1997 Honda Odyssey Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Only reason I'm selling this is the Mexican govt doesn't allow permanent residents, which I just became, to drive foreign plated cars and foreign vehicles can't be nationalized at present. So it's going to Arizona with a friend to be sold. I bought it used 11 years ago in Missouri with 75,000 miles and it has taken me, my effects, 2 families etc everywhere possible with only a few minor hiccups induced by me. Do the specified maintenance and it runs and runs. Bought a 2004 Odyssey to replace it though I like my 97 much better. The 97 is smaller outside, with better gas mileage, handling, easier to park, 4 normal doors (Oh how I miss those) and the list continues. Best vehicle I've owned in 40+ years of driving and it was still made I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
VS
Critical Review
Though we love the size, design, and the fact it does not have sliding doors, we had too many mechanical problems and getting on the highway is a struggle for the engine. The first owner put 88,000 miles on the vehicle and he kept it clean and provided maintenance records. I have done the same. At 100,000, leaks in the rear air resulted in a $1,200 repair. They had to take off interior sections to reveal the refrigerant lines. The vehicle has been disappointing mechanically; from front suspension problems to a failing transmission. The bright spot is, if you want some 3rd row seating room in a small mini van and don't care for sliding doors, this van has the market cornered.
1997 Odyssey Reviews
Showing 8 of 121 reviews.
Safe, confident, comfortable, fun to drive
For years I owned it I didn’t experiences problems
Since I purchased it new I have had fun,safe, and comfortable of driving every mile.
Comfortable seats, very inexpensive to own
Best Mpg was 24 hwy, expected better w/ 4 cyl
I love my 97 Odyssey, have owned for 8 years. Besides timing belt & regular maintenance. This van has been AMAZING! I highly recommend above any other vehicle I have ever owned. It starts everytime. Extremely easy to work on, it has the bullet proof 2.2 Honda Engine and transmission. Very comfortable and lots of pep even with 4-6 college students riding with me. I am 6'8" so I had to rebolt the seat to the floor. Finally had to upgrade to bigger van, but sold to one of the students at the college I work at, for a solid ride that will get him through his 2 years of undergraduate and the 2 years of master's program and beyond.
Totally reliable, fun to drive.
It shifted a bit rough from 1st to 2nd.
I bought my 1997 Honda Odyssey with 117,000 miles on it which I thought at the time was more mileage than I wanted. The salesman said, "But it's a Honda! If you wish you can purchase a 100,000 mile warranty for $1000." I did, but it was a waste of $1000. I've had the car since 2004 and have only had a minimal of repairs for all that time. It was just totaled (when a pick-up truck ran a stop sign) at 416,000 and had the original engine, transmission, and heat/AC system. It rode very comfortably and smoothly. I kept the oil changed at regular intervals of every 3000-3500 miles and continued to use regular (Havoline) motor oil. I traveled a lot of rough, dirt roads and the van performed well. The transmission shifted a little rough from 1st to 2nd, but it always did that. I loved that little van and will sincerely miss it. I feel that it saved my life in the accident.
reliable, affordable to maintain, Honda quality
not exactly quick but adequate.
This van has been in my family since new. It was purchased off the floor of the Moscone Auto Show in San Francisco. It is one of the first 500 Honda vans ever produced. This van is the ultimate in reliability. It starts every morning without fail and, to date has only required basic maintenance of normal wear items. Fold down the rear seat and remove the middle seats and the cargo area is large enough to accommodate most anything you want to throw at it. Plus it seats 7 comfortably. The gas mileage I get after 25 years and over 350,000 miles is exactly the same as day it rolled off the floor. This van has become a member of the family.
I bought this car off the original owner. It is perfect. The seat up makes a family hauler to a truck in just a few minutes. For the size the van is decent on gas. So far it one of my favorite cars I have owned.
I have had this car for 16 years. Bought it used in 2002. It was a great family car. It is the best car, nearly perfect. The back seats come out and it has huge capacity. The small back seat totally disappears when folded down. When up there is a deep well to store a lot of stuff. It is way more comfortable than my Prius. Has been very reliable with no major repairs required. My only complaint, and it is a personal preference, is the gearing on the automatic transmission...it is less responsive to gear changes than a Toyota.
Traditional Honda reliability and longevity.
None that havent been corrected in later models
The mileage I entered is NOT a typo! I bought it from an estate. Orig buyer purchased it new and kept it at his beach-getaway home in Fla for use only when he and family were there. Ive owned Toyotas and Hondas(CR-V)over the years - know their reliability - and snapped it up. It has not disappointed! A going-over by a good shop, w/replacement of certain minor parts, and we have a reliable good-as-new 2nd vehicle. Runs and rides great and expect to get MANY more miles out of this like-new gem!!!!
everything
none
Never had to fix its motor or transmission. is a great car, save gas, never stoped running, went to FL,NY, ATLANTA + , no problems at all!
