Minivan; Built in Canada
  • 4-door van
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $2,700 – $8,400*


2000 Honda Odyssey EX


2000 Honda Odyssey LX


1999 Honda Odyssey interior


2001 Honda Odyssey LX


1999 Honda Odyssey EX

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Entry/exit
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Navigation-system controls
  • Rear visibility

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.

Overview

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.

Yearly Updates

2000 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 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 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 Odyssey
Changes included an auto up/down driver-side window, plus new-style keys that Honda says are harder to duplicate.
2004 Odyssey
No major changes were made to the Odyssey in 2004.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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.

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/212
Engine HP 210-240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 229-242
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
18/25
18/25
18.6

Road Test

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.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Honda Odyssey LX

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 5
50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 8
80%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 9
90%

Total: 65

Specifications

4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
118.1 201.2 76.3 66.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
146.1 20.0 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.2 40.0 41.0 40.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Odyssey 4-door van

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 47
Injury 44
Theft 4

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: Automatic transmission problems prompted to company to extend warranty coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2000-01)
Doors
Description: A replacement fuel-door clip may be required if the left sliding door will not stay locked. (1999)
Doors
Description: 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
Description: The EGR port in the intake manifold clogs requiring installation of a revised PCV hose and manifold end cap. (1999)
Engine noise
Description: Knocking noise from engine, which may mimic main bearing knock, is caused by a weak serpentine belt tensioner. (1999-2000)
Oil leak
Description: Oil leaks from multiple locations including bolt holes on V6 engines. (1999-2001)
Check-engine light
Description: “Check Engine” light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (1999-03)

Recall History

1999 Odyssey
Description: 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 Odyssey EX
Description: Excessive grease in remote power-lock actuator could cause slow return of lever to proper latching position, preventing sliding door from latching.
1999 Odyssey
Description: Worn ignition switch may cause interlock to fail, allowing key to be removed without shifting into “Park.”
1999-00 Odyssey
Description: Dimmer control for instrument panel lights on certain minivans can fail.
1999-00 Odyssey
Description: 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.
1999-00 Odyssey
Description: Sliding doors on some minivans may not latch properly because latches were not correctly riveted.
2000-04 Odyssey
Description: Heat build-up in automatic transmission may eventually lead to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage, resulting in transmission lockup.
2002 Odyssey w/V6 engine
Description: Engine will stall if timing belt breaks due to a misaligned tensioner pulley on the water pump.
2002 Odyssey
Description: The driver’s airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants. Dealers will replace the airbag inflator free of charge.
2002 Odyssey
Description: This recall is related to a series of recalls on these vehicles in which Honda is replacing the inflators within the driver’s side air bag to address a defective condition. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s air bag, the inflator could produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the inflator to rupture with metal fragments striking and injuring the driver or other occupants. Owners of all vehicles on which a replacement service air bag may have been installed will be notified. Dealers will inspect vehicles, and where a defective air bag inflator is identified, the inflator will be replaced, free of charge.
2002 Odyssey
Description: Passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture upon deployment and potentially spray the passenger with metal fragments.
2003 Odyssey
Description: Some fuel tanks have imperfections that could allow leaking. Dealer will inspect and replace affected fuel tanks.
2004 Odyssey
Description: Fuel pump may fail due to corrosion, causing engine to stall without warning.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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