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Used 1996 Honda Odyssey Minivan Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
30 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Car Ever

smalbanian, 10/17/2011
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

We just wrecked and lost the best car ever, the 1996 Honda Odyssey. We have been looking for a new car replacement for several months, but nothing compares. Today's vans are gigantic by comparison and have those stupid sliding doors. Absolutely nothing today under $60K has seats as comfortable as the FOUR captains chairs in our 96 Odyssey. Closest available today are the Mazda5 or Toyota Hylander, but for long trips, we will have to live without the luxury seating of our 96 Odyssey. Only reason we are not just finding another 96 Odyssey is that the new cars have all those airbags and other safety features. Boo hoo.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I love my Oddessy

luvmyoddy, 10/21/2013
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in 2001 from a Honda car dealer in Harrisonburg,VA and still driving it! It now has 245K miles on it. It's the most reliable car I ever own, no roadside breakdowns that I can think of since I owned it. Changed timing belt twice, and it keeps going and going.

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5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding SUV

hondaman2, 05/09/2010
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

4 bangers" (2.2l. Engine) but lots of hp. Just like the "energizer bunny". Keeps "going, n going, n going "with minimum maintenance (oil change/s, etc.). Only issue is the "abs" light (bad brakes sensor/s?) kept turning on after getting "fixed" a year later. Minimal rust showing for a 14-15 yrs. Old van. Driven 5 times from Chicago to Florida and back with no leaks, issues, etc. Negative/s?Hard to find used parts in auto salvage junkyards (there is none in il.). Just like my wife, "sometimes" boring but very dependable, trustworthy, and "perky." I guessed I'll keep her than trade her in for newer/"younger" ones (my '96 Odyssey lolz). Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my '96 Odyssey. It's a 9 out of 10.

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5 out of 5 stars

198,000 Owned for 164 Months!

chrissy, 11/06/2010
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

198,000 miles 14 years later. This was my first and only "new" vehicle. I don't want another "new" one. Dependable! Dependable! Dependable! We have taken care of her--timing belts replaced (preventative maintenance) at 63,000 and 146,000. At 198k now, we are planning another belt at 219k---without a doubt! A few years ago, in the winter, I let her 'warm up' for about 20-30 minutes. Mistake! she blew a tiny 'o' ring. oil everywhere. I shut her down. got her to the shop/ paid hundreds for the repair. The door locks have a mind of their own-so what. The valve cover gasket was replaced a few years ago and around 1999 we had to replace a seal in a tail light. She is awesome!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I cant decide

happyhippieinmymini, 03/05/2010
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This Mini Van was my first car. I got it when it only had 125,000 miles on it and now she has 190,000 and still running. I have had some trouble with the radiator and oil leaking. I am considering selling her for scion xA or Toyota Matrix but this car has overall been great!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best van ever

Russ, 05/01/2016
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I purchased this van with about 75,000 miles on around 10 yrs ago. It now has almost 365,000 miles. I've done regular maintenance on it, no engine or transmission problems. My wife asked me if I wanted to get rid of it. I said "Why, it's been one of the most dependable cars we ever had!" I met someone that had 600,000 on their Prelude and his brother had 800,000 on his Accord. It' s paid for, low maintenance and hope to keep it a long time to come.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love My Odyssey

Lee, 05/13/2009
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Reliable workhorse

Odyssey Driver, 06/07/2010
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

For a large vehicle it performs superbly. Accelerates and powers up hills well, handles cornering nimbly, performs braking well. Parking is easy, visibility through windows and mirrors is excellent for a wide, long vehicle. Fold down seats creates enormous capacity for transporting items. Seats are comfortable. Controls are within acceptable reach. Excellent sized, solid family car.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

An absolute trooper

cmcgol01, 10/14/2013
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car is - without question - a member of the family. Reliable, affordable, and enjoyable. The value to me in 10x that of its KBB...picture the sturdiest of Accord engines on a frame that allows for 6 passengers and luggage, or 2 people and enough square footage to pack up and move cross country. I really don't know know what to say; we call him Homer, he's there when we need him, and all he asks fresh oil and some general love. I'm at 170K and expect to see 250K before we move on.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Keeps going and going and going

Joy, 02/06/2009
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Amazing little van

Flopek, 08/14/2009
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfect Van

Darryl, 09/28/2009
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

The perfect vehicle

coop, 07/03/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The dealership was terrible, I bought it used, got only one key and was told I could go to any key store, they are only a couple bucks and the gas was 1/4 tank full. The vehicle is solid, well thought out, great for fuel economy, the fold down seat is sooo handy. No problems w/ van. It is only sad it is discontinued in its present version.

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4 out of 5 stars

After owning 2 years

shwalker, 02/28/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

ABS sensors had to be replaced in 2000. Electric locks keep re-locking every 5-10 seconds after I lock it. Also occurs if I engage the locks while riding in the van. SRS light came on at about 90K. Very expensive to check/repair with no idea if it's a sensor or control unit or whatever. Engine runs great.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Compromise Vehicle

loon ranger, 08/22/2003
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought used and averaged 22000 miles/yr for next 4 years. Love the car and the room. Service costs are a bit high, but no major repairs. ABS light reset is only repair at 117,000 miles. Perfect vehicle for long trips with 4 tall people. Versitility is outstanding, hauled all kinds of "stuff". Think of it more as a "tall wagon" than a minivan. Trying to keep it in excellent condition because they don't sell the same size any more.

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5 out of 5 stars

Girl Honda lover my 3rd one now

stover, 12/01/2006
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this ride. When it rains when I'm on a curve no problem the car hugs the pavement. I have had 2 civics and this I love it. My mom bought one 2005 Odyssey drove deep into Mexico Twice with not even a flat tires come on. I liked that, bought one Excellent family cars I have used it for work and play & the dam thing is so rugged. It thinks its a truck actually. But yes if they made the same style again I would buy a new one I don't like the new body style. My mom bought the 2006 I hate the sliding doors and the leather seats uncomfortable. I wish the made the 2005-06 style again. Honda= Girl Car. low maintenance, good gas mileage, next new car Honda! P.S. I bought it used with 49,000 miles

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Honda Odyssey '96

sacooper, 07/19/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car. I am finding it hard to want a replacement. So reliable and the seating it simply wonderful.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love This Car

pvest, 07/26/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Six years ago we bought our 1996 Honda Odyssey EX throught the years we have loved it no major problems except the locks keep locking and the oil light coming on it has been perfect. We have loved it and will be dissapointed when we sellit.

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5 out of 5 stars

1996 Honda Odyssey Review

angie, 05/01/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We purchased this vehicle used in Dec. 2001. So far it has been very reliable and we have enjoyed owning it. However, our dealership experience has been very disappointing. They promised us one warrenty upon purchase, that honda does not offer. So they promised to replace that with another, which says our vehicle does not apply. Now (6 months later) we are having a hard time getting the dealership to get back to us in regards to what (if any) warrenty we do have. However, the Odyssey does run quite well and we are very happy with our purchase.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Question ?

avest, 12/09/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

At about 105000 miles my ABS light came on and stayed on for a while. then went off. but when it went off and we stopped the brakes felt like they were seizing on us. We have no clue what it was. Have any of you had these problems?

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great car

Pcflorida, 12/13/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car. Even pulled a 1200 pound boat a few miles back and forth to the lake.

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5 out of 5 stars

We love our Honda Odyssey

Tom Fong, 02/15/2004
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We like Japanese cars. We had a Toyota Camry before which we loved it. When we needed to upgrade to a minivan in 1996. We compared both Honda Odyssey and Toyota Previa. Honda Odyssey drives more like a car and is very passenger-friendly. After we own Honda Odyssey, we discover that Honda's designs are very smart. In 2001, when we needed to buy another sedan, we chose Honda Accord over Toyota Camry.

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4 out of 5 stars

Quality Honda pseudo-van

Miller5, 03/03/2006
1996 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 3 years of ownership this van has 145,000 and still runs great. First, the negatives, most of which we were aware of before we bought it: limited cargo room and wimpy 4-cyl engine. But those negatives make way for the positives: small maneuverable van that gets 22c/26h mpg...very nice stying that we get comments on all the time. Also, this van is very well made and has needed minimal maintenance. In addition to the usual happy comments I'll add that the EX model has a wonderful stereo system. Get a $80 roof rack from JC Whitney and it'll take care of your cargo problems. Other issues : oil leak; door locks have a mind of their own; ABS light issues...but overall it's a solid van.

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5 out of 5 stars

My Faithful Friend

Honda RULES!, 04/29/2006
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought this wonderful minivan in 1996. Ever since then, the car has been faithfully serving us on all our long trips. We have gone over 150,000 miles and the car has never given us any problems. Since we had such good experiences with our Honda, we bought another one later(Pilot).

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5 out of 5 stars

will it ever die?

hart, 05/10/2006
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

we have now had this car almost 10 years- and it is still going strong! Other than normal maintenance we have never had to do anything to it. I would love to get another car just from sheer boredom of driving this one so long but I can't bring myself to spend the money when this one works great!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Value

SimpAllen, 05/19/2003
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We've owned our van for 7 years, and it lived up to the Honda name. At the time we thought the 4 doors was pretty innovative, and it has been. We have had no troubles with it, and have never regretted it.

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5 out of 5 stars

1996 Honda Odyssey Review

Angie, 05/01/2002
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We purchased this vehicle used in Dec. 2001. So far it has been very reliable and we have enjoyed owning it. However, our dealership experience has been very disappointing. They promised us one warrenty upon purchase, that honda does not offer. So they promised to replace that with another, which says our vehicle does not apply. Now (6 months later) we are having a hard time getting the dealership to get back to us in regards to what (if any) warrenty we do have. However, the Odyssey does run quite well and we are very happy with our purchase.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

keeps running

block1974, 05/10/2008
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

96 Odyssey low miles

J. Yula, 01/13/2018
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Predates mandatory safety reinforcement of doors.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Accord on Steroids

VanMan2001, 10/21/2003
1996 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

We bought our 1996 Ody used in 1998. Since then we have put on 70k miles of virtually trouble free miles. At 86k miles, the ABS sensor went bad and had to be replaced but that is the only trip it has ever made to the service bay besides normal maintenance. Its smaller size and 4 doors make it ideal for our local city driving and the room for trips has been great. After we purchase our new 2001 Ody, we kept this one too because we like it so much.

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