The 2003 Honda Odyssey is the same minivan design as it has been for years. For the most part, the option of a navigation system or an entertainment system is all that is new. The V-6, 3.5-liter engine has more powerful with 240-hp. It has quicker acceleration, though may be sluggish going uphill. All 2003 Odyssey models have electronic traction control via ABS with their (EBD) Electronic Braking Distribution system that calculates weight distribution inside the vehicle, and will adjust braking action during hard stops.
Drivers really enjoy the looks of the Odyssey minivan with the sleek, attractive design. The fact that the 4-wheel independent suspension (struts in front with stabilizer bar and coil springs with wishbone rear suspension and coil springs) makes driving smoother, also appeals to many user reviewers. Most drivers expect that by staying with the regular maintenance schedule, this minivan will run dependably for a very long time. The most consistent problem over the years has been the transmission, even with the 5-speed. It has excellent fuel efficiency, low emissions, and with the back seat folded down, tremendous cargo space.
Owner reviews are pretty high for the 2003 Honda Odyssey. Now with standard side airbags, this vehicle has been awarded 5-stars in all crash test results. This minivan comfortably seats seven people - with headrests, and is probably the best bargain on the market.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Great van if I were local I would buy itJul 27, 2021
by Anonymous
May 02, 2015
Love the space and the amenities. Can't beat the leather and heated seats. The automatic sliding sides doors were awesome. The key fob allowed for opening and shutting the sides doors as well. Awesome for getting kids in and out. They just walk in and out. Spacious enough to be able to walk from drivers seat to back row and get a baby out, without having to get out when it is raining. May 02, 2015
by Patrick E
Apr 14, 2015
This has been a great car for hauling kids, friends, dogs, boats and every thing related to all off the above to over 10 years. Out two kids grew up in this van and will learn to drive in it. It would not have been my first choice of vehicles, but if you have to have a mini van this one is pretty good and lasted a long time. Apr 14, 2015
User rating:
by Eddy M
Jul 27, 2021
Great van if I were local I would buy itJul 27, 2021
by Anonymous
May 02, 2015
Love the space and the amenities. Can't beat the leather and heated seats. The automatic sliding sides doors were awesome. The key fob allowed for opening and shutting the sides doors as well. Awesome for getting kids in and out. They just walk in and out. Spacious enough to be able to walk from drivers seat to back row and get a baby out, without having to get out when it is raining. May 02, 2015
by Patrick E
Apr 14, 2015
This has been a great car for hauling kids, friends, dogs, boats and every thing related to all off the above to over 10 years. Out two kids grew up in this van and will learn to drive in it. It would not have been my first choice of vehicles, but if you have to have a mini van this one is pretty good and lasted a long time. Apr 14, 2015
by Bob M
Mar 26, 2015
I like that is has lasted 155,000 miles without breaking the bank. More horsepower would be great, but so would better mileage. For hauling people and stuff around it is great. Never let's you down....still the best brand of minivan.Mar 26, 2015
by Sky T
Aug 27, 2014
The things I like most are seat that folds out of the way and the grocery bag holders in the back! The heated leather seats in the front were the best and the kids loved the DVD player. Loved it, my favorite car ever.Aug 27, 2014
by Ina J
Apr 15, 2014
Great travel vehicle, spacious, good on gas. Maintenance cost is reasonable. This is a great family vehicle that if taken care of will run for thousand more miles. One downfall of this vehicle is the transmission. My husband spent the money 3 months ago and the transmission rebuilt to meet the specs that honda failed to do initially back in 2003. The vehicle now is good for another 100k miles.Apr 15, 2014
by Test S
Feb 14, 2013
Still drives like a new car- no rattles, nothing loose. Only replaced normal items (tires, brakes) Seats are a little on the stiff side, but still look new after 10 years. I have seen vans like this with over 200,000 miles.Feb 14, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 14, 2012
I love the car and the space. I love that it has so much space. Really quickly you can put the back seat up and down to accommodate for more passengers or for more room to move things. Reliable, great family ride.Aug 14, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 20, 2012
I wish the fuel mileage was better (about 20 mpg), but other than that, this car has served my family well. Never a breakdown and normal maintenance. I will buy another honda odyssey for sure. Definitely number 1 in my book.Jul 20, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 10, 2011
As soon as I walked into my Odyssey for the first time, i was amazed at how comfortable and easy everything was. I had cloth seats, but that didn't mean they weren't uncomfortable. The controls were stress free and the controls on the steering wheel made it that much easier. Quality is great, but there were a few compartments and oddly arranged cup holders that i disliked. The cup holders that were on the side of the middle seats broke very easily when people wanted to get in and out of the car. Performance is average, but the ride was very safe due to rightly placed airbags. There was lots of room in the front and middle seats, but I would suggest that children under 13 be placed in the back seats. I thought the gas mileage could be better( we averaged at about 19 mpg), but we were rarely in the shop. It was a nice car to drive.Aug 10, 2011
by Anonymous
Jan 24, 2011
This car is what I use every day to take my kids to school, and quickly too.
This car almost never has to be taken in for repairs. This car is extremely
fun to drive especially on a long road trip. This car is strongly
recommended.Jan 24, 2011
by Adarash M
Jan 23, 2010
Its an EX-L, top of its time.
Luxurious: leather seats, entertainment w/20 inch TV, sound, great feel without bumps.
Good capacity, great for long distance travel
Cost 48k in 03. Maintenance needed occasionally. I wish I could drive it.
It rocks! Jan 23, 2010
by Chris H
Aug 13, 2009
Excellent handling and acceleration. Decent gas mileage
considering it is a van. Solid as a rock and keeps on going.
Beautiful paint job and nice lines. Has been rough on tires,
but once we found the right ones for the weight of the
van, no issues (Goodyear Regatta 2's). This is our family
vehicle and we take it when we go on vacations up to
Jersey and down to Disney.Aug 13, 2009
by Kin L
Jun 26, 2009
The Honda Odyssey is the sports car of minivans. The acceleration is brisk (not terribly fast but well above average), handling is reasonable (esp. with upgraded performance tires), and the brakes do a great job even in panic stops. Honda is renown for their build quality and reliability. This vehicle is very utilitarian as I use it to haul my family as well as much cargo for work. Although my Odyssey is older when compared to the newer model, I think it still looks very nice as the design is still modern. I average 15L/100km around the city and 10L/100km on highway loops. My recent jaunts on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (twisty mountainous road) has proven to me that this minivan has legs (and muscles). I think the Odyssey is about as fun as one can get in a minivan. Highly recommended for families! Jun 26, 2009
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2008
I love this van it is soo practical with the doors opening and closing with a push of a button. How I could live without that before I do not know. This car also has traction and wow I would have ran into a houses around me when it gets icy which it does often hey it is Iowa. It is a beauty also I am not ashamed that I drive a van at all.Dec 15, 2008
by Charanjeet J
Sep 08, 2008
Most powerful minivan...Tokyo Drift yo! 240hp of Vtec power. Handles like a kleenex box, but it's a van after all. Quiet, fast, has the bells/whistles we wanted. Power sliding doors are awesome. In an ideal world, I'd be driving the family around in a black M5, but hey, this is reality. :)Sep 08, 2008
by RoseMarie L
Aug 04, 2008
Bought it new. Had to, we needed a bigger car. Especially with the kids 16 months apart.
I didn't want a minivan, but the Odssey has amazing "get out of it's own way power". It will be paid off in 11months. I plan on keeping it til the kids are grown.
I have recommended it to my boss, she went out and bought one, the luxury one but still it was cool that she considered my recommendation.
I have driven the CR-V and I like it but it is just not roomy like my VAN.Aug 04, 2008
by Anonymous
May 23, 2008
1999 -2003 Honda odyssey possibly have clutch material that plugs up internal
filter,decreasing ability to cool unit, causing 2'nd gear to warp, lose teeth and trash
transmission. When confronted Honda dealer, Darlings in Bangor Me. initially stonewalled
but now promise to extend service contract to 109000 mi, we'll see if it comes in writing.May 23, 2008
by Anonymous
May 21, 2008
Honda has produced problematic transmissions on it's odyessy 1999 -2003, and is not
upfront to cunsumer. May 21, 2008
by Remi I
Apr 01, 2008
nice small 7 seater for the family. likes the auto sliding remote doors but too slow when opening.Apr 01, 2008
by Lauren T
Feb 29, 2008
It's pretty good at first but after a few years it can be very expensive to repair what is going wrong.Feb 29, 2008
by Brandon E
Feb 06, 2008
Nickname: The pimpmobile, Mom's porsche. yeah its okayFeb 06, 2008
by Piet Y
Jan 08, 2008
Not enough PowerJan 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 09, 2007
We are happy.Dec 09, 2007
by Daniel C
Nov 05, 2007
a "Sports Van" drives well, and does its job carting the kids around.Nov 05, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 28, 2007
We like it very much. I's great on trips.Oct 28, 2007
by Anonymous
Jun 11, 2007
I believe the 2003 Honda Odyssey is drives as well as most sedans.Jun 11, 2007
We replaced the struts, sway bar, and bushings. We have spent over $1500 dollars and still have the same noises. Our dealer wants us to replace the new struts new KYG again with the Honda stuts. Estimated cost is $1000. Help!
Sometimes my van will not start. When this happens, the van has no power to it whatsoever it is completely dead. There are never lights left on or anything that I could have done to cause it. I have replaced the alternator, battery, and battery terminals. The issue occurs randomly. The van could start everyday for 2 weeks straight with no issue but then one day it will decide not to. When it doesn't start, there are no noises upon turning key and there is no power to any part of the van whatsoever. Luckily, I have a jump pack and every time I use the jump pack the van does start. No certain conditions, such as cold or warm outside, causes this issue. Does anyone have any idea what it could be?
So my wife was driving her honda odyssey to work...and cel and TCS lights came on. She had rough shifts would press on gas wouldn't go anywhere...parked it two days I picked it up it drove fine for about 10 miles...got it home checked the code it read P0740. I took it on some more test drive still drove fine. I had cleared the codes. then after about 10 minutes it started doing it again...shifting bad. Press gas it idles high but doesn't go anywhere.....let off gas it would eventually shift....got it home and pulled a p0730 this time....Please help. Not sure where to start. Has 184k miles. 2003 model
My van has no get up and go. pull out of the driveway foot almost to the floor and the van is just moving very very slowly and then it'll kick in but slowly. Cannot accelerate well or go up hills any incline is like I need The Flintstones to keep it running. Decrease power, kind of scary on the freeway.