Used 1998 Honda Odyssey Minivan Consumer Reviews
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14 years old and going strong
chenster, 09/10/2012
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
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
Nelson, 11/13/2015
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
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!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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A Missourian, 07/04/2009
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
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!
Best minivan ever!
Best Minivan EVER, 07/06/2008
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
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
l998 Odyssey Minivan
BigJack, 02/17/2003
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
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.
Goodbye Honda, I
Chet Bower, 08/01/2004
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
1998 Odyssey
teapartynow, 05/26/2014
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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.
Probably one of the best cars ever made
johnnyVDO, 06/20/2004
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
Was good but no more
A worker, 04/15/2009
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
Solid, reliable, practical
BS-NY, 12/30/2003
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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?
Ahead of its time
john, 07/03/2008
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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!!
good
Judy Farell, 07/07/2004
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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
Jared Willams, 07/07/2004
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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
Darrell, 11/21/2007
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Have driven for 10 years and am very pleased with the service I have gotten from this Honda.
Honda Odyssey
julesagain, 03/30/2003
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Love My Van, But 3 Repairs 1 Yr
98Ody, 04/21/2007
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Extremely impressed
jaw, 05/30/2008
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Wonderful Car
LTS, 02/18/2003
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Practical solution to the many demands of life. 2.3 litre VTEC engine is a must for performance (165 hp)
9 Years Old and Going Strong
Elizabeth, 04/28/2007
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Great car!
suswaski, 05/24/2012
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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. :(
'98 Honda Odyssey
kerrykelty, 06/29/2005
1998 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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)
Wish they'd still import it
Honda/Toyota Owner, 09/20/2007
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Solidly Built, 6 Seater Car/Van
Chris, 12/30/2007
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
cmomgo, 02/24/2003
1998 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I previously owned a Toyota Camry which was highly reliable. I had some revervations about switching, but this has been a top notch verhicle.