Couldn't find a model specific for the oddyssey so I posted here.

Anyhow I'm in the market now with my 3rd kid on the way for a oddyssey. Just curious what people know about the honda vans. Anything to watch out for, like a bad year or problematic motor or tranny to try and avoid? You know, the typical whats good and whats bad with the oddysseys.

 

The current generation is by far the best yet. the trannies are still a bit hit or miss but far better quality than the 2nd gen ones.

 

Do the trannies just go out randomly or are there signs I can listen or look for thats a warning of a going tranny on these? What years are the generations on these?

 

05+ is the current generation. Most of them will start with a hard shift then go into slipping. But it usually only happens now if they tow too much stuff of never change the fluid. They rarely ever go bad if they are cared for.

 

Go for the '07 and up Odys. They have the 4 shaft transmissions out of the Ridgeline and are much more durable than the older models. The second gen models had many transmission problems. The '05 and '06 models still had the 3 shaft trans in them, but they are still a step above the 2nd gen transmissions.

 

In case anyone is still looking.
The newer oddysseys have lots of power sliding door problems. But who doesn't?
Other than that. Some have transmission problems. Since Honda doesn't recommend rebuilding transmissions. They're mostly replaced with a new one.
The newer ones also have lots of power steering problems. Bad pump, needing updated power steering pump reservoir, flushing systems, etc.
Best IMO is still the first Oddysseys.

 

The rollers for the power sliding doors require cleaning and lubing every so often to prevent them from getting noisy.

If you get into a side accident, it can permanent affect alignment of the doors, tracks, receivers, and occasionally the doors can't close properly.

 

I'd agree. The 1st Gen ('95-'98) are the best overall. I tried to talk the wife into one, but she refused, stating it was OLD. Shows what she knows.

We ended up purchasing a 2nd Gen ('99-'04), a "late" model 2004 to be exact. I owned a '99 V6 Accord Coupe before, so I am VERY familiar with the transmission problems. It was a very big concern, but out of the 2nd Gen Odyssey's, the best ones so far are the "late" 2004 models for transmission issues. I gained alot of knowledge by looking on ODYClub.Com. Take a look there and make your judgement call.

As for the power doors, they are cool and very convienient, but if I had to do it again, Id opt for one without them. Once the doors go bad, they are more headachs than anything. IMO, the sliding door function is more than sufficient. The Honda Remotes dont have good range anyhow, so your damn near the car by the time you can hit the power door button. With the manual doors, you pull the handle and give it a quick thrust and the door is open.

Good Luck with your search. I hope this information has helped you out.

 

Also, on the 05 model we looked at. The plastic lever to fold the third row seat snap in half at the dealership. Consider how often one will fold the 3rd row flat, this is something that was surprising. I've not look at recent models to see if the parts are different now.

 

I haven't had any negative issues yet with my 1996 Odyssey, and the previous owner wasn't exactly "kind" with it.