Honda Odyssey (2nd Gen)
99-04 · Honda Odyssey
The 2nd gen Odyssey defined the modern minivan, but the J35 uses a timing BELT and some model years had documented automatic transmission failures that Honda extended the warranty on.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
Honda's most practical vehicle of the era. The J35A4 V6 uses a timing belt (due at 105k miles, same as the Pilot). 02-04 models had automatic transmission failures, Honda extended the warranty to 109k miles but that's expired on virtually all used examples now. Budget for a transmission fluid service and be prepared for a possible transmission rebuild on high-mileage examples.
Why it's on this list
Under $8k for a running minivan with 148 cu ft of cargo. For a family needing maximum utility on a minimal budget, the 2nd gen Odyssey delivers.
The honest trade-offs
Timing belt at 105k miles. Automatic transmission failure risk on 02-04 (extended warranty expired). No ESC. IIHS Acceptable. Transmission fluid service is the most important immediate maintenance item.
What to buy and what to avoid
2004 EX-L only (improved transmission), or avoid the 02-03 model years for the transmission concern. Verify timing belt and transmission fluid service history.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.
Looking to buy a Honda Odyssey?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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