Faults:

No problems whatsoever, not even the transmission. Only routine maintenance items like the catalytic converter have had to be replaced. Runs strong, does not use any oil.

General Comments:

I take care of my vehicles--change oil regularly using only Mobil-1, keep it clean, keep clean filters in it, etc. By doing this and treating the Odyssey carefully, I have had no mechanical problems in 223,000 miles. It still runs strong and smooth.

With the transmission, if you will avoid hammering it in and out of Park and give it a couple of seconds to shift in or out of Reverse, it'll last basically forever like mine has.

My only wishes for the Odyssey would be a better stereo and less road noise. I love the way it handles--truly remarkable for a minivan. I love the 3.5L VTEC motor--it has guts!

Faults:

The previous owner was the original owner. They had done (I have records) the timing belt at 215k and replaced the transmission at 220k miles.

The driver's motorized sliding door doesn't work when it is extremely cold outside (10F or less).

The front end rattles a bit when going over a rough road.

General Comments:

The engine still starts instantly and runs as smooth as silk.

The seats are still comfortable. The foam still feels solid and there are no rips at all in the upholstery.

The previous owner raised 3 kids in it and I have 5 kids, so this van isn't treated kindly.

I sold a 1991 Toyota Previa with 250k miles on it that was still running well. But - the rest of the car was starting to fall apart. The Honda Odyssey is holding up much better than the Previa.

Everyone interested in buying a used Honda Odyssey should worry about the transmission.

The automatic climate control system still works great! The rear hatch struts are still strong.

If I had the front end rebuilt with new tie rods and struts, it would ride like a new car.

Faults:

I've had the van a week. Nothing is wrong with it.

General Comments:

252k miles and it still runs like new. I expect it to reach 400k before I'm done with it. The transmission was replaced 22k miles ago otherwise I would have avoided this model. The front end is just a little bit loose but the shocks are still decent. The side doors work and the body and interior are in great shape. It is a little noisy on rough pavement but the tires need to be replaced. I'll put quiet tires on it soon. The automatic climate control still works great!

I think the key is having a good mechanic and keeping up with the maintenance. The previous owner had a mechanic and kept on top of everything.

Our 1991 Toyota Previa has almost as many miles and may also last to 400k for the next owner. However, it rides really, really rough and is very noisy and the interior is rattling apart.

Find a good used one with a quality transmission replacement and this is a steal of a deal on the used car market. I paid $3250.

Faults:

About 200 miles into our ownership of our Odyssey, the 'check engine' light came on. Just for fun, I pulled the battery cable and the light went off...for about 500 miles. I then took it into the Honda dealership - oh boy. They pulled the code and it came up "replace catalytic converter." $1000 please!

After replacing the converter, the light stayed off for about 200 miles...then came back on. I got frustrated and pulled the battery cable (which kept it off for about another 200 miles). Then I started reading about all the problems that people have had with the engine light, and decided that I had the fix.

About 10,000 miles ago, I invested $.99 in electricians tape. One little square, centered over the offensive light, has eliminated about 95% of my frustration. (out of sight, out of mine) I know that my 'solution' won't make any mechanic happy, but until something actually goes "wrong" I am done with this thing.

General Comments:

On the whole, our Odyssey has performed well. It is reliable (except for the engine light). Gets decent MPH. Hauls the kids. Little too much road noise for me, but...shrug.

Good rig.