1998 Honda Odyssey Consumer Reviews

Bring them back Honda

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan

Review

After reading numerous reviews on Volvos, Subarus, and old Mercedes diesels, we found out about the 1995-1998 Honda Odysseys. Talk about a car ahead of its time! The 1998 model came with the 2.3L 4-cylinder VTEC, which has excellent V6-like power. These 1st Gens were still made in Japan, and were built from the Accord platform (with the same engine).... because of that, the trannys are much better than what was found in the early 2nd Gen model (1999-2001). We have had ours for a few months, and it has been the best car we have ever owned! I switched to synthetic oil/filter, and get 31+ MPG highway on a tank! No gas car made in '09 that seats 7 can even match that!
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Was good but no more

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan

Review

Ours was a 98 LX. We owned it for 11 years. It ran smooth with conservative look and practical interior design. It was little lack on power and loud when speedup but was just functioning well. However, we are not that lucky as the owners here. Our Odyssey's engine started to make noise a few weeks ago. 2 different mechanics said the same things, transmission was about to die. But it only had less than 90k miles! How could it be? We did all required oil change and timely maintenance. Thought we could drive it for 20 years. Traded in and bought a Toyota Highlander Sport. It's just different in all respects.
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Best minivan ever!

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan

Review

I bought this van only 3 years ago, and on average I've driven it 60,000 km/year which is a lot. Right now it has 320,000 km and I've never received a single $5 dollar bulb replacement. I do oil change every 10,000 km (which is late) and it still drives like its brand new. I love the 4 cylinder engine while I save on gas- they should make more of these even though they weren't famous at its time because gas was cheap back then. The 4 cylinder v tech is amazingly powerful
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Ahead of its time

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan

Review

We have owner this small van for 1-1/2 years. Purchased from original owners who only put 72,000 miles on it in the 8 years they owned it. It handles really well and is surprisingly good in the Maine snow. The car feels solid and is relatively heavy for its size. Nevertheless, the 4 cylinder VTEC engine provides nice power when needed. And when we drive conservatively, we have been able to squeeze 30 mpg. If Honda had offered a 5 speed manual for this vehicle, it would be our dream car. And, I know we could bump the gas mileage up a couple MPG. HINT TO HONDA: Bring back this wonderful ahead of its time car!! HINT TO TOYOTA: Bring back the remarkable Corolla All-trac wagon!!
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Extremely impressed

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan

Review

Super van, very reliable, only two parts broke over 11 years of constant use: starter motor and a cast iron header pipe cracked, both rare. Our van has 322,000kms, or over 193,000miles, with super Honda v-tec 2.3 liter engine: good low end torque for it's size, and great power up top if you need it (150 horse). It's much lighter than other vans so it outperforms even 3.0 liter Nissan's and other vans. I get over 30 miles per gallon highway, but run hard tires and 0W-30 amsoil. With a tranny cooler I've towed all across North America. It has lots of life left, it handles very nicely for a van too, much better than any other I've ever driven. Like a car. Great small van, ahead of its time.
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Solidly Built, 6 Seater Car/Van

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan

Review

Closer to a 6 seat car than a van. A "crossover" ahead of it's time. Power: Surprising. Wind the tach and the car moves "good enough". I turned in an '04 3.8 Grand Caravan and I like the characteristics of the 98 Odyssey better. Mileage: Average. I get 21mpg. Steering: Drives like an Accord, but slightly heavier feel (because it is). Above average for a "van". Reliability: Zero unscheduled fixes to date. Interior: Below average. Cupholders useless(verey small), and no center console means drinks sit on passenger seat or lap. Some controls not lit at night; dash is very dim. Not enough storage bins. Sound: Poor, worst sound of any car I've owned.
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98 Odyssey

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan

Review

Have driven for 10 years and am very pleased with the service I have gotten from this Honda.
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Wish they'd still import it

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan

Review

We love this little minivan. We bought it to replace or beloved 1996 Odyssey that was stolen last year. The 1998 with the VTEC is even more zippy than previous years. This is the most car-like of minivans. It 's basically a large Accord with more comfortable seating and better visibility. The newer Odyssey's simply don't feel as agile as these smaller Japanese vans. Although they have more room and more power. Our 2003 Element with its similar weight and power seems less zippy, gets slightly lower gas mileage, seats less and has significantly worse visibility. I bought it to keep the miles off of the more versatile Odyssey. I wish Honda would still import these.
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9 Years Old and Going Strong

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan

Review

I love my 1998 Odyssey! It's 9 years old and has never given me any trouble. I currently have 110,000 miles on it, and aside from routine maintenance, I never have a concern. It is boring to drive, but it never pretended to be a sports car. It is very comfortable, and I wish Honda still made them this size. I would buy another one. Sometimes I wish it would die, so I could get something sportier, but then common sense kicks in and I remember what a great investment this vehicle was/is! I hope I can get another 100,000 miles out of it.
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Love My Van, But 3 Repairs 1 Yr

Vehicle

1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan

Review

I bought my van last summer. Overall I love it. It's fuel efficient, the interior is comfortable, 2.3L engine gives good acceleration, and the exterior is very practical. I bought the car with 130K miles. I have put 12K miles since purchase. Repairs have included starter motor ($300) and rebuilt transmission ($1500). Also, I am having trouble turning the key in the ignition so I might need new ignition switch ($???) or key replacement ($80). Have you noticed the 2007 Honda FIT has similar body styling? The 1998 Odyssey was definitely way beyond its time.
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