Overview & Reviews

The engine is upgraded to a more sophisticated 2.3-liter, good for an extra 10 horsepower and seven pound-feet of torque. New looks up front come from a revised bumper and grille, and the interior gets dressed in new fabric.

• Stylish, 4-door minivan that drives like a sedan.

• Underpowered engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 24.00

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  One of a kind - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Nelson - November 12 - 6:26 pm

  We bought our Odyssey about 7 years ago. It then had 170K. It now has 240K. With the exception of a new radiator, the only other repairs have been the usual maintenance. It still is a pleasure to drive. The seats are comfortable and the interior roomy. Except for a little carpet wear in the front seat area, it looks almost new inside. Of course, the car-like doors are a wonderful addition. The folding, back seat is a nice touch we use it often to provide more storage space. It is absolutely reliable and still looks remarkably good, at least to us. We have looked at new cars thinking to replace it, but just walk away from them. With a car that offers us low insurance rates, good gas mileage (21-29mpg), low taxes, and no repair costs, why would we want a new one. We dont need all the techno stuff, so why spend big money. Maybe someday, but not yet. Just a great car!

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  1998 Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By teapartynow - May 25 - 10:43 pm

  I bought it used with 100K miles on it in 2013. Well taken care of and serviced. I expect the transmission to last 250K miles. At that point in time parts may be scarce so Ill enjoy it while I can. Do the drain of transmission fluid, not the flush, with 30K intervals. The car is well built and the seats are very comfortable. I have a bad back and Im 6 foot 2 but I can still put in a 12 hour drive non stop and feel OK when I step out. It likes the speed interval 80 to 100 miles per hour on the interstate. Too bad American cars are not this good, or the later Odysseys. There is nothing like it.

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  14 years old and going strong - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By chenster - September 10 - 6:49 pm

  We bought this car 8 years ago when we found out we were having twins. The boys came home from the hospital in the van. Now they are carted around to school, soccer practice, piano lessons. The size for us family of 4 is perfect. The gas mileage is pretty good for a van. We average around 25 mpg, up to 30mpg on long road trips. We wish there were similar sized newer models but the Mazda5 is a bit cramped. All other vans are huge and gas-guzzling. We are keeping this one until they bring over the JDM Odyssey or Honda Stream. One thing to remember is to replace the oil cooler o-ring. Also Honda ATF every 15K would ward off transmission issues.

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  Great car! - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By suswaski - May 23 - 11:52 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted a mini van that had four real opening doors- I love the size of it, decent power and gas mileage, very versatile vehicle, super reliable. I have driven mine about 4 years now on a Salvage title- I was hit by a teenage driver and my car was "totalled" due to the costs of the repair- I have almost 180,000 miles on the car and it is still going strong! I bought it with about 88,000 miles on it. i only wish it came in a AWD, and that they still made these cars-- I dont know what I will buy when it finally dies. :(

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  Bring them back Honda - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By A Missourian - July 4 - 12:02 am

  After reading numerous reviews on Volvos, Subarus, and old Mercedes diesels, we found out about the 1995-1998 Honda Odysseys. Talk about a car ahead of its time! The 1998 model came with the 2.3L 4-cylinder VTEC, which has excellent V6-like power. These 1st Gens were still made in Japan, and were built from the Accord platform (with the same engine).... because of that, the trannys are much better than what was found in the early 2nd Gen model (1999-2001). We have had ours for a few months, and it has been the best car we have ever owned! I switched to synthetic oil/filter, and get 31+ MPG highway on a tank! No gas car made in 09 that seats 7 can even match that!

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  Was good but no more - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By A worker - April 15 - 4:53 pm

  Ours was a 98 LX. We owned it for 11 years. It ran smooth with conservative look and practical interior design. It was little lack on power and loud when speedup but was just functioning well. However, we are not that lucky as the owners here. Our Odysseys engine started to make noise a few weeks ago. 2 different mechanics said the same things, transmission was about to die. But it only had less than 90k miles! How could it be? We did all required oil change and timely maintenance. Thought we could drive it for 20 years. Traded in and bought a Toyota Highlander Sport. Its just different in all respects.

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  Best minivan ever! - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Best Minivan EVER - July 6 - 10:59 am

  I bought this van only 3 years ago, and on average Ive driven it 60,000 km/year which is a lot. Right now it has 320,000 km and Ive never received a single $5 dollar bulb replacement. I do oil change every 10,000 km (which is late) and it still drives like its brand new. I love the 4 cylinder engine while I save on gas- they should make more of these even though they werent famous at its time because gas was cheap back then. The 4 cylinder v tech is amazingly powerful

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  Ahead of its time - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By john - July 2 - 10:36 pm

  We have owner this small van for 1-1/2 years. Purchased from original owners who only put 72,000 miles on it in the 8 years they owned it. It handles really well and is surprisingly good in the Maine snow. The car feels solid and is relatively heavy for its size. Nevertheless, the 4 cylinder VTEC engine provides nice power when needed. And when we drive conservatively, we have been able to squeeze 30 mpg. If Honda had offered a 5 speed manual for this vehicle, it would be our dream car. And, I know we could bump the gas mileage up a couple MPG. HINT TO HONDA: Bring back this wonderful ahead of its time car!! HINT TO TOYOTA: Bring back the remarkable Corolla All-trac wagon!!

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  Extremely impressed - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By jaw - May 29 - 11:04 pm

  Super van, very reliable, only two parts broke over 11 years of constant use: starter motor and a cast iron header pipe cracked, both rare. Our van has 322,000kms, or over 193,000miles, with super Honda v-tec 2.3 liter engine: good low end torque for its size, and great power up top if you need it (150 horse). Its much lighter than other vans so it outperforms even 3.0 liter Nissans and other vans. I get over 30 miles per gallon highway, but run hard tires and 0W-30 amsoil. With a tranny cooler Ive towed all across North America. It has lots of life left, it handles very nicely for a van too, much better than any other Ive ever driven. Like a car. Great small van, ahead of its time.

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  Solidly Built, 6 Seater Car/Van - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris - December 30 - 1:59 pm

  Closer to a 6 seat car than a van. A "crossover" ahead of its time. Power: Surprising. Wind the tach and the car moves "good enough". I turned in an 04 3.8 Grand Caravan and I like the characteristics of the 98 Odyssey better. Mileage: Average. I get 21mpg. Steering: Drives like an Accord, but slightly heavier feel (because it is). Above average for a "van". Reliability: Zero unscheduled fixes to date. Interior: Below average. Cupholders useless(verey small), and no center console means drinks sit on passenger seat or lap. Some controls not lit at night dash is very dim. Not enough storage bins. Sound: Poor, worst sound of any car Ive owned.