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2002 Honda Odyssey - EX-L
Submitted on 12/12/2007 4:48:47 PM -
2002 Honda Odyssey - EX
Submitted on 7/24/2005 10:22:15 AM- Summary
Pros: vanishing third seat
Cons: transmission failure
Advice: get a Toyota Sienna
We bought a 2002 Honda Odyssey in Sept of 2001 with a trailer package including a transmission cooler; however, we ended up never towing a trailer. One month ago, at about 55000 miles, the transmission failed and had to be replaced. The repair was performed at Benson Honda in San Antonio, Texas, where we had purchased the car. The car has a perfect maintenance record; in fact, every checkup has been performed at Benson Honda as recommended. The car has been used in regular day to day traffic as a family car and on occasional trips, nothing unusual, and nothing extreme. As mentioned above, we never towed a trailer. The replacement was covered by an extended warranty we had purchased from the dealer. However, we still lost $ 1175 which would have been reimbursed had we not used the warranty. The dealer purchased warranty was quite a pain. An insurance adjuster had to travel from Houston to San Antonio the following workday (it was a weekend) and the insurance would not cover overnight shipping, so the car was gone for a week. The dealer warranty on the new transmission is a paltry 12000 miles. Premature transmission failures seem to be quite common in the Odyssey and apparently due to a design flaw. Consumer Reports used car reviews now rate the 2002 Odyssey as “not recommended” partially due to poor transmission reliability. I am quite upset (to put it politely) that Honda does not step up to its responsibility and for a minimum offer an extended warranty for the grief they are causing the customer. This car was supposed to be the best and most reliable car we ever bought and we did a lot of research before we purchased the car. Ironically, it will probably the most unreliable car I ever bought (I never had a transmission failure at that mileage before). Klaus
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2002 Honda Odyssey - EX-L
Submitted on 2/9/2005 9:54:50 AM- Summary
Pros: Engine perfomance
Cons: Trans. problems and road noise
Advice: Do not buy one.
We purchased this vehicle new to haul around our 3 kids and their friends. After driving it for a short period of time we became aware of the extreme level of road noise that enters the cabin while on the highway. The transmission then failed around 30,000 miles and after some delay they replaced it with a rebuilt unit. The second transmission also exhibited some problems and was recalled for another inspection and the installation of an oiler for the bearings. We still had problems with the trans., but Honda said it was operatiing normally. It was recalled a 3rd time for a computer eng/trans update and we again complained about the transmission. After finding nothing at first the Honda dealer said all the motor mounts were broken. After a threat of a law suit they agreed to replace the mounts for free. We sold the van the next day and bought a Toyota Sienna which is far superior to the Honda. I would avoid all Honda Odysseys until they figure out how to repair their trans. problem. There is a secret recall/coverage on the trans. which fail approx. every 25,000-35,000 miles. The coverage is 7 years or 100,000 miles, but they dont want to make this public. I am writing the Federal Govt. requesting that they investigate Honda's handling of the trans. issue and push for a recall of all defective vehicles.
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2002 Honda Odyssey - EX-L
Submitted on 9/22/2003 11:16:19 AM- Summary
Pros: Engine
Cons: Seats!!!
Advice: Check the seats!
Nice van. My first van ever, and I am pleased with its overall performance envelope. Couple of items to note: Whoever designed the seats for this van should never,ever, be allowed to do so again.Horrible seats, flat, unsupportive and made for smaller people. Being 6'1' 190lbs, the headreasts do not come up high enough to protect my head, and they feel flimsy anyways, the seat bottom is way too short. Driving position is compromised by the angled steering wheel. All Odysseys have a steering wheel that is slightly angled to the right. Meaning the right side is closer to you than the left. Very annoying and unnecessary. Placement of some switches are dumb. The foglamp switch is blocked by the gear selector lever, the heated seat switches are far down on the bottom of the door panel. Window control, mirror,etc switches are not illuminated at night...dumb. Generally poor lighting inside. Sound system is indeed mediocre, especially considering price of this car. No excuse for this, they could have used a name brand system, with much better that the paper cone speakers.we have the DVD system, no difference in speakers, or quality. OEM tires ( Michelin Symmetry) are horrible. Very noisy and harsh. Extremely poor snow traction and downright scary in the rain. Traction control system only works below 20 mph. Good things: Engine- smooth and powerful, with about 20mpg mixed driving for us. Overall build quality Handling in the dry is pretty good for a van.
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2002 Honda Odyssey - EX-L
Submitted on 8/10/2003 7:50:17 PM- Summary
Pros: Sporty styling.
Cons: LEATHER
Advice: Don't buy the leather, DVD or the Navigator option! Just get the LX.
Simply the best mini even today. The five speed transmission is king for hwy cruising in level road. Very comfortable and solid from 70 to 100 MPH. The hills are okay, would be nice to just lock-out the 5th gear to reduce the hunt. Had to replace the transmission at 30,000 for free. Great service at Long Beach Honda. I would have like the previous year 4 speed automatic transmission with the 240 HP engine. The kids hate the hard leather and strongly desire cloth material replacement....don't buy the leather! The DVD option is a rip-off...don't buy it, get an after marker with a bigger screen. Other than that, this is the best mini van i've own so far.
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2002 Honda Odyssey - EX-L
Submitted on 6/6/2003 6:40:43 AM- Summary
Pros: Fold away rear seat
Cons: Option for powered passenger seat
Advice: Get all options you can get. You'll get your money back
I love the fact that Honda gave the Odyssey a lot of horse power, and it even the drives quietly. The other features are outstanding... climate control, DVD player, A/V jacks (in the rear for gaming), leather seats, remote control (for garage door), heated seats, fold down rear seats (greatest feature), and styling. There's other things I'm sure I'm leaving out, but I can assure you that for the money... the Odyssey is the best mini-van in this class.
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2002 Honda Odyssey - EX
Submitted on 10/26/2002 3:37:02 PM- Summary
Pros: Automatic doors
Cons: Transmission
Advice: Take for long test drive
I purchased a 2002 Odyssey EX in Dec '01 from Mobile. After my first long trip I noticed transmission problems. At speed of 45-46 mph overdrive would kick in early, causing excessive and uncomfortable vibrations. Occassionally, at slower speeds 25 - 35 mph and accelerating slowly, the transmission would seem to slip momentarily. After 2 unsuccessful attempts to pinpoint the problem at 2 different Honda dealerships and just told 'not to worry, you have plenty of warranty', I sold it. When I bought the vehicle I trusted I was buying quality. Instead, what I bought was a quality product with a slight mechanical problem and very poor customer service. I want to puchase another Honda in the future but have great reservations.
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Pros: Automatic slidding doors.
Cons: It is a minivan.
Advice: Get the leather seats it is totally worth it if you have young kids.
What can I say I have four kids, what else can carry them all and leave room for soccer gear! The car is extremely useful. My kids love the DVD player. Dropping kids off and picking them up is definitely easier than with my wife's Suburban. Acceleration does not compare to a sedan, but given the size of the car you still have enough power to pass slow pokes on the freeway.