The Good
The 2002 Honda Odyssey offered a comfortable ride and spacious interior, appealing to families. Its V6 engine provided adequate performance, and Honda's reputation for reliability offered peace of mind. Practical buyers appreciated the fuel efficiency and cargo space, while emotional buyers enjoyed the smooth ride and family-friendly features. It represented a good value for a dependable minivan.
The Bad
The 2002 Honda Odyssey has some known weaknesses. Transmission problems are a common concern, so look for smooth shifting. Power sliding doors can also be problematic. Rust, especially in areas with road salt, can be an issue. Oil consumption and catalytic converter failures have also been reported. A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.
2002 Honda Odyssey: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.5L V6 VTEC
- Horsepower: 240 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Fuel Economy: Approximately 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times: Around 9.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (when properly equipped)
Trim-Level Features:
- LX:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows and locks
- Cruise control
- AM/FM/cassette stereo
- Dual front airbags
- ABS brakes
- EX: (adds to LX)
- Alloy wheels
- Power sliding doors
- Keyless entry
- Upgraded stereo with CD player
- Rear air conditioning
- EX-L: (adds to EX)
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power driver's seat
- Automatic climate control
- Optional navigation system (rare)
All trims featured a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey offered seating for up to seven passengers. Key features included a fold-flat third-row seat, making it easy to increase cargo space. Many included rear entertainment systems, though these varied in age and technology. Safety features consisted of front airbags and anti-lock brakes.
2002 Honda Odyssey Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2002 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Odyssey |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Minivan |
| Category | Minivan |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | LINCOLN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 5-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 6000 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | J35A4 |
| Engine Size | 3.4L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 5 Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | - |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2002 Honda Odyssey Have?
Oil consumption has been reported, where the engine burns excessive amounts of oil between changes. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored. Catalytic converter failure is also a common issue, often triggered by the oil consumption problem. Rust can be a problem, particularly in regions with salted roads. The undercarriage, rocker panels, and wheel wells are susceptible.
Recalls for the 2002 Odyssey included issues related to airbags. Check the NHTSA website for specific recall information and VIN applicability. Long-term reliability concerns primarily revolve around the transmission and power sliding doors. Regular maintenance, including timely transmission fluid changes, can help mitigate some of these issues, but failure is still possible given the vehicle's age.
How long will the 2002 Honda Odyssey last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) standard on all trims. Side airbags were not available. Optional features, depending on the trim level, included keyless entry and power sliding doors.
Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were generally good for frontal impact protection. However, side-impact protection was less impressive as side airbags were unavailable. Keep in mind that safety standards and testing methodologies have significantly advanced since 2002, so newer vehicles offer substantially better protection in collisions. The lack of modern safety tech is a significant consideration for buyers today.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2002 Honda Odyssey Prices and Market Value
The Odyssey has depreciated significantly due to its age. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's overall condition, maintenance history (especially transmission service records), and the presence of common issues like transmission problems or power sliding door malfunctions. Rust significantly reduces value. Low mileage and meticulous maintenance can command a higher price, but age remains a primary factor.
2002 Honda Odyssey Cost of Ownership
2002 Honda Odyssey Fuel Efficiency
2002 Honda Odyssey Safety Rating
NHTSA
2002 Honda Odyssey Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2002 Honda Odyssey Compare to Other Minivan?
Features were also relatively similar across the class, though the Odyssey's power sliding doors were a selling point for some. Pricing was competitive when new. However, given the age, price differences in the used market depend more on condition than original MSRP.
Alternatives to the 2002 Odyssey include the 2002-2003 Toyota Sienna for potentially greater reliability, albeit at a higher price. A newer minivan, even a slightly older model from the late 2000s, would offer significantly improved safety features and potentially better reliability than a 2002 Odyssey, though at a higher initial cost. If reliability and safety are paramount, exploring newer options is advisable. The Chrysler minivans of that era offer more features for the price but come with significantly lower reliability ratings.
Ranks #326 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 326 | 2002 Honda Odyssey | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2002 Honda Odyssey a Good Minivan?
Oldfridayrider on June 2, 2022
Early transmission failure.Transmission fail @96,000 miles. $7,200 to replace. Performance up to now has been great. Averaged 25 mpg, still has original brakes. Has been a great car up to this major fail.
Abioye on September 4, 2020
Most reliable car I have owned, sleek and steady.The minivan is sleek and steady, it has some beautiful effects. A DVD player for the comfort of the passengers. It has a brand new instrument cluster and battery. All the tires are from Discount Tires and they are all under warranty and the minivan has hitherto been managed only by the Gwinnett Place Honda since 2005 and there is evidential records from 2005 to date with Honda.
Family Van on February 8, 2020
Owned for over 10years!Great car! Just as reliable as Honda could ever be, my second Odyssey, great family van and commuter. Purchased for commute and cargo, smooth luxury drive.
Kirbt on December 29, 2019
Smoothest driving tank I've seenVery roomy and the fold-down back seat is excellent. After nearly 20 years of ownership, it still drives wonderfully and only needed a handful of repairs (power windows tend to fail and we replaced the alternator about 17 years in). The biggest issues are have are the sliding doors. They easily get gunked up and tend to stick in the closed position. The wiring to them has also failed. But it is very convenient to have sliding doors for slim parking. Overall, this is an excellent and comfortable car for road trips, or carting children. It is surprisingly fast and accelerates smoothly considering its size. It will feel big to anyone used to sedan driving, but is not nearly so unwieldy as one would expect.
FamilySillyMan on September 22, 2019
Great road trips championGreat car. Very comfortable, roomy and great cargo. Transmission is the only flaw with this model. Bought a new one after 15 years of ownership.
Giantkilla on April 29, 2019
Truly enjoyed by the whole family!Ideal car for short or long distances. Very nice machine. Met all my expectations. Sufficient space for kids and luggage. Lots of creature comforts. Great performance!
Abe on January 6, 2019
Strong!This baby lasts through everything! Engine going strong at 220k miles and 17 years! Added two seats to make it a 9 seater. Large trunk, plenty of storage space for our family of 9.
TexasFrank on December 27, 2018
Poorly designed/built transmissionAt 200,000 miles it is done. Toast. It would cost more to get it back on the road (by far) than it is worth. Despite stringent maintenance and careful use (adult driven, no abuse) it has begun to basically fall apart. The transmission went up in smoke at the beginning of the month, about two weeks after changing the trans fluid. Apparently doing regular maintenance doesn't help with these Honda transmissions.
Honda fan on July 18, 2018
Most realiableThis car is perfect for road trips, transporting, and in harsh weather conditions. A very spacious vehicle for the whole family to ride along. I personally believe it?s one of Honda?s best model for the odyssey.
Honda Fan on June 6, 2018
290,000 miles ans still drives greatThe only regret is that i should have ordered the sunroof with this vehicle. Other than that everything is great . Still runs fine after all these years
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.