2003 Honda Odyssey

Pros: Superior in all categories except reliability
Cons: Immanent transmission failure. Manufacture not willing to stand behind their product.

Completely satisfied with everything about the minivan except the reliability of the transmission. (Replaced at 75k), Read many more complaints on other forums such as odyowners.com Looks like Honda has extended the warranties for the 2001, 2002 and 2003's in the USA but the Canadian owners are getting screwed with the 2003, Honda says the transmissions are not a problem any more with the 2003's in Canada even though the transmissions all come from Japan. I've owned a couple of Honda's in the past that were bullet proof and bought Honda again so I would never have to go through anything like this, It's like being kick when your down, twice, the first being your Honda breaks to begin with, the second being left out in the cold by Honda.

Pros: Price, convenience, styling, performance
Cons: none I can think of

I wanted to buy a sedan, but my wife insisted that we buy a mini-van. After researching, and finding that the Odyssey is the highest-rated minivan (consumer reports, etc.), I bought one. I got the LX with leather and DVD player. I have to admit that it's probably the best vehicle I've ever owned! When I'm in it, I even forget that it's a mini-van. The styling, performance, and gadgets are fantastic.

I'd certainly recommend the Odyssey for anyone in the mini-van market, even if you're on the fence. The added room, and fold-down back-row seats are so convenient that you don't have to plan ahead as to whether you'll be hauling people or cargo. Honda certainly did it right!

Pros: Leather seats Seat Heater Ride Room Center Console/Table between front seats.
Cons: Outside noise infiltration. Fuel usage.

After owning an '03 Ford Escape XLT, this purchase of a certified used '03 Honda Odyssey was the best decision I've ever made. Yes, I would have liked to have purchased a newer model but you buy what you can afford.

This van has been a puff. It rides well, performs well on highways, and local routes.

The heated seats are a bonus and the speed of cool down for the ac is fabulous. The only thing I've added to this vehicle to enhance my ride is a bug shield for the front.

One drawback, for which I believe has been corrected in the newer models, is the ride sound infiltration into the van. This is not an issue once you have the stereo on but I would expect the EX-L model not to have this issue.

Fuel usage is along manufacturer guidelines but could be better.

Pros: Quick, nice features, plenty of room
Cons: Developing problems before it's time not expected for a Honda - wouldn't buy again?

We purchased the car new and were initially happy with it but have now experienced a few unexpected problems at 53,000 miles (most are highway miles):

1. Needs new motor mounts (> $700)
2. Developed a water leak from the headliner over the drivers head 2 days ago - suspect faulty windshield seal
3. Routine services are usually fairly expensive (> $200) and frequent
4. Dealer sucks - Curry Honda, slow, crowded, LONG waits

That said - in general a good car. First year of the 5 speed auto trans - great. More than adeq power. Harsh ride. Crappy speakers. Eats tires like crazy.

Pros: Powerful, runs smooth, very little maintenance, good MPG
Cons: Feels heavy

I'm working at a company where we do lot of researches on cars. I'm not a reseacher, though. But, I've been working with them and provided them with a tool with which they can enter car information. Knowing what's good and what's bad, I decided to purchased a van myself. My natural choice was Honda Odyssey. I bought 2003 Honda Odyssey LX model in September 2002. It has only the basic features, no automatic doors, no roof-rack, etc. But, it runs great. It has enough horse power, 240, to bring my whole family up on a mountain, a BigBear, without any problem. I've been driving this car almost 4 years. Problems? Almost none. One time, my car was stolen but found by a police the next day thanks to the LoJack that I installed. It ran about 50,000 miles without any breakdown or major problems. Due to my laziness, I just changed engine oils every 6,000 miles but still no problem. I even encouraged my friends to get one. And four of them actually purchased one each. My wife is driving this car taking my kids to school, going to campuse, market, and everywhere that it takes...

Pros: Space, Ride, Quality, Comfort, etc, etc, etc.
Cons: NONE in our view

My wife never wanted a minivan until our friends got an 2001 Odyssey, so we test drove one ourselves. We were instantly hooked. We had owned 2 Accords and 1 Civic (And two Toyota Camrys). The Quality and Comfort and Ride were WAY beyond all the competitors we tried, especially the domestic vans.
We bought a 2001 Odyssey EX, which performed great when my wife totaled it by running a red light and being hit in the side and hitting a pole head-on. The next week, we bought a 2003 Odyssey EXL-DVD, and we love it in every way. The ride is a good combination of firm and giving. The seats are roomy and thick, compared to thinner domestics and Toyota. My favorite part is the Space. There is nothing "Mini" feeling about this van. Putting the back seat down gives you a huge, smooth area, unlike most minivans (Including the newer Odyssey, which has too much plastic and metal on floor). The 2003 style Odyssey is the best functional and good-looking van there is.

Pros: Quality, reliability, value
Cons: Had to replace tires at 15,000 miles

We purchased this vehicle as our first mini-van. I already owned a 1992 Honda Civic and was very pleased with its quality and reliability. We had a one year old Dodge Durango that was literally falling apart inside. After some careful research, we decided on the Odyssey EX-L. I hated the thought of giving up the SUV, but the roominess of the van made so much more sense. The leather is great with three kids when it comes to cleaning. The power is great and it is a solid vehicle. Does well in the snow and rain.

Pros: SAFE!!!, Efficient, roomy, good turning circle, comfy, powerful and looks pretty good to.
Cons: Not many colors to choose from.

This is just a great family car, its quiet, surprisingly powerful and very spacious. The craftsmanship is exceptional it runs on the smell of an oily rag (for a car its size). When the back is folded down 2 people can sleep in the back on Lilos. This is a nice feature if your going to go camping in wet areas. Great car for long trips, very comfy, but it has a good turning circle so it works in the city to. Great value. Seats fold really quickly into the floor so you can have a normal five-seater car and fit lots of stuff into the back. Its much better built than many other models. Great all-round car recommend to any large family. This car is a defensive car, crumple zones everywhere, safe from all sides, this is the biggest plus, isn’t that worth the money let alone? + it doesn’t lag far behind a turbo Subaru Forester in acceleration!

Pros: power doors, quiet engine, car-like driving experience, strong engine performance, solid braking
Cons: lack of storage compartments, seats are fairly comfortable, bumpy ride, no compass or outside temp

We were able to get a great deal on a 2003 EX L-RES. I thought about buying a new Honda van, but the sticker was twice the cost of a used one. The car has some great features and spacious. It is a large vehicle but drives like a car.