Used 2003 Honda Odyssey Consumer Reviews
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Is there a better Minivan?
Rikki L, 11/13/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Quite Simply the best minivan on the market. here and abroad. The ride is great, power is more than adequate, beats my 98 Widstar hands down. The dissapearing third row seat should win an innovation award. It drives so well I am hard pressed to decide between the 2003 V6 Accord and another minivan
Transmission Trouble
Scott, 06/19/2010
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Transmission goes out about every 50,000 miles, so far 3 in 150,000 miles. Honda replaced, ate the cost the first time. Looking to dump this thing. Power sliding door also quit working a while ago.
2003 Honda Odyssey for sale near you
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Great Warrior
RC, 03/21/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned since new. Great family vehicle. Better usable space than a Tahoe or Expedition. Very few problems and extremely low maintenance costs for first 128k miles. Transmission then rebuilt at 128k for $3400; doesn't bother me since I'm planning on keeping the Ody for another 125k miles.
Family Plus-Bus
Joel Netz, 11/19/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I have owned our Odyssey for about 3 months now and we love it. The extra room and versatility of the vehicle is exemplary. The 3.5 V6 is all the engine it needs. I cannot wait to get it out on the highway for an extended period of time. This was the perfect vehicle when we had our first child, Sam. We look forward to using it for many years to come.
minivan
ctmaurer, 11/22/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best minivans you can buy, for a great price. Paid full sticker price, waited three months, it was well worth it. Still cheaper than a Chrysler.
...It's still a minivan...
aceboonkk, 11/26/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Okay, my wife is pregnant with our first child. In searching for the perfect 'family car' and refusing to ever own a mini-van. Well, I'm an Odyssey owner. With over 240,000 miles on my other Honda (1992 Acura Vigor) I figure I couldn't go wrong with Honda, and so far I've been extremely pleased.
The Premier Minivan
Phil Marlowe, 11/28/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I test drove Mazda, Dodge, and the Odyssey. The Odyssey had the best features for the money. I have owned several cars and trucks for about 30 years, but this vehicle is the most enjoyable one I have owned. It is fun to drive and has been a pleasure to ride in. I hope that I still will love it after more miles are put on it.
the best
lovemyhonda03, 11/28/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
we compared alot of mini vans, the honda is a best all round. no problems. the dealer even delived it 75 miles to my house. have the ex-l a nice step up from the ole accord. have been telling all my friends they need one. power is great. silver with roof racks and mud flaps
Great Car!!
cc, 09/30/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I never thought I'd be excited and happy about a mini van but I'm both!! I love the 'magic seat'; it makes it great when your out and you need the space! Honda is not known for having many 'bells and whistles' but it does have the reputation for reliablity and that's what is important in a mini van!
Honda At It's Best!
Shams, 11/11/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Odyssey exceeds in every level from a Minivan expectations. Most Power(240HP) in it's class! Sedan Like Ride, SUV Like Spacious. You get more than what you pay for, a well equipped EX Model comes with Dual Sliding Doors, Security, Premium Sound, ABS, Traction Control and Four Wheel Disc Brakes. Same features in any Competing Vans will cost you more But you still won't the quality. The Bottom Line - It's a HONDA!
love our honda
happy folk, 11/30/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We never were minivan people, but when we had our third child something had to give. The odyssey GAVE!!!!!! From day one we loved the ride, handling and were surprised by the performance.The leather interior is comfortable. It really has a neat apperance and nice lines. a winner!
I LIKE IT!!!
zash, 11/16/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WELL I LOVE IT SO FAR...THE POWER IS GREAT. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEM THUS FAR
Honest evaluation 2003 Honda Odyssey
Enrique Cornejo, 09/14/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very noisy inside the cabin. Not very good seats for long trips. Bad transmission. According with Honda, the transmission failed one year after new, in 2004. Even Honda admitted is a bad transmission, but they didn't do anything. Broke two (2) engine mounts (first time in my life). In my opinion, not as good as the publicity wants us to believe.
Transmission is prone to failure at 90K
Andrew, 09/05/2008
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 2003 purchased brand new along with a service plan for 3 years. Rides great good for long trips with the family. Transmission had a recall service done to it back in 2003 for slipping gears 2nd and 3rd. All fine till it hit 92,000 transmission totally failed and had to split the cost with Honda for a $4,000 transmission. I will not buy another Honda for this reason. Nissan Altima looks good to me.
Not what I expected
Tomba62, 03/27/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2003 Honda Odyssey as a certified used car and thank GOD it came with an extended warranty. I have been experiencing various transmission issues. When taken to the dealer they claim not to be able to find any issue. This week as I was on my way to work the car popped out of gear, the engine revved wildly, the check engine light and traction control lights came on and stayed on. Took it to the dealer and at 64957 miles the transmission is dead. Chrysler took a beating over transmission failures on their minivans. It's time Honda acknowledges that this design has some serious issues. I used to consider myself a loyal Honda owner. No MORE.
Nice !!
JayandJulie, 12/06/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Odyssey is fabulous. The salesman was wonderful. I can't think of anything I would change about either the product or the entire purchasing experience. Thank you so much. I will never drive anything other than a Honda.
Honda LX
Rusty, 09/20/2010
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased vehicle with $19K, 2nd owner. Replaced transmission right away. Overall vehicle has been pretty good. Can't believe though it did not have CD player. Strangest thing happened all my locks gummed up on me. Had to replace the locks on the van and not cheap to do that over $500 dollars. Rear wiper motor went at $100K mi. Body has help up great. Can be a little uncomfortable in the drivers seat if you have the manual seats and not the power seats.
Honda the name you can trust
md180, 12/09/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second Odyssey EX (1999) van we have owned. We put over 160,000 miles on our last Odyssey with no troubles. Did have a lot of recalls, this was ok with us. We went for the '03 van only because of some upgrades and plan to keep the van for many years.
I love it
candy523c, 11/25/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My family & I love this vehicle and we never regret what we pay for.
Honda Quality gone south
Steve, 09/14/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had my Honda since new. Always did maintenance on schedule. At 57k miles had issue with A/C, turned out to be a Transistor issue. VERY common apparently as I found many complaints, but part was only $65 and replaced myself. Brought to dealer anyway only to find they recommended a timing belt change (not due for another 40k miles), bad tensioner and 2 broken motor mounts. All recommended service was around $2500... When questioning dealer about motor mounts, the reply was "they just get old and break". I have owned all my other Toyotas over 10years and NEVER had a motor mount just break due to age. This was my first Honda and will most likely be my last!
Better than a Suburban!
KCB, 12/01/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 4 girls aged 11-4 years. I was nervous about downsizing from a Suburban, but figured we always pack light anyway. This car is great. It is unbelievably quick, both in starting from 0 mph to 65 and in how quickly it stops when you break. Even my husband admitted it was SO much nicer to drive than the old truck. Additionally, it has a huge amount of space -- the cargo space in the back is very deep.
Great Car
john, 07/20/2008
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this vehicle since it was new. I now have 65K miles on it and it is excellent. Still runs like new. No major repairs, only two repair and one adjustment and both were covered under warranty. The maintenance cost on the vehicle is really low, especially compared to a my old Dodge mini-van.
The Review
Anup, 12/09/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I liked the space. It is very roomy. But the heated seats in the front are terrible. It takes so long to warm up and when it does its still hardly anything. I love the DVD player
Better than a Chrysler product by miles!
gfrodo, 12/10/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 3.5 V6 is really peppy and xmission shifts smoothly, but drops into overdrive (5th gear) a little too soon. very comfortable - a real pleasure to travel in. A lot of city driving will kill the mileage, as will a lead foot! We get 22-23 with mixed city/hwy and have gotten as much as 27 on pure highway driving. The flat cornering and very short turning radius make driving and handling a pleasure.
Like it a lot!
Alon, 12/11/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While I've only had the Odyssey for about a week now, I am extremely impressed with it. Size, seating options and reputation for reliability were our reasons for choosing this over Chrysler & Toyota minivans. I wasn't too thrilled about getting a minivan, but it's a lot better than I thought it would be. Drives better than my 98 Nissan Altima.
Pretty Darn Good Overall
Honda 1st timer, 12/19/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owner for 6 mos, 9,000 miles. Love the smooth power, quickness, stable handling and relative (to our Windstar) quietness. Fold-down seat is very handy. Driver's seat uncomfortable. Sound system is substandard. Sliding door is always a problem - sticks so I have to get out and yank so kids can get in. In fact, would not open when we picked up at the dealer. Also grime on the interior and ripped fabric at delivery - none of which was rectified by dealer. However, if I get the mechanical reliability experience and longevity that I hear so much about, I will be very happy regardless.
Bad Transmission
Another Honda???, 10/04/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This model year has several major limitations that you will consistently read about online. The transmission had a recall early after purchase and recently finally bit the dust completely. It's always had trouble changing gears, slipping and revving. All of the electric windows have broken and are outrageously expensive to repair. The engine block mounts have been repaired...also incredibly expensive and the brakes are in continuous need of replacement. Each maintenance appointment brings new issues.
Got problems with the power door
Pac, 12/21/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2003 EX in late November. Within the first couple of weeks, we noticed the passenger side power door has been acting strange. Sometimes the door would close by itself, sometimes it would stop in the middle during closing, sometimes it would not close at all. The scariest moment was that the door started to close by itself when my wife was in the process of loading our infant son on his car seat. She literally had to jump out of the way and almost dropped our son. She got freaked out and refused to put the baby in the van. She feels safer by driving her trustly 94 Camry. I think the vehicle has been grossly overrated.
The first 1000 miles
RSH, 12/24/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have not driven enough miles to make an in-depth review of this vehicle. But have notice a few glaring errors that Honda passed over. There are no automatice locks for the doors, this van has no driving lights, and has no fog lamps. All of the items just listed are safety issues and is an embarrassment for the likes of Honda. My 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix has these standard features and all for over $12,000.00 less. Honda needs to re- think their standard features, certainly on a $30,000.00 vehicle.
Great car, but not perfect
great car, 12/17/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great van. Awesome engine! However, slightly disappointed with fit and finish- loose plastic panel in the passenger door. Also, it rattles at highway speed- Come on Honda! I expect better QC for a 28K van!!
105k Review
Sid, 03/25/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new with DVD system (nav and DVD not possible together on this version). Powerful van and rides smooth today like it did when we bought it. Lots of space. Had 2 recalls which were fixed. Minor annoyances with engine check light coming on at times. Left sliding door is now malfunctioning and needs to be fixed. When braking hard, there is sometimes a clunking noise at the back that sounds like ABS. Fuel economy is avg at 20 mpg combined. Overall - satisfied.
A Great Family Van, and Fun for Dad Too!
DesperAuto, 09/21/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great van, with lots of extras and plenty of power to haul the kids to soccer practice. The kids get real quiet when the movie is playing, allowing you to relax and watch the road. Good for hauling cargo too. Dealers won't spend much time negotiating with you, claiming there are droves of buyers lined up behind you for the same van. Get all the options and then beat their price down to almost free on the option, and you've done well. Work up from list.
Happy New Owner
disport, 12/23/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What can I say? Everything works as expected. Very comfortable ride. Very smooth engine/transmission, and it's peppy. Solid construction with no squeaks.
No surprises
no_more_seattle_rain, 12/22/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased the EX-L with Rear Entertainment System. What a wonderful automobile, inside and out. It really lives up to the Honda reputation. We only have about 6000 miles on it, so the reliability is to be seen. Finally a minivan with plenty of power to carry a full load of people. We can't wait to take the kids to Disney World in it, the DVD player will be a life saver on the long trip.
Odyssey is AWESOME
Casey789, 12/21/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the Odyessey EX because we have one child, one on the way and two dogs; we needed more room than our SUV afforded. We have not been let down. This van is spacious, comfortable, rides smoothly and is quiet. The dual remote sliding doors make getting in and out a breeze. The cargo area is huge. The disappearing 3rd row seat is a snap to use. It's easy to see why these minivans are in such high demand.
Motor mount change not true
jake, 10/07/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Van is very reliable and useful whether you're hauling people or building materials. MPG is very poor though maybe needs a new tire. I read about motor mount issue on odyssey. I experienced the same thing when I brought to dealer for maintenance. The associate told me, I need to replace motor mount. I said no because it was expensive then brought van to a mechanic, turns out my motor mount is okay.
The best van, but ..........
stekas, 09/24/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently took delivery of a 2003 EX with the rear entertainment and agree with the critics that it is the best minivan available. It is hard to believe that others have not copied the disappearing rear seat. The vehicle has many annoying shortcomings though. Steering wheel controls are not lit at night.The steering wheel is not leather covered. The door locks are not automatic. No passenger power seat is availble. The car has no compass or outside thermometer.
Odyssey 2003: Value & Honda Reliability
JBSOD, 12/26/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our second Odyssey (our first was a 2000 LX) and we love it! We opted to sell our 2000 because we wanted the improved safety of the side airbags as well as some of the other features of the EX (power doors, remote entry, etc.). The 2003 has more pep and rides a bit more smoothly on rough road. More luxury car feel and handling...and all for $25,000! My wife drives 40 mi/day with three kids to work and babysitters...safety counts and this vehicle has it (5 stars in all categories).
SOSO VAN
Nokkie, 12/29/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its just a Honda thats it. Sliding door, transmission problems are some of the flaws.
Road Tripper
twman, 01/04/2003
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The van definitely drives like a van, but that is ok, because that is what it is. After you understand all of the do's and don'ts of when and why you are pushing the buttons this thing is really cool. Road noise is a lot more pronouced than say a Four door sedan. Moving people and cargo is the name of the game. We looked at all of the SUVs from 30 thou to 60 thou and NONE had the versitily that this van has. Enough said.
hondatastic!!!
mlmboulder, 01/24/2003
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm on my second one. Why would anyone own anything else?
Transmission Problems.....
Kelly A., 04/07/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think that I have always had a problem with this cars transmission, but it is completely gone at 116,000 miles. New tranny ect. $6600.00!!!!! I thought I would have this car forever, but now I will probably buy a Mazda or a Toyota).
Transmission Beware!
ALS, 10/22/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved this van! I do a lot of driving as a taxi mom of three children-135,000 miles to be exact. Then, I had three lights appear on the dash that indicated that the transmission was going out. I got a quote for $3500 from Honda and $2800 from a local transmission guy. The local guy told me that the month before I talked to him that he replaced more Honda transmissions than GM cars. Honda doesn't make the cars that they used to. Quite frankly, they don't care because they are selling plenty of vehicles. Please investigate this before making the same mistake that I did.
Good Minivan...but need more improvement
pdoalamo, 10/07/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the 2003 Ody EX-L. It was great to drive it with more horse power and big interior room. Reverse sensor is useless and dealer included into the MSRP. The sound is really annoying my children when dring backward. I have been driving a car for 10 years without reversed sensor and it is OK to me.
One of the Best Choice I have ever made
j.j., 01/02/2003
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is fun to drive, very stable, and good visibility, I have never driven a mini-van before but I found no problem driving this car. The only thing it is limited supplies and I wouldn't able to get the color that I wanted, but still, I give A+ for this vehicle.
Who wants to drive
Roger Linn, 01/08/2003
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I just recently went to look at the new Honda Odyssey. After 10 minutes I new it was going to be our next purchase and in less than and hour I was driving it home. We took it the next day to Oklahoma and no one wanted to help me drive they all wanted to watch videos. The drive and handling was as good as any sedan I've ever driven. The trip went by so quick.
Great Minivan
Mommmmmy, 10/15/2002
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this minivan. We were looking into the Ford Windstar as well. Both have great features, but the Odyssey has some extras and great resale value. If listing pros and cons, the Odyssey definitely wins.
I can't believe I own a Minivan
Joe7, 01/09/2003
2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rides great and very roomy!
expected more
mrbuick, 01/10/2003
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
left dealer lot and got on highway,van shakes at 60mph,so much for pre delivery inspection.seat heater marginal at best,radio controls in steering wheel and window switches on doors are not back lite at night.have to fumble around to use.also seat heater switches are in terrible location and do not cycle off with key each time used.acc power plug on front dash in terible location on floor.first time import car owner was told honda is #1,well i guess they still have a lot of homework to do on the odyessy. not worth the money for level of trim and features.
What problems?
Christina H., 12/04/2009
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since the time I purchased my van I've NEVER had a single problem! When the recall for the transmission's second gear came up I took it in for repair immediately and it's run perfectly ever since. No lights came on unexpectedly, doors worked fine every time; I've always kept up with oil changes and yearly tune-ups; only invested in new brakes at 95,000 mi. (which was to be expected because I have a tendency to brake hard.)