2001 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5

Summary:

I'd probably buy another Honda. I'd first look at the Toyota and compare; but in any event this has

Faults:

Very little -- covers on the 'A' pillars rattled going over bumps. The dealer fixed it with no hassle. Otherwise, no problems to date.

General Comments:

We’ve owned a Honda Odyssey for 3 years and 33,000 miles now. Overall, the vehicle is great:

Very utilitarian, reliable, decent power and ride.

This is the minivan that got me to buy a minivan.

Strong Points:

It’s been very reliable. Since new, it’s only been in the shop once – rattles on the trim inside covering the ‘A’ pillars which I believe is a common fault. The dealer fixed it with no hassle.

The car has good power at 210 HP. New for 2004 is a stronger engine (240 HP) and a 5 speed auto transmission.

The ride is good, and fuel economy is decent considering it’s large size and heft. It’s versatile as well … haul lots of folks in good comfort.

The folding 3rd row seat is something the others are just now copying.

Weak Points:

Drivers seat comfort! I’m just over 6 feet tall and 195 pounds. The driver’s seat is entirely too small and firm. The length of the seat needs to be extended at least 4 inches.

Honda has never figured out how to make a tilt steering wheel. You can pivot the entire steering column up and down a little, but I like the steering wheel vertical (straight up and down). I just can never get comfortable on long trips – I feel like I’m driving a bus sitting on a stool. Even my brother-in-law’s Ford Windstar is more comfortable than the Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2004

2001 Honda Odyssey EX

Summary:

This is a good buy

Faults:

After hitting a pothole, we had two tires replaced and the vehicle aligned. The vehicle does not stay aligned. Due to the alignment problem, the tires have worn unevenly and we have a tremendous amount of noise from the tires. We now have to replace all four tires.

Our check engine light came on at 41,000 miles. The traction control system light came on soon thereafter. The dealership recommended that we replace the valve that controls emissions. They also said the valves and ports needed to be cleaned. The estimate for the job was $573.00. We had the valve replaced. The ports did not have to be cleaned as they had sufficient air flow. After a couple hundred miles, the check engine light and the traction control system indicator light came back on. We have since learned that the ports for the valve has to be enlarged. We have been told this is a design flaw in this van.

General Comments:

I have been generally pleased with this van.

The gray interior is pleasantly bright.

Visibility is good.

The tilt steering is substandard.

The plastic pieces that cover the seat hooks in the floor can be very slippery when wet.

We are very concerned about the problems with the emission control valves and ports.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2003

13th Nov 2004, 15:00

I think that this mini van is one of the best vans I have ever used. I had the Ford Explorer Limited and then I sold it to get this van. It is way better.

14th Apr 2005, 11:40

We recently purchased a used 2001 Odyssey in February, 2005. Less than 2 months after purchase the transmission started slipping. My husband put it into reverse coming out of a parking space, it felt like the van was in neutral. Later the check system light came on along with the traction control light. It was determined at the Honda dealership it needed a new transmission. Transmission was replaced at under 70,000 miles. Honda's good-will warranty on the transmission covered all the cost. They also covered a rental car will our van was being fixed. In less than a month the new transmission on occasion will rev the motor over 3 rpm's changing to 2nd gear. I will be taking it back in to be rechecked soon.