1996 Honda Odyssey Review

Perfect Van

Written by: Darryl on 09/27/2009

Vehicle

1996 Honda Odyssey 4 Dr EX Passenger Van

Review

I have 330000 kms on mine and it still runs perfect. If you look under it it has no rust as well. I would guess that it will go another 300000kms before I would have to retire it.

Favorite Features

I like the 4 cylinder engine and transmission design. The suspension in it is set up better than the newer ones.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders (front)

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Amazing little van

Written by: Flopek on 08/14/2009

Vehicle

1996 Honda Odyssey 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

We bought our Odyssey over 3 years ago with the addition of a new family member (with 5 you have to make the jump to a "mom mobile" or SUV). We didn't have the budget for anything too fancy, but when we came across a used '96 Odyssey, we were sold after simply looking at it and test driving compared to all the other vans we were looking at. At the time it had 95K, and we've put an additional 30k. Very reliable.I changed the timing belt as a precaution. I've simply changed the oil and put good gas in it, no cheap swamp gas stations. I replaced the rear shocks and exhaust manifold since they finally failed after 13 years of service. Repairs less than $200-$400 when I do it myself, very easy.

Favorite Features

Parts are easy to find, seating comfort; 4 captain chairs, cargo space abundant when rear seats removed, great towing capacity, reasonable pep for 4 Cyl van, big time return on investment with this van.

Suggested Improvements

Oil filter is in a hard place to get to, but not impossible - the vehicle has to be raised.

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Love My Odyssey

Written by: Lee on 05/13/2009

Vehicle

1996 Honda Odyssey 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

I have 180,000 miles on my Odyssey. I will keep driving it until it dies. We love the seat arrangement-use the fold down back seat. My grandkids love to sit in the "wayback" seat. My kids drove it all through high school and it is still going strong. The interior and exterior still look great. No one believes it is as old as it is. Door locks have a mind of their own. Added a satellite radio a few years ago.

Favorite Features

fold down back seat, reliability, comfort on long drives, ease of entry, swing back doors

Suggested Improvements

new vans should have swing back doors

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Keeps going and going and going

Written by: Joy on 02/06/2009

Vehicle

1996 Honda Odyssey 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

We've owned our Odyssey for 13 years and 237,000 miles. Only had to have minor repairs done, such as replacing the heater switch. No major problems with the engine. The automatic door locks quit working, but it still locks manually, so didn't get that fixed. Still has plenty of pep for getting onto the interstate, going up steep hills. Most comfortable vehicle we've ever owned, and there seems to be a place for everything. Back row seats fold down into floor, middle row folds forward for lots of cargo space. As easy to park and make U-turns as a mid- sized car. Good rear view for backing up. Easy to get in and out of, including back seats, with regular car doors, not sliding. Seats 7 people.

Favorite Features

Plenty of cargo space, easy to convert. Don't have to remove any seats. Convenient space between front seats for purse, drink cooler, etc. Ease of getting in and out (arthritis). Good view of the road in all directions. Easy to park. We like the car doors as opposed to sliding doors. Good stereo.

Suggested Improvements

Drink holder in front is too small for 20-oz Coke. Windshield wiper leaves a streak. Headlights not quite bright enough on dim. Fine on bright.

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keeps running

Written by: block1974 on 05/09/2008

Vehicle

1996 Honda Odyssey 4 Dr LX Passenger Van

Review

Bought used from new Honda dealer, at the start pulled to the right, brought it back, they said they aligned it, but still pulls. Abs light came year later, but means nothing. Mechanic found major problems few months ago, but it keeps running. Air filter housing is a pain with metal screws in plastic case. You could call it early crossover. It is small and simple car. Now has 175,000 miles and no signs of slowing down.

Favorite Features

wide open front seating, inside bigger than it looks.

Suggested Improvements

if you want to improve, get later model. This is simple no frills reliable car

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