new owners to fill out? I like the car. If it doesn't require a lot of repair over the years I will like it even more. I just always have the feeling that the dealers have the upper hand when it comes to any repairs or problems. If I run into trouble, I would feel better armed with information.
After buying my first Honda (2005 EXL) it is my opinion that Honda simply do not care about their customers. I've been put through the ringer by the folks at American Honda and my local dealer in Nanuet, NY and I've come to the conclusion they are determined to admit no liability whatsoever for faults in their product. Worse than that, they attempted to cover up and tell me I was the idiot who couldnt calculate vehicle MPG. BTW, I'm getting 13.5 MPG in mixed driving on a car rated at 20/28.
I suspect they have some low level employee in Torrance assigned to monitor these boards. Do HOA really care? Not a hoot.
Honda gets plenty of information and feedback from the dealerships through information on warranty repairs and parts purchases. They know when things are deviating from the norm and see trends long before they become problems.
so you have been getting the same mpg in summer and winter for all you cars? Assuming you do not live in FL, CA or you never see temps below 50F, can you please share your secrets?
there are a few Honda specific forums, and one that I visit that is just for Oddyseys. Tremendous amount of info over there, probably more than you ever cared to know, but none of the general (no model specific) discussions you find here.
I suppose you could do a web search and find some.
Just a reminder links to and/or encouraging others to visit competing auto forums is not allowed here. Check the Membership Agreement for clarification. Send me an email if you have any further questions concerning this policy.
I've seen the answer to this in other Ody forums outside of Edmunds. I can't find the answer though. But perhaps if you went there and asked, someone would know the answer.
"Bottom line - I'll never buy another Honda product again because of the DREADFUL customer service experience. I've also steered 2 of my friends towards other makes."
I may have missed more detail in an earlier post, and if so, I apologize. What you posted immediately before this was basically you had a complaint about mileage being low and no one would magically fix it. I don't think that's a good case for "dreadful" customer service. You don't truly know even if anything is wrong, yet, as other posts have indicated.
I bought a Honda Odyssey EXL last month and it has the same problem. Yesterday I took it to the dealer Crown Honda at Durham, NC. It seems this sound is coming from the ABS self check. First I thought I screwed up the parking brake and that’s why the sound was coming. It was hard to demonstrate the problem since this sound was not always coming. But the technician was already aware of the problem. They told me I was the second person coming to that dealership with this problem. They said there was nothing to worry. The technician drove another brand new Van from the parking lot and that one was also making the same sound.
I agree with you, I am getting so frustrated with all these repairs and HOA not caring, that I am almost to the point to trade my 2005 EX-L RES in for a Toyota Sienna. Never again HONDA!!!!!!!!
An excellent link, thank you. For people in this thread who seem so incensed that the Ody doesn't get the EPA mileage (note EPA, not Honda) on the sticker, go read that article. Here is a snippet:
"The problem, says AAA, is that the federal government does not test cars in real world situations and doesn't factor in things like running the air conditioner or driving in stop-and-go traffic. Most tests are conducted in labs with the engines already warmed up, the speed kept below 60 miles an hour.
Now, two members of Congress have introduced legislation to change EPA testing methods."
Having read a lot of the posts from people disappointed in Ody mileage, it looks to me like they're annoyed that they're not even -close- to EPA estimates, not just that they're not getting the estimates. People understand that the EPA estimates are optimistic, but when your're promised 20, expecting 17.5, and getting 15, it's a different story. And, yes, I understand that there are any number of people who are perfectly happy with their mileage.
Another trans is being ordered & installed after only 3000 miles of use. The service manager said the trans had "internal damage".
The original trans was replaced in Jan. with 93k under the 100k warranty extension. I knew the V6 Hondas had problems but you would think the engineers found a repair solution.
Pretty emabarassing for Honda...I guess the remanufactured trannies are not perfect. Go figure. I am stuck driving a Chevy Malibu from Enterprise for a week.
For what I learn form other discussion board for MPG. It seems not just use the running mileage divide the gas we fuel it up at gas station. MPG actually counts how long the car idling and even counts the time it waiting at stop sign and traffic light. The longer we put the car at idle or stop more for light. The lower MPG will get. If we can run non-stop for 150 miles. Usually get pretty high MPG.
"For people in this thread who seem so incensed that the Ody doesn't get the EPA mileage(note EPA, not Honda)
Don't you think Honda knows what it's van (that it just spent millions redesigning)will test out at?They probably have the exact same equipment that EPA does & design to get the highest mpg possible in an EPA test.I would think all manufacturers do this as EPA estimates on mileage are used so much in marketing.
"Don't you think Honda knows what it's van (that it just spent millions redesigning)will test out at?They probably have the exact same equipment that EPA does & design to get the highest mpg possible in an EPA test.I would think all manufacturers do this as EPA estimates on mileage are used so much in marketing."
You are kind of making my point. It doesn't matter what Honda thinks/knows its van's mileage is. Who will believe a manufacturer's mileage claims when a government agency tests the same thing, the same way, for ALL vans? Those who are mad about their mileage vs. what is on the sticker should be mad at the EPA, not Honda.
"And, yes, I understand that there are any number of people who are perfectly happy with their mileage."
Maybe not so much happy as just not complaining.
Mileage is a complex thing. A vehicle's mileage depends on many variables, and when the EPA does its tests it appears to do so in optimum conditions. All you can ever say about a mileage estimate is that IN THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED this is the estimate. I think people realize this cognitively, but some still get mad emotionally when their new vehicle doesn't come close to mileage estimates. Never mind whether they are driving in bad weather, idling a lot, doing jack-rabbit starts, etc. They want to get near or above that optimum mpg estimate, darn it!
That's why I think these complaints are silly. We all drive differently, mostly in different locals (I'm a mile high in Colorado) and it will affect our mileage. Add to that the fact EPA doesn't truly measure EPA in any kind of real world sense, and milesage estimates/expectations are bound to be unrealistic.
So do we get mad about it, or recognize it for what it is?
Recently on a trip in my 05 Odyssey--drove in D3 gear probably 300 miles.....question is except for lousy gas milage would this damage the car in any way?
Not unless the engine was running a little hot from seeing prolonged higher rpm's without the expected airflow over the radiator. Was the temp gauge OK? I think the only thing damaged otherwise would be your sense of pride.
I don't suppose you had your turn signal on the whole 300 miles too?
I have a 99 Ody with 79000 miles on it and have a Honda Care 7/100 extended warranty, I called Honda and was told that if I cancel it I would get a $330 refund.
Comments
My comments - Ody seat OK but when I activated or brought Lumbar support out it was very uncomfortable. When I released lumbar support, it didn't seem to return to the original position and seems "a little uncomfortable". Not sure how big a problem it would be.
Ody driver's seat felt as if it didn't support the upper back and shoulders, as if the seat had a slight backward tilt at the top. Tried to adjust but not sure. Need to try again.
Pilot seats were great.
Neither wireless nor wired headsets are working. The DVD screen still shows the DVD (or XM or CD or Radio), but I can't get any sound. Checked the volume on the headsets and hear a low hum, so I know the batteries aren't dead. Since the wireless and wired ones both aren't working, I don't think there's something particular to the wireless sets.
It's not a fuse (checked the fuses). Any other thoughts or ideas? I was able to get it to work at first, so I don't think I'm trying to do anyting different now. Many thanks. . .
I have no idea how Toyota would be. Their dealers as a rule are snakes but a lot of Japanese dealers ended up like that when trying to break into the market. It's why their upscale dealers are so much better - all of a sudden the manufacturer could be picky.
Winter mileage (assuming you don't live in a warm climate) tends to be worse than in warmer weather. "
Both of these reasons are a LOAD OF BS! Hondas do not have a "lengthy break-in period". I've owned SIX Hondas and Acuras over the last decade and NONE of them experienced any noticeable MPG change from day one to the day I've sold them. In all the cases my mileage was comfortably within EPA estimates range.
Similarly, the winter gas formulation is not going to have a noticeable effect on MPG.
You can argue all you want, but the fact still remains that a VERY LARGE portion of new Ody owners are experiencing mileage that is NOWHERE NEAR the EPA estimates! If the estimate for city driving was 20 mpg and I was getting 18 mpg, I would not consider it significant. But I am CONSISTENTLY getting 14.1-14.3 for SUBURBAN driving.
This made me wonder, maybe the problem with the mileage on the Odys is partly due to the fact that the variable cylinder function doesn't work as well as predicted? If that were the case, the the mileage would be closer to reality.
I wonder if the majority of folks fussing about gas mileage are EX-L and Touring folks. Are the LX and EX folks as frustrated about gas mileage?
ETA
As to mileage, I think that part of the problem is that the VCM doesn't get to operate enough in the real world to make that much of a difference. I do think that most people complaining are VCM golks, but then again, most of the posters seem to have the higher line models.
If the EXL was rated at 19/25 (like the EX) you wouldn't see as many complaints.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
rusting spots on the body. Would you let us
know how you've resolved the rusting issue.
Also, today the shift selector won't go into D3 or any low gear. This activated the check engine light.
Ugh...what did I get myself into...bought the car used in December. Me thinks I made a mistake.
(i) Noise at 10mph immediately after starting is ABS as many said. Its not loud in our case its almost like a mild click (you would notice the sound though).
(ii) Mileage is OK. giving 19.5 city/ 26 highway which is what I was expecting before buying anyway.
(iii)I'm still concerned about revving noise that comes when I climb small hills (previously had compact cars never really noticed any problems while taking same road; Ody being a V6 I was expecting that ride would be even more smoother). While driving at lower speeds notice upshift/downshift; and ride is not smoother. Dealer tried to explain this as normal. not sure but am disappointed with these jerky drive after spending 26k (my previous car worth 5k drives so smooth on the same drive).
ETA
Sorry for the confusion but I was just expressing my concerns based upon what others are saying.
I have a 2005 EX-L/RES Ody. Are there any other forums that would have a lot of info on the owner experiences with this car? Wouldn't Honda gain a lot of information if they were to really read stuff like this and get real feedback instead of those idiotic surveys they ask new owners to fill out?
I like the car. If it doesn't require a lot of repair over the years I will like it even more. I just always have the feeling that the dealers have the upper hand when it comes to any repairs or problems. If I run into trouble, I would feel better armed with information.
I suspect they have some low level employee in Torrance assigned to monitor these boards. Do HOA really care? Not a hoot.
Never again.
I suppose you could do a web search and find some.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I may have missed more detail in an earlier post, and if so, I apologize. What you posted immediately before this was basically you had a complaint about mileage being low and no one would magically fix it. I don't think that's a good case for "dreadful" customer service. You don't truly know even if anything is wrong, yet, as other posts have indicated.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7128017/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7128017/"
An excellent link, thank you. For people in this thread who seem so incensed that the Ody doesn't get the EPA mileage (note EPA, not Honda) on the sticker, go read that article. Here is a snippet:
"The problem, says AAA, is that the federal government does not test cars in real world situations and doesn't factor in things like running the air conditioner or driving in stop-and-go traffic. Most tests are conducted in labs with the engines already warmed up, the speed kept below 60 miles an hour.
Now, two members of Congress have introduced legislation to change EPA testing methods."
Sounds like you two are in the Raleigh Area. Where did you buy?
The original trans was replaced in Jan. with 93k under the 100k warranty extension. I knew the V6 Hondas had problems but you would think the engineers found a repair solution.
Pretty emabarassing for Honda...I guess the remanufactured trannies are not perfect. Go figure. I am stuck driving a Chevy Malibu from Enterprise for a week.
Don't you think Honda knows what it's van (that it just spent millions redesigning)will test out at?They probably have the exact same equipment that EPA does & design to get the highest mpg possible in an EPA test.I would think all manufacturers do this as EPA estimates on mileage are used so much in marketing.
You are kind of making my point. It doesn't matter what Honda thinks/knows its van's mileage is. Who will believe a manufacturer's mileage claims when a government agency tests the same thing, the same way, for ALL vans? Those who are mad about their mileage vs. what is on the sticker should be mad at the EPA, not Honda.
Maybe not so much happy as just not complaining.
Mileage is a complex thing. A vehicle's mileage depends on many variables, and when the EPA does its tests it appears to do so in optimum conditions. All you can ever say about a mileage estimate is that IN THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED this is the estimate. I think people realize this cognitively, but some still get mad emotionally when their new vehicle doesn't come close to mileage estimates. Never mind whether they are driving in bad weather, idling a lot, doing jack-rabbit starts, etc. They want to get near or above that optimum mpg estimate, darn it!
That's why I think these complaints are silly. We all drive differently, mostly in different locals (I'm a mile high in Colorado) and it will affect our mileage. Add to that the fact EPA doesn't truly measure EPA in any kind of real world sense, and milesage estimates/expectations are bound to be unrealistic.
So do we get mad about it, or recognize it for what it is?
Not unless the engine was running a little hot from seeing prolonged higher rpm's without the expected airflow over the radiator. Was the temp gauge OK? I think the only thing damaged otherwise would be your sense of pride.
I don't suppose you had your turn signal on the whole 300 miles too?