Used Odyssey Van

I'm looking at replacing my old Ford Windstar with a used Honda Odyssey.
Does anyone have any recommendations regarding things to look out for?

Was the 4cyl engine good? Underpowered? Is the V6 a big improvement?
Was there a problem in any one year that I should avoid?

I don't read this News group very often so please EMail
if possible.

Phil

 

http://www.odyclub.com

In a nutshell:

95-98 was first gen--pretty much a tall Accord wagon with a magic seat
third row and swing-out doors. If this is what you want, find a 98.

99-01 was the first of the large Odyssey that competes in the
Chrysler-sized market. Stay away. Stay far, far away. Horrible 4
speed transmission problems, rear drums, 205hp, lesser content levels,
etc.

02-04 was the same body as the 99-01, but many items were ironed out.
It got a 240hp engine (on regular gas, no premium required), all-new 5
speed auto transmission, rear disc brakes, improvements in the electric
sliding doors, factory optional leather and DVD/rear entertainment, etc.

That being said, this transmission was subject to a recall of its own.
It wasn't until the middle of the 04 model year that all the
transmission bugs were hammered out.

05 saw a model change, refining the feature set even more and bumping up
horsepower and giving cylinder deactivation in the higher models.

02 is the first year I'd consider.

 

can't tell you how many 02-04 trannys i've done. even done a couple
of 05's. It's hit or miss but honda has been covering them anyway .

 

I have an 06. AT is incredibly smooth during acceleration but you really
feel the engine slow down the car when you take the foot off the gas.