2003 Honda Odyssey

Rating from Lenexa KS

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"Bought '03 EX used (1-owner) with about 120k miles and currently has about 190k miles. This van has been very reliable, with just repairs of typical wear items (tires, brakes, suspension parts). Vehicle is extraordinarily solid and doesn't have one squeak or rattle anywhere - the opposite of our '04 Sienna (which we bought new and have regretted many times). The engine runs like new and the only drivability/comfort complaint is that there is quite a bit of road noise, especially on the highway. The infamous transmission has been "whirring" occasionally for the past 50k miles but hasn't given me any problems. Yet. I know nearly 200k miles is unusual for the original transmission for these things, and the plan is to just drive this thing until the transmission goes (which could be next month or in 2 years!). Fantastic van otherwise and decent fun to drive for a van."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from Lyn

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"So far so good. I do feel a little jerking in the transmission when starting out cold and the clock light does not work. I have read some bad things about the transmission after my purchase but I'm trying to think positive."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from Vehichle Researcher

(2)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"We have had so many problems with our 2003 Honda Odyssey. Google any to see how many others had the same problem and you will see why you should stay away from Honda. To make matters worse Honda does not stand behind what they produce. Here are some of the bigger problems we had: Transmission replaced by Honda at 70k miles, but I had to pay $3500 to replace it again at 160k. At 60k miles paint started peeling off roof down to metal due to defective primer, but Honda only recalled the color midnight blue, not white which is what we had so the van looks like a junker. Engine mounts went bad with only 50k on the car $475 to replace 2 out of 4. Back window motors work sometimes and not others depending upon the temperature, smart key wore out and wouldn't turn ignition - had to get a whole new ignition key assembly put in, power steering pump died, AC valve had to be replaced, new brake rotors every 40k... Very sorry to say I would never buy another Honda or recommend one."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from stuck in second gear

(2)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		2 out of 5

"I love the IDEA of this van. It was comfy for my family of 6 and drove well--at first--with decent gas mileage. It is lovely with leather and power everything, including sliding doors. But none of those things do me any good when the transmission won't shift out of second gear so it is just parked. To have the transmission replaced by a certified Honda dealer would cost double what the vehicle is actually worth for a tradein/at auction, and we still owe money on it! Even if we get the transmission fixed with a rebuilt, the infamous timing belt (debacle of '03s and '04s) will have to be replaced costing another $1000-$1500. Disappointing experience with Honda. Not likely to purchase another one. Sad."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from knichole2000

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I purchased this van from Honda on the used car lot and I love it. So roomy for my 5+ family. The kids don't want to stay out of it. It has been reliable so far. Honda dealership has been great to work with also."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from mark s

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Very reliable, very comfortable van. It is ideal for families with small children. Transmissions are usually good for about 90K miles, so make sure that the transmission has been rebuilt when you buy an older model used Odyssey"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Money must grow on trees

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"NEGATIVES: *We purchased this van for at the time what we thought was a good price until a month later the transmission went out on us with no warning. We were 400+ miles away from our home with 3 small children. We took it to a Honda dealership and was told that yes it was the transmission. My husband did some research and found out that this was actually quite common so he talked to the serive department at Honda and asked them if there was anything Honda could do...well yes but no. They would pay 10% but only if we got the ECM(computer part) replaced as well which was another $800+. So on top of just purchasing this van we had to pay for a new transimisson with really no help from honda. When talking to friends about what had happened with our new van I learned that this had happened to a lot of people who owned Honda Odysseys. So... I love my van but hate that Honda doesnt stand behind their cars and help their customers out more. I feel like it is a defect on their side. If so many people are having problems with them they should take responsiblilty. *It also has a lot of road noise. *Besides the large trunk area it doesn't have a lot of storage. The jockey box is super small and doesn't have room to hold much besides the manuel. POSITIVES: *The seats are very comfortable. *Lots of cup holders for front and back seats. *Besides the transmission problems the van runs and drives great. Summary: Good van but would be better if Honda would stand behind their product. (97,000 miles)"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Honda enthusiast

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I researched minivans on Consumer Reports and found their owners to be extremely pleased with them. The 2003 Odyssey EX I bought in July has not disappointed me. Not only did I get an excellent buy from a dealership, but I got a minivan that will likely outlast me. Not many people know that, for long trips, you can push the front passenger seat all the way forward, take off the headrest and push the seat back nearly all the way, and enjoy the comfort of a "chaise lounge" chair. That is just one advantage of the Odyssey. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need (or want) of a minivan. Just remember that, if you're buying a used one with over 75 to 80,000 miles on it, be sure the timing belt and tensioner pulley have been replaced or ask for a discount of $400 to $500 to cover that cost."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Teenage van lover

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"My dad bought our Honda van in 2004 and we have been driving it everywhere since. Overall this is a great car and it deserved every star I gave it. The exterior is attractive, Honda didn't over indulge in a fancy exterior like some carmakers tend to. The interior is very functional, there is nothing wrong with the inside, but to me it could be more luxurious. The newer models although priced higher have many more features I wish I had. The transmission is much better than those in a comparable dodge or Chrysler. It shifts well and it is a comfortable car to drive and ride in. The van also has good power, as I do occasionally put my foot to the floor to race and turn hard. It's not an bugatti but it certainly is not slow. The reliability is what you expect from a Honda. It's gone 150000 miles and it is still only in the shop for regular maintenance, and even with the harsh Minnesota winters the van starts and runs perfect. The van also gets a solid 25 miles per gallon, but we get 28 on trips. This is a fantastic car to drive across the country as my family has many times, and even though it's almost ten years old we don't even think twice about bringing it on our road trips. Overall it is a great car and I would recommend it to anyone wanting an suv but not wanting 15 miles per gallon."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from TiTi

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I'm very excited with my new car. I have everything I need, economy, comfort, security and elegance all in one. The Honda Odyssey is the best car for the family with a huge space for travel hours and hours around the state without spending much gasoline as other brands. I'll recommend 100%."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family