2001 Honda Odyssey EX from North America

Summary:

Overrated van, nothing special

Faults:

Loved this van until the transmission went at 20,000.

General Comments:

No problems with the dealer as to a no cost replacement under the existing warranty, but I'm asking HONDA to provide me with the 3/36 warranty for the re-manufactured one they put in, and that they mention in their brochure for re-manufactured transmissions. They were arrogant on the first call, saying that's only for those who "pay" for a replacement, and since mine is being replaced under warranty, I haven't paid for it. Excuse me! I certainly did pay for it.

I'm planning to continue the battle, and bring attention to this with our state's attorney general office. Consumer Reports survey arrived today, and I'm letting them know about the problem. Noted last month's Consumer Reports magazine has the reliability rating of the Odyssey in decline from past reviews. Transmission problems are no doubt one cause. If all these minivans have trans problems, it makes no sense to pay market or above market prices for an Odyssey when you can get an alternative (i.e.: Windstar) easily for invoice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st June, 2002

22nd Jun 2002, 02:30

Well one bad experience cannot make you say that this van is nothing special. This is the best mini-van on the market and that is why people pay more than all the rest. The Odyssey is better than all the domestic vans and the import ones as well, that's why the high price. No I may be biased because I own one, but the fact is, when comparing mini-vans, the Odyssey wins in every category. Most powerful, very roomy, many options... I own a Canadian version, but could still sell it in the U.S. for much more than what I payed for it. These vans are popular for a reason and one bad experience and a lousy dealership should not make you feel this van is over-rated.

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2001 Honda Odyssey EX from North America

Summary:

Disappointed, Honda rushed to build them when supply didn't meet demand

Faults:

Passenger side automatic door alarm has been repaired 3 times and still won't shut off.

General Comments:

Cheap hardware is my biggest complaint. I have had several hardware failures like headrest clips & seat latch release. The power sliding doors are a parents biggest fear. They don't always reverse, the remote control is to sensitive and the alarm problem is driving me crazy. The shift colum blocks the radio. The driver side power seat controls have a mind of their own. The back of my thigh often rest on the controls when exiting the van causing the seat to adjust. Honda should consider using real people when designing this stuff. If your over 6ft watch your head on the rear hatch. Wind noise makes for a loud ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th May, 2002

2001 Honda Odyssey EX from North America

Summary:

Junk

Faults:

Worst vehicle ever to grace my garage. I can't begin to tell you the horror story. It has been back to the dealer for rotors (twice), stalling, door will not close completely, wind noise, lights flickering in dash, gasoline leak. I will never buy another from this company.

General Comments:

Honda dealer's arrogance and misleading delivery claims. Also, production facilities limit output and prices are higher than necessary.

Weak rear suspension - tends to sit really low to the ground with minimal load (2 children in the rear seat 100-150 lbs.); loud ride on the freeway; oil dipstick hard to read; cheap plastic (fluid) caps in engine compartment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th February, 2002

17th Jun 2003, 17:24

In response to your comment regarding the Honda Odyssey... I have owned an Odyssey now for over a year and have never had a problem with it. I waited for mine, as did most people at that time, but the Honda line is as close to perfect as any manufacturer can get. Look at it this way... if every car that was made was perfect, would car dealerships have service departments? I have owned Honda in the past and have literally driven them into the ground. (I have yet to see a Ford with over 150K miles on it, sill running!). I think you should reconsider Honda. It truly is a great automobile.

8th Jan 2006, 01:21

I agree with the second person's comments. Probably any auto manufacturer can make the occasional "lemon" and it's a shame when that happens, but I have a 1999 Accord and a 2001 Oddy and they both run extremely well, with almost no problems in a combined 11 years of driving. My dealer has been excellent in every respect - again, if you have a bad local dealer that's a shame, but complain to head office about that. Honda makes great cars, and every Honda owner I've ever talked to is happy with their vehicle. Now, Dodge or Ford owners - that's a different story!