Re: Honda Odyssey, Tranny Problems??

[XtraRevsSurely]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Many people do not know about Honda's transmission problems of the early 00s

It's amazing how strong brand perception is. As other's have pointed out every brand has problems. It's a matter of luck, previous/on-going maintenance, and vehicle usage. I've enjoyed reading this thread because I'd like to get a minivan someday for the Fam.

 

[dmark]

+1
If I was shopping for another minivan I would look for a 2007+ Ody for the 4 shaft tranny; failures on these are not a worry more than any other car.
BTW I have a 2001 on Maxlife ATF and a '08 Pilot on DW1 that will switch to Maxlife when the extended warranty expires. I like the way the Ody shifts better with Maxlife.

I participated on a busy Odyssey board for 6yrs, owned a 2008 and I've never heard of a transmission failure on a 2007+ Odyssey. A few torque converter replacements, yes.

The 2007+ 4-shaft design (prior were 3-shaft) are largely problem free. No more issues than any other modern 5spd. This 4-shaft AT is shared between the Ody, Pilot and Ridgeline and is built for 4wd use. They are easier to change ATF on than an engine oil change.

My recommendation for a Honda Odyssey would be stick with 2007+ and keep it simple with an LX if you can find one. Our 2008 was basically problem free in the ~6yrs/70K miles we owned it. I did swap out the factory Z1 ATF for Valvoline Maxlife early on. [/quote]

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Trav

All of them are problem prone in one area or another. If its not the tranny its the power side doors (a difficult job and expensive job), steering racks and pumps are also common...

The good points of the Honda are many, great body, good interior quality, good handling for a van, brakes, exhaust and suspension are all above average, performance from the 3.5 is good.

Shame the minus points over shadow all that as the age.
IMHO an 06 or newer non touring model could be something worth owning. Just make sure to service the tranny with amsoil ATF (it makes a big difference in these units) and service the PS fluid with Honda fluid often.
Stay well clear of the iVTEC 3.5.


One of the things I liked about the current odessey was that we could outfit it how we liked but in a more basic model, and avoid getting the power doors, which I do NOT want because of the repair liability.

Our friends got a super deal (esseintially their friends were dumping it so they took it) on a used odessey that is an '03, IIRC. Has like 170k, and has had an AT... But your assessment is right - doors both just failed in the last few weeks, etc. May be a $$$ proposition. For them it was cheap enough to not be a concern, but just another hassle.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2

One of the things I liked about the current odessey was that we could outfit it how we liked but in a more basic model, and avoid getting the power doors, which I do NOT want because of the repair liability.


I hear that.

Now that I've owned 3 different (basic model) minivans and participated on forums associated with each make, it's never ceased to amaze me the GOBS of cash people will spend to get a 'loaded-up' minivan. If they made a Touring Super Colossal Elite, people would buy them. Why this is, I could never understand. Upwards of $10-20K more for some electronic and power goodies? At the end of the day it's still the same ~7 seater box on wheels.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: JHZR2

One of the things I liked about the current odessey was that we could outfit it how we liked but in a more basic model, and avoid getting the power doors, which I do NOT want because of the repair liability.


I hear that.

Now that I've owned 3 different (basic model) minivans and participated on forums associated with each make, it's never ceased to amaze me the GOBS of cash people will spend to get a 'loaded-up' minivan. If they made a Touring Super Colossal Elite, people would buy them. Why this is, I could never understand. Upwards of $10-20K more for some electronic and power goodies? At the end of the day it's still the same ~7 seater box on wheels.


But having kids is so tough and you just dont understand how important convenience and luxury is when youre so stressed with work and kids... Come on!! You deserve to have the super ultra break in a few years and trade up doodad that just distracts and sucks energy. After all, $20k is only like $100 per month when you finance at 72 months. LOL.

Totally agree.

 

[JTK]

LOL! Yeah. I'm the minority over at my current Dodge Grand Caravan forum. Again I can't get over what some of these guys spend and throw into a minivan in regards to option packages, accessories, etc. $40K for the same freaking Dodge I paid $20K for brand-new.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: JTK
LOL! Yeah. I'm the minority over at my current Dodge Grand Caravan forum. Again I can't get over what some of these guys spend and throw into a minivan in regards to option packages, accessories, etc. $40K for the same freaking Dodge I paid $20K for brand-new.


Except that it's not "the same freaking Dodge you paid $20K for". We've owned both; we had a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport (which was a one-up from the base model SE) and we had a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country Signature Series. They were the same structure, but the experience was completely different. You may or may not want all the extra goodies; and that's fine, not everybody will. It's also a tad simplistic to say that a $40k van and a $20k van are the same thing. Our satisfaction with the vehicle was significantly higher with our Chrysler, despite it being a reliability lemon (and the stuff that was failing was common to both trims, like A/C, alternator, suspension parts, etc). The Dodge was fine; the Chrysler rode better, the Chrysler was more comfortable (much better power leather seats vs. manual cloth), and the Chrysler was a better fit for our family.

To many people around here, spending more money on a car apparently means you're trying to compensate for a low self-esteem. That's an unfortunate (and often inaccurate) assumption that is being made.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd

To many people around here, spending more money on a car apparently means you're trying to compensate for a low self-esteem. That's an unfortunate (and often inaccurate) assumption that is being made.


To each his own. None of my or anyone else's business what or why you purchase.

Kind words but I see a lot of envy and spite on here...

 

[tdpark]

Doors on the Ody are pretty easy to fix- most common problem is the middle roller which takes about 30 minutes to fix, other issue is rear latch motor wich take 30-40 minutes just because you have to peel the inner door panel. I have fixed both of my doors and it was really easy and parts were reasonable.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: tdpark
Doors on the Ody are pretty easy to fix- most common problem is the middle roller which takes about 30 minutes to fix, other issue is rear latch motor wich take 30-40 minutes just because you have to peel the inner door panel. I have fixed both of my doors and it was really easy and parts were reasonable.


True. One of the top roller assemblies shed it's nylon cover on our 2008 Ody LX after about 3yrs of ownership. Right side slider IIRC. I bought a whole new Honda hinge assembly online for $25-30. Removal and replacement was very easy.

I also had to replace a side mirror that my darling bride sheared right off the car (dangling by wires). A replacement OEM power mirror was just over $100 shipped and took minutes to replace.

 

[threeputtpar]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd

To many people around here, spending more money on a car apparently means you're trying to compensate for a low self-esteem. That's an unfortunate (and often inaccurate) assumption that is being made.


To each his own. None of my or anyone else's business what or why you purchase.

Kind words but I see a lot of envy and spite on here...


Jason and Steve, thank you for voicing your views on the other poster's comments. I was personally offended by what they said, as we just bought a new Odyssey Touring Elite to replace an 8 year old SUV that didn't meet our needs any longer.

The judgement being passed on this site by an ever increasing number of members and some mods is getting real old, real quick. My vehicle purchase decision is nobody's business but mine, and since I earned every penny of that money I can spend it any way that I please.

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: threeputtpar
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd

To many people around here, spending more money on a car apparently means you're trying to compensate for a low self-esteem. That's an unfortunate (and often inaccurate) assumption that is being made.


To each his own. None of my or anyone else's business what or why you purchase.

Kind words but I see a lot of envy and spite on here...


Jason and Steve, thank you for voicing your views on the other poster's comments. I was personally offended by what they said, as we just bought a new Odyssey Touring Elite to replace an 8 year old SUV that didn't meet our needs any longer.

The judgement being passed on this site by an ever increasing number of members and some mods is getting real old, real quick. My vehicle purchase decision is nobody's business but mine, and since I earned every penny of that money I can spend it any way that I please.


+1, some people seriously need to stop commenting on how much money someone is spending on buying their car. This isn't a financial advice forum!

 

[JTK]

I thought I was making up the 'Touring Elite' model comment I made.

I am sorry for having offended anyone on that! That was never my intent. Everyone is correct in that people blow their hard earned dollars on FAR worse things.

Having owned 3 various makes/models of them now, my personal take is that a minivan is a kid and all around versatile cargo hauler. To me, neither mixes well with super luxury.

Again, I'm sorry fellas.

 

[XtraRevsSurely]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Problem is they put a car transmission in a heavy minivan ...


This has stuck with me for few days. It'd be nice if companies put an SUV/Truck transmission in minivans given the size. Many minivans are also used for towing or come with tow packages that include trans coolers.

 

[JTK]

Xtra- I wouldn't think many of today's FWD based SUV ATs would fare much better with respect to heavy towing.

Not only did the Odyssey have it's AT concerns, you can't hold it out of "overdrive" for towing. Turning off 5th gear bumps you down to 3rd, so your revs would be screaming.

The independent rear suspension on a lot of them result in the arse-end squatting like this /---\. Very noticeable on the Odyssey.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: XtraRevsSurely
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Problem is they put a car transmission in a heavy minivan ...


This has stuck with me for few days. It'd be nice if companies put an SUV/Truck transmission in minivans given the size. Many minivans are also used for towing or come with tow packages that include trans coolers.


Then they'd lose an mpg on the EPA estimates between the weight and additional transmission losses, and a half second on 0-60, and cost more, and the competition would eat them alive. Plus the resulting vehicle might last too long... *pulls tinfoil hat over ears*

I'm guessing the demand just isn't there. How many minivan owners are really towing anything around?

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd

To many people around here, spending more money on a car apparently means you're trying to compensate for a low self-esteem. That's an unfortunate (and often inaccurate) assumption that is being made.


To each his own. None of my or anyone else's business what or why you purchase.

Kind words but I see a lot of envy and spite on here...


Not sure it's as much envy or spite as it is disgust with the lack of personal responsibility, negative savings rate, long term reliance on the government, etc that is a byproduct of being a long-term slave to payments. The average 60 month car loan is 4%. The average loan is $26k+. Far from responsible, especially given that all the fancy stuff that people are willing to shell out a ton of money for is just more stuff to break and result in poor lifecycle cost. As a business owner with a fleet of trucks, you should understand that better than most as a practical reality, not spite or envy or anything else but mathematics. The "I deserve" mentality that drives these stupid decisions and their attached lack of long term planning is no different from, and in fact an embodiment of the "entitled" generations/people that you readily talk about and abhor.

 

[SteveSRT8]

^^^Excessive amounts of presumption, you sure drew a lot of conclusions off of limited info. Some are pretty far off, I dare say I "abhor" them!!!

Your opinion is fine with me, but I doubt many minds are changed...

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: supton
Originally Posted By: XtraRevsSurely
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Problem is they put a car transmission in a heavy minivan ...


This has stuck with me for few days. It'd be nice if companies put an SUV/Truck transmission in minivans given the size. Many minivans are also used for towing or come with tow packages that include trans coolers.


Then they'd lose an mpg on the EPA estimates between the weight and additional transmission losses, and a half second on 0-60, and cost more, and the competition would eat them alive. Plus the resulting vehicle might last too long... *pulls tinfoil hat over ears*

I'm guessing the demand just isn't there. How many minivan owners are really towing anything around?

Up here, some minivans do end up towing fairly often. Most often I see them with small utility trailers or largish pop up tent trailers. Sometimes very large boats as well, like 20'+ inboards? So atleast for a trip or two they can haul their own weight.
My cousin was seriously considering an old 4wd Astro van but he got veto'd by the wife...
Maybe someday chrysler will use the LX platform to make a rwd biased minivan that will have some good tow ratings. If they can make money on $19k van, I assume they could make a $25k one on the LX.

 

[gofast182]

I came to this thread to see how the trans discussion was going. So why, like the Acadia Denali thread, are there people in here complaining that user X chooses to spend THEIR money on Y car? It's got nothing to do with the topic and frankly it's none of anyone's business what someone else wants to spend their money on. So until the thread topic is "Is it wise to spend $xx,xxx on Y car?" [censored] posts casting judgment on people and ridiculing them for their choices with their money because if this keeps up people will stop posting because they'd rather not be attacked and the board will lose good content.