Used 1998 Honda Odyssey Consumer Reviews
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14 years old and going strong
We bought this car 8 years ago when we found out we were having twins. The boys came home from the hospital in the van. Now they are carted around to school, soccer practice, piano lessons. The size for us family of 4 is perfect. The gas mileage is pretty good for a van. We average around 25 mpg, up to 30mpg on long road trips. We wish there were similar sized newer models but the Mazda5 is a bit cramped. All other vans are huge and gas-guzzling. We are keeping this one until they bring over the JDM Odyssey or Honda Stream. One thing to remember is to replace the oil cooler o-ring. Also Honda ATF every 15K would ward off transmission issues.
One of a kind
We bought our Odyssey about 7 years ago. It then had 170K. It now has 240K. With the exception of a new radiator, the only other repairs have been the usual maintenance. It still is a pleasure to drive. The seats are comfortable and the interior roomy. Except for a little carpet wear in the front seat area, it looks almost new inside. Of course, the car-like doors are a wonderful addition. The folding, back seat is a nice touch; we use it often to provide more storage space. It is absolutely reliable and still looks remarkably good, at least to us. We have looked at new cars thinking to replace it, but just walk away from them. With a car that offers us low insurance rates, good gas mileage (21-29mpg), low taxes, and no repair costs, why would we want a new one. We don't need all the techno stuff, so why spend big money. Maybe someday, but not yet. Just a great car!
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- EX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,995216 mi away
Bring them back Honda
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!
Far more advanced then other vans
We bought this van for $500, yes it needed work ( suspension ), it does have 259k on it. Why any one would buy another van is beyond me, if you have $3k to spend pick one up, even if it has a lot of miles. This van is FAR MORE advanced than anything from this year all the way up until now. The ride is great, the gas mileage is superior even to anything now, for a 6-7 passenger vehicle. I wish they still had them but Honda decided to use a 6 cylinder, boo-hoo. I call this car a wagon on steroids, we take it when we go on any outings because it is very comfy and roomy. Drive one, you'll buy it.
l998 Odyssey Minivan
This is a terrific automobile. It has an excellent 4-cylinder engine with perfectly satisfactory performance, a smooth and versatile transmission, fine handling, great comfort and superior quality. It also gets 25 mpg in local (Hudson Valley) driving and a little better on long trips. My only complaint is the damned digital odometer.
Best minivan ever!
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
God Bless my 1997 Honday Odyssey
First let me state: I love this car. I am a 66 year old woman. I appreciate the roominess, utility, reliability, serviceability and overall quality of this car. I am aiming for 300k miles. If you see a vintage 'older' Honda van such as this one, by all means buy it. You will not regret it!
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Best basic minivan reliability for the money
I have a 97 Honda Odyssey right now it has 254419 miles and runs absolutely perfect all I did was tires brakes oil change timing belt and water pump in the time that I've owned it it is the best minivan on the road
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Goodbye Honda, I
I am getting rid of my Honda Oddesey tommorow not because it was bad because I live in the mountains of Randolph, New Jersey and need AWD. This car was great to me. The car had 104,000 miles on it with no problems. The Honda was pretty fun to drive and took the bumbs better then my 2004 Honda Pilot. The Oddesey and the Accord are the two best Hondas ever.
Quality
Reliable, efficient, quality. Much better than newer model, drive up the Rocky mountain with speed 70 and drive very stable in the snow, never had any problems or die on me.
1998 Odyssey
I bought it used with 100K miles on it in 2013. Well taken care of and serviced. I expect the transmission to last 250K miles. At that point in time parts may be scarce so I'll enjoy it while I can. Do the drain of transmission fluid, not the flush, with 30K intervals. The car is well built and the seats are very comfortable. I have a bad back and I'm 6 foot 2 but I can still put in a 12 hour drive non stop and feel OK when I step out. It likes the speed interval 80 to 100 miles per hour on the interstate. Too bad American cars are not this good, or the later Odysseys. There is nothing like it.
War wagon just keeps going!
I bought my '97 Oddy in 2000 with 27,000 miles on it. Now the odometer is at 242,000, and it just keeps going! I haven't done anything but brake work! There is now a little rust around the rear wheel well, front passenger door bottom, and under the rear bumper guard. Also the steering is getting a little loose, but heck! I love this car, and would buy another in a heart beat! There are still plenty of them out there, and their price is still way up there for a really old car. Honda made a huge mistake when they "upgraded" to the new Oddy. Nowhere near as good as the old one. I understand the Honda Stream, available in Japan and maybe Europe, is very similar. Why can't we get that here?
Probably one of the best cars ever made
I bought my Odyssey because it had the highest reliability rating of any vehicle in Consumer Reports and because I've had good luck in the past with Honda's. After 80,000 miles the car is still tight and nothing has broken. The only time I went to the dealer was to get a front brake job at 50,000 miles. I also went through a set of tires and a battery. Other than maintenance, the car has cost me $0.00 to repair! WOW! I get about 22 mpg around town and the car handles like a sedan with independent suspension and 4 wheel disk brakes. Fantastic car! No wonder the resale value is so high.
Solid, reliable, practical
Is it a sports car? No, it's a minivan. And it's about as good as they get. The older model -- slightly smaller than the new one introduced in 1999 -- is more car-like in its size, handling, exit/egress and ride than any other minivan you'll drive, including the newer Odysseys. It's reliable. It's economical. It's safe. So what if it's just a little bit boring?
Was good but no more
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.
My Companion, My Oddy!
I must say that I'm in love with this car... ever since I bought her 11 years ago, when she had only 173K miles. She now has 326K mi, and just keeps going!! I love the way the seats fold down in the back, and the middle ones are removable. I absolutely love the way the back seat turns into a 'couch' if you turn it to face the open hatch! There is so much room inside the car, even though it is much smaller than a minivan. The overall size of the car is a perfect balance between sedan maneuverability and van hauling/functionality. I've gone camping, done craft shows (sometimes both activities together! With the kids!), moved, transported bamboo/lumber, picked up furniture; a great hang out space, watch movies and look at the stars, picnic, safe space, portable office; the list is endless. An attractive and reliable car, she's been perfect for my kids and myself for years. I wish cars were still made like this... not all plastic junk taking up the interior space, not tiny, not gigantic, etc. I wish we could buy cars like this (Honda!) in the US. What I REALLY want is THIS car, as a hybrid. I'll pass on the extra technology, too; I want just enough tech for a super efficient, more eco-friendly, slightly more powerful motor, (and expandable cup holders) Oddy! If you have a chance, buy one of these cars! Many of them are still on the road!
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Ahead of its time
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!!
I Call Her "Olivia" :)
I purchased my Odyssey in 1999 w/ 29K on her. She now has 154K on the engine. She is like a trusted old friend. She even survived a flood in 2005 at 127K with water in the engine. I had to wait a month for the carpet to be cut for her back then. She survived! When the water was blown out of the engine by my Ace mechanic; I was told it was one tough little engine. Timing belt change; new rear shocks from all the loads she carried. Brakes last forever on this little dynamo!. I dread the day I have to give her up. Great resale value still. Would buy another in a heartbeat! They don't make them like her anymore!! Built in Japan to LAST! Hope to keep her for another 150K
good
The Honda Oddesey is a great small mini- van which is a great choice. This mini-van handles excellently and is great in the snow even without AWD.
good
The Honda Oddesey is a great small mini- van which is a great choice. This mini-van handles excellently and is great in the snow even without AWD.
98 Odyssey
Have driven for 10 years and am very pleased with the service I have gotten from this Honda.
Great Vehicle
Bought this van used from a private owner, has some high miles on it, but after hearing it, driving it, and drove it hard, to see how it responded to my testing, I'm pretty impressed on the solid sound and ride the Honda drove. I've owned a 1994 Honda wagon and I really liked the car, it was solid and had no what so ever any problems on the engine or drive train, it had hi miles on it and now that we have grand kids and need that extra room and have a the best a van can have on mpg of 24 city/29 hwy. Mixed 27. Kid you not, why, clean your injectors, set your spark plug cap to engine specs, tire pressure, and a good tuneup on the valve tappets and timing, you can achieve this kind of performance.
Honda Odyssey
I love this van and I will drive it until it dies. I test drove every minivan and SUV before buying this one. It drives the most like a Honda car - good suspension, tight steering, confident feel in traffic. I drive over 25K miles per year in the worst traffic in the US. This van has been a champ and has never left me stranded. If you have resisted minivans because you love your sports car, this one is the least painless if you need the space. I really love it and resist driving our other vehicles now.
Extremely impressed
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.
Love My Van, But 3 Repairs 1 Yr
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.
Best car I ever owned
Still my daily driver 100 miles a day. Bought it used with 139,000 miles in 2007 and now has 410,000 on oringal motor and transmission. Never left me stranded! Never a major repair!. My wife says I drive it like I stole it and yes I drive it hard and it’s a work vehicle and I have hauled some heavy loads even pulling a trailer. If I new it would last so long I would have taken better care of it.
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Wonderful Car
Practical solution to the many demands of life. 2.3 litre VTEC engine is a must for performance (165 hp)
Great car!
I bought this car because I wanted a mini van that had four real opening doors- I love the size of it, decent power and gas mileage, very versatile vehicle, super reliable. I have driven mine about 4 years now on a Salvage title- I was hit by a teenage driver and my car was "totalled" due to the costs of the repair- I have almost 180,000 miles on the car and it is still going strong! I bought it with about 88,000 miles on it. i only wish it came in a AWD, and that they still made these cars-- I don't know what I will buy when it finally dies. :(
Just Right
This vehicle is small enough to be car- like manuverable yet large enough to haul family, friends and cargo. Pleasure to drive. I have a need to reconfigure the seating a couple times a week and find the fold down rear seat great and the middle captain's chairs easy to remove or put back. I find the four cylinder no problem and the transmission matches up great with it. No shifting back and forth on the many hills which I travel. Since I have purchased it 20,000 miles ago I have only needed brakes and tires. I've been getting about 26mpg in mixed driving.
9 Years Old and Going Strong
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.
Wish they'd still import it
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.
'98 Honda Odyssey
Great Gas Mileage Unbelievable cargo space because rear seats fold flat and away Compact Size makes for easy driving and parking in the city Unbelievable repair record Body structure and paint are made so well, it still looks like new Four conventional doors make for easy passenger exit from the back (especially for youngsters who often cannot open the larger sliding doors)
Solidly Built, 6 Seater Car/Van
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.
My Honda Odyssey Experience
I previously owned a Toyota Camry which was highly reliable. I had some revervations about switching, but this has been a top notch verhicle.
Never worry of getting stuck!
Reliable van! Knock on wood, I drove this van for 6 years now and never visited the dealer because of problems. The power is a little weak, but I gain in gas mileage.
Great family van
We went from a large Ford Windstar to this smaller van and have never looked back. Honda is by far the most reliable auto maker we have experienced. The only thing they could have improved on this van would be more power. Other than that I plan on driving it to it's grave!!
Family Van
Gas oil new brake shoes and tires. Thats about it for 200k + mi. absolutely no problems always starts first crank of the key and better than 20 mpg no matter what you do - what more can you ask for?
Rides Great
Okay I just bought this van, aka station wagon on steroids, and I already love it. Domestic van had nothing on it, this vehicle was almost 10 yrs. more advanced than the competition. It has 256k on it and was just driven to PA from TX. I drove it home and it rides great just like my accord, which has plenty of power. Drive it, you'll see what I'm talking about.
Very good van
Very reliable and fun to drive. Lots of room.
my workhorse
My van has been great. I have had no problems and have loved the 4 doors--in fact I will not buy another O. because they now have sliding doors and v6's. This car is a part of our family. The last of its kind!
God bless my 1997 Honda Odyssey
This car is very reliable if you take good care of it it haves 374,000 miles on it and stll runs and drives but no ac but hot heat we life In minnesota so you at least have hot heat I love this van
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Old Faithful
My Odyssey has been a pleasant suprise since I bought it over the internet a year ago. I picked it up in Sarasota, FL and drove it to New Orleans (with 89000 miles on it) with no problems. With three kids, we run the wheels off this van and we can't hurt it. I'm always on the look-out to get another pre 1998 model. The 4 cyl has plenty of power to go with great gas mileage. The 4 cyl is no longer available so the past is my refuge. After a disaterous experience with Mitsubishi, I feel smart again with Honda.
Extremely reliable
Great mini-mini van. Unfortunately it tends to be compared to full mini-vans which most the time carry a V6 under their hoods. Hey! not everybody needs that (keep in mind that its 4 cil. engine is a Vtec. Inside is very roomy and the rear passenger door are a plus with their roll down windows. Extremely reliable (never had to call road assistence at all) So far I have 138000 Km and just one visit to de dealer to replace the power doors controler (covered by the extended warranty) If you want to move people rather than furniture, it's great
Love it!
The most reliable of the Oddys, really (best overall reliability ratings for ANY Oddy, Consumer Reports, and they are right). More cargo room than the Pilot. If you can stand the 4 cyls, it's worth the 'buzz'. Rotors do tend to rust easily, and brakes are noisy. Driver door armrest is very hard, needs more padding. Overall, though, worth every penny I paid. I live in rural winterland, and reliability is key factor.
Reliable family hauler
This is the second '97 our family has owned. I am using it in my sales position, so I will be in it often. It is great getting in and out of it because the seat is higher than my Mark VIII. The ABS light was on when I bought it, and I have found out that the ABS modulator is out. $1500.00!!! From what I have found out, this is somewhat common for these as they approach the 80,000 to 120,000 mile marks. I'm not sure I am going to fix it. Other than than that, I like the dual air, great reliability from this one and our previous one. I am pretty impressed by the quality of workmanship. (except ABS malfunction)
my pickup truck and car
I purchased this van because of the review others have expressed and and more than happy with the purchase. We have used it to move items and people and have taken it on trips. This van is a truck and car and I will keep it a long time.
wow!
This has been a fabulous car for a small family. It is so easy to drive and so easy to get the family comfortable in. The rear seat is so easy to lift up and folds flat into the floor so I feel like I'm driving an SUV instead of a van!
Old Faithful
This van has been like a family pet. It is as tough as a bull, easy to drive, and has never let us down. My only complaint is the paint job. Our old van is looking pretty ratty as the paint deteriorates. We are considering a paint job, rather than getting a new one.
Great Family Car
I have owned this car for over 3 years and I am the second owner. This car has really worked for us with two growing teenagers and taxing their friends around. The captain seats in the second row are a real bonus for long rides, each child has their own space. I like having all four doors open like a sedan and that all the windows roll down giving everyone air. The third seat is small but so easy to fold down when not in use, leaving a large cargo space.
Great Deal
I purchased this Ody with 222k on it and is possibly best deal I have had. Have been through numerous new cars and used cars and I think this is my best deal. This Ody was a Honda fleet vehicle from Marysville and then purchased by Honda exec. driven for 7 years with 3 boys. I purchased because former owner bought a new Ody from Manufacturer. Works GREAT for me! Both Honda and owner kept EVERY maintenance record. I have all that now and keeping up the trend. Everything still works. Hopefully I can still have this feeling in a year or 2. Thanks Honda!