What is the RES -- leather AND DVD package? We want to order an EX with the new DVD system, but we don't necessarily need the leather. Our dealer wasn't sure if we could get it without leather. Could someone explain for me please?
Last week I was sure I saw a silver '02 Odyssey in Skaneateles, New York. It looked a bit different from the older Odyssey parked in front of it and it did have the amber section on the tail lights which made me think it might be. Is this possible?
I have only had 1 problem with my 2001 Ody LX the rear spoiler had a crack just below the rear window washer spray nozzle. I took it back and dealer replaced it. Its been ok since.
I agree with most of you that Honda's are remarkable vehicles. But no matter how deep your loyalty is to Honda, you must concede the point that side impact airbags are not present in any of your Odysseys. Lots of other minivans(be they of lower quality) offered them in 2001. Not Honda. So, Honda did play catchup in 2002 as far as side impact air bags go.
I am happy that Honda has decided to make the side impact airbags standard in 2002. Its a step Toyota has not taken yet. As a matter of fact, Toyota makes very few Sienna's with side impact airbags. So you have to buy the top of the line model to get them. Shame on Toyota.
So, while Honda was at it, i.e making its vehicle safer a.k.a. catching up, they could have offered side impact head protection for at least the driver and the front passenger. This could have been done two ways. First they could have used dual chamber side airbags as standard side airbags. These type of airbags are large and cover the torso up to about head height. Second, they could use a side impact curtain. They chose to do neither!!
So, Honda is taking a wait and see attitude. If enough people buy their B.S. about "Oh! Honda is studying the safety of side impact airbags" (coincidentaly, an exact quote from a Honda factory rep at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit) then why bother.
Drew, thanks for trying to explain the NHTSA side impact crash test ratings and why they do not accurately reflect real life side impacts.
If any one is interested in finding out out what Drew and I are talking about please visit the IIHS site to review their ratings in addition to the NHTSA rating.
While, you are skeptical of Honda's decisions on side airbags. You probably shouldn't just dismiss Caviller who makes a living as a vehicle safety researcher(?) and who I believe specializes in child safety issues. That is why he is always asking for more information about people's real world experiences. I don't know how to determined these things for myself. I am very glad that there are the cavillers of the world watching out for all our safety.
caviller- Hope I'm right in stating your profession. Forgive me, I know you can take care of yourself.
I remember that Honda said the reason they did not add side air bags to the Odyssey is if they just put them in without doing an engineering study, that they might actually make the vehicle less safe. The said the air bags, put in the wrong place, might cause more injuries when the passengers hit them.
At the time not many vehicles had side air bags and the Odyssey was among the safest mini vans without them.
It could also be that they did not add them because very few car buyers wanted them at the time and very few wanted to pay extra for them.
There is another problem with some vehicles. On some when they are rear ended the front seat back collapses and that can cause the front seat passengers to fall back on the rear seat passengers and seriously injury or even kill them. I don't know where the Odyssey is on this problem, but a number of American cars have the problem.
arbabc, the government's side impact tests do accurately predict how the van's occupants will fair, provided the other vehicle is a car and not another minivan or light truck (for reasons I mentioned previously). Having the side airbags is definitely better than not. I just wish it didn't take them this long. Oh well...
billyg7, Honda said the exact same thing when they first released the Acura 3.2TL in '98. They downplayed the importance of side airbags and pratically said that they were unsafe. Not many people noticed that the Acura 3.2RL already had side impact airbags, so Acura basically shot itself in the foot.
The side airbags for Hondas go into the front seats themselves. Aside from the bag size and position, there's no need for an engineering study since all of the data has been available for a few years already. It is more likely, IMHO, that they delayed it to cut down on costs (only xx number of upgrades a year) as well as to seem that the next model year has made improvement.
Given the choice, I think most consumers would pay for the side airbags. You'd want to have the best chances of surviving an accident, afterall, and side impact accidents are one of the most deadly since there is so little crumple space between the door and yourself.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
here is the only review I have found on the 2002 oddy so far. Once the Alabama plant gets going full steam, the aritcle says demand will still outstrip supply by 50000 per year. Saw on Ebay some dealer selling a 2002 first order Oddy for 29k +.
Price looks pretty good at 28k fully loaded. As Tom Petty says... "the waiting is the hardest part.." I have orders in at 2 dealers...dont know if it makes a difference how quick I get it, I imagine production and delivery dates about the same. But maybe I can get something for my MSRP?
Both say October for delivery... I think closer to late November since they are not starting to build them until 8/20.
That was an interesting review. Thanks for finding it. I see it was written by a Mr. Ford also, but perhaps not a relative of Henry Ford, or at least not a relative in good standing with the family.
It looks like with all that added the Odyssey will continue to be in short supply and will remain the top rated mini van.
I plan to purchase a 2002 Odyssey and I'm having fun thinking about the new colors and features, plus the accessories I'll want. I've never owned a car with leather interior and wondered if somebody could sell me on the reasons to get it, or warn me to avoid it. I have a 2 yr old plus another child on the way. Is leather preferable merely for luxury and prestige purpose, or is it more durable and easier to clean also? We don't have a dog and won't be hauling any gear more abrasive than your standard family trip stuff. Obviously the higher price is a key deterrant to getting leather, but if someone could offer me an experienced opinion not solely based on price, of the advantage or disadvantage of me choosing leather for my Odyssey purchase, I'd really appreciate it.
(currently own '93 Civic and '99 CRV - Honda rules!)
I am currently driving my first leather-interiored car. Leather is easier to clean, and the good stuff is quite durable (all leather is NOT created equal!) and it looks and smells great. The problems I have are: It is slippery, so your butt doesn't stay where you put it. It feels very HOT or COLD when you first get in, depending on the season. It feels pretty icky against your bare legs in shorts.
If everthing else were the same, I would probably pass on the leather interior. However, I want heated seats and the NAV package in my 2002 Ody, so I guess I'm stuck with leather. Could be worse
I don't mean to dismiss anybody. I apologize if I got carried away. Vehicle safety has been my passion for a long time. I have read every safety article I can get a hold of, provided it was from a reasonably unbiased source.
Demand determines what Honda or any automobile maker puts in their vehicles. That's why I want you and me and all of us to demand safety instead of just rushing to the dealership and puting down 30G 'cause the Odyssey is the best looking minivan(which I think it is). If vehicles are built safer we all benefit.
I also speak from experience. I have survived a side impact accident. A drunk driver ran a red light and hit my little Sentra on my side of the car. I was a college sophomore back in 1991. The accident left me bed ridden for a year. After a grueling summer of intensive rehab I was able to resume a somewhat normal life. Every morning I wake up with chronic pain thanks to that accident 10 years ago(wow, I'm getting old).
Now to put things in perpective, the drunk guy was probably going 35 MPH when he hit me. Cops figured that from how far my car spun out from where I was hit. If I had been hit at 50 MPH I don't think I would me alive today. Forgive me for being a little sceptical of people walking away from side impacts at 50 MPH. I am not calling any body a liar, just saying I need some kind of proof.
So here are my(just my own arbitrary scale) grades for the Oddysey: Looks = A+ Reliability = A+ Driveabilty = B+ (There is annoying delay after you floor the thing before the engine decides to stop thinking for itself and down shift or acknowledge the driver's decision) Safety = B Value = B (MSRP+, you gotta be kinding me..) Overall = B+/A- (not bad .. but there is room for improvement)
I would like to know how you folks rate the Odyssey and what factors are important to you.
I cannot place 1 thing on top in my Odyssey decision. It's like folks who say "I want the safest car" but do not buy the bulletproof Mercedes - essentially what they mean is 'the safest car within my budget'. Thus, any ultimate demand (safest, best looking, roomiest, etc) in 99% of cases is still tempered by something else (safest...in my price range, best looking... minivan, roomiest..but don't want Ford Excursion, etc.)
Now as an aside, I do not think Odyssey looks bad, but DC's look better, especially w/ hidden sliding door tracks
My decision in favor of Odyssey was as much a decision not to buy Ford (tranny and head gasket problems) and GM (have one now, doubt I will ever buy another). Chrylser plus/minus, but when I bought my '00 Ody the new vans were not out yet and we know DC resale is pits. Sienna is too small, Mazda way to small, and so what's left?
I went through a period of doubt, such as when the service manager knew me by name on my 5th service call (before van hit 10 k miles) but Honda made good on that bad van with a new one.
Looking at pricing, demand, and the tricle of updates year to year, Honda has a very smart modus operandi, and must be credited with good work as they really stole the show on minivans. And the resale value is unbelievable. Look at what Edmund's long term Odyssey review got when they sold their van.
Overall, I have been pleased and would recommend Honda as a manufacturer, the Odyssey, and my salesman/dealer (J. Bulger at Herb Chambers, Boston -> buy from a credible dealer, if you have problems you will be glad you did).
One of the reasons your injuries were so severe is because you were driving a small car.
I use to live in Los Angeles. Where I live now I see about 3 times the accidents I saw in LA and I am constantly being tailgated. So I said to myself the next car I am going to get is going to be as safe a one as possible. That was the number one reason for getting an Odyssey. I have had it a year and been hit once so far in a low speed accident.
I did make up a list of what I wanted in an auto and assigned priorities, points to each.
As for rating vehicles, since most of us don't do this for a living, and we can't drive all the cars also, we have to rely on the experts. So I use test reports a lot and my favorite is Consumer Reports
Leather requires more attention than cloth, but I think you already know that, darelldd
If you park the car in direct sunlight, after several years you will notice that the leather will start to crack (hey, nothing lasts forever). So basically you would have to buy leather cleaners and moisturizers to wipe down the interior of the car.
And of course this all depends on the leather, as well (i.e. cheap leather/expensive leather/'leatherette').
Personally, I can't stand leather. Hate the idea of skinning some animal just to make seat covers.
is basically skin. Maintain it and it will last. However, ignore it and you'll get into problems. Direct sunlight will cause it to fade, but again, if you clean and condition it at the start/end of every season, you should be just fine.
From what I hear you have to spend time maintaining it and it does not feel good in hot and cold weather. I wonder how well it works with kids? It is not really very practical but it does have prestige value.
What you can do to prevent these problems, if your car comes with leather seats, is get a good set of cloth seat covers for them. There are a number that have been recommended here.
Bad idea to cover leather seats for extended periods of time. Think of it like wrapping your hand in saran wrap. The leather can't breathe, and will get dried and crack. Also, the constant contact with the cloth will cause a sandpaper effect on the leather. Additionally, the side impact airbag deployment will be disrupted with covers.
It's may be better for kids in that you can clean up most spills easily, if you act quickly. The liquid will not saturate and stain the cloth.
The "hot and cold" problems are not as bad as some people have made it out to be. It really depends on the quality of the leather, and whether there are any perforations. Perforations help the leather to breathe, not to mention they help to improve circulation for you as well. The leather may be cold at first, but seat heaters deal with that within minutes. As for the heat, you may have to wriggle around a bit at first, but the A/C will also deal with it quickly. What I do for the warmest days is to simply use a reflective windshield shade, or I place a thin cushion on the seat, so that it doesn't get hot.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
We are having our 2001 LX shipped to the dealer next week. My wife and I have had great luck with Honda in the past without the extended warranty. We have twin 6 month old boys in the family now and we are going to most likely have this vehicle for 10 years or more.
Do I shell out the extra cash or not? I feel these vehicles are very dependable.
Safety was our top priority. Minivans in general tend to be among the safest vehicles on the road. The combination of weight (4000+ lbs. puts you in the safest class, statistically), length and unibody construction (better crush zones, especially for single vehicle crashes) make the top minivans a decent choice. Plus, you generally get better handling/braking and less risk of rollover compared to SUVs with similar cargo area and a 3rd row seat. Obviously, some luxury cars will be just as good or better in many of these areas, but we did require the cargo space and 3rd row seating.
So why the Odyssey? Top crash results all around helped. Competent handling and braking on the test drive and as noted in various reviews was a plus. Standard traction control was a good feature, also. The safety of our kids is also a concern. The switchable locking retractor seatbelts can make carseat and booster use much easier, especially compared to many minivans that have lightweight locking latchplates that don't always cinch well. LATCH positions in the 2nd row captains chairs were ideal for our situation. The lap/shoulder belt and headrest in the middle rear position is also uncommon in minivans, and is essential if you want to transport 7 passengers safely. Some other considerations were good visibility and adequate power for its weight. Cost was a factor to some degree. There would have to have been significant safety advantages for us to have spent $10-$15k more than the $25k we spent on our LX.
All the other competitive minivans, SUVs and wagons (2001 Volvo XC) were lacking some of these features, though they may have had others like dynamic headrests, stability control, side torso+curtain airbags, runflat tires or reverse sensing. We picked the safety features that were most important to us, while not sacrificing cargo and passenger room.
I'll rate the Odyssey a A- for safety. That leaves plenty of room for improvement. Even so, I don't think there are even half a dozen vehicles I would consider safer. The 2001 Volvo XC might be one. The BMW X5 may be another. A Sienna with stability control and side airbags would be at least equal, as would a Windstar with side airbags, and the family security group. The Lincoln LS and Volvo S80 are up there, but like the X5 they don't have the extra seating we needed. A few others, like the Acura MDX and 2002 Explorer, might join the list if they had any current crash or rollover ratings. Given current models, and verified features on 2002 models, what would you buy for safety if you needed a 3rd row of seating and reasonable cargo space?
This page is primarily for child seat tether information, but it does have some other links that may interest you:
Leather requires a minimal amount of care. I'm speaking on a personal note when I say minimal---you see, I have cloth seats, and I vacuum the inside of the car once every season. And if you have kids, which you all probably do since you're shopping for an Odyssey, cleaning 7 leather clad seats can be a real chore.
It just occurred to me- the MDX has leather, but the 3rd row is vinyl. Is there any reason to believe that the Odyssey's 3rd row would be vinyl, as well?
I guess Clint Eastwood says it best, "Do you feel luckey?" With dealers getting from $75 or more per hour for repairs and nothing on the van being cheap I had no problem in buying the exteneded warranty. We got it from reading Edmunds from a dealer in NY even though I live in Michigan and my dealer said it would cost over$1400. We paid $895 for the 7yr/100thou/0deduct. Thats just a little over $125 or so a year. Cheap insurance, plus you also get free rental of car and other things if your van is in the shop. Think about it. Also you don't have to buy it right away but anytime before your 3yr. 36,000mi. warranty is up. Remember one thing the price will go up as everything does.
can anyone confirm when the new color havasu blue pearl will be avail? I read in an earlier post spring of 2002. I have had one dealer tell me I could order this color now and receive by oct/nov. Any information would be appreciated> Also does anyone know what color the fern leather is? Thanks
While it is true that the dealers make money on extended warranties they don't make that much off us ETH readers.
I find it is worth it for peace of mind. When the dealer tells me I need an expensive repair I don't have to get a second opinion or worry about it. I just tell him to go ahead and repair it. Ask yourself if your dealer tells you the XYZ needs to be repaired and will cost you $750, what are you going to do if you don't have the warranty. Are you going to say go ahead and repair it?
Also the $950 you pay for a 7/100k/0 warranty would seldom be a total loss. You will probably need at least some repairs during that time. I never had a car that went 100K without somethings going wrong. But if this time nothing goes wrong in all that time it is OK with me.
Its like you have health insurance and nothing goes wrong with you. Do you feel cheated or would you rather get a heart attack or something.
Yes that is a pretty color, but how will it look as the years go by, and will you be able to see the color as you drive it? After a year will you still spend hours staring out the window at your parked car?
For those who live in a hot climate may I suggest white because:
1 Your parked car stays cooler 2 Doesn't fade over the years 3 Is safe as other drivers can see you well, but not if you are going to be in snow storms a lot. 4 Don't have to get a color chart from the dealer to know how it will look. 5 Does not show the dust and dirt well. It does show mud and road tar well. 6 When your car is repaired its has best chance of still looking like new and matching the paint already on there. 7 Car thieves may have your Havasu Bluish Green Pearl on their list to steal for someone but less likely for a white one.
White will make your new leather seats last longer too!
I have one word about parking your leather-equipped car in the sun: Tint.
I will never own another car that is not reasonably tinted. The beauty of all modern minivans and SUVs is that they're coming with good factory tint. If you can simply add a bit more to the front side windows, you're set (yes, I know it is illegal in CA, and some other states to do this). Tint will make your interior last for MANY more years, regardless of the material.
I have leather in my 4Runner Limited and a 16 month old daughter. I did not consider the Odyssey in the past because it did not have leather, now I am looking into one. The thing with leather is that liquids and crumbs do not get absorbed by the material. Also, it doesn't get nappy as some lesser quality fabric seats do. Varying levels of quality leather are going to hold up differently as well. The down side is extreme temperature changes can cause it to crack down the road. Both fabric and leather fade from sunlight. While you may stick to leather a little bit in the heat, it is nothing like sticking to vinyl. Don't get me wrong, my wife and I also want a little luxury but I find the leather easier to maintain.
Actually, white is one of the hardest colors to spot. I remember seeing an insurance company report years ago, and the easiest cars to spot were the stand out colors like red, blue and green. White and silver were the hardest colors to spot, which is why I always leave my lights on (We have 2 silver vehicles).
White is very good at hiding dirt, but I have found silver to be the best. No matter how long I go between washes, my car just never looks dirty unless you get up close.
And as for repairability, I have heard that white is the hardest color to match accurately when you repaint.
One positive thing you left out, though, is that white usually increases the resale value of the vehicle. I remember seeing on the Real World Tradein Values board that a white Lexus RX300 would have a resale value that is $1000 higher than other colors. Probably not that high for all vehicles, but if nothing else it will make it easier to sell since it is such a neutral and popular color.
In general, I no longer buy the trendy new colors that come out on cars. They tend to go out of favor in a few years, and they date the vehicle. Look at all the champagne colored Suburbans on the road, and you can bet they are from about '97-'99, when that color was really popular. I was really tempted to buy the new Aegean Blue when I bought my Acura TLS, but I decided to get the silver instead because I plan to keep the car a long time, and the blue would look dated in a few years. I considered the white, but I just didn't like the white on that vehicle - more of a pearlescent white, and I prefer a brighter, crisper white. The white on the Odyssey, BTW, is very crisp - one of the best whites I have seen (but my wife wanted a silver one instead - copycat!)
I have read a few articles which said that white is one of the easiest colors to spot and therefore one of the safest. It is not the easist color to spot. Yellow and that light yellow-green are suppose to be easier. If you are in a snow storm it is completely different. Then you want the dark colors I haven't even seen snow in may years, however.
Have you noticed that fire engines are no longer painted red? At least they are not in CA and AZ. They are painted a light yellow-green. My understanding is they are painted that color because they are the easiest for others to see. You might ask a fireman why they paint their vehicles that color. I think he will know the answer to that one. Or you could call your local firestation. Don't worry they get calls from people all the time, about all kinds of things. Don't call 911 though or they might get mad at you.
Perhaps some one on this board can help us out with a reference. I think with a little time I could find one. Perhaps if I went to the Encyclopedia Brittanica site and did a search.
On repairability. Well I am not sure about that, but on my last 4 white cars,I have had, even for repairs made on an old car, the color matched perfectly. I would think you would have a matching, fading and lack of gloss problems with the other colors.
I can believe that silver shows the dirt less then white. As for a higher resale value. That is interesting. I had never read anything on the best color for resale value
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have been sitting on the fence for a little while now. I would have bought a 2001 model year vehicle. In the running I had Toyota Sienna, Toyota Sequoia, Mercedes ML 320 and Volvo XC. I am glad I waited though. My list now has a new member and leader, the 2002 Odyssey. I have pretty much ruled out the ML 320 because of it poor reliability. The Sequoia is a gas guzzling beast but probably the safest in the bunch. The XC is very safe but not so roomy. The Sienna is smaller and not as good looking as the Odyssey but can be had for @invoice. Its a tough decision but I have to make it soon. I'll let you guys know which way I go.
I have a white 1994 car in addition to my van (a silver Odyssey replaced my earlier GG one). I will never buy white again. Any drip points - around the outside rear view mirror, roof drainage... dirty streaks. Sure, I planned to keep the car brite and shiney, but in reality w/ 3 kids, weekends are spent at the zoo, chauffering to parties, etc. And of course during the week, I have this pesky thing called work. NOT car washing. When I get down to polishing the white car, it will get really clean (no beige discoloration as suggested by earlier poster) but my Odysseys do so much better, not showing dirt (both silver and GG). The real dirt problem on Odyssey is accumulation of brake dust on the front wheels.
Here's my Sienna story: We have friends w/ Sienna, we borrowed their "exersaucer" and the thing barely fit in the back of their van and all they had in there was a small, folded umbrella stroller. And to fit in in, we had to use the saucer's shortest height setting. Odyssey could have swallowed 3 or 4 of them, maximally expanded, easy. It depends upon your needs, but the space in the back of Odyssey is awesome. Other problem with big SUVs is that w/ third seats up, which incidentally have really bad leg room, there is hardly any space left in the back. Back to Honda, I am still amazed by Odyssey resale value - as long as there is a wait list there will be excellent resale. Those of us who now own, even as the new factory goes on-line to help meet demand, the market for used ones remains incredible strong - there were not enough new and there will never be enough used.
OK: so you want a blue,green,red,silver,car. That is a matter of individual taste.
I did about 3 months analysis before I came up with the top car as a 2000 Odyssey. Looking at the Consumer Reports safety ratings for cars, the Odyssey is among the top ones. See Consumers Reports April 2001 pages 16 through 19.
Now you add for 2002, improved: safety ,power,seating comfort, ride, etc. I don't think you are going to be able to find a better all around vehicle. The only one I can think of is the biggest Mercedes for safety, handling, comfort and ride. But that car costs about $100,000. If you have that kind of money you could have a number of cars. The maintenance costs on that car are also very high. Figure at least 3 times the Odyssey. I see even the Cadillac DeVille is ranked as less safe then the 2001 Odyssey and the Mercedes-Benz ML430 SUV has a safety rating just under the Odyssey also.
LX Standard Features - 3.5 liter, 240-hp, 24-valve VTEC V-6 engine - 5-speed automatic transmission - Independent front and rear suspension - 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD) - Traction Control System (TCS) - Ventilated 4-Wheel Disc Brakes - Power rack-and-pinion steering - Dual front & side airbags - 3-point seat belts at all seating positions - LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) (2nd-row) - 3rd-row child-seat tether anchor - Head restraints at all seating positions - Front-and 2nd-row passenger-assist grips - Dual sliding doors - Convertible/removable 2nd-row bucket seats - Retractable fold-down 3rd-row Magic Seat - Front-and rear air conditioning with individual, adjustable rear-cabin vents- Micron air-filtration system
- Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System - Retractable center tray table - Power windows and mirrors - Power door and tailgate locks - Power rear quarter-windows - Electronic cruise control - 2nd Row Grab Rails with Clothing Hangers - 2nd Row Seat Cup Holders - 8 Cargo Area Bag Hooks - Driver's seat with manual height adjustment - Individual outboard map lights - 2-speed/variable intermittent windshield wipers - Intermittent rear window wiper/washer - Rear privacy glass - Carpeted floor mats Color and Trim Granite Green with Fern Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Starlight Silver with Quartz Taffeta White with Fern Redrock Pearl with Quartz Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern
EX Standard Features (adds to LX model) - Dual power sliding doors - Automatic climate control - Driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment - Driver's Lumbar Support - Front under-seat storage tray (without Navigation System) - HomeLink remote system - Steering wheel-mounted audio controls - Auto-off headlight function - Security system with remote entry - 16" alloy wheels - Roof rails - Body-colored side moldings, mirrors and door handles Color and Trim Granite Green Metallic with Fern Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz Taffeta White with Fern Redrock Pearl with Quartz Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern
EXL Standard Features (adds to EX model) -Leather Seats and Door Trim -Front Heated Seats Color and Trim Granite Green Metallic with Fern Leather Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Leather Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Leather Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz Leather Taffeta White with Fern Leather Redrock Pearl with Quartz Leather Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern Leather EXL-RES Standard Features (adds to EXL model) - DVD Rear Entertainment System with 7" Widescreen LCD Display. - Wireless Remote Control - Audio/Video Input Jacks - 2 Infrared Wireless Headphones Color and Trim Granite Green Metallic with Fern Leather Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Leather Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Leather Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz Leather Taffeta White with Fern Leather Redrock Pearl with Quartz Leather Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern Leather EXL Navigation Standard Features (adds to EXL model) Does not include Entertainment System - On board Navigation System Color and Trim Granite Green Metallic with Fern Leather Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Leather Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Leather Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz Leather Taffeta White with Fern Leather Redrock Pearl with Quartz Leather Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern Leather
What's the $ difference between invoice on the Sienna you would choose and MSRP on the Odyssey you would choose? I don't understand it when people say they are turned off by the Odyssey because "they won't go below MSRP on the price". It's all about relative value. Don't worry that you'll have to pay MSRP to buy an Odyssey, worry about whether you're getting better value for your dollar an an MSRP Odyssey than you are on a close to invoice Sienna. I know we did when we bought our 2000 EX, and it was kind of nice knowing that because of the market, there would be no haggling on price. We made sure the van wasn't going to be loaded with unwanted, high priced dealer installed options, and gladly paid MSRP.
In addition to 01 Ody EX TW, I also own a ML 320. In fact, it was one of the first ones that rolled out the Alabama plant back in 97. The biggest complaint of the ML was the remote key did not work. After calling Mercedes and complained about it, I had it replaced within a week. Since then, I have not had any problem with it. It's a great SUV, with bumpers at the same height as regular cars. If I didn't have kids to deal with, I'd be driving that instead of the Ody. Until someone comes up with a minivan that gives a macho image, I suppose one day I'd go back to the SUVs.
I am looking in to buy a van. But I am concern with Honda warranty of only 3yrs/36K miles. Toyota and Nissan has a drivetrain warranty of 5yrs/60K miles. Even Isuzu has a drivetrain of 10yrs/120K. My question is "Doesn't Honda believe the product they build is reliable?" or "Or is it just a gimmick for them to get more money from the Extended Warranty contract?
Kia offers a 10 yr/100K powertrain warranty - are they confident or afraid?
VW is dropping it's 10 yr/100K powertrain warranty and upping the B to B to 3/36 from 2/24. Have they lost confidence in the powertrain's abilty but managed to improve the electrical?
Bentley's warranty is 3 yr/unlimited miles - don't you think for $100K they could do a little better?
In essence, a warranty is important. But the majority of manufacturers seem to offer the 3/36 b to b. If you are that concerned about the warranty, go for the Toyota.
Damn. Seems like such a small thing, but when you get used to it, you really miss it when it isn't there. Very nice when you have climate control and tinted windows...there is just no other indication of what is going on in the world outside.
What exactly do you use an outside thermometer on a car for? If you walk outside, and it's freezing cold, are you going to stop and look to see just how cold it actually is before you start the engine?
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rear spoiler had a crack just below the rear window washer spray nozzle. I took it back and dealer replaced it. Its been ok since.
I am happy that Honda has decided to make the side impact airbags standard in 2002. Its a step Toyota has not taken yet. As a matter of fact, Toyota makes very few Sienna's with side impact airbags. So you have to buy the top of the line model to get them. Shame on Toyota.
So, while Honda was at it, i.e making its vehicle safer a.k.a. catching up, they could have offered side impact head protection for at least the driver and the front passenger. This could have been done two ways. First they could have used dual chamber side airbags as standard side airbags. These type of airbags are large and cover the torso up to about head height. Second, they could use a side impact curtain. They chose to do neither!!
So, Honda is taking a wait and see attitude. If enough people buy their B.S. about "Oh! Honda is studying the safety of side impact airbags" (coincidentaly, an exact quote from a Honda factory rep at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit) then why bother.
If any one is interested in finding out out what Drew and I are talking about please visit the IIHS site to review their ratings in addition to the NHTSA rating.
This link http://www.iihs.org/news_releases/2000/pr121400.htm will take you to an article about side impact head protection.
Cheers.
caviller- Hope I'm right in stating your profession. Forgive me, I know you can take care of yourself.
At the time not many vehicles had side air bags and the Odyssey was among the safest mini vans without them.
It could also be that they did not add them because very few car buyers wanted them at the time and very few wanted to pay extra for them.
There is another problem with some vehicles. On some when they are rear ended the front seat back collapses and that can cause the front seat passengers to fall back on the rear seat passengers and seriously injury or even kill them. I don't know where the Odyssey is on this problem, but a number of American cars have the problem.
billyg7, Honda said the exact same thing when they first released the Acura 3.2TL in '98. They downplayed the importance of side airbags and pratically said that they were unsafe. Not many people noticed that the Acura 3.2RL already had side impact airbags, so Acura basically shot itself in the foot.
The side airbags for Hondas go into the front seats themselves. Aside from the bag size and position, there's no need for an engineering study since all of the data has been available for a few years already. It is more likely, IMHO, that they delayed it to cut down on costs (only xx number of upgrades a year) as well as to seem that the next model year has made improvement.
Given the choice, I think most consumers would pay for the side airbags. You'd want to have the best chances of surviving an accident, afterall, and side impact accidents are one of the most deadly since there is so little crumple space between the door and yourself.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
http://www.boston.com/cars/articles/automobilia/
Price looks pretty good at 28k fully loaded. As Tom Petty says... "the waiting is the hardest part.." I have orders in at 2 dealers...dont know if it makes a difference how quick I get it, I imagine production and delivery dates about the same. But maybe I can get something for my MSRP?
Both say October for delivery... I think closer to late November since they are not starting to build them until 8/20.
It looks like with all that added the Odyssey will continue to be in short supply and will remain the top rated mini van.
(currently own '93 Civic and '99 CRV - Honda rules!)
If everthing else were the same, I would probably pass on the leather interior. However, I want heated seats and the NAV package in my 2002 Ody, so I guess I'm stuck with leather. Could be worse
- Darell
Demand determines what Honda or any automobile maker puts in their vehicles. That's why I want you and me and all of us to demand safety instead of just rushing to the dealership and puting down 30G 'cause the Odyssey is the best looking minivan(which I think it is). If vehicles are built safer we all benefit.
I also speak from experience. I have survived a side impact accident. A drunk driver ran a red light and hit my little Sentra on my side of the car. I was a college sophomore back in 1991. The accident left me bed ridden for a year. After a grueling summer of intensive rehab I was able to resume a somewhat normal life. Every morning I wake up with chronic pain thanks to that accident 10 years ago(wow, I'm getting old).
Now to put things in perpective, the drunk guy was probably going 35 MPH when he hit me. Cops figured that from how far my car spun out from where I was hit. If I had been hit at 50 MPH I don't think I would me alive today. Forgive me for being a little sceptical of people walking away from side impacts at 50 MPH. I am not calling any body a liar, just saying I need some kind of proof.
So here are my(just my own arbitrary scale) grades for the Oddysey:
Looks = A+
Reliability = A+
Driveabilty = B+ (There is annoying delay after you floor the thing before the engine decides to stop thinking for itself and down shift or acknowledge the driver's decision)
Safety = B
Value = B (MSRP+, you gotta be kinding me..)
Overall = B+/A- (not bad .. but there is room for improvement)
I would like to know how you folks rate the Odyssey and what factors are important to you.
Thanks.
Now as an aside, I do not think Odyssey looks bad, but DC's look better, especially w/ hidden sliding door tracks
My decision in favor of Odyssey was as much a decision not to buy Ford (tranny and head gasket problems) and GM (have one now, doubt I will ever buy another). Chrylser plus/minus, but when I bought my '00 Ody the new vans were not out yet and we know DC resale is pits. Sienna is too small, Mazda way to small, and so what's left?
I went through a period of doubt, such as when the service manager knew me by name on my 5th service call (before van hit 10 k miles) but Honda made good on that bad van with a new one.
Looking at pricing, demand, and the tricle of updates year to year, Honda has a very smart modus operandi, and must be credited with good work as they really stole the show on minivans. And the resale value is unbelievable. Look at what Edmund's long term Odyssey review got when they sold their van.
Overall, I have been pleased and would recommend Honda as a manufacturer, the Odyssey, and my salesman/dealer (J. Bulger at Herb Chambers, Boston -> buy from a credible dealer, if you have problems you will be glad you did).
I use to live in Los Angeles. Where I live now I see about 3 times the accidents I saw in LA and I am constantly being tailgated. So I said to myself the next car I am going to get is going to be as safe a one as possible. That was the number one reason for getting an Odyssey. I have had it a year and been hit once so far in a low speed accident.
I did make up a list of what I wanted in an auto and assigned priorities, points to each.
As for rating vehicles, since most of us don't do this for a living, and we can't drive all the cars also, we have to rely on the experts. So I use test reports a lot and my favorite is Consumer Reports
If you park the car in direct sunlight, after several years you will notice that the leather will start to crack (hey, nothing lasts forever). So basically you would have to buy leather cleaners and moisturizers to wipe down the interior of the car.
And of course this all depends on the leather, as well (i.e. cheap leather/expensive leather/'leatherette').
Personally, I can't stand leather. Hate the idea of skinning some animal just to make seat covers.
This topic may be of interest - Leather seat maintenance:
/direct/view/.ee99490
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
What you can do to prevent these problems, if your car comes with leather seats, is get a good set of cloth seat covers for them. There are a number that have been recommended here.
It's may be better for kids in that you can clean up most spills easily, if you act quickly. The liquid will not saturate and stain the cloth.
The "hot and cold" problems are not as bad as some people have made it out to be. It really depends on the quality of the leather, and whether there are any perforations. Perforations help the leather to breathe, not to mention they help to improve circulation for you as well. The leather may be cold at first, but seat heaters deal with that within minutes. As for the heat, you may have to wriggle around a bit at first, but the A/C will also deal with it quickly. What I do for the warmest days is to simply use a reflective windshield shade, or I place a thin cushion on the seat, so that it doesn't get hot.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
We have twin 6 month old boys in the family now and we are going to most likely have this vehicle for 10 years or more.
Do I shell out the extra cash or not? I feel these vehicles are very dependable.
So why the Odyssey? Top crash results all around helped. Competent handling and braking on the test drive and as noted in various reviews was a plus. Standard traction control was a good feature, also. The safety of our kids is also a concern. The switchable locking retractor seatbelts can make carseat and booster use much easier, especially compared to many minivans that have lightweight locking latchplates that don't always cinch well. LATCH positions in the 2nd row captains chairs were ideal for our situation. The lap/shoulder belt and headrest in the middle rear position is also uncommon in minivans, and is essential if you want to transport 7 passengers safely. Some other considerations were good visibility and adequate power for its weight. Cost was a factor to some degree. There would have to have been significant safety advantages for us to have spent $10-$15k more than the $25k we spent on our LX.
All the other competitive minivans, SUVs and wagons (2001 Volvo XC) were lacking some of these features, though they may have had others like dynamic headrests, stability control, side torso+curtain airbags, runflat tires or reverse sensing. We picked the safety features that were most important to us, while not sacrificing cargo and passenger room.
I'll rate the Odyssey a A- for safety. That leaves plenty of room for improvement. Even so, I don't think there are even half a dozen vehicles I would consider safer. The 2001 Volvo XC might be one. The BMW X5 may be another. A Sienna with stability control and side airbags would be at least equal, as would a Windstar with side airbags, and the family security group. The Lincoln LS and Volvo S80 are up there, but like the X5 they don't have the extra seating we needed. A few others, like the Acura MDX and 2002 Explorer, might join the list if they had any current crash or rollover ratings. Given current models, and verified features on 2002 models, what would you buy for safety if you needed a 3rd row of seating and reasonable cargo space?
This page is primarily for child seat tether information, but it does have some other links that may interest you:
http://www.car-safety.org/odyssey.html
It just occurred to me- the MDX has leather, but the 3rd row is vinyl. Is there any reason to believe that the Odyssey's 3rd row would be vinyl, as well?
Also does anyone know what color the fern leather is? Thanks
I find it is worth it for peace of mind. When the dealer tells me I need an expensive repair I don't have to get a second opinion or worry about it. I just tell him to go ahead and repair it. Ask yourself if your dealer tells you the XYZ needs to be repaired and will cost you $750, what are you going to do if you don't have the warranty. Are you going to say go ahead and repair it?
Also the $950 you pay for a 7/100k/0 warranty would seldom be a total loss. You will probably need at least some repairs during that time. I never had a car that went 100K without somethings going wrong. But if this time nothing goes wrong in all that time it is OK with me.
Its like you have health insurance and nothing goes wrong with you. Do you feel cheated or would you rather get a heart attack or something.
For those who live in a hot climate may I suggest white because:
1 Your parked car stays cooler
2 Doesn't fade over the years
3 Is safe as other drivers can see you well, but not if you are going to be in snow storms a lot.
4 Don't have to get a color chart from the dealer to know how it will look.
5 Does not show the dust and dirt well. It does show mud and road tar well.
6 When your car is repaired its has best chance of still looking like new and matching the paint already on there.
7 Car thieves may have your Havasu Bluish Green Pearl on their list to steal for someone but less likely for a white one.
I have one word about parking your leather-equipped car in the sun: Tint.
I will never own another car that is not reasonably tinted. The beauty of all modern minivans and SUVs is that they're coming with good factory tint. If you can simply add a bit more to the front side windows, you're set (yes, I know it is illegal in CA, and some other states to do this). Tint will make your interior last for MANY more years, regardless of the material.
- Darell
White is very good at hiding dirt, but I have found silver to be the best. No matter how long I go between washes, my car just never looks dirty unless you get up close.
And as for repairability, I have heard that white is the hardest color to match accurately when you repaint.
One positive thing you left out, though, is that white usually increases the resale value of the vehicle. I remember seeing on the Real World Tradein Values board that a white Lexus RX300 would have a resale value that is $1000 higher than other colors. Probably not that high for all vehicles, but if nothing else it will make it easier to sell since it is such a neutral and popular color.
In general, I no longer buy the trendy new colors that come out on cars. They tend to go out of favor in a few years, and they date the vehicle. Look at all the champagne colored Suburbans on the road, and you can bet they are from about '97-'99, when that color was really popular. I was really tempted to buy the new Aegean Blue when I bought my Acura TLS, but I decided to get the silver instead because I plan to keep the car a long time, and the blue would look dated in a few years. I considered the white, but I just didn't like the white on that vehicle - more of a pearlescent white, and I prefer a brighter, crisper white. The white on the Odyssey, BTW, is very crisp - one of the best whites I have seen (but my wife wanted a silver one instead - copycat!)
Have you noticed that fire engines are no longer painted red? At least they are not in CA and AZ. They are painted a light yellow-green. My understanding is they are painted that color because they are the easiest for others to see. You might ask a fireman why they paint their vehicles that color. I think he will know the answer to that one. Or you could call your local firestation. Don't worry they get calls from people all the time, about all kinds of things. Don't call 911 though or they might get mad at you.
Perhaps some one on this board can help us out with a reference. I think with a little time I could find one. Perhaps if I went to the Encyclopedia Brittanica site and did a search.
On repairability. Well I am not sure about that, but on my last 4 white cars,I have had, even for repairs made on an old car, the color matched perfectly. I would think you would have a matching, fading and lack of gloss problems with the other colors.
I can believe that silver shows the dirt less then white. As for a higher resale value. That is interesting. I had never read anything on the best color for resale value
I will never buy white again. Any drip points - around the outside rear view mirror, roof drainage... dirty streaks. Sure, I planned to keep the car brite and shiney, but in reality w/ 3 kids, weekends are spent at the zoo, chauffering to parties, etc. And of course during the week, I have this pesky thing called work. NOT car washing. When I get down to polishing the white car, it will get really clean (no beige discoloration as suggested by earlier poster) but my Odysseys do so much better, not showing dirt (both silver and GG). The real dirt problem on Odyssey is accumulation of brake dust on the front wheels.
We have friends w/ Sienna, we borrowed their "exersaucer" and the thing barely fit in the back of their van and all they had in there was a small, folded umbrella stroller. And to fit in in, we had to use the saucer's shortest height setting. Odyssey could have swallowed 3 or 4 of them, maximally expanded, easy. It depends upon your needs, but the space in the back of Odyssey is awesome. Other problem with big SUVs is that w/ third seats up, which incidentally have really bad leg room, there is hardly any space left in the back.
Back to Honda, I am still amazed by Odyssey resale value - as long as there is a wait list there will be excellent resale. Those of us who now own, even as the new factory goes on-line to help meet demand, the market for used ones remains incredible strong - there were not enough new and there will never be enough used.
I did about 3 months analysis before I came up with the top car as a 2000 Odyssey. Looking at the Consumer Reports safety ratings for cars, the Odyssey is among the top ones. See Consumers Reports April 2001 pages 16 through 19.
Now you add for 2002, improved: safety ,power,seating comfort, ride, etc. I don't think you are going to be able to find a better all around vehicle. The only one I can think of is the biggest Mercedes for safety, handling, comfort and ride. But that car costs about $100,000. If you have that kind of money you could have a number of cars. The maintenance costs on that car are also very high. Figure at least 3 times the Odyssey. I see even the Cadillac DeVille is ranked as less safe then the 2001 Odyssey and the Mercedes-Benz ML430 SUV has a safety rating just under the Odyssey also.
LX Standard Features
- 3.5 liter, 240-hp, 24-valve VTEC V-6 engine
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- Independent front and rear suspension
- 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Ventilated 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Power rack-and-pinion steering
- Dual front & side airbags
- 3-point seat belts at all seating positions
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) (2nd-row)
- 3rd-row child-seat tether anchor
- Head restraints at all seating positions
- Front-and 2nd-row passenger-assist grips
- Dual sliding doors
- Convertible/removable 2nd-row bucket seats
- Retractable fold-down 3rd-row Magic Seat
- Front-and rear air conditioning with individual, adjustable rear-cabin vents- Micron air-filtration system
- Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System
- Retractable center tray table
- Power windows and mirrors
- Power door and tailgate locks
- Power rear quarter-windows
- Electronic cruise control
- 2nd Row Grab Rails with Clothing Hangers
- 2nd Row Seat Cup Holders
- 8 Cargo Area Bag Hooks
- Driver's seat with manual height adjustment
- Individual outboard map lights
- 2-speed/variable intermittent windshield wipers
- Intermittent rear window wiper/washer
- Rear privacy glass
- Carpeted floor mats
Color and Trim
Granite Green with Fern
Evergreen Pearl with Ivory
Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory
Starlight Silver with Quartz
Taffeta White with Fern
Redrock Pearl with Quartz
Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern
EX Standard Features (adds to LX model)
- Dual power sliding doors
- Automatic climate control
- Driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment
- Driver's Lumbar Support
- Front under-seat storage tray (without Navigation System)
- HomeLink remote system
- Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
- Auto-off headlight function
- Security system with remote entry
- 16" alloy wheels
- Roof rails
- Body-colored side moldings, mirrors and door handles
Color and Trim
Granite Green Metallic with Fern
Evergreen Pearl with Ivory
Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory
Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz
Taffeta White with Fern
Redrock Pearl with Quartz
Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern
EXL Standard Features (adds to EX model)
-Leather Seats and Door Trim
-Front Heated Seats Color and Trim
Granite Green Metallic with Fern Leather
Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Leather
Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Leather
Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz Leather
Taffeta White with Fern Leather
Redrock Pearl with Quartz Leather
Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern Leather
EXL-RES Standard Features (adds to EXL model)
- DVD Rear Entertainment System with 7" Widescreen LCD Display.
- Wireless Remote Control
- Audio/Video Input Jacks
- 2 Infrared Wireless Headphones Color and Trim
Granite Green Metallic with Fern Leather
Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Leather
Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Leather
Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz Leather
Taffeta White with Fern Leather
Redrock Pearl with Quartz Leather
Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern Leather
EXL Navigation Standard Features (adds to EXL model)
Does not include Entertainment System
- On board Navigation System Color and Trim
Granite Green Metallic with Fern Leather
Evergreen Pearl with Ivory Leather
Mesa Beige Metallic with Ivory Leather
Starlight Silver Metallic with Quartz Leather
Taffeta White with Fern Leather
Redrock Pearl with Quartz Leather
Havasu Blue Metallic with Fern Leather
Laz
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2002.htm
2002 pricing will be announced 8/24
Let's look at it from another point:
Kia offers a 10 yr/100K powertrain warranty - are they confident or afraid?
VW is dropping it's 10 yr/100K powertrain warranty and upping the B to B to 3/36 from 2/24. Have they lost confidence in the powertrain's abilty but managed to improve the electrical?
Bentley's warranty is 3 yr/unlimited miles - don't you think for $100K they could do a little better?
In essence, a warranty is important. But the majority of manufacturers seem to offer the 3/36 b to b. If you are that concerned about the warranty, go for the Toyota.
- Darell