Honda Odyssey 1999-2003 used car review
The Honda Odyssey offers room for seven people without being large and van-like to drive.
The Honda Odyssey offers room for seven people without being large and van-like to drive. It is thirsty for fuel and repairs are likely to be frequent.
The second generation Honda Odyssey continued the work of the first, as it offered an alternative to large, boxy minivans. It seats either six or seven people in three rows, the third of which can fold flat into the floor. There are two types of Odyssey, an 'international' version sold here and in Japan as the Odyssey and a larger American version which made it to Japan - and then to NZ - as the LaGreat.
Inside and out
Although still a large vehicle, the Honda Odyssey looks a little lower and less bulky than other people movers. The front bonnet section is short and steeply raked up into the windscreen. The headlights are larger and dip down into the front bumper on this generation. The side doors are conventional - the rear door does not slide. The back features a small spoiler and a handy mirror that sticks out to help when you park.
Inside, the dashboard is tall and brings the gauges, stereo and transmission close to the driver. The instruments are white on a black background and a handy graphic helps in working out which doors are open. Our review vehicle features a touchscreen infotainment system that will require a band expander to receive local stations. The climate control and the transmission shifter are on the lower dash. There is loads of storage, including two glove boxes and a sliding tub between the front seats.
The front seats are big, soft and comfortable. The driver’s is electrically adjustable. They are covered in a plush-feeling grey fabric. Three adults will easily fit in the second row, and the seat can slide back and forward to vary the amount of legroom. The third row seats two and is comfortable for adults. This row can also stow flat on the floor.
With all seven seats in place, the boot is relatively small, although you can also use the space the seats store into under the floor. Two medium and two small cases should fit. When the third row is folded, the available space is vast and six large cases can be carried. The second row can also be folded if you have large items to carry. So much space is available in this configuration that the Odyssey is popular for freedom camper conversion.
On the road
Two engines are available in this generation Odyssey. The most common is a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Less common is the 3-litre six-cylinder petrol in our review car - it produces 154kW and 270Nm and is paired with a five-speed automatic that can be shifted manually. This engine does a great job - it feels smooth and plenty of power is available. The transmission is smart and smooth with its shifts. Together, both feel very refined.
We are also impressed by how well the car handles. The ride is a little firm for this kind of car - this is an “Absolute” model which features sports suspension – but it’s not uncomfortable. The steering is responsive and the brakes are excellent. There is a lot of tyre noise.
Forward visibility in the Odyssey is excellent, but it’s poor to the rear. Reversing cameras were an option and are relatively common on used import Odysseys. We think they are a must-have for this car. You can buy one to fit yourself from $50 or have a professional do it from $200.
The Odyssey has a very poor tow rating. With either engine it can pull just 400kg unbraked (a small garden trailer) or 720kg braked (a medium garden trailer).
Safety
No Used Car, or ANCAP safety rating is available for this generation Odyssey. Our review vehicle features driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard.
The rear seats have ISOFIX child seat mountings, along with tether mounts, for the window seat positions in the second row. All seats provide full shoulder-style seat belts, except the centre position in the second row. This has a lap-only belt which offers less protection than a proper shoulder belt.
Reliability
The Honda Odyssey is now a little unreliable. Age and poor maintenance on some mean they should be carefully inspected before buying. The six-cylinder engine uses a cambelt which will require regular replacement. Ensure this is up to date on any car you consider.
Oil leaks can occur from the rocker covers, so look behind the engine for signs of this. Replacing the seals will cost a few hundred dollars.
The transmissions on higher mileage cars, over 100,000km, could suffer from problems - or could even be close to failure. A poor five-speed will flair or rev between shifts. Avoid any vehicles showing those signs as the only cost-effective repair is a replacement transmission at $2,500.
Ensure the locks all work from the central master switch, and that the windows open and close smoothly and silently.A common dashboard warning light to be wary of is the ABS master lamp. It usually indicates the failure of the ABS pump. You might also hear the pump constantly running.
This can be expensive to repair so avoid cars with the issue. Similarly, if the Airbag “SRS” light stays on, find another car - repairs to this system are expensive and difficult.
Other typical issues for older models like our car include failure of the tailgate gas struts holding the door up - although this is cheap to repair - air-conditioning compressor failure, discolouration of headlamps and broken seat folding mechanisms.
Cost of ownership
Honda recommends servicing the Odyssey every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. A Honda dealer quoted us $320 for that service, with a larger service, including the transmission fluid, required on a variable schedule. The cambelt needs to be changed every 100,000km, at a cost of up to $1,200.
The Odyssey’s large engine likes to drink fuel. RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year it will cost $3,220 to fuel. At $2 a litre, the 65-litre tank will cost $130 to fill and should take you 520km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Odyssey is $99.02 a year, with the car in the second cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for an Odyssey valued at $5,210 will cost $41.31* per month. This is less than its key competitors: the Mazda MPV and Toyota Estima.
Buyers’ guide
This generation Odyssey is available on Trade Me from just over $3,000 to $9,000. Low-mileage, clean cars are worth the most and the thirsty six-cylinder models appear harder to sell.
New Zealand-new
- 2.3i - Powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine. Features seats for six, steel wheels, climate control air-conditioning, CD or cassette player stereo systems, and electric windows.
- 3.0i - Powered by a 3-litre six-cylinder engine. Features seats for six, alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, CD or cassette player stereo systems, and electric windows. Leather interior optional.
Japanese import
- S, M - Powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine. Feature seats for seven, steel wheels, climate control air-conditioning, CD or cassette player stereo systems, and electric windows.
- VG - Adds premium fabric interior and wood trim.
- L - Adds full leather interior.
- Absolute - Powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder or 3-litre six-cylinder engine. Features seats for six. Adds premium fabric or leather interior, manual shifting for the transmission, body kit, fog lights, sports suspension, rear spoiler and alloy wheels.
- VZ - Powered by a 3-litre six-cylinder engine. Adds power front seats, chrome running strips, second-row reading lights and unique alloy wheels.
Timeline
- 1999 Launched in Japan and New Zealand
- 2002 Receives a minor cosmetic update
- 2003 Replaced by new model
Details
2001 Honda Odyssey Absolute
$4,500 to $9,500 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
3-litre six-cylinder, 154kW/270Nm (claimed)
five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
15,000km or 12 months
Space saver
11.5-litres per 100km (claimed)
Ragular
4770mm
1795mm
1630mm
400kg (unbraked), 720kg (braked) - unofficial
11.5m
This review covers the Honda Odyssey for model years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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