1999 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5 from North America

Summary:

The worst car vehicle I've ever owned

Faults:

Emission Control (Engine Light) non-warranty:

- Vent shut-off valve replaced

- Bypass Control valve Solenoid replaced

- 2-way valve replaced.

Transmission 2 replaced under warranty:

- 60000km - transmission replaced

- 60000km - new transmission replaced. Vehicle had not been test driven by dealership and they had not detected that the replacement was defective.

Wheel Bearings:

- Rear replaced at 98000 km.

Doors:

- Constantly sticking doors. No effective repair.

- 2 handles broken as a result. (One under warranty one not)

Gas Gage: replaced under warranty.

Power Window: Regulator replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

- Poor internal ergonomics. Armrests too low, Mirror adjustments not readily visible, seats less comfortable than my '93 civic.

- Have spent more on maintenance than my '93 civic.

- Least reliable an most ecpensive vehicle to maintain that I have ever had.

- No automatic shutoff of internal lights resulting in many dead batteries.

- Intermittent engine light problems do not automatically clear. One has to go to dealer and pay $50 to have it reset.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th December, 2003

17th Dec 2003, 09:24

Your comparison with your '93 Civic is not apt. The '99 Odyssey was actually built by Isuzu, not Honda. An Oasis with Honda nameplate.

10th Feb 2004, 22:01

The comment following the original review is incorrect. The 1999 Odyssey is made and designed by Honda and made in Ontario Canada in a Honda factory. Warts, transmission problems, sticking doors, plugged EGR valves, road noise, short warranty, high prices and all, the 1999 Odyssey is a real Honda.

1999 Honda Odyssey EX from North America

Summary:

Middle of the Road

Faults:

The radio's volume knob stopped working around the sixth month of ownership. However the volume button on the steering wheel did work. The dealer said the radio would have to be removed and sent off to the manufacturer to determine the problem. It was not covered under the warranty and the price tag to possibly fix it would be over $500.00. I still use the steering wheel button.

The driver's side sliding door stopped working at 22,000 miles. The dealer "reprogrammed" it. This exact problem happened again at 47,000 miles. It was "reprogrammed" again. Both problems were fixed at no charge.

This was a hassle both times until I could get it fixed (usually I waited until it was time for an oil change.)

The original tires (Michelin Symmetry) were noisy and did not wear well. Other Michelin's have run well over 50,000 miles. The original lasted a little over 25,000 miles. I replaced them with Michelin Harmony. I have noticed a considerable difference (for the better) in the handling of the van as well as a reduction in road noise.

Finally the Grand Daddy of All- a cracked piston at 52,000 miles at a nice price of $5200.00. All oil change, tune ups, etc. have been performed and documented with receipts. I have contacted the 1-800 number and am currently waiting on a reply to see if Honda will incur any of the cost.

General Comments:

Over all the Odyssey is a nice van. People who have ridden in it absolutely love it. However, it has made me realize that I am not a "van" person. With three small children, one would think a van would be the answer, but I am thinking otherwise at the moment.

It is very good on long trips, but around town it is a bit cumbersome.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2003

1999 Honda Odyssey EX VTEC 6 from North America

Summary:

Nice package, but atypical Honda unreliability

Faults:

Brakes had to be replaced at 30,000.

Car repeatedly failed to start due to an electrical problem.

Automatic doors would not open or close properly.

Front wheel-well covers keep falling off.

General Comments:

Honda obviously is aware of a serious electrical problem in this model, but has failed to take action.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th November, 2003

1999 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L from North America

Summary:

Extremely unreliable

Faults:

Power sliding doors still do not close correctly. Incredibly harsh ride with tons of road noise in cabin. The vehicle will not hold an alignment. Radiator and coolant reserve tank overheated requiring compete replacement. Transmission failure required replacement. Dashboard lights go out when headlights are on.

General Comments:

Great design. Poor execution. The absolute worst car ownership experience I have had. Extremely disapointed with my first import brand car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th October, 2003

4th May 2004, 22:19

Maybe you should go back to buying good old "American Iron"! Get out of the import market before it's too late!!!