|
|
|
 Blue Book® Suggested Retail Value  Fuel Economy (city/hwy) 
Tell us what you think...
The community thinks...
Owner
smile at the pump
by Lorena on 12/28/2008.
Trim: 1998 Honda Odyssey LX, Owned 2 years.
1
Pros:
Good acceleration and handling, I average 27 mpg combined w/out ac driving with my family in it, rear disc breaks, power windows and a/c on second row. third row folds flat.
Cons:
Cup holders are right below the stereo, I can't eject cd when cups are in place.
Overall review:
This van is reliable, has plenty of space for me and my three children and it is very economic.
Review ID: #535379
Is this review offensive?
Owner
A high mpg workhorse with four doors, back when they made them right.
by Jeff from Seattle on 12/07/2008.
Trim: 1998 Honda Odyssey EX, Owned 5 years.
1
Pros:
Hard to kill. I've had my Odyssey for several years now and it's hardly cost me anything to maintain. Of course, I change the oil regularly and almost more importantly, I change the tranny fluid nearly as often. I now have over 220,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. Other than normal wear/tear items like timing belts, filters, fluids and a new radiator (just recently) I haven't had to fix anything. The van just works and I get between 29-32mpg hwy and a steady 27 around town. Beat that!
I also like the four doors rather than the slider. I hate sliders for some reason, not sure why, perhaps some forgotten trauma. Anyway, everyone else seems to like "normal" doors better too.
Cons:
It's a little smaller than other minivans, but I find that it's a rare occasion where I would actually use the extra room. It's not as powerful as other minivans, but then again, I prefer the advantage this brings of burning less fuel. Let's face it, it's a minivan. Minivans aren't "cool" and while this one is, in my humble opinion a little "cooler" than others, it's still a minivan.
Overall review:
If you want a used minivan that will keep running look for one of these. The only weak spot, I'm told, is the transmission. Mine has lasted over 200k miles but it's starting to show occasional signs of wear. Otherwise this van is tight and wears well and is actually almost fun to drive. One thing is I am a tall person and constantly bump my head when getting in/out of cars but not the Odyssey. There is plenty of headroom and legroom for me. I am also a large person and I have no problem getting in or out of the van and it's been very comfortable on long drives.
Review ID: #534633
Is this review offensive?
Owner
Solidly Built, 6 Seat Car/Van
by Father of Four on 12/30/2007.
Trim: 1998 Honda Odyssey EX, Owned less than 1 year.
1
Pros:
Reliability. Zero unscheduled repairs to date! These first generation Odyssey's (94 thru 98) are what earned the Odyssey it's reputation as THE van to own.
Acceleration is surprisingly good.
Steering is tight like an Accord.
Cons:
Cupholders are atrocious.
Factory stereo is atrocious.
Not enough storage bins.
Some important controls not lit at all, and dash lighting very dim.
Gas tank too small.
Overall review:
Closer to a 6 seat car than a van. A "crossover" ahead of it's time. Wind out the tach and the car moves rather well. Although little change in horsepower, the 98 VTEC is noticeably better than the non-VTEC 94 thru 97's. Handles like an Accord but feels a little heavier (which it is). A bit of tail roll at high speeds, but not more than other vans. Suspension tight with good feedback, a slightly stiffer ride(EX). I average 21mpg. I traded an '04 3.8 Grand Caravan, and I like the driving characteristics of the 98 Odyssey better.
Exterior is 10 years old and not a bit of rust. Paint durable. Styling has also survived with crossovers becoming popular. Interior is a weakness. Controls poorly lit. Cupholders virtually useless and with no center console, drinks go on the passenger seat or the lap. BAD! Could also use more storage bins. Ash tray fell off, but was able to screw back on. Plastic glove box handle broke, but it still works.
Overall, I would highly recommend the van.
Review ID: #520817
Is this review offensive?
Owner
Reliable and refined 6-passenger car
by Software Engineer from Colorado on 09/03/2006.
Trim: 1998 Honda Odyssey LX, Owned less than 1 year.
1
Pros:
2nd row bucket seats, 4-cyl VTEC engine (1998 Odyssey only!), folding 3rd-row seat, standard ABS, compact size, handling, ride, fuel economy, supportive seats, rear air cond., tachometer, cargo size with folded 3rd seat
Cons:
engine noise, costs more than other minivans, transmission downshift slow sometimes
Overall review:
My first minivan (but with the regular doors it looks more like a crossover). Our requirements were: transport up to 6 people comfortably with a reliable car, and a budget limit of $9,000 (We have two small children and also had two long term guests).
I'm very happy with this choice. First thing after the purchase, I had someone install a CD player and keyless entry. The VTEC engine is a technical gem (although a bit noisy), the car averages 25 mpg (city/hwy), the best I've got was 28 mpg on a round trip to a mountain ski resort. Consumer Reports calls this car one of the most reliable cars of 1998 - and I've had no problems over my first 8 months of ownership. Easy to make the 3rd row dissapear (folds into the floor). Rides nicely and handles more like a sedan.
Very impressed with this car! The new Mazda5 has tried to imitate the '98 Odyssey (in engine size, 6-passenger seating) but costs way more and lacks rear AC and armrests.
Review ID: #497875
Is this review offensive?
Owner
Great family vehicle
by William on 02/10/2002.
Trim: 1998 Honda Odyssey LX, Owned 4 years.
1
Pros:
Easy handling, control and comfort
Cons:
(No data provided)
Overall review:
Great Vehicle
Review ID: #247844
Is this review offensive?
Information or opinions expressed in these reviews are not endorsed by Microsoft Corporation nor MSN Autos.
Have comments about MSN Autos' User Reviews? Send us an email.
Related ArticlesSave Time and Money:Top Competitors |
