Used 2003 Honda Odyssey Consumer Reviews
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Who wants to drive
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
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.
- EX-L Passenger Minivan w/EntertainmentMSRP: $9,49986 mi away
- EX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $9,300260 mi away
- EX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $6,495326 mi away
I can't believe I own a Minivan
Rides great and very roomy!
expected more
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?
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.)
Engine & Road Noise and Vibration
Odyssey has powerful engine. But the engine and road noise is unacceptable. When I bought this LX model, it even came with the poor tires, Bridgestone. When drived above 70mph, the steering wheel is vibrating. I took it to the dealer, and they cannot feel anything wrong. The vehicle is also vibrating while cold start while the speed is lower to 1000rpm, it is not normal. The brake also produced noise while cold start. The noise level is high and make me embarrassed. Borrowed a 03 Dodge minivan from my friend and test drive, I was really suprised the low noise level inside. This Dodge minivan is not high end and even less features than Odyssey.
DON'T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!!!!!
BEST MINIVAN ON THE MARKET
hondatastic!!!
I'm on my second one. Why would anyone own anything else?
Good value. But not for the price.
The van is nice and reliable. I have no problems to talk about. Only two minor issues to report, like occational flashing dashboard lights, and tickleing left strut mount wich I hope to resolve on my next service visit. The only thing I can't forguive Honda is for cutting the wrong corners. Like lighted door switches and garage door opener. Trying to find those swiches and buttons at night is a real challenge.
2003 Honda Odyssey transmission
Purchased used Honda certified Gold from dealership in Feb 2007. In June 2008, noticed that the van seemed to hesitate when I hit the gas. Took it to local repair shop and computer said transmission problems. Sent to dealership. Tech said tranny fluid was old and flushed twice and got no codes. They drove it and said it was better. Took it home and the next day it did the same thing. Felt like not catching between 2nd and 3rd gears. Made an appt to take it back in. Later that day, had major problems getting up a highway hill. Major revving and burning smell. Dashboard totally lit up. Transmission needs replaced. Fortunately warranty runs out in Oct 08. Why on a 5 year 100,000km.
Still kickin' at 127k
Overall this van has been pretty good to us. We bought it new and had the transmission recall done immediately within a few months of buying I think. I have had the tranny fluid changed every 15k and flushed every 30k and never had a problem with it. The 3 stupid motor mounts needed to be replaced though at 90k covered under our 100k warranty thankfully. That seemed like a strange part to wear out. Rear main seal was leaking oil and just replaced at 120k. Engine has been bullet proof with just a timing belt/water pump service at 105k. We have been very satisfied with this vehicle.
Typical Honda
Everything works well. All controls are in the right place. You do not even have to read the owner's manual except to find the spare tire.
They're better out there (Chrysler)
The Honda is totally outclassed in luxury, road noise, smooth ride. The Chrysler is much better is these regards. Honda's interior is plain stark compared to it's competition. Features that Honda has going for it are a 5 speed tranny and the fold-away third seat. But I'd rather have a full sized spare, personally. Chrysler stands behind their powertrain. Honda does not (3-36 is the worst in the industry). Sorry Honda, the Chrysler wins big time here. I've owned 4 minivans and I can't sacrifice plain interiors and lousy ride for a supposed reliability advantage that Honda themselves won't back up.
Quality
My husband bought this van for me on our anniversary and I love it. So does my 2 year old. Especially the entertainment system. Honda is willing to deal and you'll get all the bells and whistles if your willing to negotiate with them. Buy online through this website. It's the way to go. I really love this van and I don't have anything negative to say about it. It's a quality vehicle.
The Odyssey is Great
This Odyssey is the best built vehicle we've ever had. It's better put together than our Camry or Corolla (and they were both excellent), and lightyears ahead of any American vehicle we've owned.
Minivan of Choice
I have only owned this van for a little more than a month, and so far, it has been perfect in every way. My only complaint is that it goes through a 20 gallon tank of gas pretty quick. Not as good MPG as boosted, but heck, I am still breaking it in also. Seating for seven is very comforatable, easy to drive and great to look at.
Best vehicle I ever owned
My wife and I just purchased this wonderful vehicle in anticipation of our new child. We currently have a 3 year old. We had to look around for someone who would negotiate with us and we found one ($2000 less than MSRP, with mud guards). We almost gave up and purchased a Toyota Sienna. Since I purchased this vehicle, I find myself wanting to drive longer distances.
Odyssey should have been more
It all began with broken motor mounts at 90,000. Never heard of this. Transmission failed at 127,000 miles several months ago. Honda recommended a $4000 replacement of sealed transmission. Found someone who did the work for a lot less. It runs fine now. I was hoping to get 200,000 miles but I have my doubts that this car will last another 3 years. Seats are very uncomfortable for long drives. I always thought Hondas were the best but I have my doubts about them now.
I love everything about the Odyssey 2003
This is my first car and it is intend to family usage. Before my wife and I decided to purchase the Odyssey we have been asking, researching, and do many home works and we'd finally choose Honda Odyssey. We are fully satisfy with this vehical. We are loving it. In addition, we will recommened to friend and family.
Great but not perfect
This van puts both our 95 & 98 Grand Caravans to shame. The seat heaters should turn off with key. Interior noise is only major complaint. This car should be much quieter. Have 3 kids, so a split folding rear seat would be appreciated (Like upcoming 04 Sienna). Plenty of power and cornering ability. At this price, full roof rack, fog lamps, auto headlamps, power antenna, hood struts, should be standard. Would buy another one.
Drive Left Only
Although my wife and I love the Honda (the DVD with wireless headphones let us can talk while the kids watch) the Odyssey has a serious alignment problem and pulls hard left at highway speed. Cannot be attributed to "road crown", wide tires, or other potential causes. In for service twice for over five days and the Honda dealership Operations Manager is not satisfied with the results. This is a design flaw and cannot be fixed unless taken out of manufacturer's specifications, which would cause extreme tire wear. If your dead set on buying an Odyssey, drive the actual vehichle you're buying (not a demo) on the highway, and let go of the steering wheel.
Great Car!!
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!
Great Minivan....but, needs better MPG
I surpised my wife with the EX-L w/ DVD for our 6th anniversary. She loves it. It's fun to drive, great acceleration, roomy, fits in my garage, and the kids are SILENT when the DVD is playing in the back. We love it! One suggestion...the city mpg is horrible. I wouldn't think she'd have to fill the tank once a week, but she does.
Excellent buy
Top Minivan for reliability and performance
Van with a Car's soul
I got rid of my 4Runner, due to a baby we had and wanted a nice ride, but I was not willing to buy a van. We took a trip to Nashville from Atlanta, and I fell in love with the Odyssey. The next wee I went and got one. This is not your typical mother's van. This baby can move and hadle like a coupe. It has plenty of juice and the features are execelent. Yes, my friends do make fun of me because I am only 26, but then again, this the our choice of transportation for trips out of town. You can go 95 and not know it, it is soooo smooth.
Honda At It's Best!
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!
elaines review
ilove this car its the best ever resll big and spacey 2
This van had 2 recalls.
Has any one had tranny problems after the recall was done ? They added a oil cooler line to 2nd gear, Honda told me this stopped the transmission problem, I have my doubts.
knock on wood- no problems here.
I bought this van new in '03. It now has 85k miles. After reading about the transmission problems that others are having I feel pretty lucky. i haven't had any big issues with mine. Just this past week the passenger power window motor broke $200 repair. The sliding doors act up sometimes, but it usually happens when children & adults are pushing the auto open buttons and door handles/locks at the same time. The only other issue I've had is the radio controls on the steering wheel. I can't lower the volume-when I hit the button the radio gets louder. I also don't like the seek/scan that they have on the wheel. It only scrolls thru your pre-set stations rather than all the stations.
We just love it.
I like the way this vehicle handles.The ride has been excellent. The room inside excellent.With the rear seat down it has more room than any of the five SUV we had in the past.
#1 MINIVAN
Plain & simple it's the best minivan in the market!!!
oddossey rave
This may be the best automobile I have ever owned.
Honest evaluation 2003 Honda Odyssey
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.
Very nice Van
I like it a lot
New finding...
Well, made a deal for a new EX-L just 7 hrs ago. It was a great buying experience. I got a great salesman and reasonably good deal. I picked this Honda under 27,500 (including destination) - though we had to spend over 5 hours at the dealership. I wanted to share a feature which I wanst aware of and I dont see mentioned in either editor's or anybody's review. During the features round-up just before car-review - the salesman showed how the third row seat can be turned 180 degrees to convert into outside facing seat for tail-gate party. Since I have a three year old - this would be a great feature at rest-stops during long freeway drives.
Its a great family van
The odyssey is a real quality vehicle that affords all the options you can imagine.
Family Plus-Bus
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.
Awesome Van
Had this van for several weeks and really love it!! The DVD system is wonderful to keep kids entertained and the wireless headphones are great for them to listen to a movie while you are listening to the radio or a CD up front. We owned a Plymouth Grand Voyager and what a piece of junk!!! One problem after another. This is the 3rd Honda we have owned and so far we have never been disappointed. Decided to get rid of the Plymouth and return back to a Honda for dependability.
I love it
My family & I love this vehicle and we never regret what we pay for.
Not what I expected
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.
honda beliver
we have always loved honda and last year almost went with the toyota glad we didn't after driving the ultimate in mini vans the ride is so so smooth and the power under the hood can't be matched. the auto doors are a must with young children. the latch and tethers are easy to use and in convenient locations. the folding rear set is such a help with moving things. the spare tire is in a great place behind the driver leaving the deep space for the 3rd seat.
The Premier Minivan
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.
Great Van
It is a great van so far. But it is too early to tell the reliability of the van.
Solid as a rock
I love this van, the only annoying thing about it is when driving on some back country roads that are rough and gravelry w/potholes the ride gets a just a "little" bone jarring. But I think that is the same for all the other vans out there too.I needed to get around a tractor with 2 cars behind it on a 2-way single lane and the van just rocketed by. One guy we shot by just dropped his jaw and the movement from his lips said "Damn, a minivan?" I had floored it from 30mph to 65mph in no time. Cut hard right back in front of the tractor due to oncoming cars in the opposite lane with little body roll.
Learning the hard way
Our transmission died at 26,000 miles. We were also told that we would not be provided a loaner or rental car because that is not HONDA policy. It was over two weeks before we got our van back because transmissions are back ordered. Honda has extended over 1.2 million transmission warranties in the past couple of years. Why don't they just recall the transmissions? Oh yeah, then edmunds would not keep them as an editors choice.
Honda Odyssey Review
Van has excellent workmanship and a powerful extremely quite engine. It has been reliable and has a lot of interior room expecially with the 3rd seat folded into the floor.
great van
Just switched from a 2001 MVP which was had very poor performance from the engine and horrible gas millage. The controls in the Honda have a much more substantial feel. The well controlled solid ride, excellent handling and interior features are second to none.
Listen Up
Yeah, it is true. You canlt negotiate on thes much. You probably pay an extra 1-2k that a comparable solution. BUT, with a 53% depreciation value after 5 years (Money Magazine 2003), ths van should be worth around 16- 17,000 after 5 years. Look at resales of american minis and you won;t have a problem paying a few bucks up front. Plus, it is safe, tight, fast as hell, and awesome to drive.
Nice van
Best van That I have ever owned all a great package good price. Good get up and go horse power nice v6
Best minivan on the market
This vehicle accomplished many goals .It is proven to be one the out of 3 minivans one out the safest. From all the minivans it is the most realiable