2003 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Excellent

Faults:

Front brakes needed to be replaced at 36,000 miles.

Rear brakes needed to be replaced at 62,000 miles.

1st set of tires lasted 31,000 miles.

2nd set of tires lasted 31,000 miles.

General Comments:

This has been a very reliable, comfortable car for us. I have the dealer change the oil every 3,000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule.

The transmission did go in for the recall, and they added an oil jet for the 2nd gear.

I did have an air bag reel replaced under warranty (making noise) and the dealer replaced the clock light and battery at 36,000 under warranty (they said the battery was getting weak, and they replaced it with a 100 month battery for no charge).

In 5 years of ownership, there have not been any unscheduled repairs with the exception of brakes and tires. Odysseys are hard on tires and the first set lasted about 31,000 miles (evenly worn), and the second set lasted another 31,000 miles (evenly worn). The front brakes were replaced at 36,000 miles and the rears were replaced at 62,000 miles.

Love the car and would definitely buy another Honda. It is comfortable, powerful, gets 25 mpg on the highway and about 16 in the city.

The car still looks new inside & out and is in excellent shape.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2008

2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L RES 3.5 V6 from North America

Summary:

The "ultimate family, kid, and dog friendly minivan"

Faults:

No problems at all with the van.

General Comments:

The van is extremely comfortable, reliable, safe, and excellent for first time mothers. It's excellent for the family, and even the dog. The kids will love it, too! I would strongly recommend buying one of these family vans.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2006

2003 Honda Odyssey LX from North America

Summary:

Outstanding value and performance

Faults:

Nothing so far. It has only been into the dealer for regular service (oil changes, etc.). The only exception was the check engine light came on once because the gas cap wasn't screwed in tight. It took the dealer a little while to clear the problem due to the fact that apparently the vehicle was made in Canada and the codes were slightly different. It didn't really matter since there wasn't a charge from the dealer.

General Comments:

I have nothing, but praise for this vehicle (other than the rather high purchase price). I had previously owned a Plymouth Voyager and it couldn't even begin to compare with the Odyssey.

We have over 70K miles on this vehicle, with many cross country trips. The transmission still shifts smooth and sure. No problem with alignment or drift either. The van has all the performance I need, even when heavily loaded (which it often is with 5 active people). The van has been regularly serviced, but far from babied. This is my 7th Honda and although I have been happy with all of them, the Odyssey is by far the best.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2006

2003 Honda Odyssey from North America

Summary:

Good but not great, would not get another Odyssey

Faults:

Returned vehicle for 45,000 mile service check. I had noticed in the past couple of weeks that the idle was not steady, fluctuating between 800 to 1100 rpm. In the past few days the shifting to fourth gear was delayed until 48 mph. I mentioned this to service and they found a wire that was broken at the p/s switch. This was repaired for $111.00 and not covered under any warranty including extended care. I plan to contact the manufacturer about this.

General Comments:

Generally pleased, a lot of wind noise at higher speeds.

Love the rear folding seat and cargo space when seat is upright.

Hoping to get 10 years/200,000 miles out of this vehicle.

Worried about the negative transmission comments, had a friend get one replaced on her 2000 at no charge at 80,000 miles, good P.R. Honda!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd December, 2005

2003 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Good from far, but far from good

Faults:

1). Groaning noise between 40-60Mph. This is the torque converter locking up too soon.

2). Window regulator needs replacing. The window shudders and if you hold the up button for more than 3 or 4 seconds after it closes, the window will not come down.

3).At idle, the engine revs on its own between 600-1800rpm. Awaiting regional manager to inspect.

4). Power steering pump is acting up. When you move the steering wheel slightly one way or the other, you can feel the pump pulsating.

5). steering wheel shaking at high speeds. The wheels need balancing. This issue occurred after the car went in for service and the dealer rotated the tires. They are supposed to check these things.

6). After driving at a specific speed for a number of miles, if you push on the gas, the revs do not increase until you push the accelerator down almost to the floor. Then it does two things. It either accelerates or the revs drop almost to zero and then comes back up.

7). Brake rotors are groaning and need replacing. They have over-heated going up and down all the hills in Austin. They have not warped, but the rotor metal properties have changed and stopping distance has increased.

General Comments:

This is our second Odyssey. First one was a 2000 EX with 30K miles on it. It was lemoned out in Texas due to the 16+ times we went in for power door issues among other items.

We have not had any door issues on this new one. Thank G-d. However, with these other issues that have cropped up, the new transmission recalls and the lack of attention the dealer and Honda are taking on this one, we are extremely upset.

If you are adamant about buying a Honda, wait for the 2005 model. Otherwise get a Toyota or Chrysler.

We were always Honda people, but I was so upset on how they handled the prior Odyssey and the current issues that I bought myself a Lexus instead of an Acura for my other car.

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

Review Date: 19th July, 2004

9th Dec 2005, 01:23

Has anyone heard about any recalls relating to the alignment for the 2003 Honda Odyssey EX?

Thank you.