1999-2004 Honda Odyssey: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Entry/exit
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration
Cons
- Navigation-system controls
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Honda's minivan was redesigned for 1999, gaining size and power. Previous Odysseys had been shared with Isuzu, but the new model was strictly a Honda. Using a basic platform shared with the Accord sedan and Acura's TL, Odyssey now matched the Ford Windstar as the longest front-drive minivan, though its wheelbase was nearly 3 inches shorter than Ford's. LX and EX models went on sale, both with dual sliding side doors. On the EX, both doors were power-operated. Sole engine was a new 3.5-liter overhead-cam V6. Rated at 210 horsepower, it was the most potent engine offered in a minivan. A 4-speed automatic transmission and antilock brakes were standard. The EX version added traction control. Seven-passenger seating was standard. The removable middle-row buckets could slide together to form a bench seat. As in the previous model, a third-row bench folded away into the floor.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Honda Odyssey LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 10 | |
| Value within Class | 9 | |
| Total Score: | 65 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Honda Odyssey:
Honda offered a class-exclusive accessory for 2000: a satellite-linked onboard navigation system, optional only on the upscale EX minivan. Similar to the one available in the TL sedan from Acura, Honda's luxury division, the navigation system used an in-dash touch screen to display a map or point-to-point driving directions. The latter could also be provided as audio prompts. Otherwise, little changed for 2000.
2001 Honda Odyssey:
New standard features on both the LX and EX for 2001 included an intermittent rear wiper, floor mats, new front stereo speakers, and child-seat anchors/tethers in the second and third rows. The LX minivan also gained a manual driver's seat height adjuster, as well as the traction control system that was already standard on the EX edition. In the EX, a security system was now integrated with the standard remote keyless locking. The navigation system available in the EX used DVD mapping.
2002 Honda Odyssey:
Odyssey's 3.5-liter V6 engine gained 30 hp and replaced its 4-speed automatictransmission with a 5-speed for 2002. Minor cosmetic changes, retuned suspension, and standard rear disc brakes vs. drums also were new. Front side airbags joined standard ABS and traction control. Newly optional were leather upholstery and a DVD rear-seat entertainment system.
2003 Honda Odyssey:
Changes included an auto up/down driver-side window, plus new-style keys that Honda says are harder to duplicate.
2004 Honda Odyssey:
No major changes were made to the Odyssey in 2004.
Our road test for the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Honda's competent minivan has a lot to offer. Standing-start acceleration is spirited. Passing maneuvers are aided by a transmission that generally shifts promptly and smoothly--if a bit slow to downshift at full throttle from low and midrange speeds. A test EX reached 60 mph in a bit over 9 seconds. Only Toyota's Sienna offers a more refined powertrain. The new engine is smooth and quiet. Premium fuel is recommended, but Honda has said it will run on regular with only a slight power loss. An absorbent but taut ride is coupled with alert, confident handling that's at or near the top of the minivan class, resulting in excellent road manners. Steering has good feel but is slightly heavy at low speeds, lightening up quickly and feeling very communicative. Even at highway speeds, little engine, road, or wind noise intrudes. Braking is strong and stable. Drivers enjoy a comfortable, commanding position. Other seating positions enjoy plenty of head room. Middle seats offer enough leg space for average adults, but rear seats are most appropriate for children, who will have an easier time climbing into the back. A versatile seating arrangement allows for numerous combinations of people and cargo. The fold-away rear seat is especially handy. Easy front and second-row access is provided, via low step-in and large doorways. Gauges and controls are well-placed. A headrest for every seating position leaves few clear sight lines to sides and rear, but most minivans have a similar setup. The "space-saver" spare tire is housed in a covered well, ahead of the middle-row seats. If one of the full-size tires goes flat, it will have to be transported in the rear cargo area.
Value for the Money
When Honda finally broke into the minivan mainstream, sales took off in a hurry. A solid value, it's roomy, refined, and performs well. Odysseys ranked as virtual bargains when new, but resale values are on the high side.
When Honda finally broke into the minivan mainstream, sales took off in a hurry. A solid value, it's roomy, refined, and performs well. Odysseys ranked as virtual bargains when new, but resale values are on the high side.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Honda Odyssey LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 10 | |
| Value within Class | 9 | |
| Total Score: | 65 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Odyssey includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Odyssey .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
Automatic transmission problems prompted to company to extend warranty coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2000-03)
Check-engine light:
"Check EngineÓ light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (1999-03)
Doors:
A replacement fuel-door clip may be required if the left sliding door will not stay locked. (1999)
Doors:
If the junction switch in the B-pillar is not properly grounded, the sliding door alarm may sound when driving on rough roads. (1999-00)
Engine misfire:
The EGR port in the intake manifold clogs requiring installation of a revised PCV hose and manifold end cap. (1999)
Engine noise:
Knocking noise from engine, which may mimic main bearing knock, is caused by a weak serpentine belt tensioner. (1999-2000)
Oil leak:
Oil leaks from multiple locations including bolt holes on V6 engines. (1999-2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $775 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,305 |
| Brakes | $745 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,290 |
| Exhaust System | $775 |
| Radiator | $700 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,555 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $710 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda Odyssey details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Odyssey EX | $12,300-14,000 | $11,100-12,600 | $7,000-8,000 |
| Odyssey LX | $11,000-12,000 | $9,900-10,800 | $5,900-6,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| Odyssey EX | $10,100-11,300 | $9,100-10,200 | $5,300-5,900 |
| Odyssey LX | $9,000-10,000 | $8,100-9,000 | $4,700-5,200 |
| 2002 | |||
| Odyssey EX | $8,400-9,300 | $7,600-8,400 | $4,400-4,800 |
| Odyssey LX | $7,500-8,500 | $6,800-7,700 | $3,800-4,300 |
| 2001 | |||
| Odyssey EX | $7,000-7,800 | $6,200-6,900 | $3,300-3,700 |
| Odyssey LX | $6,300-7,200 | $5,500-6,300 | $2,800-3,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Odyssey EX | $6,100-6,900 | $5,300-6,000 | $2,600-3,000 |
| Odyssey LX | $5,400-6,200 | $4,600-5,300 | $2,200-2,500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Odyssey EX | $5,200-5,900 | $4,400-5,000 | $2,100-2,400 |
| Odyssey LX | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Odyssey include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 118.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 201.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4233 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 146.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Odysseys had the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 210 horsepower, driving a four-speed automatic transmission. Odyssey's 3.5-liter V6 engine gained 30 hp and replaced its 4-speed automatic transmission with a 5-speed in 2002.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 212 | 210-240 | 229-242 | 4-speed automatic: 18/25 5-speed automatic: 18/25 |
4-speed automatic: 18.6 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Odyssey include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Odyssey |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999 EX:
Excessive grease in remote power-lock actuator could cause slow return of lever to proper latching position, preventing sliding door from latching.
1999:
On certain LX and EX models, in cold, wet weather, ice can form in throttle body, preventing return to idle position even though driver's foot is no longer on accelerator pedal.
1999:
On certain LX and EX models, sliding doors could open unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion.
1999:
Worn ignition switch may cause interlock to fail, allowing key to be removed without shifting into "Park."
1999-00:
Dimmer control for instrument panel lights on certain minivans can fail.
1999-00:
Sliding doors on some minivans may not latch properly because latches were not correctly riveted.
1999-00:
Wire harness in engine compartment could be damaged by contact with metal pipe, possibly resulting in blown fuse; if fuse blows, engine power, or operation of any or all electrical components (including lights, wipers, horn, and antilock function of brakes) can be lost.
2000-04:
Heat may build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft of the automatic transmission, resulting in gear failure. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002 w/V6 engine:
Engine will stall if timing belt breaks due to a misaligned tensioner pulley on the water pump.
2002-04:
Heat build-up in automatic transmission may eventually lead to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage, resulting in transmission lockup.
2003:
Some fuel tanks have imperfections that could allow leaking. Dealer will inspect and replace affected fuel tanks.
2004:
Fuel pump may fail due to corrosion, causing engine to stall without warning.
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