The Good
The 2003 Odyssey excels in reliability, offering peace of mind. Its comfortable ride and spacious interior appeal to families, while the smooth V6 engine provides adequate performance. The practical layout and features, combined with Honda's reputation, create a sense of value and long-term dependability.
The Bad
Common weaknesses include transmission issues, particularly around 100,000 miles. Power sliding door malfunctions are also frequent. Oil leaks can occur as the engine ages. Rust, especially in regions with road salt, is something to inspect. Overall, diligent maintenance is key to mitigating these potential problems.
2003 Honda Odyssey: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.5L V6 (J35A4)
- Horsepower: 240 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Fuel Economy:
- City: 17 mpg
- Highway: 25 mpg
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 9 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (with dealer-installed towing package)
- Trim-Level Features:
- LX: Air conditioning, power windows/locks, cruise control, AM/FM/Cassette stereo.
- EX: Adds alloy wheels, dual power sliding doors, upgraded stereo with CD player, rear climate control, keyless entry, and driver's seat power lumbar adjustment. Some EX models also included leather seats and a DVD entertainment system.
- Safety: All trims included anti-lock brakes (ABS), front airbags, and side airbags for front passengers.
The 2003 Honda Odyssey was designed for family practicality. It had front wheel drive with a 5 speed automatic transmission. Its fuel tank capacity was 20 gallons, providing a decent range for long trips. The V6 engine, while reliable, was known for its relatively high fuel consumption compared to newer minivans. The EX trim was significantly more equipped with additional features for comfort and convenience making it a highly sought after trim.
2003 Honda Odyssey Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Odyssey |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 5-Door |
| Type | Minivan |
| Category | Minivan |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | LINCOLN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 5-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1984.92 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 2524.24 kg |
| Overall Height | 177.04 cm |
| Overall Length | 511.05 cm |
| Overall Width | 192.02 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 299.97 cm |
| Standard Seating | 7 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.5-L V-6 SOHC 24V |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $28,400 USD |
| Invoice Price | $25,551 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $460 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Honda Odyssey Have?
Other reported issues include oil leaks, particularly from the valve cover gaskets and oil pan. Catalytic converter failure is also a potential problem as the vehicle ages, which can lead to reduced fuel economy and emissions issues. Rust can be a significant concern, especially in areas with heavy road salt use during winter. Recalls for the 2003 Odyssey primarily focused on issues such as potential fuel leakage and concerns with the power sliding doors.
Long-term reliability concerns center on the durability of the transmission and the potential for electrical issues. Regular maintenance, including timely transmission fluid changes, can help to mitigate some of these risks, but the transmission remains a weak point for this generation of Odyssey.
How long will the 2003 Honda Odyssey last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles. Cruise control was standard on all trims. Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual front airbags, and front side airbags. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking were available.
Crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were generally positive. The Odyssey received five stars for driver and passenger frontal crash protection and four stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Odyssey a "Good" rating in its frontal offset crash test.
The 2003 Odyssey prioritized safety and entertainment for families, but lacked the advanced tech seen in newer vehicles. The optional DVD entertainment system was a popular feature. Its safety ratings were good for its time, making it a relatively safe choice.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2003 Honda Odyssey Prices and Market Value
2003 Honda Odyssey Cost of Ownership
2003 Honda Odyssey Fuel Efficiency
2003 Honda Odyssey Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2003 Honda Odyssey Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2003 Honda Odyssey Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Honda Odyssey Compare to Other Minivan?
In terms of features, the Odyssey offered competitive options, including the DVD entertainment system and power sliding doors. However, some Chrysler models offered features like Stow 'n Go seating, which the Odyssey lacked. The Dodge Caravan was often the most budget-friendly option when new, but its reliability was a concern.
If looking for a similar or potentially better alternative, the Toyota Sienna from the same model year is a strong contender due to its comparable reliability. A well-maintained Sienna could offer similar performance and features with potentially fewer transmission issues. However, be prepared to pay a premium for the Toyota name and reputation, as Siennas tend to hold their value slightly better. If budget is the primary concern, a Dodge Caravan might seem appealing, but be aware of the increased risk of repairs.
Ranks #31 Van
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Sienna | (5.0โ ) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Odyssey | (4.0โ ) |
| 3 | 2001 Mazda MPV | (4.0โ ) |
| 4 | 2024 Ford E-Series Cutaway | (0.0โ ) |
| 5 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van | (0.0โ ) |
| 6 | 2023 Chevrolet Express Passenger | (0.0โ ) |
| 7 | 2021 Nissan NV200 | (3.0โ ) |
| 8 | 2023 GMC Savana | (0.0โ ) |
| 9 | 2023 Ram ProMaster | (0.0โ ) |
| 10 | 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn | (0.0โ ) |
| 11 | 2013 Volkswagen Routan | (4.0โ ) |
| 12 | 2007 Buick Terraza | (0.0โ ) |
| 31 | 2003 Honda Odyssey | (5.0โ ) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Honda Odyssey a Good Minivan?
Tom Collins on April 19, 2024
Best car everOutstanding Van. We bought this van brand new and just passed 250K miles. Same motor and transmission. I've replaced radiator at 230K miles and alternator at 200K miles. Everything else was routine maint. I will keep driving it until it dies.
JSmith on October 2, 2023
Still GoingComing up on 300k miles and still running. Most of the engine's been rebuilt by now, and it has an oil leak that pops up now and then, but it still runs. It's survived two tire blowouts and a lot more off-roading than the designers probably had in mind. That being said, it's rapidly turning into a money pit, but after that many miles, who can blame it?
Tom Collins on August 13, 2023
Fantastic minivanI bought this new in 2003 and we are coming up on 250K miles. Still runs like new. Original transmission and engine. I changed oil every 5K with full synthetic since day 1. Changed transmission fluid every 50K. Timing belt every 100K. Brake,Coolant and power steering fluid every 100K. I will drive this until the engine or transmission goes out.
Maestro Tornillos on August 1, 2023
Surging Idle from dirty IAC valvethe car works great when maintained oil changed 3-4K miles ATF changed at 60,000 miles. Many of the '03 have paint top coat exfoliates below the window sills. There is 2 non standard fasteners holding IAC Valve to the throttle body. These should be changed for standard SS 10-25. 1 inch Phillips
Jeff on April 24, 2023
Worst Honda I've ever bought sadGoogle only has about $161,000 miles on it it has transmission slippage OBD reader says to replace transmission very expensive can't replace filters for transmission which would more likely fix the problem at least has on other types of vehicles has a transmission oil leak and the other way to fill it is through the dipstick hole which is about the size of a straw
Live รยขรขโยฌรลn Learn on November 16, 2022
Best car we've ever owned!We purchased this Odyssey in 2003; it continues to be a reliable, comfortable vehicle with over 150,000 miles. West Hills Honda in Bremerton, WA has provided fine service and we expect to continue enjoying this vehicle for years to come. We especially appreciate the flexible interior which permits a variety of functions including transporting a wheelchair.
A.J. Knowledge on July 10, 2022
It's been good for MeI purchased this vehicle used in 2005. It now has over 200K miles on it. I've adhere to all maintenance check ups, ownership comes with a cost. However no major breakdowns. The driver side door sliding door cable recently broke. I'm not going to replace it. It just open and closes manually like a regular one. I plan on keeping it for a few more years minimally. After that give it away to a needy family/single mom. My catalytic converter was recently removed without my authorization.
wer mpls mn on March 28, 2021
best transportation i've ever ownedlow maint costs, all i have had to do is lub & change oil, it has no rust i now have 138k miles on it. if I could find a low milage unit when this one hits 250 K I'd fall over myself to go buy it Love my Odyssey !!!!
Abraham Lincoln on May 15, 2020
Transmission problems everyone i know that had oneThis car is amazing but get ready to replace the transmission if you want to buy one Overall the van drives good will.save you money on gas great space love the van lol besides the transmission
Luanas on February 23, 2020
car in excellent conditioncar in excellent condition and never had any mechanical problems. Maintenance up to date, ready to go! Came for see the car in person and make a test drive!
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.