Used 1999 Honda Odyssey Minivan Consumer Reviews
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Excellent vehicle, 195k and still going stong!
greenewpm3, 01/07/2013
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
Since we bought our Odyssey in 1999, it's done nothing but impress. We test drove all the Odyssey's competitors, ranging from the Toyota Sienna to the Ford Windstar, and none could touch the Honda when it came to build quality and driving dynamics. The engine is wonderful, with plenty of power and low-end grunt. Transmission problems aside (See "Improvements") we've had to make only ONE unexpected repair, a single $40 coil pack, in the 195k miles we've driven! And we haven't exactly babied our Odyssey either... For 5 summers in a row we towed our 3000lb boat back and forth through the Adirondack mountains, and the van never flinched!
Has done good for us
cdavenport, 04/12/2013
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought this van at an auction, didn't know it had a transi issue. $2200 later with the recommended upgraded rebuild kit & it has been great since. Getting the van at a discount made the transi rebuild isue to tolerate. Cannot imagine buying & financing at full price and having a transmission go. We love it. Had it for over a year. Now at 190k.
1999 Honda Odyssey for sale near you
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Transmission Problems
DogDazeLee, 06/18/2008
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought a certified, pre-owned 1999 Honda Odyssey from Piazza Honda in Drexel Hill, PA, 11 months ago. Engine light just went on at 77,000 miles and I'm being told by (3) transmission specialists and Honda Service that transmission needs to be replaced. Honda dealer refuses to cover any of the repairs. I now understand via the Internet that this has been well documented problem with this vehicle.
Honda Ethics
Mary F, 05/27/2009
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought my Odyssey Van new in 1999. It has been a great vehicle, with 2 exceptions, both noted in reviews here and elsewhere. The transmisssion: went out just over 75000 miles the first time; I have had three in all. The rear sliding door on the passenger side has never worked properly. After many excuses from the dealer, we closed it for good. Too many reviews here cite the same problems. Honda knew this, and ethically speaking,should have lifted the mileage restriction on recall. These problems had nothing to do with mileage, but with production. The transmission was a big expensive lemon, as was the door. Quality companies stand behind their products. Not this time.
Disappointed in Honda Quality
Big Jay, 10/17/2010
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
We purchased this van in 2002. We owned it for 8 years and 120K miles. Overall, I was disappointed in the quality of the vehicle. It did have some good interior and exterior features. The engine was always reliable. However, the transmission was a train wreck. We had to replace the transmission 2 times while we owned it. We had numerous issues with the power sliding door. Every so often I had to clean the connectors with steel wool or the door would not shut properly. We recently traded off the van for a Toyota. The little things like nobs, handles, buttons, etc. were starting to fail. The gas mileage was also starting to diminish. I would be hesitant to purchase another Honda Odyssey van.
1999 Odyssey
jnkurban, 01/18/2011
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought the van a couple years ago. The van looked great, power doors are nice for a family and the engine has ran good. Transmission is BAD, the transmission lasted a couple years and needs to be replaced. Honda dealer said $4000 to be replaced. If it wern't for transmission problems in this van it would be the perfect van. This Honda transmission has no reliablity. Unless you're willing to replace the transmission every couple years at a cost of $4000, stay away from this vehicle.
Great family van except tranny
seattlecatfish, 10/02/2009
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought the van with 89k, I'm guessing that it already had a fresh tranny (looking back now). All and all I have to be fair in saying that it has served us very well. For 3 years hardly any maintenance just typical little things (fluid levels, tires, ect). I know my way around a car and it's a good van. The biggest problem with our van was the side doors being intermittent and then tranny acting wierd. Flushed it, no help. 3 yrs 10mths later, tranny has pasted on. It is a well known problem 99-01 tranny failures. With only one type of tranny to be replaced with at $3300 (w/o labor) each time. About every 3 yrs or less it will need to be replaced. And this is typical with all 99-01. Check Internet and see.
Wow What A Lemon
rcpquote, 11/18/2005
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is the worst I ever owned (mechanically). Shortly after buying this used with 42,000 miles, the transmission went bad. Was not covered under warranty but later warranty was extended to 100,000 on this (because so many were going bad). 2nd Transmission failed at 67,000 miles. 3rd Transmission failed at 105,000 miles (no longer under warranty). Electric doors have regular problems. 2 sets of motor mounts from transmission putting too much stress when shifting. Otherwise, powerful enough and comfortable for an entire family of 6.
Reliability Issues
CBYC, 09/14/2008
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
When the vehicle was new it had reliably served its main purpose of hauling kids to sports events and carrying family gear while on vacation. A few years ago we started experiencing problems with the operation of the auto sliding doors (bearing required $ replacement), followed by clogged EGR (poor quality of gas contributed), starter, and now transmission. We bought Honda for its reliability but buyer beware of the first model year of an entirely new redesigned vehicle.
So far no transmission problems
hondamaryland, 10/30/2006
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the '99 Odyssey in 2006. So far it's been good to us. This was not subject to a transmission recall. Knocking on wood.
always with problems
Tina68, 09/03/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I hate this van. I got countless problem with this van. I bought this van since honda's big name. But maybe I am not a lucky lady.
Disappointed with Honda
Allen Zornow, 01/31/2006
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
With over 13 re- calls or extensions of warrenty, this van has not been a good value. I've experienced Transmission problems, gone through two catalytic converters, replaced the head gasket and had all sorts of problems with the automatic doors.This van can't be something Honda stakes its reputation on. Although my dealership has treated me excellently, I gave Honda an opportunity to keep me as a customer. Apparently, they are not interested.
Eats Transmissions and Tires
Don Easley, 01/15/2009
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Originally considered buying a Caravan but due to its known transmission problems paid the extra for a Honda. I should have bought the Caravan. Automatic doors are a continual problem. The first transmission died after 104K. Since the transmission recall only affected transmissions up to 100K I was not covered to given any break. The second transmission has now died at 168,000 miles. Since it was based on the original flawed design its life was always in question. The Odyssey also has a large appetite for tires as I am now on my 7th set. All and all this has been my most disappointing vehicle purchases and has soured me on Honda cars and vans.
245k and no problem whatsoever
mike01young, 10/04/2012
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
we bought this vehicle 5 years ago at 170k and never had a single problem whatsoever.
Disappointing
Bill, 07/21/2010
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 1999 Odyssey new at a local dealership and have owned it since. We are very disappointed in the overall quality and reliability. We have had some recalls, sliding door problems, suspension problems, rear brake problems, and the transmission needed to be replaced around 64,000 miles. Honda covered the transmission, but no vehicle should have that after only 64,000 miles much less one that is known to be very reliable. This vehicle has made me believe that foreign vehicles are really no better than American vehicles as my parents have a Ford Freestar and have had absolutely no problems at all at the 80,000 mark and counting. Buy American!
lifesaver
adi, 07/27/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
it is true, the odyssey has excellent safety qualities. my 1999ex was t- boned, airbags deployed, windshield and driver's window shattered, suspension collapsed, shell crumpled, was hit really bad but we walked out alive. im sure it would have been more serious if we were riding another brand of vehicle. we're replacing it with a 2003 model. proven lifesaver.
The 99 Honda Odyssey - Poor Reliability
Pat Leake, 06/14/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Having previously owned a 1982 Honda Accord that ran flawlesly for 20 years, I have been very disappointed with the '99 Honda Odyssey. Continuing problems required the ignition switch to be replaced, the sliding door repaired, catalytic concerter replaced, and replacement of the engine EGR have made this vehicle a nightmare to own. Currently, the vehicle is inoperable and requires a new transmission that will cost $5,000. All of this within the first three and a half years of ownership!
Odyssey Land
JD/Doherty, 06/04/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Thus far I am very disappointed with my Honda Odyssey. I was expecting much better from Honda. Problems surfaced within 8 months of purchase. First problem was related to the inigition system and stopped (shut down) 2 cyclders on the 3.5 V6 engine. Since then I've had a blow out on the front tire (at 10,000)since the tire had excessive wear on the inside of both. The tires were replaced and the wheel alignment was off dramatically (toe was off .16 degrees on both sides front). Most recently, 42,000 miles dealer determined to be a defective power steering pump unit making loud noise. The dealer is in the process of replacing.
Frank's 1999 Honda Odyssey
Frank Parada, 01/29/2007
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall I've driven the van for four years and love it. The van gives me between 18-19 mpg and enjoy the comfortable ride. I would purchase the same van again.
Transmission Problems
Stuck, 06/29/2009
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The van drove well for the first few years. Smooth on the road and comfortable. The capacity and fold down seats are a big plus. Easy to get in and off. Plenty of engine power on the EX. The major problem is I am on my 3rd transmission after 113K miles.
Major disappointment
Gary, 07/13/2005
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought in 1998 so one of the first. Have had trans, catalytic converter, some other pollution control kit replaced at 80,000 when engine light went on. Got it back afetr new catalytic converter and kit, light went ride back on. Wonder if I even needed them. CD player at 60,000. Dealer servicing was horrible experience. Better ask if something is covered by warranty and also ask them to check with Honda if anything further can be done. They won't do voluntarily and said as much. Two service managers said they would after I asked and I never heard back. I would never buy another Honda. Bought for reliability. Not only was it unreliable, but service department was horrible and useless.
Love owning this car
AMR, 08/09/2009
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have loved this car from the very beginning. I have driven it for 10 1/2 years and still love it for the most part. There is plenty of room for the four of us and our vacation gear. It drives like a car. There have been a few electrical problems to crop up in it's older age like the clock light no longer works and driver's door lock motor fried, but what do you expect it's old?
Great seats for the long drive
Mark Cooke, 02/23/2009
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my Honda van. I bought it used at 116,000km 6 years ago and it now has 310,000 km on it with only an alternator and the usual tires and brakes. I added a transmission cooler since I pulled a 3000lb trailer for two summers. This van is driven daily in town and driven coast to coast twice in Canada plus has seen 25% of the States.
Worst. Honda. Ever.
Comic Book Guy, 08/25/2007
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Worst. Honda. Ever. Constant A/C problems, sliding doors that CLOSE if you bump them. In fact, you could make the door close on, oh, say, a toddler, simply by pushing in a few of the brass, pencil- sized "finders" in the door itself. Extremely uncomfortable to ride in - build for "little people". Noisy. Eats tires. Transmission problems. Lots of recalls. Words cannot express my disappointment with Honda. I guess they join the long list of companies that USED to do it right (H/P comes to mind), but have declined into mediocrity. Honda owes anyone who bought this lemon $10,000 for pain and suffering.
No regrets
Lunt, 09/20/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our Oddy from an independent dealer. We were reluctant because of its low price, since they hold their value so well. After 2 test drives, a carfax report and lots of homework, we decided to let our guard down and purchase the van. It drives a little heavier than other vans we tested but the power and handling made up for that. The original owner added a luggage rack and a 6-disk in-dash CD player, which made its appeal very similar to the EX model. Front brake pads and tires were worn so the dealer replaced them. We also had to get new keyfobs for the keyless entry/anti theft system. Seems like a lot to go through but it was worth it.
Standard Honda Quality
stargazerm31, 10/05/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After four years of driving, this van is still holding its own. Only problems were with the bad Firestone tires. Once changed to Michelin, we have had no problems. The fold down third row makes this a very versital vehicle.
Swiss Army knife for the family
dogwork, 10/10/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle...NO transmission/major problems at all. The ultimate "family mover"!
disappointed
susan williams, 09/10/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My transmission and catalytic converter went out at 90,000 miles. The transmission is covered but the dealer want 900 for the catalytic converter. I am just disappointed with the honda product.
We LOVE our Odyssey
skparker, 10/23/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our '99 Odyssey has been a GREAT kid hauler. It gave 5 years of problem-free service...3 kids back and forth to school, soccer, little league, camping. We even hauled a 2700# camper about 6 times each summer with it (tow pkg). The cargo liner is a must. We just replaced the '99 with a 2004 Odyssey EXL-RES...we paid $24k when we bought the '99, and sold it for $16k 5 years later!
30K and going strong!
afilatov, 04/20/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have Ody since it just appeared on the market, bought at the end of 1998, at MSRP. 30k miles and so far no major complains. Solved the problem with power outlet location by purchasing after-market triple strip that plugs into the outlet and fastens to the dash. Also added 6-disk in-dash cd changer without replacing the tape player (available at about $300 on Internet) and planning to upgrade the speakers as well. Glad we did not get EX with power doors (heard about problems from many people). It is almost perfect (see list of suggested improvements) and has been a workhorse for us, carrying full load of 7 200# adults (a rowing crew) and luggage with ease.
Great Family Van
mary, 03/30/2005
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this van new and have 129,000 miles on it. Its been great transportation - comfortable, roomy, great for hauling people and stuff. Have had problems with the doors but the dealer has been very reasonable. Had to replace catalytic converter at less than 100,000 miles and now it needs a new transmission. That's not covered by warranty but we are getting a deal ($500)plus labor. Only complaint is performance in snow - not great even with TCS. Plymouth Voyager was much better in snowy/icy conditions.
Best Car I Have Owned
Scotty "beam Me Up", 10/31/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a pleasure to drive. It doesn't handle like a big car, yet it has great size and flexibility. It responds very good under all driving conditions. The interior is laid out very smart, and the folding rear seat is fantastic. Minor brake and rear wiper problems. Definitely, the best minivan i've driven, and looking forward to it lasting with Honda's reputation for longevity.
Great family vehicle all-around
Gould, 02/11/2005
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had this vehicle for almost six years, and have had very few problems. It rides great, is not too loud at high speeds, has excellent pickup, and gets good gas mileage for its size. I would recommend it to anyone looking for the best minivan on the market.
Odyssey
BStagg, 07/12/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Long time Honda owner. Van drives great,is roomy and well designed, but... I am on my SECOND set of brake pads and just had the rotars replaced. Also, the air condition system has never performed like it should, but the dealer thought that was all in my head. Now that it is out of warannt, he would love to find the problem. Overall, somewhat disappointed in the van due to mechanical problems.
Good Minivan
eddie, 05/22/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This minivan has been excellent. I have two small children and the interior has held up incredibly well for the pounding they give it. The car has all the features you need - reliable, good size, comfortable, excellent safety, nice ride. I liked it so much that I just bought the 2002 EXL.
excellent
sachi hotaling, 07/29/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
love this car, swore we would never own a van and the odessey changed our mind!!
Satisfying Van
Peggy, 08/25/2005
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a versatile and functional car. You will not be sorry you bought this one.
Poor Overall Quality/Workmanship
Air Force Family, 11/27/2003
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought our 1999 Odyssey in Nov 98. Now has 107,000 on it. Major Problems: EGR Valve/Sleeve must be replaced every 30K miles at $200+ per visit--clearly a design defect. Sliding door in for numerous repairs: Sticks in cold weather--very poor design. No transmission problems (yet). Many trips to dealer for recall (warranty) work the first few years for many items. Front brake pads must be replaced too often.
One of the 'real mini-vans'
Iamav, 08/31/2005
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Without question Honda hit a bug homerun when they designed and built the 1999 Odyssey. Having been the past owner of one of Honda's first attempts to enter the mini-van market - a 1996 Odyssey - the 1999 is hands-down a completely different car. Larger, more comfortable and possessing the powerful and smooth Vtec V-6 engine block, this vehical has really no similarilities with it's earlier models. The mini-van drives like a car - a smooth one at that. Aside from being a little thirsty for fuel - especially around town and in stop and go traffic, the Odyssey performs at its best on the interstates and open highway.
It's Number One for a reason!
LSC86, 07/29/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not wanting to wait 6+ months for a new LX and finding a great deal on this '99 EX, I can say that I am more than happy with our choice. The Odyssey truly does stand above the rest in terms of size, seating, power, and looks. The power doors are a bit slow and I really miss the keyless entry and sunroof we had on the Explorer, but overall the EX is nicely loaded and the fold flat 3rd seat it tops. Almost 7,000 trouble free miles so far for us with just under 55,000 total on the car. My previous Honda Accord is still kicking strong at over 150k miles and I fully expect to get 200k from this one.
Satisfied Overall
Ather, 01/13/2004
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car just for the Honda reputation used with 24k miles. Great long distance runner, people mover and multipurpose vehicle. It drives smooth and quiet. I have put over 55k miles on the car and have had to change the battery, brakes, tires (a few times) and rear side window which slipped out of its frame. It has a Honda recall on the tranny which I haven't had problems yet with but am starting to feel it a bit now. Tire balancing has been a problem with all the new tires. Overall, quite satisfied. I would also look at the Toyota Sienna. It is smaller but has a tighter feel to it.
Good car; unimpressive reliability
Zwiss, 08/01/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car's a pleasure to drive, overall performs well. Ugly recent experience with ignition system malfunction that killed all power to van at random. Local Brandon, FL dealer was clueless on condition for 3 months of painful operation. Lindell Honda in Tampa rescued us from suffering by diagnosing problem in 30 seconds--bad ignition system! Experienced some other small problems-- but getting tired with the frequent trips to the dealer.
Value for the Money
Specklebelly, 01/24/2004
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new in April, 1999, this vehicle now has 73k miles. Excellent value at the time as a similarly equipped Ford van was $6,000 more. Our Odyssey has been very reliable and will purr along on the interstate at 75 m.p.h. all day. Excellent cargo capacity. In fact, we took the van on vacation instead of our Ford F-150 Super Crew as the Odyssey held about twice the amount of stuff.
99 ody
canuck1, 02/05/2004
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Minor problems all covered by warranty.No problems with tranny which has been a problem on some(2%) ody. in the early models.Might buy a new one in 05,06 if this one stays ok
Would Buy Again
V McDevitt, 08/24/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have taken many, many 6-10 hour trips with 4-6 adults and van was GREAT (lots of room for all!). Drives solid (you'll know when you test drive -- nothing else like it!) Reliability has been pretty good but the squeaky brakes are driving me crazy. Doors are heavy; would have gone w/power doors given choice again. After market security/remote entry system SUCKS (Code Alarm) -- have to be right beside car for it to work. Wish it had more bells and whistles. I'm looking for a new car/van/SUV with the power, space and gas mileage of the Odyssey, but with more bells and whistles. Not sure anything better is out there ...
Honda Orphaned my Odyssey
ottok, 03/09/2004
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 99' Honda 99 has been performing good. However, lateley (62K miles) it has been developing a hard shift into 2nd gear. The dealer diagnosed the problem and quoted me $5000 for an new transmission. Honda have extended the warranty to a select few VIN number. I who bought mine from Canada was excluded. Honda has pretty much orphaned its own product due to a technicality.
It's Been Good To Me
RoeberR, 07/16/2004
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been happy with the van. There have been more than the usual number of recall notices. But, I like getting new parts and it just costs some of my time. The brakes are less than desirable, but they are OK if you get ceramic pads. I paid $$$ for my broken handle caused by a sliding door that wouldn't. The original tires were sorry, but there are good replacements available when the others wear out. This minivan design is worth all the effort that Ford put into it. And, so many other companies are copying it like Honda did. The A/C is also OK, unlike all of the other Honda's I've owned.
A great Honda family hauler
remowilms, 04/13/2004
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this van. I've been a Honda person for 15 yrs now. To me, even with it's early model flaws (trans and sliding doors) this is still a great product. It still beats most of it's competitors and if you'll look at all the brand new vans they are copying the style of this van...to include the fold in the floor seats. I had one door handle break due to the door sealing too good. It was covered under warranty and Honda had just release a Tech bulletin to fix my exact problem. I love the versatility of the seating and the extra space in the rear with the seats up or down.
1999 odyssey
spaniel, 09/23/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great reliable family car with room for everything and everybody.
nice van if no problem
D.J. Woods, 04/10/2002
1999 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I felt it was a nice car until I got several problem on it. I had honda to repair the power sliding door twice in 1999 and 2001 and had the engine repaired in 2001 for clogy(fortunately still within warrenty period). Hopefully I do not get any other major problem soon (my warrenty has gone). Driving this van is still a lot of fun. It is powerful and big.