used Honda Odyssey advice

I'm looking at the Odyssey as a personal and work vehicle... A friend has
one and you really can stuff a lot into it... including a sheet of
plywood... If it were the old days I would probably just get a chevy van...
But so far the Honda is on the top of my list... I've been warned about
some transmission issues... So, do you think the Odyssey is a good vehicle
and are there some I should avoid... thanks so much Joel

 

You should go to www.odyclub.com and brush up on the problems on the
odyssey. Look at the transmission problems, EGR problems, Catalytic
converter problems. It has far more problems than GM and Chrysler vans...

 

The several people I know who have them love them. Are you considering
new or used? Hopefully the transmission issues of recent years have
finally been sorted out at the factory.

The Toyota vans have earned a reputation for being quite solid as well.

Whatever you do, stay away from the GM minivans. I would buy a Kia
before any of the GM minivans.

John

 

You have got to be kidding about the GM vans. We owned two, both bought
new and serviced better than by the book. By 60k miles they were a
constant source of expensive repair requirements. Consumer Reports and
just about every other source likewise gives them horrible reviews for
good reason.



John

 

So when looking at used vans... should I avoid a certain year... ?

 

I'm not sure what the history of the auto transmission fixes are. As
someone else suggested, check out odyclub.com

Also look at the Toyota vans. They seem to have an excellent
reliability record.

John

 

Your last statement is bullshit and you know it. At least Honda extended
the warranty and/or issued recalls for transmission and EGR problems.
Chrysler vans still have a higher tranny failure rate, GM vans are stricken
with the notorious intake manifold gasket problem, and even Ford minivans
have had tranny issues. Neither big 3 company has admitted to those
problems.

The OP should look at least a 2002 Odyssey to get the 5-speed automatic. As
somebody else said, a Toyota Sienna is a good choice too.

 

Yes it's a good vehicle.

The ONLY ones to consider are the 2002 and up models. And 2002-2004, be
aware of the transmission recall and make sure it was done. And even
then.....well, I'd say buy one, but I wouldn't say to pay the typical
prices that the traditional Honda reputation brings to them--solely
because of the transmission issue.

 

I'd have said the same about Chrysler vans. From 98 - 06 I owned 3 Dodge
Caravans. Each needed a tranny at some point (one of them went through 2)
and the last one also ended up with a new engine. The 2 older ones got up
to around 150,000 miles. The last one just hit 90,000 when the engine
went (within a year of the tranny).

I'll never buy another Chrysler minivan again, and possibly not another
Chrysler vehicle...

 

I have a 99 which I bought about a year and a half ago. It runs very nicely
and the family loves it. I put some backup sensors on it as its bulkier
than our last car. They work good as long as you don't ignore them.

My only problem with the van so far is its fuel consumption. It averages
about 7 km / litre. or 17 mpg. The tank is 50 litres so we usually fill up
after 300 km.

 

I have a 01 Ody that just had its 4th tranny put in at 100,079
miles,cant keep the tires balanced, had the egr replaced,and more
problems than I can remember. Other than that, its a great van!