1997 Honda Odyssey Consumer Discussions

Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

• Re: Another Ody Tranny DOA [blackexv6]

  Written by: autowrite on Feb 18, 2011 3:09:40 PM

  The 1997 Toyota Camry has the original clutch; therefore it's a manual transmittion and manuals are not probmactic as am automoatic. Honda is not the only manufacture with problems. Some Edmunds boards show problems with the Toyota Camry automatics where the they had to be replaced. It seems Honda gets the most NEWS. I have 270,000 kms on my 2002 Odyssey and had a transmission replaced with the supports at 170.000 ... Read More

• Re: Another Ody Tranny DOA [2005honda]

  Written by: blackexv6 on Feb 16, 2011 11:08:25 AM

  We had our engine mounts replaced when the A-pipe was replaced for the droning defect noise. Our car never shuddered with the bad engine mounts. I know for a fact that our torque converter needs to be replaced. I'm unwilling to spend the money on a car that was meticulously maintained and pampered. I have a 2001 Toyota Celica with 218k miles that never had any major problems. It even has ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Steering Problems

• Re: 2006 - Pwr Steering Pump Failure [odyssey_07]

  Written by: eferarita on Oct 19, 2010 2:07:46 PM

  I have the same problem with my 2007 Odyssey (70K miles) I took it in to the dealer they are telling me the Power Steering pump is bad and the they think the timing belt tension needs to be replaced (they don't know for sure) but there is some type of noise coming from the back by the timing belt area. I have about $1000 worth of work that needs to ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

• Re: 2003 Odyssey Transmission Problem [pereyes]

  Written by: carlfries on Jan 7, 2010 11:29:18 AM

  Well you can add another 2003 Honda Odyssey to the list of failed transmissions. Our died while we were on vacation in Ft. Myers Florida. We had to have it towed to the local dealer and rent a car to get back to Cincinnati. We have 118K miles on the car, but, I just had the PCM computer replaced earlier this year and have had the transmission serviced regularly. Honda will ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Heating/Cooling Problems

• Oil leak on Cooling system Of Odyssey.

  Written by: ody97 on May 2, 2009 7:57:24 AM

  Hi guys, I have a Honda Odyssey 1997 Model ( automatic transmission) .1 year ago , I replaced radiator when it started leaking.Recently, I noticed oil leaks on the oil pipe from the engine to the radiator (the shorter pipe).It leaks on the clamp.I changed the clamp and its still leaking.After a while I noticed the top hose of radiator was damaged.I changed it. Do you think there is a problem ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Leaking oil pipe to Radiator for Honda Odyssey

  Written by: ody97 on May 1, 2009 3:08:31 AM

  Hi guys, I have a Honda Odyssey 1997 Model ( automatic transmission) .1 year ago , I replaced radiator when it started leaking.Recently, I noticed oil leaks on the oil pipe from the engine to the radiator (the shorter pipe).It leaks on the clamp.I changed the clamp and its still leaking.After a while I noticed the top hose of radiator was damaged.I changed it. Do you think there is a problem ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Brakes

• Re: Soft Brake fixed [bigdadi118]

  Written by: topdownride on Apr 26, 2009 9:45:26 AM

  bigdadi118, exb0, and terrip1, Thank you very much for your replies to my inquiry, and for the many posts on this forum. My condolences go out to those who have had accidents, and I extend wishes that all are doing well. Your time and efforts will likely save others from injury or loss of life. Through your pointers I've now found the Honda Service Bulletin 07-045 (most recent issue dated March ... Read More

2008 Minivans

• Re: Empty nesters and minivans? [dennisctc]

  Written by: artgpo on Sep 29, 2007 6:03:04 AM

  It was my wife's comment "What the heck is with this thing?" when I brought home a Sienna for a test drive. The van bounced and pitched like a small boat on the water. It was not this one single van because I drove several other Siennas. For those of you used to Detroit iron you would probably not find the drive offensive. The Odyssey was (and still is) tight and ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• Re: 2007 Chrysler T&C vs Honda Odyssey [marine2]

  Written by: carcom2 on Aug 26, 2007 5:45:35 PM

  You will be shocked and in for a surprise when you see a new T & C (or was it GC?) base model in the lower $20's. I've been waiting to see this ever since it was announced it was going to be the next minivan from DC. Have had good luck with my 1997 GC Sport, but looking for something soon. Most of what you see in the brochure (I ... Read More

• Used sale prices compared

  Written by: occupant1 on Nov 23, 2006 9:19:42 PM

  Let's see what $8,000 can buy used, shall we? 1997 Odyssey, 119K $7999 1995 Odyssey, 124K $7295 1998 Town & Country, 102K $6995 1999 Grand Voyager, 84K $6595 2000 Grand Voyager, 72K $5898 1999 Grand Caravan, 87K $5198 2002 Windstar, 51K $7195 2001 Windstar, 76K $5475 2001 Venture, 88K $7488 2000 Venture, 95K $7028 Just a sampling from the local Auto Trader. Interesting, in that sub-$8,000 price range, how much newer ... Read More

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

• Help me Please!!!

  Written by: odysseyhunter on May 3, 2006 6:41:59 AM

  Here is the situation. My wife is sold on buying an 02-04 odyssey, she'd buy a new one however can't afford it. I think I've read every report given by people whom own an 02-04 Odyssey on Edmunds.com. From what I see the Odyssey is plagued with problems. My wife argues that Consumer Reports says the Odyssey has no problems and is a best buy, and that Consumer Reports is and ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Bought: Odyssey EX-L In Dallas Fort Worth

  Written by: tcusteve on Mar 27, 2006 6:10:12 AM

  Just purchased 06 Sage Brush Pearl EX-L at Frank Kent Honda in West Fort Worth. Dealer experience was exceptional. I had been to three other dealers and all were very high-pressure. Not this one. Frank Kent has my business in the future if I buy another Honda. Here is the breakdown in price. Cost of EX-L: 27,708 w/destination tint on front windows: 169 (standard on all vehicles) Total: 27,877 + TTL ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• Re: Graduate [artgpo]

  Written by: dennisctc on Jan 25, 2006 12:21:17 PM

  I do care that my minivan has great acceleration, handling, standard VSA and side curtain airbags, neither of which is standard on a DCX van. But quibbling over minor differences is silly. I care too my minivan has great acceleration, ride and handling. VSA is a nice feature, but so is low cost, flexibility in seating and reliability. If 1.4 sec faster 0-60 mph, or a 4 ft braking difference is ... Read More

• Re: Features War [socalawd]

  Written by: paukerc on Nov 11, 2005 12:45:22 PM

  Okay.. thats it folks.. the end of round one. Of the three judges it appears that all three score cards are scoring one for scocalawd, one for dennisctc and one for the PSU cheerleader guy with the pom, pons and skirt. :) Looks like extra rounds are needed to decide this one. Here's my 2 cents about Dodge vs. Honda's and it has nothing to do with vans. I've owned a ... Read More

• Self Proclaimed Minivan Expert

  Written by: artgpo on Oct 26, 2005 5:25:29 AM

  I am going to award that title to myself. Since 1983 I have owned: 1983 VW 9-passenger (very rare) Vanagon 1987 Nissan Van 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan 1997 Ford Windstar 2003 Olds Silhouette 2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L In between there were a some sedans, all Detroit iron. My experience with the vans was that the VW was far and away the most roomy and comfortable but the ... Read More

Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions:(1995-2004 Models)

• IS MY HONDA ODYSSEY DEMON POSSESSED??

  Written by: vpaezg on Aug 31, 2005 7:10:29 PM

  My 1997 Honda Odyssey D4 light started flashing, while the speedometer went completely crazy and the odometer stopped functioning, all at the same time and after leaving home and driving a few miles! If I turn the car off and back on the problem disappears, but comes back again after driving for a few miles. If I drive a while longer, the Engine Check light comes on too. I bought this ... Read More

Minivans - Domestic or Foreign

• The Minivan

  Written by: jchan2 on Jul 11, 2005 9:29:22 PM

  I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey EX. I am the primary driver, and the Odyssey replaced a 1997 Honda Accord Special Edition Coupe painted in San Marino Red. The Accord Coupe, although silky smooth at 97,000 miles, wasn't practical enough for the family, nor did it hold enough stuff for family road trips. The Odyssey fits my needs perfectly, as my commute is a 110 mile roundtrip commute on the freeway. ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• give me reasons to buy Odyssey

  Written by: dlovull1 on Jul 9, 2005 5:56:13 PM

  I have had a dodge grand caravan for 9 (1997)years going on 10 which has been reliable but has had problems that have been annoying because in my opinion they were initial quality issues. This is the first car I owned where the glove compartment failed. It is held down by 2 plastics strips similar to rubber bands. Of course they broke. They wanted $40.00. Has your glove compartment failed recently. ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring with RES & NAV

  Written by: a320 on Jun 4, 2005 6:18:52 AM

  I would like to thank everyone in this form and especially Edmunds.com for hosting this site. Below is a breakdown of my purchase agreement for a 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring with Rear Entertainment System and Navigation in Gold Metallic. Negotiated Price: $35,470 Destination Charge: 515 Dealer Prep: 499 Enviormental: 6.50 Final Price: $36490.50 Plus Tax & Tag This works out to be about a 6 percent profit over the dealer cost, ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• Re: You know.... [isellhondas]

  Written by: marine2 on May 27, 2005 7:52:20 PM

  realize you' re a HUGE fan of Stow n Go but I really don't think the masses feel as strongly as you do. I rarely get cross shopped between Odysseys and DC vans. It's always Sienna. I am a big fan of Stow-N-Go. Unlike many people, I think ahead of all the things I will do with my van. My brother has a 1997 Dodge GC that I drove and liked ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• ETA has his EX-L NAV/RES!

  Written by: eta on May 7, 2005 12:58:02 PM

  Well, I picked up our EX-L NAV/RES (slate green / gray) Odyssey yesterday and I haven't stopped grinning yet . First off, I gotta say that the experience with David McDavid (Irving, TX) was very positive. Everything went smoothly. They were very attentive throughout and they totally honored the price that we had agreed on 6 weeks ago when I ordered the van. Oddly, the van was actually at the "port" ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• Re: Numbers from large sampling? [macakava]

  Written by: hansienna on Feb 1, 2005 9:11:47 AM

  Problem is CR is afraid to disclose the actual numbers and their written material is often contradictory to the test results. It would be very easy for CR to state the actual numbers of each vehicle they list. IF CR provided these numbers, people would be much better informed. As it is, the biased opinion of CR employees distorts the results.     I read of far more problems with the Odyssey transmissions ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna

• Toyota vs Odyssey

  Written by: fballard on Oct 23, 2004 7:03:46 AM

  I looked alot at the Toyota Sienna and would have purchased one if they had offered one that had seating for eight and the automatic climate control. I purchased an 05 Odyssey EX RES that is equipped with the two main features that I wanted. Toyota and Honda needs to let customers be able to special order specifics they want. Both the Sienna and the Odyssey appear to be excellent vehicles ... Read More

• Honda Odyssey and BMW minivan...

  Written by: samnoe on Oct 21, 2004 4:34:59 PM

  Thanks for agreeing to me. I forgot to mention some more stuff. Kia - yes, the little Kia Sedona - introduced the dash-mounted shifter. Then Toyota copied that (added the gated), and then Nissan & Honda. Kia Sedona was also the first to offer a 5-speed tranny in a minivan - except if you count the 1997 Aerostar. Then it was adopted at Mazda MPV, and only then copied by Honda, ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

• Re: HONDA ODYSSEY THE GREAT AMERICAN RIP OFF [masterpaul1]

  Written by: marks3 on Sep 27, 2004 2:06:14 PM

  That may very well be. But, as I indicated, my experience was with a 1997 GC, which, for the 3 years I owned it, before I purchased the Ody in 2000, pretty much lived at the dealership having work done on it ! I have no doubt that Chrysler quality control has improved since then.

• Re: HONDA ODYSSEY THE GREAT AMERICAN RIP OFF [jammy1]

  Written by: marks3 on Sep 27, 2004 10:22:58 AM

  Having already owned a 1997 Grand Caravan, I'm afraid to say you may have very well gone from the "frying pan into the fire" with the GC. I had one for 3 years before I purchased the Odyssey in 2000. Except for the delayed 1 - 2 shift that I'm dealing with right now, the Odyssey has been "bulletproof"... Good Luck with your GC ...

Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Old technology[rbell2 #5236]

  Written by: heywood1 on Apr 20, 2004 12:22:46 PM

  Of course, the Odyssey and Sienna have been leap-frogging each other. But the '04 Sienna was more than catch-up. I think we can all agree that the bar has been raised. To be fair, Honda had two years to leap frog the 'old technology' 1997-2003 Sienna with its '99 Odyssey. However, that same 'old technology' Sienna leap-frogged that truly horrible first generation Odyssey (the one with four conventional doors and abysmal ... Read More

• steedoflondon - minivan vs pickup

  Written by: laundryguy on Apr 12, 2004 6:04:36 PM

  Odd choice - minvan vs pickup. For what it is worth, I had the choice of SUV vs pickup in 1997 and went with an SUV (Nissan Pathfinder) and an aluminum utility trailer for the following reasons: 1) SUV was cheaper vs the full size quad cab, which was relatively new or just on the horizon in the full size pickups about that time. Seems to me they were just a ... Read More

Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

• Classic Xaf...

  Written by: caviller on Mar 8, 2003 2:20:55 PM

  ...Making a reference to a resource without actually reading it, not even the first sentence. Kinda like when he claimed that Consumer Reports showed the Odyssey in a downward reliability trend, but was unable to justify his claims. The 2003 Auto issue is just out, and no Honda Odyssey model years were below average; 1999 and 2000 were average and 1995-1998 and 2001-2002 were above average. The overall reliability projection was ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• T&C 132K

  Written by: molliedollie on Jan 9, 2003 6:17:05 PM

  I have a Chrysler Town and Country LX with more than 132,000 miles. It does still ride like the day I bought it...save for the fact that I currently have Bridgestone Blizzaks on it for winter. It is a 1997 and I bought it new. I was considering a Honda Odyssey, but have decided to keep what I have, it's worth more to me than what I'd get on trade in. ... Read More

• Grand Caravans

  Written by: c1rybick on Sep 5, 2002 6:31:22 AM

  To those who can't really agree on which van looks better, the current GC or Ody, I say that the 96-97 Grand Caravans are the best looking minivans ever made. We own a 1997 Grand Caravan ES in candy apple red, all the options but leather, AWD, and the factory roofrack. The quad command seating, rear a/c, Infinity stereo (not great but not bad), and trailer towing pkg (back then, THE ... Read More

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

• RE: Recall Of Honda Odyssey For Ignition Problems

  Written by: billg7 on Aug 12, 2002 7:59:27 AM

  Thanks for the links. I see after going over the seemingly, endless list that the recall notice is for 1997-1999 Honda Odysseys. Honda says they have already sent out the notices in July.

• Recall Information

  Written by: hayneldan on Aug 11, 2002 6:49:28 PM

  From NHTSA (National Highway Saftey Administration) " Honda is recalling 1.3 MILLION 1997-2000 Honda Accords, Civics, Preludes, CR-Vs and Odysseys and 1999 Acura TLs and 1997-1999 CLs to replace an ignition switch that can cause the engine to stall.

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• DMatthews a little quick to comment

  Written by: hayneldan on Aug 11, 2002 6:37:52 PM

  From NHTSA (National Highway Saftey Administration) " Honda is recalling 1.3 MILLION 1997-2000 Honda Accords, Civics, Preludes, CR-Vs and Odysseys and 1999 Acura TLs and 1997-1999 CLs to replace an ignition switch that can cause the engine to stall. I'm amazed at how uninformed some Odyssey owner / posters are!

• Glad I chose New Honda

  Written by: mitchs3 on Jul 18, 2002 7:21:50 PM

  My 1997 Town/Country just got out of the dealer after 3 day repair of electrical problems. I am now on my fifth circuit board for the dashboard. They cannot find any short. I find it hard to believe four boards will fail. Fortunately, these started while under warranty, and Chrysler has cut me a break charging me just labor for some, 50.00 dollars only for others and 0 dollars for the ... Read More

• 97 Odyssey

  Written by: bdaddy on Jun 14, 2002 10:59:33 AM

  The 1997 Honda Odyssey wasn't necessarily a bad vehicle from the standpoint of quality and reliability - just unpopular. It was built on an Accord platform (hardly an unreliable vehicle)and as such, didn't have the room of some of it's competitors. It also lacked sliding rear doors (one of the main features of a minivan..duhhh). Adam, I'm glad you admit the earlier DC's were not put together too well. Time will ... Read More

• Surveys

  Written by: caviller on Jun 3, 2002 7:20:22 AM

  "The vehicle dependability study covers vans only after 4 or 5 years of ownership so the Honda doesn't apply (the most recent study was done on 1997 model years). The design is completely new, more powerful, bigger, heavier, (basically a cloan of the Chrysler), and now has the problems to match. The old Honda design with its light weight, and weak motor, and gadget free design was much more reliable. So ... Read More

Honda Odyssey 1999 - 2004

• arbabc - off-topic

  Written by: drew_ on Aug 22, 2001 12:58:30 AM

  As someone who has been following all issues since 1997, I can tell you that in fact, the high sulphur fuel levels + the underground gas station tank liners + the design of the early fuel pumps were all contributors to the failures. Since the redesign and change (which occured starting in January 2000), there have been very few fuel pump failures that I've read or hear of. You'll find that ... Read More

Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans

• Odd1

  Written by: 4aodge on Aug 10, 2001 3:49:54 PM

  Odd1, lets just get one thing straight, I don't like minivans. I like DaimlerChrysler minivans. There's a big difference there. I don't like boxy, boaring, blan vehicles that have no personality or depth. That's kind of how I view the Odyssey. However, if DC stoped making their vans for some wierd reason I would much rather have the Honda Odyssey over a Sedona, Sienna, or even Windstar. I'm sorry you have ... Read More

Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions:(1995-2004 Models)

• Hi phasor3

  Written by: steve_ on May 24, 2001 7:42:57 PM

  You may want to scan through the "original" Honda Odyssey Board in the archives. It dates back to 1997 and there are some '95 Odyssey posts. Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards