23rd Nov 2006, 08:45
To the above comment. It might be true that Windstar or Caravan have the most transmissions replaced. However, there are far-far more of these on the road than Odyssey. You really need to know the percentage of transmissions repaired to make a valid comparison.
23rd Nov 2006, 11:14
Looks like you lose with Honda, Dodge, Ford, and GM when it comes to minivan transmission. I think Toyota is the only one here with a bulletproof design.
23rd Feb 2007, 00:06
I have been very disappointed with the reliability of my Honda Odyssey. The brand is considered highly reputable and has a price premium (and supposedly a resale value) to match - but my experience with the Odyssey has been one of repeated mechanical break downs and poor performance.
Particular problems have been with the sliding doors which have required replacement latches/contacts and still do not lock properly. The alarm on the vehicle goes off for no reason every few nights. The transmission has worn out and needs replacement. Perhaps most irritating have been the other minor repairs that have been required, for example a problem with the rear door latch that required a complete replacement part at $250.
These are the sorts of problems I would expect on cheap brands at high mileage - not on an expensive brand with a reputation for reliability. I will not consider buying another Honda - the reputation is not backed up by performance.
14th Jan 2008, 21:40
I purchased a 2000 Honda Odyssey (100k miles) 3 years ago, and it began having problems with the sliding doors, and not to mention, it needs a new transmission. I had never been more disappointed with a Honda in the past, but this will be the last Honda I will purchase!!!
12th Feb 2008, 14:16
Nothing wrong with the convenience of a minivan, I say.
Google Answers did a nice comparison of the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Worth looking at, if you ever want to reconsider minivan bias:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=787136
See you on the road!
Dave.
22nd Nov 2006, 13:13
If you ask most transmission shops what kind of transmissions they install the most on any minivan they will say either a Ford Windstar or Dodge Caravan. Though any transmission can last a long time with great care, I believe it a shame that they had these transmission problems with the Odyssey. Take in mind that a lot of cars need the Catalytic Converters replaced around this time. That is the reason for the warranty for them till 80,000 miles.