2001 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5 L V-6 (240 hp) from North America

Summary:

Best van on the market for any price

Faults:

Nothing has broken on the van yet. One time, one power door failed to open, but worked after turning the key off and has not happened again.

The only minor issue is that the fuel light comes on with about 6 gallons left in the tank unless the van is heavily loaded down in back. If loaded, it comes on with 2 gallons left like it should. I know of others who have the same issue with their 2002 models.

General Comments:

After spending several months researching and driving various minivans, we decided we wanted an Odyssey. We had taken one (2000 Ex model) on a couple trips and that made our decision easier.

The only thing I did not like about them was that the rear brakes were drums. Then, the 2002 models came out, had rear disks, 35 more horsepower, and another gear to keep the gas mileage up! We were sold. The seats have also been redesigned and are much improved over the 1999-2001.

We knew there would be a waiting list, and went to put down a deposit. Luckily, that night a Granite Green EX came in and was not claimed, so we got to drive it home the next day (December 1) from an excellent dealership.

Now on to the important stuff...

We took the van on a trip over the holidays and averaged over 26 mpg on the 2200 mile trip. We were hoping the mileage would be good since the one (2000 model) we took before got 25 mpg on that same trip over the summer with the air conditioning on.

It handles very well for a 4400 lb vehicle, especially one that can haul as much as this one can. The new independent suspension and larger tire size make it better than the 2001.

We have had no problems and hope not to for quite a while since we paid a few thousand dollars over what a domestic van would have cost. We have also researched resale value and there is nothing that can compare with the Odyssey (used ones are selling higher than new ones right now)!

We have been very fortunate to have friends that own a 2000 EX model with which we can compare our 2002. There are many small improvements that add a lot of value to an already great van.

We have enjoyed the van and hope to have it for several years to come.

Overall, this is a great vehicle and we are very pleased with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2002

30th Jan 2006, 10:52

Now that it is 2006, do you still think your van is the best? has it remain trouble free?

2001 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5 from North America

Summary:

It's a piece of crap

Faults:

This van is terrible!

I had an oil leak at about 2000 miles.

12000 miles, front brakes and rotors replaced.

16000 miles, my transmission went.

A few weeks back the automatic sliding door opens by itself while the car was in motion on the highway with my two kids in the back. A scary experience.

Honda service dept. is another sad story.

Even my old Chrysler was better quality than this.

I am trading in this piece of junk for another minivan, and you can be sure it will not be Honda.

General Comments:

Weaknesses:

Service dept.

Brakes needed repairing awful early.

Sliding door problems.

Problems with the transmission.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th January, 2002

2001 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5 liter VTEC from North America

Summary:

A van that shocks fellow drivers with its performance

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong so far.

General Comments:

I'm happy that Honda added 30 horsepower to the engine (now 240 HP) and put disc brakes on the rear for this 2002 model.

For people taller than me (6' 2"), the driver's seat adjustment may not allow them to position the seat as low as they wish.

Everyone loves the van so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2001