2002 Honda Odyssey

The 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey is the second generation of the minivan and the first designed specifically for North America, replacing a smaller van that had used conventional hinged rear doors. It is powered by the 3.5-liter J35 V6 driving the front wheels through a four-speed and later five-speed automatic. Power sliding doors were available, and the third-row Magic Seat folded flat into the floor, a packaging feature that competitors took years to match.

The size increase over the first Odyssey was dramatic and moved the model into direct competition with the Chrysler minivans that defined the class. The flat-folding third row in particular became a segment benchmark. The third generation that followed in 2005 refined the design and added cylinder deactivation to the V6.

As a used buy, this generation is now old enough that its known weaknesses dominate the decision. Automatic transmission failure is the defining issue for these vans and was significant enough that Honda extended warranty coverage on affected units. Any example under consideration should have documented transmission history, and a car that has already had a rebuilt or replaced unit is often the safer purchase. Motor mounts, power sliding door hardware, and rear suspension corrosion are the other common repairs. The J35 engine itself is durable and uses a timing belt that requires scheduled replacement.