2001 Honda Odyssey EX review from North America

Transmission slipping at 69,455 miles.

I own a 2001 Honda Odyssey which I bought new March01. It now has 69455 miles and I have never towed with it and all rout maint done as Honda recommended. The traction control light and engine light illuminated as well as slipping noticed with gear changes (engine rev with 2-3 sec delay with very hard gear change etc...). No problems with Van until now. I called my local Honda dealer and was told they wanted to evaluate my problem ASAP. At 1500 on a Friday I asked!? One I arrived my service rep had the mechanic check the codes by plugging in under driver side dash and then he stated the "code" is a definite match that tells us your transmission needs replaced now and also advised the warranty covers 7 year/100,00 miles for numerous such problems with accords, passports, and odysseys over the last few years. Within one hour I left the dealership with my wife and two young kids in a rental Nissan Pathfinder. The repairs and rental car at no cost to me and my van should be ready by Tuesday (that's four days to completion!!!). This is my second Honda purchase since 1988. My first Honda (87 Civic) lasted ten years and 192,000 miles with no problems and now Honda has just satisfied me with seamless customer care and honoring their commitment back (warranty coverage with no cost). The new transmission will have a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty to start at delivery date 09May06. I believe that would be a total of 8 years/105,455 mile complete transmission coverage AT NO COST TO ME-THE CUSTOMER! I have to admit that I am concerned the transmission will leave us stranded in the future based on all the horror stories that I've read online. Being in the military and away from home alot and the possibility of my wife and kids being stranded with no family support has me considering trading the van for a new 2007 Odyssey which I trust Honda has "worked the kinks" out of. I'll stay committed to Honda as long as they keep their end of the bargain (honoring their warranty commitment with excellent customer care). I will keep up with comments posted and re-post to answer any questions regarding my story. Semper FI.