2003 Honda Odyssey Review
Fuel Economy
19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Odyssey continues to be the best minivan sold in America.
Pros
Excellent crash test scores, huge interior, fold-flat third-row seat, powerful V6, optional navigation and entertainment system.
Cons
Quality of some interior materials could be better, high demand limits negotiating possibilities.
What's New for 2003
The Odyssey gains an intermittent rear window wiper this year, as well as an auto up-and-down driver-side window.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Transmission Beware!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I loved this van! I do a lot of driving as a taxi mom of three children-135,000 miles to be exact. Then, I had three lights appear on the dash that indicated that the transmission was going out. I got a quote for $3500 from Honda and $2800 from a local transmission guy. The local guy told me that the month before I talked to him that he replaced more Honda transmissions than GM cars. Honda doesn't make the cars that they used to. Quite frankly, they don't care because they are selling plenty of vehicles. Please investigate this before making the same mistake that I did.
Favorite Features
I loved the room and the comfort. I loved the reliability until the transmission fiasco.
Suggested Improvements
Honda must fix this transmission problem.
Lemon
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment and Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Most car companies have lemons even if it's once in a blue moon. I bought my new Odyssey on a blue moon. The very least a company can do about a lemon after not being able to fix the problem is to replace it. Honda had my van in their shop for a month and still couldn't figure it out. The dealer had the nerve to blame me for the problem stating I put diesel by mistake and saying that he has proof. That accusation ended my claim. After three years of nothing but problems and one near accident when the engine just died on a freeway with my 1 year old and 3 year old inside. I decided to get a Sienna. I called the corporation and told them about the near mishap but did not get any sympathy.
Favorite Features
Seats were great!!!
Suggested Improvements
Better customer relations and if safety is your first priority then show it, not just in writing.
What Honda Quality?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment and Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Purchased this vehicle new in 2003. It has been a good van until now. This week the transmission failed at $89,000 and Honda is quoting $5000 for repairs. Van has been very well taken care of. Called Honda America and they came down to $3675. Still too high---private garage on the outside quoted $1900 - $2600. Although the warranty is better w/ Honda, who can afford that bill in this economy! My Ford Explorer lasted longer than this Van...it made it to 125K with no major repairs!! This was my first and last Honda purchase!
Favorite Features
The amount of space.
Suggested Improvements
Fix the transmission flaws.
Motor mount change not true
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Van is very reliable and useful whether you're hauling people or building materials. MPG is very poor though maybe needs a new tire. I read about motor mount issue on odyssey. I experienced the same thing when I brought to dealer for maintenance. The associate told me, I need to replace motor mount. I said no because it was expensive then brought van to a mechanic, turns out my motor mount is okay.
Favorite Features
lowered trunk is very handy
Suggested Improvements
MPG needs improvement. Motor on the back window needs to be more durable.
Bad Transmission
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This model year has several major limitations that you will consistently read about online. The transmission had a recall early after purchase and recently finally bit the dust completely. It's always had trouble changing gears, slipping and revving. All of the electric windows have broken and are outrageously expensive to repair. The engine block mounts have been repaired...also incredibly expensive and the brakes are in continuous need of replacement. Each maintenance appointment brings new issues.
Favorite Features
I have enjoyed the space and individual seats for each family member. The cargo capacity is great, although the seats are very heavy and cumbersome. This Honda has a lot of cup holders.
Suggested Improvements
If the transmission is a lemon then the entire item should be recalled.
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