Is the 2000 Honda Odyssey a Good Car?

Yes, but only for the right buyer: a well-maintained 2000 Honda Odyssey can be a cheap, roomy people-mover if its automatic transmission has been replaced or professionally rebuilt and major maintenance is up to date. That said, this 25-year-old minivan lacks modern safety tech and is known for specific issues—most notably transmission failures and power sliding door problems—that make it a risky choice as a primary family vehicle in 2025.

Verdict at a Glance (2025)

For budget-hauling, project use, or short local trips, the 2000 Odyssey can still make sense. For daily family duty or long-distance reliability, a newer minivan with better safety and fewer age-related liabilities is the smarter bet.

What the 2000 Odyssey Does Well

Before weighing the drawbacks, it’s worth noting the strengths that made this generation of Odyssey popular and why some examples are still on the road today.

• Space and practicality: A genuinely roomy cabin with the clever “Magic Seat” third row that folds into the floor, plus wide-opening sliding doors.
• Comfortable V6 powertrain: A 3.5-liter V6 delivers smooth, quiet power adequate for family hauling.
• Ride and ergonomics: Comfortable ride quality and straightforward controls by late-1990s standards.
• Low purchase cost and plentiful parts: Typically inexpensive to buy today, with strong aftermarket and used parts availability.

These advantages are why some owners keep them running well past 200,000 miles—provided the major weak points have been addressed.

Key Weaknesses and Known Trouble Spots

The 2000 model year sits within a run of Odysseys known for several issues. Understanding these risks is essential before buying or continuing to invest in one.

• Automatic transmission failures: The 4-speed automatic in 1999–2001 vans is prone to early wear and failure (slipping, harsh shifts, hesitation, torque-converter codes). Many surviving vans have had a replacement or rebuild—verify documentation.
• Power sliding door problems: Worn rollers, cables, latches, switches, or motors can cause binding or non-operation; fixes range from simple parts to costly assemblies.
• EGR and intake passage clogging: Can trigger check-engine lights and rough running; cleaning the passages/EGR valve is a common repair.
• Engine mounts: Fluid-filled mounts wear and cause vibrations, especially at idle or under load.
• Age-related electrical and HVAC issues: Blower resistors, A/C leaks or compressor wear, window regulators, and dash illumination can act up with age.
• Brakes and suspension wear: Warped rotors, tired struts, and bushing wear are common after decades and affect ride/handling.
• Rust in snow-belt regions: Rear quarter panels, door bottoms, and underbody components are vulnerable; severe rust can be a safety issue.
• Safety by modern standards: No electronic stability control, no side-curtain airbags, and limited child-seat anchorage compared with newer vans.

None of these are automatic deal-breakers in isolation, but together they raise ownership risk—especially if prior maintenance and repairs are undocumented.

What to Inspect Before You Buy (or Before You Commit to Big Repairs)

Pre-purchase diligence matters more with the 2000 Odyssey than with many peers. These checks can help you separate a survivor from a money pit.

• Transmission health: Demand records of a replacement/rebuild; on the road, verify smooth shifts (light and heavy throttle, up- and downshifts) and no delayed engagement. Scan for transmission-related codes and check ATF condition and level.
• Timing belt service: The J35 V6 uses a timing belt; confirm belt, water pump, tensioner, and cam/crank seals were replaced on schedule. If unknown, budget for a full service.
• Power sliding doors: Test both doors repeatedly; listen for binding and ensure they latch and seal properly.
• Engine and mounts: Look for vibration at idle in gear, leaking mounts, misfires, vacuum leaks, and EGR clog symptoms.
• Cooling and HVAC: Verify steady operating temperature, strong heat/AC, and no signs of coolant or refrigerant leaks.
• Rust and structure: Inspect rocker panels, wheel arches, subframe, brake and fuel lines, and rear suspension mounting points.
• Brakes and suspension: Check for rotor pulsation, uneven pad wear, blown struts, worn bushings, and noisy wheel bearings.
• Recalls and safety items: Run the VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup to confirm any outstanding campaigns are addressed.

A thorough inspection, a cold start, and a long mixed test drive—plus a professional pre-purchase inspection—will significantly reduce your risk.

Safety, Fuel Economy, and Performance

Safety: By today’s standards, the 2000 Odyssey is basic. Dual front airbags and ABS were typical then, but there’s no electronic stability control and no side-curtain airbags. Crash-test performance was considered solid for its era, but it does not meet modern protections, especially for side impacts. Families prioritizing safety should prefer newer vans.

Fuel economy: Expect mid-teens in city driving and low-20s on the highway, depending on load and driving style. Real-world results often land around the high teens combined.

Performance: The 3.5-liter V6 (about 210 hp when new) is smooth and adequate. The limiting factor is the transmission’s durability, not the engine’s capability.

Ownership Costs and Parts Outlook

Purchase prices are typically low, but costs can spike if the transmission, timing belt, power doors, or A/C need attention. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and parts are widely available and reasonably priced in the aftermarket. Budget for fluids (including Honda-spec ATF), mounts, brakes, and suspension refreshes on higher-mileage examples.

Who Should Still Consider One?

The 2000 Odyssey can make sense for specific use cases where value and space matter more than modern safety features and cutting-edge reliability.

• Budget-minded owners who can DIY basic maintenance and want maximum interior space for minimal cash.
• Secondary/backup vehicle needs—home projects, local errands, occasional kid-hauling.
• Enthusiasts or tinkerers comfortable tackling age-related fixes and sourcing used parts.

If you need turn-key reliability, up-to-date safety, or frequent highway travel with a full load, consider newer options.

Alternatives Worth a Look

Depending on your budget and priorities, these models often deliver better safety and fewer age-related surprises while remaining relatively affordable.

• 2004–2010 Toyota Sienna: Strong reliability record, available stability control and side airbags on many trims.
• 2005–2010 Honda Odyssey: More modern platform and safety; still watch for power door and cylinder-deactivation (VCM) concerns on later years.
• 2007–2012 Kia Sedona/Hyundai Entourage: Lower purchase price, adequate safety, higher fuel consumption.
• 2012+ Mazda5 (mini-minivan alternative): Smaller and six-passenger, but easier to park and often cheaper to maintain.

All offer better crash protection than a 2000 Odyssey, and many have stability control and side-curtain airbags, which are especially important for family use.

Bottom Line

A 2000 Honda Odyssey can be “good” if it’s cheap, rust-free, has documented transmission and timing-belt work, and you accept its lack of modern safety equipment. For most families in 2025, however, a newer minivan is a wiser, safer long-term choice.

Summary

The 2000 Odyssey remains a spacious, comfortable hauler with low buy-in costs, but it’s defined by age and a high-risk transmission. Carefully inspected and properly maintained examples can still serve well in limited roles, yet the absence of modern safety features and the likelihood of expensive repairs make newer alternatives more compelling for daily family duty.

How reliable is a 2000 Honda Odyssey?

The 2000 Honda Odyssey has mixed reliability, with owners giving it high praise but also reporting issues with premature transmission failure, electrical problems, and potential stalling/misfires. Despite these potential flaws, it is often praised for its comfort, spaciousness, and value, but its reliability is highly dependent on regular, thorough maintenance, especially regarding the transmission, and may not be as dependable as other generations of Odyssey.
 
Positive Aspects

• High Owner Satisfaction: Owners often rate it highly for comfort, interior, and overall value, with a significant portion recommending the vehicle, according to Cars.com. 
• Durable Engine: The engine is generally considered reliable, with the potential to last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper care, says Honda of Cleveland Heights. 
• Practical and Spacious: It’s praised for being a comfortable and spacious family vehicle with a versatile interior, making it practical for family use and even hauling. 

Common Issues & Considerations

• Transmission Failure: A significant concern is premature transmission failure, which can be a costly repair. 
• Electrical Problems: Some owners have experienced issues with electrical components, such as interior lighting. 
• Road Noise: Reviews indicate that road noise can be a concern. 
• Engine Issues: While the engine is durable, potential issues include stalling, misfires, and excessive oil consumption, often linked to low-quality oil or leaking seals. 

Tips for Potential Buyers

• Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: Due to potential issues, especially with the transmission, a thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic is crucial before purchasing a 2000 Odyssey. 
• Check Maintenance Records: Regular and timely maintenance, particularly frequent transmission fluid changes, can help mitigate transmission problems. 
• Understand Usage: The vehicle’s reliability is often linked to how it was used and maintained; a well-maintained, carefully driven 2000 Odyssey is more likely to be reliable. 

How long does a 2000 Honda Odyssey last?

between 200,000 to 300,000 miles
The engine is the heart of the Honda Odyssey, and its longevity is a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess. With proper care, the Odyssey’s engine can last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles.

What years did the Honda Odyssey have bad transmissions?

Honda Odyssey years known for transmission problems include the 1999-2004 models (widespread failures), the 2005-2010 models (continued issues and new problems), and the 2018-2019 models (9-speed transmission issues). Other problematic years are 2002 and 2003, while the 2011-2013 range also saw some issues. The most significant problems involve widespread failures in the early 2000s and a problematic 9-speed transmission in the 2018-2019 models. 
This video explains common problems with the Honda Odyssey transmission, including the issues in the 2018-2019 models: 55sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 25, 2023
Specific Model Years to Avoid

• 1999-2004: These early models are notorious for widespread transmission failures. 
• 2002-2003: These are specifically called out as problematic years for transmission issues. 
• 2005-2010: Transmission problems continued in this generation, although not as widespread as the previous ones. 
• 2011-2013: These models also experienced some transmission and engine issues. 
• 2018-2019: These later models had problems with their 9-speed automatic transmissions, leading to rough shifting, power loss, and accidental shifts into park. 

Why Certain Years Have Problems

• Early models (1999-2004): Often suffered from internal gear locking, which could be dangerous. 
• Late models (2018-2019): Faulty 9-speed transmissions had issues, sometimes linked to loose battery terminals and software problems that could cause unexpected reboots. 

What to Do if Considering a Used Odyssey

• Check the VIN: Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to check for any recalls or service bulletins on a specific used Odyssey. 
• Consult a Mechanic: If buying a third-generation or older model, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic. 
• Ensure Recalls are Addressed: For the 2018-2019 models, ensure any recall related to the 9-speed transmission and loose battery terminals was addressed by a dealership. 

What year to stay away from Honda Odyssey?

Used Honda Odyssey Model Years to Avoid
Due to possible transmission and engine issues, we’d avoid the 2011-2013 and 2018-2020 vans. If you’re looking at a third-generation or older Odyssey, we suggest you run it by a trusted mechanic first.