2000 Honda Odyssey EX from North America

Summary:

Comfortable, spacious minivan with heavy maintenance needs!

Faults:

Rear window's wiper fell off at 5500 miles.

Left side power sliding door has been an ongoing problem since I bought it. It has been stuck open many times and would not respond when I used the button on the dash. On two occasions, the door would not fully close and I had to drive home that way. The service tech suggested that I was doing something wrong rather than acknowledge that the power sliding door is a problem for many owners.

Replaced keyless entry remote at 10.000 miles.

The right front door moulding was deformed and pulled out from behind the pillar. Replaced it at 18,000 miles. The weatherstripping around the back hatch slipped out around the same time and the service tech kept gluing it back in.

Transmission was replaced at 34,000 miles after I reported an intermittent noise and grabbing that occurred only in reverse.

CD Radio replaced at 34,000 miles after I reported an error that would occur when I inserted a CD. The player would skip repeatedly, but not get to the first track.

General Comments:

Since I don't know what's normal wear and tear for brakes, I didn't list the replacement of the front disk brake pads at 30,000 miles as a problem. The brakes did start squeaking at around 7500 miles, but the techs said this was normal.

I had to get a new set of tires earlier than I expected (at 38,000 miles). I purchased Michelin X-Radial Plus with an 80,000 mile warranty from a warehouse store rather than buying them through Honda.

I have followed the Severe Conditions maintenance schedule since purchasing my Odyssey brand new in October of 1999, even though I don't drive under severe conditions as defined in the manual. I keep accurate records so I am quite sure of the mileage figures that I have provided in this review. I am glad that the transmission and CD radio were replaced under warranty, but I purchased a 7-year/100,000 mile Honda Care extended warranty at 35,550 miles because it looks like I may need it.

I have kept this vehicle because it is a good people-mover and it has get-up-and-go. It is definitely NOT the vehicle for a person who is not willing to keep up with the maintenance. I would tell anyone who was buying a Honda Odyssey to purchase extended protection as well and to shop around when doing so. A lot of people don't realize that the price of these warranties is negotiable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th August, 2002

3rd Sep 2002, 00:52

I have a 2000 lx, with manual side doors and no cd, but I have gone through a set of tires and brakes tires 32k and front brake pads around 35k pads I expect, but even my new tires are wearing uneven with good good intervals of rotate and alignment. I might try higher pressure in the front. keeping the back brakes adjusted helps the life of the fronts and stopping quicker. Mike.

27th Jul 2004, 13:40

I've read a lot of reviews and the back side door problems seem to be the most requent. I've just been told be the dealer that I need new runners and rollers for excessive wear on an EX model, which shouldn't have improper wear since the car automatically opens them for you. - It has 60K on it and it is 5yrs old. Again, I don't view that as excessive wear- I view $650 to fix it as excessive.

21st Sep 2006, 08:47

I bought a 2004 Honda Odyssey new. After 40,000 miles, needs new tires. Otherwise, it has never been back to the dealer or in need of any repair.

7th Jun 2007, 22:56

I own a 2000 Odyssey, it has almost 70k miles on it and I had no problems. The only thing I noticed was the transmission clunks into gear in cold weather. Also the power slide doors become more of a annoyance than a convenience. I had them stop half way and get stuck open, but they would always close using the button on the dash. The van is large and roomy it can easily sit 6 and have a 7th person squeeze into the rear folding seat. It has a basic and quite bring trim level, just black and gray. Some wood grain or something would make it a lot nicer. But I gotta love the engine, it provides a lot of power and acceleration for a mini van. over all I would definitely recommend this van to anyone who is in the market.

2000 Honda Odyssey EX V^ from North America

Summary:

A practical people mover

Faults:

Transmission (1st gear) failed at 55,000 km, replaced under warranty.

Faulty electrical interconnects between power sliding doors and interior lights.

General Comments:

The fold-down rear seat and huge cargo space make this by far the most practical of the large "mini" vans.

Engine very powerful and reliable, handles well, turning radius tighter than many sedans.

Seats are barely adequate, Honda apparently doesn't realize the average North American driver is somewhat taller than the Japanese. Desire on the part of manufacturer to hold down price, limits availability of convenience features found in Windstar and Grand Caravan, e.g. power passenger seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2002