Used 2002 Honda Odyssey Minivan Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Happy Mountain Man
The vehicle handles extremely well. Plenty of zip and amazingly quiet. Controls are well placed. Obviously a lot of thought to the interior which is roomy. Styling and color makes you proud to be driving it.
Transmission Problems
Nice Car, Too bad Honda could not design a decent transmission for it. Mine has ~43000 miles on it and the tranny is slipping, shifting from 2nd - 3rd. The tranny recall work was done earlier this year and it is still going out! A Google Search on the internet for "2002 Odyssey Transmission Problems" tells me that I am not alone.
- EX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $2,800215 mi away
- EX-L Passenger Minivan w/EntertainmentMSRP: $4,900242 mi away
- LX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $4,999288 mi away
Satisfied
My wife and I got the Odyssey a few weeks ago and our short term impression is great. The van has excellent power and is extremely quite. I have yet to use the DVD/Entertainment center, but expect good things.
Comfortable/Pronounce noise
Comfortable, smooth ride. Quiet engine that is economical on gas. Considerable leg room even in last seat. Interior gadgets could be more sturdy and stable. This vehicle could enter the luxury line if road and wind noise were not so pronounced.
So far so good..
Purchased our first minivan a few weeks ago from a reputible Honda dealer. Had 39500 miles so we got the "certified honda warranty" good for 10yrs/100000 on the powertrain and 12months/12000 on everything else. About day 4 of owning we noticed a shimmy/whining in the front end when applying the brakes. Took to our Honda dealer and was told the brakes and rotors were replaced when the vehicle was certified. The brakes were shot. We were asked if when we drive, do we ride with our foot on the brake. NO ! They agreed to replace without a problem, and so far 700 miles later everything seems fine. No smells,smimmies, or whines from the front end. Overall we're VERY pleased thus far. Great ride !
Really great van
We just love this van. We traded in a Mazda MPV for the Honda and it's night and day the difference. I used to HATE to drive the MPV anywhere but I like driving this Honda (I drive a BMW 740 as my daily driver). This Honda scoots along and I really like the intelligent transmission which anticipates what you are about to do and selects the right gear. The kids love the DVD player, no more complaints about long drives, we can't get them out of the car nowadays. Huge storage space behind the 3rd seat, I used to use have to use a roof storage system with the MPV, but now that's gathering dust in the garage.
Best Minivan
I have heard, as well as read that the Honda Odyssey is by far the best minivan available. After much research and many test drives on other minivans, I have found all of this to be true. Without a doubt, the Honda Odyssey is the minivan benchmark. Anybody considering a minivan purchase owes it to themselves to check out the Odyssey.
Overrated
We purchased our 2001 EX Odyssey in Lompoc, CA. After 5 months of driving, the rear sliding doors began to act up. They would not close completely which caused the alarm to go off. We took it back to the dealer and did adjustments. This continued to happen several times and the dealer said I need to clean off the connections when this happens again. When you pay $28,000 for something you expect it to work properly. We are at the point now to have them remove the automatic sliding door feature and install manual doors.I contacted Honda Customer Service and they really did not have any suggestions to fix the matter.
Ultimate Family Truckster
My wife and I purchased our Odyssey to replace our reliable, yet underpowered '00 CR-V. We have one child and hope to add a couple more and the CR-V was already too small. The 240hp engine is excellent. The five speed shifts very smoothly and engine and road noise are kept to a minimum. These were both major issues we had with the CR-V. I didn't want a minivan but it's a great vehicle.
Great van
Possibly the best van out there. The 3.5L engine is smooth, quiet and quick. The amenities are excellent, especially ubiquitous cup holders. Very good stereo CD, auto climate control, and contrary to reports, power doors. These doors close and open at about the right speed.
road trips
My wife and I travel often driving straight thru for more than twenty hours at a time. This van handles well traveling freeways at high speeds with ease being fully loaded. We get 23 to 25 miles per gallon. A great people hauler!
Been Good to Me
Love the pick up and comfort.Love the roominess. Excellent gas mileage even loaded and with A/C on. Great A/C and great for cruising long distances. Mine had been all over the US & Canada. Had Trans problems @ 98,000 miles (can't really complain about that) had the extended warranty so they put brand new one in with no hesitation. Only real complaint is a whistling noise at about 90MPH, tap the down window button quick and it goes away. I'd consider another one but with the kids gone don't need that big of a vehicle. Maybe a CRV
Love my Odyssey
I have owned this van for 4 yrs after buying it from my mother-in-law. Somebody backed into the van, then pulled forward and backed into it again, and the only problem I have with paint is some peeling of clear cover on the driver's door probably due to shoddy repair because the rest of the van is perfect. I have NEVER had a problem with the transmission and have never been stranded while driving a Honda. While highway driving and the wind is in the right direction, there is a howl that would make a dog cry. The horn is nice and LOUD and shrill (especially nice when people pull out in front of you and their window is down).
Great though not perfect van
What makes a vehicle a great one? It lives up to what it says in reality. It could be quality, reliability, comfortness, power, design functions, appearance, fuel economy, performance (all kinds), etc. This Odyssey is doing really well in almost all of the above characters, except the fuel economy, powertrain noise, and interior material quality. Overall, it's a great van with value though not perfect.
Love the Odyssey
I have never regretted the purchse, despite the price and the wait for delivery. Smooth drive, with a powerful engine. Much smoother than the Windstar I had before, with significantly better acceleration. The disappearing 3rd row gets udes even more that I expected. Great minivan.
Best of four Hondas I've owned
As a Honda salesman and customer, I understand how people feel about markup, Annoyed. However, this is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. It drives just like my Accord, and the DVD is the coolest thing ever for the kids. My only complaint is the drawer under the passenger seat. It is cheap. Don't look at it as paying too much markup. Think of your next best option, and the Odyssey will seem an incredible value. I am sorry your dealer hasn't been satisfactory.
Alaska Yukon or Bust
After spending 7 weeks on the road an 18,000 km (11250 miles) this van drove effortlessly. Gas mileage on the highway was acceptable considering that we were driving at an average speed of 120 kmph (75mph). The engine's power and passing ability is simply the best and always had lots of power when you needed it. After returnin from Alaska, I am more impressed with it than before. This van is hard to beat!
Great Van, Cheap interior
We've had this van for a year now and it's been fun to drive and reliable. We love the hooks in the back for grocery bags and the easiness of folding the rear chair into the floor. It drives like a car and has some real power to it! Interior quality is cheap. Within the first few months two of the arm rests had broken and the "handle bar" for lack of a better term that is located on the rear of the passenger seat broke off.
02 Odyssey LX
The van has been a pleasant surprise from day one. One rarely buys a van for the pleasure of driving, but for the ability to haul things and people. This van delivers on the requirements, and it also delivers a lot of fun to drive. I recently drove form NH to FL with seven people, and the car made the long trip easy. It is very quiet, seats everyone on comfort, and delivered 25 mpg when driven 70 to 80 mph on the highway. On the way back, I got 27 mpg with a stiff wind from behind...
Honda Odyssey
When my wife and I bought this van, we drove it to Yellowstone. Truly, never was a better travel vehicle ever built! This vehilce hauled camping equipment, 2 weeks of supplies and three adults from Michigan to Wyoming. Even in the mountains of Wyoming, there wasn't even the slightest bit of hesitation from the Odyssey. The seats were comfortable even after 12 hours behind the wheel. I would have no hesitation recommending this vehicle to others.
Ideal Minivan
We have had our Odyssey 5 years next month and covered over 45,000 trouble free miles. The only issues we've had is one of the tailgate struts failed (I replaced it myself costing $30) and we're on our 3rd set of tires (they only seem to last 20k or so). Other than that, no problems. We've had the recall on the tranny done and (knock on wood) no issues with the transmission so far. We have been very pleased with the van. It's been great as a school bus (it's primary role) and great for family vacations. We have no problem loading up the van with kids, dogs and luggage and then plowing up mountain roads at 80+ mph with both AC units going. We average 18 mpg around town and 21 on trips.
Buy this!
Great family van. Roomy, lots of ammenities. Hondas are terrific. But where's the side airbags for the rear?
It's the best van!
We owned a Dodge and traded it in for the Odyssey. Our Dodge had electrical problems and was a complete nightmare ... we won't get into that! My wife and I wanted a van that we could grow into with our two small boys. I already own a 92 Accord EX L (200k miles and going) so I was familiar with how durable they are. We are thrilled with our new Odyssey EX L with DVD because of its control, power and comfort. Honda really did listen to their customers and produced a great van. Now I can sit back and watch moves with my kids while my wife drives without any worries. Thanks Edmunds.
Great Family Vehicle Until.....
Bought this 02 Odyssey during mid 2002. Roomy, great V6 engine, everything was perfect. Great family vehicle for a few years until the transmission went out on us. It took us a couple of months argueing to get our transmission replaced as the dealer refused too since our warranty was "expired". Finally our transmission was replaced since the recall has been issued. Also wind noise was another problem. When cruising in highway speeds. Gas mileage was average. Overall this van is not that bad until the transmission problem kicked in.
Thrilled or Not - Still Best Van
Was looking for room for my family of 5 and quality to last. Owned 2 Honda's prior. Hey folks, don't blame Honda for the build quality - except for allowing it to be built in the US! Had an ABSOLUTELY trouble-free Civic and still have a CR-V - BOTH built in Japan. DESPITE the US build and occasional American creeks, we still love it.
What more do you need!!!!!
I am loving every moment when i am in the car. if you are in the market for a minivan go get it..
Good Minivan
We have owned minivans of differnt makes for many years.The Honda is the best all around minivan I have ever driven.I don't thank the Honda rides or is as quite as the Dodge. The Hondas motor,transmission and the way it drives make up for it. The Odyssey drives like a car.
Excellent Vechicle
For a couple refusing to go the minivan route, we found the Oddessy to be the best in class when we purchased. Very roomy, handles great, nice acceleration, like the rear climate controls and seat warmers are cool (don't tell the kids). Great resale value too. The well in the back adds extra storage the other vans don't have and allows you to roll the seat back without emptying the "trunk". Overall I would clearly recommend this van over any other.
Best van around
This is an excellent van. Great handling and power at all speeds.It is worth the higher price because resale blows the competition away.
2002 Odyssey
Have owned vehicle for over one year and am pleased with it. Handles well, lots of room to move about. Have some recurring problems with brake noise but otherwise a great van for the money.
Fun Tow Vehicle
We use the vehicle to tow behond our motor home. It has been reliable and very satisfactory to own.
My first Honda
I did not have many complaints about my 98 Windstar, until I bought my 2002 Honda Odyssey. I've only had it a week and am already in love with it! It is roomy, comfortable, solid, quiet, powerful and handles like a sports car. Now I know exactly why it is rated so highly by everyone who owns one.
My Odyssey.
I love this van. I really wish that the vehicle could have a little better gas reading from the fuel guage. Showes empty even tho you have 5 gallons or more left in the tank. . And some other things I like to be changed is heather controls closer to the drivers seat.
After 130k miles
Purchased new 11/2001. At the tranny recall they said it was ok and put additive in the fluid. All maintenance has been done on time including the $1750 timing belt / spark plugs at 100k miles. The transmission has always been funky, sometimes slips to 1st and you have to stay off the gas and slow down to get it going again. While the tranny is junk, it still works and it's the original one. No other problems whatsoever. F/R break pads replaced only once, tires replaced only once and are probably good for another 20k. I find that when the trans gets more finicky, if I run it hard (floor it 0 to 60mph+), it then works without major issue for another couple weeks.
Get the best, forget the rest
Just bought an '02 EX-LRES, and this is the best vehicle I've ever driven. All things considered, the Ody is pretty darn close to perfect: style, comfort, performance, room, safety and value. Nothing else comes close. I've owned three Honda Accords, and the interior design, fit and finish is very similar, only better. I don't understand any of the criticisms about the "cheap" interior or bad ergonomics. On the contrary, with leather, the interior is luxurious. And with the 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, if you can't feel comfortable in this van, then you better look for a custom-made vehicle.
The perfect minivan
Honda has done it !!! They have created the near perfect minivan. I love the duel electric sliding side doors, and the disapearing rear seat, leaving a flat floor. The 240hp motor just purrs at highway speeds, and has great pickup from a standing start, along with operating on regular unleaded fuel.
No comparison
After months of research, lurking on the forums, getting opinions from family and friends, I've come to the conclusion that this is indeed the best minivan on the market. The 240 horses are addictive. The 5-speed auto, traction control, good gas mileage, and magic seat are nice bonuses. Excellent crash test results gives me peace of mind for my family. It may not be the best equipped minivan on the market, but it is the best value.
Try the best
We have had 7 vans over the years (6kids) and continue to buy them after we retired. Love them for travel. This is our second Honda van, the first was traded after 139,000 miles, because we wanted leather seats. Our old one still going strong at almost 200,000 miles with new owner. We have had all the vans, by big three, our town and country was the best until the Honda.
Loveda van but...
It's a great van. Lots of room...drives like a sedan...visibility is great...an SUV without a nose. However, I have had two small ~ problems. The van pulled to the right. Honda said it was the tires (Bridgestones). Bridgestone said it was the allignment. It said just fix it. Both were cooperative. Bridgeston replaced all the tires, but it still pulls??? Anyone else experience this?
Miss some bells and whistles
Love the 2002 Ody, but I sure miss having a trip computer/outside temp gadge/direction feature. Dumped our 96 Town&Country and never looked back. But, the Chrysler rode better, and was much quieter. Honda should address the body stiffness issues. I have had to ArmourAll all the door seals to keep them from sqeaking from all the movement.
Very happy with new Odyssey
We are very happy with our new Odyssey. Just back from a trip with our almost 2 year old and parents to visit some family. 23 MPG highway, 75 mph, both AC's blowing cold (it is August in Texas you know...). Comfortable for all travelers.
excellent
the best
2001 Odyssey
Very good hauler of 4 small kids and two adults -- plus, it pulls a pop-up camper with ease. Very typical Honda quality, with adequate power, a great interior design and very good gas mileage. Relatives got a new Ford Windstar and Chevy Venture and HATE them! They are now considering a trade to get the Odyssey. Would recommend this to anyone considering a minivan.
Dream machine
Honda quality all around. Pleasand ride, slightly harsh and noisy on rough pavement, probably due to low profile tires, but no more than would be expected, and less exagerated than most vehicles.
Can't believe I'm excited about minivan
Just took delivery of an EXL with Navigation. This is an exceptionally well designed and built vehicle. Honda reliability plus the magic 3rd row seat and the power sliding doors were the key selling point. Navigation was a nice toy to add to the package. Had to wait 6 months like everyone else, but was able to purchase through a buying service so I paid invoice and consider it a BARGAIN. Never thought we would get a minivan but our SUV got to be a challenge with our second child. Still can't believe I traded in my Mercedes to get this van for my wife.
Don't buy this car
This vehicle is now on its 4th transmission. Do not buy this or any other HONDA. It's a real lemon.
Everything We Expected
Had a '99 Dodge Grand Caravan. What a difference. Lots more power, better suspension, handling, and ride. Read the reviews from everyone and don't understand complaints from those former Chrysler owners and the guy who was talked out of buying a MPV. We looked at the MPV. You must be kidding. That van(?)is not even comparable to the Honda. The Honda meets or exceeds all our expectations. Although, I don't understand why Honda can't keep up with demand. I think this is just a marketing scheme to keep the price up. But as long as Chrysler keeps marking their minivans up as high as they do, than the Odyssey is still a better deal. In a word: AWESOME!
Minivan
Great vehicle to travel in!
Honda Patron Forever !!!!
Very, very nice vehicle! Honda really does make better vehicles than it's big 3 American contenders! I became interrested in Honda vehicles after my friend let me drive his Accord a few times. I was so impressed that I was determined that my next vehicle would be a Honda. And, it just happened that the Odyssey fit my needs very well.
I love it!!!!
I had looked at the Siena, but this is by far the better choice.