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Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna

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Comments

  • lavrishevolavrishevo Member Posts: 312
    Ateixeira,

    The aforementioned "reliability" problems you are mentioning are very minute compared to huge transmissions problems. The problems Kia has struggle with are mainly electrical and the fact that their is a 60,000 bumper to bumper and 100,000 power train warranty means most likely you will be covered. In all honesty I would much rather have a van with minor electrical gremlins then one loosing transmissions. Honda not fixing this problem year after year shows a lot how they feel about their customers. It took a law suit for certain years to be covered and it is usually a huge hassle for existing owners to have Honda only cover some of the cost for replacing the tranny. I don't know what you would choose but I would certainly pick a van that I would not have to spend upwards of four thousand dollars per transmission then taking your van into the dealer for warranty repair. Nonetheless, I would not have purchased a pre 06 Sedona. I think their gain in market share speaks for itself. I hope you get what I am saying. Again, the problems Kia had and may still have to some degree are not powertrain. This speaks in many ways to the true reliability of the vehicle. This is why many of these survey sites and to a degree CS miss the mark. They praise a van because of initial quality but what happens to all those poor owners who lost the second most expensive part in the car out of warranty. Often multiple times! I know Honda has lost countless customers because of this. No thanks, I'll take my factory warranty and deal with the minor problems if they arise...
  • yatesjoyatesjo Member Posts: 186
    The number of complaints on the Kia/Hyundai forums may be drastically short of the number on the Honda forums, but the sales numbers are drastically shorter too. The Hyundai/Kia twins sell a fraction of what Honda sells. What objective sources say is that the Hyundai twins have a higher rate of problems.

    The user ratings are helpful, but also subjective. Self sampling surveys are always biased by expectations. If someone has low expectations that are satisfied and exceeded, they will rate highly; if the expectations are high and unmet then they will rate lowly. Even though an item may be better in every way by objective criteria, the expectation criteria can make for lower ratings.
  • lavrishevolavrishevo Member Posts: 312
    But the fact remains that Kia and Hyundai are not dropping transmissions or having powertrain problems. This is a huge step in the right direction. I totally agree that the Koreans are newcomers and have not gained market share like the Japanese but this is good for us all. The [non-permissible content removed]'s have been getting lazy at the top and overall quality on of their production has gone down. Maybe this can shake things up.
  • speterson1speterson1 Member Posts: 228
    But the fact remains that Kia and Hyundai are not dropping transmissions or having powertrain problems.

    I would argue that Hondas are not dropping transmissions either; wasn't the main problem with Odyssey transmissions fixed in 2004? After the 2005 Odyssey redesign this problem has been improved dramatically. Most of the readers of this forum are probably looking for good information so they can make a well-educated purchase, so they're probably looking at at least the 2008 model year. Your comments are pertinent for those who may be looking at pre-2005 Odysseys to buy used, but I don't think they carry much weight for the post-2005 models.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Bingo. Even then, our 2000 Odyssey we had for over 5 years never had issues, other than a squeaky front passenger seat, which was adjusted, therefore alleviating the problem. No doubt some did, but that was quite a while ago.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    This discussion is about Odyssey and Sienna. If you wish to compare other vans, please go to the appropriate topic to do so. If there isn't one available, please create one that fits your criteria.

    Thanks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Alignment problems, which is what I was referring to, are certainly not "very minute".

    Any how, Honda seems to have put the trans issues behind them after the 2004 model got the Rigdeline's transmission.
  • fmichaelfmichael Member Posts: 95
    Haven't yet test driven either vehicle (will test drive both next week), but me thinks I'm leaning towards the Sienna.

    Interior room (especially the leg room for the driver), & what appears to be a "better" set-up for the folding rear seat is making me think the Toyota is the way to go (this coming from a guy who in the past favors Honda :blush: ).
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Both vans will have a totally new redesign in Sep/Oct.
    So,I think u could wait for the newer version.B``cos ,in effect u are buying a 05-09 previous generation model.
    And when they come out,,any leftovers maybe heavily dicounted.
    Just MHO.
  • fmichaelfmichael Member Posts: 95
    I've heard that Toyota will introduce the new 2010 Sienna sometime this late spring/early summer - however I was not aware of Honda redesigning their Odyssey...Didn't Honda do a "make-over" on the Odyssey for 2008 :confuse:

    Either way my wife, & I will test drive both soon , & will most likely hold off until better financing is offered.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Due to the lagging minivan market, don't expect huge changes this fall, at least in the Odyssey (which is a model-year newer than the Sienna design).
  • lavrishevolavrishevo Member Posts: 312
    So glancing at the 2009 buying guide I was glancing at the minivans and not to change this topic towards any make other then "should not be discussed" it is nice to see that CR is still rating vans on data from Sept. 2006 Great job their guys...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If you want more current data check out truedelta.com, they have some great ideas.

    When you register is asks for a part of your VIN, and you update the database quarterly, on an on-going basis. That means no hit-and-run trolls doing any ballot-stuffing, because they verify members and stay in touch with them.

    That also allows them to rate even some 2009 models, which is impressively fast.

    The Sienna ranks best among vans on that site, also. Newer Odys not far behind.
  • snubberthedogsnubberthedog Member Posts: 2
    I decided to buy a sienna. I owned an odyssey 2000 EX and this car is only use for traveling 95% highway. I take care this car like a baby. Below are problem that I have to deal with:
    1. 60K SRS light
    2. 79K catelyltic converter (I was lucky under warrantee by honda)
    3. 100K replace timing belt waterpump belt tensioner routine maintenance ($500 labor and original parts)
    4. 101K transmission gasket leak. Have to drive until trans break down ($1500-$2000) quote
    5. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList

    Honda Pro:
    Look better. Good advertise from dealer. good engine.

    Sienna Pro:
    Sienna is timing chain. If slide door motor go bad you can always disengage automatic door and goes for manual. Much less road noise than Odyssey.
    Sienna Con:
    17" wheel is expensive 150 a pop. Don't look as good as honda.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Beware of routine maintenance?

    I don't understand why that's included.

    Also, a lot has changed since model year 2000.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I'm not sure where you're getting your facts, but they aren't correct. The transmission in your old Odyssey was a 4-speed. Now, the transmission from the Ridgeline truck is in there, and has been a 5-speed since 2002.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That means the transmission has been changed twice.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Good job, juice! ;) :P

    Just messing with ya. But yes, the tranny has been changed/upgraded more than once over the last 10 years.
  • john2009john2009 Member Posts: 5
    Can someone provide me an explanation for the "poor" IIHS rear crash test rating for the Sienna (compared to a "good" rating for the Odyssey), shown in the current issue of Consumers Reports? Also, the "overall safety" rating and the "crash protection w/wo side air bags" for the Sienna are worse than for the Odyssey. Isn't this a clear and important advantage for the Odyssey, for us "family" car buyers? If this has been dealt with in earlier posts, I'm sorry to repeat an old topic (I scanned hundreds of posts and didn't find anything.) Thanks. - John
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    It would appear that the Sienna doesn't use the advanced headrest design that is designed for whiplash protection, unlike the Honda's seats (which were revised in 2008 to include this).
  • lavrishevolavrishevo Member Posts: 312
    Truedelta looks pretty good. It is a shame the sample sizes are rather small.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm not sure if it's actually a crash test, though. Isn't it really just an evaluation of the head rest design? Do they actually wreck cars?

    Funny thing is Subarus do really well but consumers complain that the new headrests get in the way more often.
  • mkareshmkaresh Member Posts: 1
    Re: TrueDelta--we're working on the sample sizes : )

    One correction to a previous post: we don't ask for VINs, because few people are going to go through the trouble to provide them. And we've observed no need to do so.

    Results here:

    Car Reliability Survey results
  • familymanfamilyman Member Posts: 8
    All,
    After 8 years driving Sienna vans ( 2001 and 2004 LE model) I finally decided to have a change and go for a Honda Odyssey EX. Here are my comparisons.

    FIRST: What I like About my 2004 Sienna 8 seater LE that is missing from my new 2009 Odyssey EX.

    (1) The folding middle row seats that can tumble and secure in the up position in the Sienna.

    On the Ody, I need to fully remove the middle row seats and store them in the garage to gain maximum utilization for loading large items like furniture. Just like the earlier generation Sienna.

    The tumble forward action also makes it easier to load adult passengers in the third row in the Sienna. The Ody only slides forward and does not tumble forward for greater access to load goods from the side door.

    (2) I miss the power sliding door button on the middle door column that is on the Sienna. I have to train myself to use the handle to open the door which I find less access able closing the door after loading the kids...

    (3) I miss the temperature/compass/MPG readout by the rear view mirror on the Sienna.

    (4) When installing 3 child seats in the middle row the Sienna seat configuration is more usable than the Ody.

    On the Ody you cannot place a full size Child car seat (or even a booster seat) in the second row middle seat and expect to be able to adjust the forward and back position on the adjacent Window seats easily.

    We decided to forgo the 2 row middle seat on the Ody and store it in the garage.

    (5) I think the floor mats on the ODY is cumbersome with all the pieces and clips you have to contend with when time to clean. The Toyota is straight forward old school -- take it out and wash...

    To access the floor storage on the Ody is not easy because the floor mat is in the way...

    (6) PET PEEVE: Categorized this under illogical...
    I heard that this was standard Honda practise from long ago but why does Honda sell vans with roof rails but not include at least the cross bars to make them functional? They just add to wind resistance for owners who will not add the cross bars or other attachments to make them functional. You have to dish out an extra $200 for the bars ( $100 /a piece) to make the rails functional.

    Toyota doesn't fool around and adds full functionality of the roof rack when you buy an LE version....In my opinion well done Toyota.

    (7) Minor --
    I miss the ceiling radio console on the Sienna ( non DVD version). This allows me to add a aftermarket DVD system without having to cut the roof liner and route a DC power line. So after 3 years when I trade in the van I can remove the DVD player and put the car back the way it was.

    *******
    SECOND: Now what I ***LIKE*** about my new Honda Odyssey EX.

    (1) The overall drive and ride experience.
    When first drove a 2004 Sienna I thought the ride was superior to any van I have driven before and I thought this would be hard to beat.

    Now when I drive my new Ody EX I can tell that it surpasses my 2004 LE driving experience. The suspension is just tuned right for comfort and the load of my family of 2 adults and 4 kids. I have not tried a full load yet to make a valued comment...

    Engine even at 5 miles the Ody was very responsive and gear shifting is clean and smooth with no jerking movement. The 2004 Sienna I purchased had tranny issues since it was the first year of that new Sienna model and there was a noticeable accelleration lag and jerky shifting after a slowing down to come to a stop .

    (2) Turning radius on the Ody is incredible compared to my 2004 Sienna. I would turn the wheel on the Ody expecting it to stop after a number of revolutions but it kept on going and I made very tight truns with ease. I found this such a plus...

    (3) The stock sound system is superior on the Ody.

    (4) The ability to adjust the air conditioning temp for the driver and front/rear passenger separately is a plus... Just needs getting used to...

    (5) Not sure of the dimension difference but the Ody feels roomier inside. Even my 8 year old mentions that she can stand up straight in the Ody.

    My Conclusion?
    Honda should *pirate* the seating logic/design from Toyota Sienna . If they do so in my opinion Honda would be the hands down winner...
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Nice post family man. The roof rails serve as a support for after market racks and carriers that clamp on and off for easy removal. This way nothing contacts the roof.
  • rollingwoodsrollingwoods Member Posts: 9
    We're in the middle of the Odyssey (EX-L) vs Sienna (low end XLE) buying dilemma and have recently test-driven both. One thing that surprised both my (5-ft) wife and (6-ft) me was the difference in the telescoping steering wheel. The Odyssey wheel just wouldn't come out far enough for me to find a comfortable driving position. The Sienna seemed to have a much larger range of adjustment, and I was able to get the wheel so I could drive with my hands in the 10 and 2 o'clock position. Had to grab the Odyssey wheel more toward the bottom even when fully extended. Has anyone else had this experience? Maybe I should try another one....
  • dbtdbt Member Posts: 298
    Familyman,
    (4) There is a way to store the middle seat in the lazy susan compartment if you want to keep it in the van (or so I've heard). Check with your dealer to see how to do it.

    (6) As jayrider notes, a lot of people (myself included) have long-term crossbars from Thule or Yakima (I've had mine since 1989). The crossbars on the van then are unnecesary, so I'd prefer not having them at all. But, I know where you're coming from.

    On your Conclusion:
    The second row is an interesting design choice. For those families needing 3 across, the Sienna is the superior choice. However, imo, for those who would use the second row for 2, I prefer the business class feel of the Odyssey captain chairs.

    Btw, I have a Pilot, but looked at both of these extensively. As my kids get bigger, I may be moving up to one or the other.
  • dbtdbt Member Posts: 298
    Seat angle and seat height are also important in getting proper steering wheel position. In these vehicles, I tend to raise the seat a bit, and have the seatback fairly straight up. By the way, I'm also 6'0", but 34" inseam.

    Personally, given the wide range of your heights, I would recommend looking at vans with memory seat positions (Touring on the Ody, not sure on the Sienna).
  • olavanmanolavanman Member Posts: 12
    Hi Familyman!
    Amazing post! Great job on the breakdown!
    We are in the market right now comparing 09 Sienna LE 8 with VP3 and the 09 Odyssey EX-L with DVD. What would you recommend?
    Our main highlight with Sienna is the 2nd row center seat and its convenience.
    Have you used the Odyssey 2nd row center seat much? Is it useful?
    Can an adult sit there pretty comfortable?
    thanks!
  • olavanmanolavanman Member Posts: 12
    Hello,
    Anyone out there in Denver shopping for a Sienna or Odyssey?
    Sienna Model: LE 8 Seater with Value Package 3.
    Odyssey Model: EX-L or EX-L with RES or EX-L with RES and NAVI.

    Can you please post the prices you have obtained from the dealers?
    Anyone purchased any one of the above recently also please post the dealership and best price.
    Cheers!
  • familymanfamilyman Member Posts: 8
    Hello Olavanman,
    Sorry about the delay of the reply...
    You know after around 3 weeks of driving the van I believe the Honda is the hands down winner in the driver-to-the-road feel category.

    Please remember though I am comparing a brand new Honda 2009 EX with a 2004 Toyota Sienna LE 8 seater. Things may have changed in the Toyota Sienna by this time but the body and interior looks the same...

    To further my opinion on between the vehicles:

    1) IMO the drive feel on the Sienna is good but Honda throttle response is outstanding compaired to the Sienna. Drive-by-wire as they market it...so no hesitation when I step on the gas. Like I mentioned in my other post there is a unacceptable hesitation in the Sienna when you slow down for a right hand turn ( California stop ) and you step on the gas...nothing happens. Please do a test drive of the new Seinna and see if that is still an issue or if they also have their version of the Drive-By-wire...

    The bad side effect I noticed now is my gas consumption on the Honda... I drive too fast ...hahaha!

    2) The suspension is stiffer which I prefer on the Ody. I installed a UHAUL after market Class 3 hitch on the Ody and the bottom does not scrape driveway ...as of yet...I don't purposely look for conflict!!!).

    IMO the 2004 Sienna suspension is dialled-in too soft so when you load it with Costco items like water and other heavy items the rear sags noticeably and when you make a turn ..' whoaaa... easy there Sienna get your [non-permissible content removed] back in line with the direction of the turn '. I installed $75 AirLift 1000 air bags on the rear springs so my Sienna behaves when fully laden.

    BTW: I only use the hitch for my Thule 4 bike carrier which I used prior on my Sienna. I don't plan to tow boats or anything past 4 bicycles.

    *** This is a big PLUS in comparing the 2 minivans

    3)
    The middle seat is larger and more functional on the Sienna for both adult and child use. Right now my second row middle seat is wrapped in a plastic and stored in my garage. I now use the van as a seven seater format and will only use the eight seat when grandma comes over to stay...

    What I would do to help people select the van for them if the van is meant as a *mass* people mover ( ie. full load)?

    (1) I would drive the new Toyota and check the issues of the lack of throttle response after slowing down for a stop and to initiate a right hand turn ( this is not a full stop). See if you're happy with the throttle response. Then put that as a plus...if you are Ok with it

    Fill the rear with weight that you would expect to have when you have 8 passengers and you just came from Costco and bought bulk items like water and see the sag at the rear. If you are OK with it the another Plus.. If not you can install $75 Airlift 1000's which isn't too hard to install.

    Now this is my opinion:
    ..If you are OK with the 2 points I mentioned above and your primary mission is to quickly convert form an 8 seater people mover to a covered cargo carrier without much fuss ...then go get the Toyota Seinna...

    Hope this post helps future van drivers...
  • skiiiii664skiiiii664 Member Posts: 16
    I have driven a 2006 Odyssey EXL for approx. 3 1/2 years now (45,000 miles) and I am getting ready to purchase a new mini van.
    When I originally test drove the Sienna and the Odyssey I drove them back to back to compare the two vehicles. I liked them both. In fact at that time, I liked the feel of the Sienna slightly more.
    The main problem that I found with the Sienna at that time is that Toyota made it so difficult to purchase the vehicle with so many option packages.
    I am well above average intelligence with access to a ton of information.
    If I am lacking in anything it is patience with the way Toyota presented it's line-up back in 2006. I spent hours upon hours researching which options I wanted and when I finally found the package...it said it was not available in my part of the country. I was not looking for anything elaborate or confusing. I knew what I wanted i.e., leather, sun roof etc.
    Finally I said F-- it. Enough is enough with this Toyota non-sense and I purchased the Odyssey. Really it was out of frustration more than anything else.
    Don't get me wrong, I loved the Odyssey also, it was just my initial impression of the Sienna that I liked better.
    With Honda, it is..this is what the EXL comes with...take or leave it. I like that because the EXL had everything I wanted and it really simplified the process.
    By the way, the Toyota dealership didn't help make it any easier.
    I purchased the Odyssey at the time and I must say, I LOVE IT !!
    The Odyssey EXL drives like a dream.
    There was only one thing that I did not like about the Odyssey (definitely not a deal breaker) and that was the center console between the driver and passenger seat. There is no storage in that section. It is just a folding tray and to me this is an issue. I like the Sienna center storage better.
    Again, not a deal breaker.
    I am now getting ready to purchase a new mini van and again, I test drove the Sienna and the Odyssey and the feel of the drive on the Odyssey is better (in my opinion) than the Sienna. I am not really crazy about the colors the Odyssey offers but not a huge issue for me. There is something about the fit and finish that I like about the Odyssey over the Sienna when I compared the two over the past few weeks.
    They are both very nice vehicles although I just love my Odyssey experience over the past 3 1/2 years. I have not had one problem.
    Toyota has made the option packages a little easier although it is still a little bit more of a pain in the butt to purchase than the Odyssey and definitely more difficult to comparison shop.

    I am going with a 2009 Odyssey EXL needless to say.

    I would recommend the Odyssey to anyone comparing the two vans.

    I do not think you can go wrong with either one although after 3 1/2 years with the Odyssey...I love it and am buying another.

    I hope this helps others.
  • yatesjoyatesjo Member Posts: 186
    I reality there are only a few Sienna option groups available in your area. While the Ody's 4 standard trim levels make things very simple, they are also rather limiting in a way the Toyota's options are not. Talking to dealers and looking at the Toyota website will make it clear what option groups are actually available.

    When I was shopping last year, I decided on what options were essentials, and what options were nice but unnecessary, then compared the Ody trim level to the Sienna trim/options groups to get the needed features and account the values of nice but unnecessary options. For me the Sienna MSRP was a better price point than the Ody by something around $1000, add to that the Honda dealers could hardly be bothered with negotiating the price advantage of the Toyota was multiple $1000s. Toyota dealers weren't any princes to work with, but at least they wanted to sell a van- unlike the Honda guys.

    That was fine with us, since the Toyota was more comfortable and the control locations were very intuitive for us. We found the Honda dash jumbled and poorly organized but having already driven a Honda for a few years it may be more natural to you.
  • speterson1speterson1 Member Posts: 228
    Two excellent reviews by familyman and skiiii664, thanks guys.

    I wanted to chime in with one comment regarding the center console - I understand perfectly skiiii664's comments about liking the Sienna's console better because it has more storage, but on the other hand, my wife and I like the console on the Odyssey better because it can fold down out of the way and you can sneak right through to the second row seating if you need to do something with the kids or whatever.

    So yes, Odyssey center console doesn't have as much storage, but because of this can serve as a quick pass through to the second row seating.

    I also totally agree with the comments about Toyota's oprions packages being a nightmare. Honda's setup doesn't allow as much picking and choosing but they have sensible packages and it makes getting what you're looking for about 100 times easier at the dealership.
  • olavanmanolavanman Member Posts: 12
    Hello Familyman!!
    You are awesome !!

    We are planning on test driving both the Odyssey and the Sienna this weekend and we will keep your two points in mind.

    We are getting a "Van" in the first place to be a good people mover with kids and in-laws and parents.

    Quick question for you - have you ever put someone in the Odyssey 2nd row middle seat? Is it even worth considering as a "seat" ?

    Thanks again for the amazing post.
    Cheers!!
  • olavanmanolavanman Member Posts: 12
    Hi Skiiiii664!!
    Amazing post again! You guys are awesome in writing out all the details and your thoughts and opinions!

    With a toddler and an infant, I would really like to pick the Ody, since it comes with 8 seats and the power tailgate( important).
    If i need the power tailgate in the Sienna, there is no choice but to go with the XLE 7 Seater.

    Like I mentioned in my other post, we are going to test drive both this weekend and find out.

    Cheers!!
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I know you didn't ask me, but I hope you won't mind me responding. I'm 6'5", 200lbs, 21 years old, and have sat in that middle position numerous times in my aunt's 2005 Odyssey. I wouldn't necessarily want to be there for hours on end, but to me, it was more comfortable than the middle position in a sedan, thanks to having plenty of hiproom compared with your average Accord. Perfectly fine for an hour-long drive, but maybe not for a six-hour drive, unless you're eleven years old. :) The seat itself is made well, with the same firm cusions that the captain's chairs have; it's not like sitting on a park bench or anything. The adjustable headrest is a nice touch.
  • olavanmanolavanman Member Posts: 12
    Hello Thegraduate!

    Absolutely, I do not mind at alll! :):) you are awesome! Thanks a lot for jumping in!

    All this helps us all make a really well informed decision!

    This is what I like about this forum! People are honest and give great opinions!
    Cheers and have a great day!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Glad to see you're still around, Michael.

    I guess I was asked for my VIN when I bought my 2007 Sienna, but not for a later purchase so that clarifies why. I stand corrected.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Excellent write-up, familyman, thanks for taking the time to do that.

    A couple of comments and counterpoints, though...

    Your 2004 LE had 16" wheels with tall sidewall tires, while the Ody EX has 17" rims with performance tires. That's a pretty significant upgrade, one which is available in the Sienna XLE. Also, the Ody LX has 16" tires, just like the Sienna. So in the same price range you get apples-to-apples. You simply upgraded and paid more.

    So a lot of that is just better tires. Not to mention brand new tires. And a brand new vehicle has brand new shocks, struts, etc., also.

    Tires are the biggest factor by far, though.

    The other thins is the 04 Sienna had the 3.3l engine, and the 07+ models got what I consider the most significant upgrade - the 3.5l engine. Not only does it supply a lot more horsepower, but also it does so with zero loss in fuel efficiency.

    So you can have your cake and eat it, too.

    Good job pointing out the pros and cons of each model, though, especially the trip computer vs. dual climate control trade-off.

    Enjoy your new Ody. :shades:
  • cleverstarcleverstar Member Posts: 23
    Thank you all for the insightful comments about these two models of minivan.
    I have a couple of questions regarding their maintenance cost comparison, especially after their ages reach some milestones (I would like all to list those notorious milestones for various issues and painful experience):
    1) Can someone comment on the Timing Chain vs Timing Belt pros and cons?
    2) Saw discussions about transmission issues for old Odysseys, will 2009 version have similar issue and how does it compare to Sienna's transmission?
    3) Power sliding doors or tailgate is a very convenient feature, but how is the reliability and maintenance cost?
    Besides the luxuriance, drivability, performance, features, I think these maintenance factors may also impact my long term consideration in choosing sienna or odyssey...
  • bobber1bobber1 Member Posts: 217
    Engines with timing belts tend to be quieter, but you do need to change the timing belt whereas you never will have to with the chains. I think you're supposed to change the Odyssey's timing belt at 90,000 mile intervals. The Toyotas have timing chains.

    99-04 Odyssey had a lot of transmission problems. From what I've been able to gather it was a basic design flaw. 05's and newer have a new design and problems seem to be much less. 09 Odyssey will actually have a Ridgeline transmission which is supposed to be "heavier duty" than the pre 07's. Toyota's transmissions have been relatively trouble free.

    I think Toyota had some problems with their power doors, but have got them worked out now. I haven't heard of many problems on the Honda. However the more complex the machines get, the more potential trouble you're asking for.

    They're both great vans. I have an 07 Honda Odyssey EX and have had zero problems with it. Love the van. :)
  • yatesjoyatesjo Member Posts: 186
    Timing chain vs belt: The chain is a lot less maintenance and more reliable. Belts MUST be replaced every 60K miles or they will break and take the engine with them. Chains will go 100s kmiles, possible the life of the engine without replacement and when they do wear out they give warnings like slipping the timing instead of failing catastrophically and destroying the engine. The reason most modern engines go with belts is less noise and better fuel economy. Strangely, the Sienna with a chain is at least as efficient and quieter than the Ody with a belt.

    The Ody's transmission issues are probably a thing of the past. The Sienna transmission can hesitate under some circumstances (though my experience is very seldom) but when it hooks up, the engine makes up for the tranny.

    Power slide doors are one of those reasons we bought the extended warranty. More mechanical complexity = more possibility for expensive repairs but they are great to have while they work. Applies to power lift gates as well.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Your 2004 LE had 16" wheels with tall sidewall tires, while the Ody EX has 17" rims with performance tires. That's a pretty significant upgrade, one which is available in the Sienna XLE. Also, the Ody LX has 16" tires, just like the Sienna. So in the same price range you get apples-to-apples. You simply upgraded and paid more.

    The 2009 Odyssey LX, EX, and EX-L all use the same size all-season tire, not larger, high-performance ones:
    235/65R16

    The 2009 Sienna comes with two options for tires, according to the website.:

    P215/65R16
    P225/60R17

    The Odyssey LX just comes with wheel-covers, while the EX/EX-L gives you alloys, and Touring trim gives you P235/60R17 tires and upsized alloys.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I stand corrected, though now that I look again my buying guide says the run-flats on the Limited are 17.5"? That's odd. :confuse:

    Any how, that's still a 20mm advantage in width for the Ody vs. the LE.

    The tires on my Sienna (Dunlops) are nothing to brag about, for certain I will upgrade to better tires when it's time to replace them. I may even to a Plus Zero to something like a 225/60 or 235/55 when the time comes.

    C&D compared them and even with the 16" tires on both they tied for lateral grip, FWIW.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Those run-flats are always odd-sized, it seems :confuse:. Was the same way for the Odyssey Touring w/run-flats, at least before the MMC.

    My info was from the manufacturer websites, let's hope its correct! :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My source is Consumer's Guide, so you win. :D

    Plus I'm looking at 2007s, which is when I cross-shopped them.

    Toyota recommends 35psi in the tires, which is the highest I've ever experienced. Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Honda specifies for tire pressure (non run-flats)?
  • winston7winston7 Member Posts: 11
    maybe you could give me an answer regarding some sound that I recently hear from the front passenger side portion of my sienna 05 whenever there is a strong wind that hits the car especially on the highway. If so it is fixable?
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I wound up buying the Sienna over the Odyssey even though I thought the Odyssey drove better and had better passenger accommodations. This was back in 05.

    Three main reasons were.

    1 Wife wanted a DVD player and it was an option on the LE Sienna. To get it on the Odyssey you needed an EX-L and then you had to add the DVD. Upshot was the Ody cost $2,500 more (yes it had a little more content, but stuff we didn't want/need) In this case Toyotas weird options worked out better for us.

    2 We were a little concerned about reliability as it was a first year model and the previous years were only average on CR.

    3 Nearest Honda Dealer was about 200 miles away.

    I did get an Accord though for myself for almost the opposite reasons.

    Toyotas goofy options meant I could not get a stick without a sunroof, which in turn meant I could not fit.

    The Accord has excellent reliability (dealer distance less of an issue) and the Camry was a first year model this time.

    I Enjoy both vehicles.
  • fillykonkfillykonk Member Posts: 17
    The 09 Ody specifies 34 pounds in each tire.
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