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Comments
He seems to know more about the new Ody than anyone so far.
I suppose driving the new Ody several times a week in secrecy is something else. I assume the driving was done at some remote places where nobody would see. Man, sounds like a 007 secret government project or something.
Good Lord, it's a minivan for crying out loud!
Other than the Voyager, none of the minivans in US are sold in Europe. Kia does sell their minivan under a different name, but not sure if it is the same model. Previa is available, but it is not at all like the Sienna. It is actually quite good with diesel engine.
As to the pricing, I am surprise to see comment on price comparison to the one in late 80 and early 90. They are way different! The average car pricing also increased from $18K then to @28K today. The cars today are roomier inside, more power (200hp is common), safer (most models have at least 4 air begs in mid size and above), structural stronger (seceral times) and more comfortable features that make your life much easier. Minivan is one with quantum leap. I still remember my boss bought a loaded 92 Chysler Town & Country for $30K+. It has CD player, leather seats and door inserts, 1 airbag (one speed), antilock break, sun roof and one mannual sliding door. The power came from V6 150hp+ with 4 speed Auto trans. Compare to todays' minivan, you got 3 times features and still cheaper. Even the inflation taking into acount, the price actually lower when compare feature content. The car sold $20k then will worth $23-24K just from inflation. I am sorry there is no $18K and below but you can get a 3 years old LX at the price range. And 3 year at todays technology, it's in such a great condition. You may enjoy the new car smell but definitely can enjoy the performance and comfort. Plus the reputation of the reliability from Toyota and Honda, you will be happy for several years down the road. Trust me!
1. Dome lights that time out! I have jump started this van more times in any 6 month period than any car I have ever owned (that is a 20 year span) simply because one of the kids (or dad) left a dome light on the previous night!
2. Coin holder that vibrates its contents if left open (known to fray nerves!). (Spring-loaded coin holder, please.
3. Larger sunglasses holder to fit the actual sunglasses case.
4. A gear shifter that does not impede my view of the fog light switch or stereo controls.
5. Power doors that close correctly below 20°F!
6. Power doors that a child could open or close if the power switch is turned off.
7. How about a light in the glove box?
8. Could we have some cushioning on the armrests?
9. Lumbar support?
That is my minor wish list that I hope Honda includes in the 2005 Ody (in addition to more powerful engine with better gas mileage (VCM), TCS, VSA, side-curtain airbags, split "Magic Seat", continuation with 5AT, power lift-gate, roll down windows, in-dash 6-CD changer, DVD, Leather, etc, etc, etc....
Can you tell me if the '05 will still be offered in black?
Honda can't figure out if we work for them or not, because (1) we'll use an anonymous-sounding name, and (2) for added mesaure, we won't actually work for Honda.
And I really want a hybrid mini or SUV so I will admit (GOD HELP ME) that if the Ford Escape finally comes out I will look at it since gas in Cali is $2.65 per gallon in places. I hate FORD but know many who love their Escape. Wish Honda had someting besides cars in a hybrid. Not sure I want an accord but might check it out also to be sure.
Some of us are complaining about Honda's secrecy of the '05 Ody, but does anyone know anything about the '05 Sienna?
They gotta do what they gotta do as a company in the belief that it will somehow make them more money in the long run.
At least it gives me another thing to look forward to this year.
639 - Got conformation that NO navi units with cloth only DVD. This is to get people to buy 2004 instead of waiting for 2005 model to come out.
640 - Cost with DVD is to be about 1500 more than EX or about the same as EXL ---> ONLY ABOUT 5000 UNITS WILL BE MADE !!!!!!
641 - Yes it is very close
642 - No it is not. This is a totally new look !
645 - Alabam is the sole maker for American , Canadian , Latin America & Saudi Arabia models. Also Alabama will eventually be the sole maker for Pilots.
648 - NOT EVEN CLOSE . See response to # 638
652 - Not going to make special Navi only DVD
654 - NO. 7 trims avail, but that is not 1 of them.
659 - 1) yes 2)no 3)yes 4)yes 5)maybe -does not get that cold here ! 6)maybe 7)been standard for at least 2 years 8)very little 9)yes Almost everything on your hope list will be on the '05 !
663 - yes
664 - those 3 and maybe 1 more I am told
665 - NOPE been real busy !!!!!
666 - LOL!!
668 - You got it
SEE YA'LL SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But just out of curiosity, how is it that you are able to get us all this information and no one else can?
In your opinion, do you think the new Odyssey top-of-the-line beat the new Sienna XLE Limited with Navigation and DVD RES in terms of high-tech features, safety-features, and fuel efficiency?
That's why Toyota has the CE for $23K MSRP and the Limited AWD w/NAV+DVD for $41K MSRP. Now that's a wide range in price to please people who just want a basic minivan and people who want the best in terms of features.
I wonder if Honda is intentionally leaking information, and Bamaboy is the officially sanctioned leaker.
I test commercial software packages and it's always amazing how, despite a small group of well-known beta testers, some website gets the scoop and spills the beans about an up-coming release, months before the testing and GUI is completed.
Perhaps Bamaboy is a middle-mgmt. type who's got the company blessing on giving "soft releases" to stem the tide of Toyota cross-overs and to gauge any marketing issues the new Odyssey might have. Just a thought...
IIRC, the pricing of the TSX was "leaked" when they were unloading the trucks at the dealerships.
I couldn't keep track of all that he verified and refuted.
But then, I still don't think he gave us anything that is unique, i.e., something that isn't the stuff of current rumors.
I'd like to know if the '04 Odyssey's palette of colors will change. Will a new one be added? Will an '04 color be dropped? In either case, what color is being added or dropped? (I'm not interested in hearing "the colors will change a little."
(But...I think he did say that leather was coming in a new color. Well, what color exactly?)
When I tell people about the new Ody, 100% of them say, "Oh, really? I didn't realize they're coming out with a new model?" I told this news to a person who just bought a 2004 Odyssey.
Heck, a lot of people still don't even realize Toyota has a new Sienna. They don't know what the heck Laser Cruise Control and sonar sensors are .
A lot of people don't even know what GPS Navigation is.
The way I see it, people like us who are extremely informed will already know about the new upcoming models and will probably wait anyway instead of buying the 04 models. Giving us more informations won't change a thing. We'll still wait for the new model to come out before we make our decisions.
But for the rest of the population, keeping them uninformed will sell more Odysseys. If EVERYONE knew that Honda is about to come out with a 2005 Ody to replace the 2004 models, many of them will probably not buy the 2004 models.
674 - No one else is brave enough to risk their job. I do not know, I have not seen the top of the line Sienna. But it will beat it in price !
678 - I PROMISE< I DO NOT HAVE ANYONES BLESSING AT HONDA MFG AT ALL !!!!
I could say things like the new Ody will be a Hybrid engine, 3.8L V6 VCM, 270HP, 60/50 mpg City/Hwy, demensions 203" long by 77" wide, has Laser Cruise Control, 8 Inch NAV screen, 2nd & 3rd row split 60/40 fold-flat seats, AWD, top-of-the line will be $39K MSRP, will have 8" DVD, etc., etc., etc.
I could come up with every exact detail answer to every question you have.
I could even say I work for Honda, but since I'm quiting and will be working for Toyota soon, I'm leaking all these info out because I just don't care anymore.
So we will not know if bamaboy or anyone else is 100% accurate until the new Ody comes out.
Never the less, I think bamaboy is keeping this forum interesting. I don't think bamaboy is telling anyone to buy anything right now. All he is saying is that the new Ody will be exciting and that we should wait to check it out before making any decisions, which we will do.
I still want to know if bamaboy personally thinks the new Ody will kick the Sienna Limited w/NAV+DVD's butt all over town!
Will it be a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic VCM?
Thanks, man.
andrewtran71 - Maybe it is a different story for Honda. People would like to buy the '04 model now with great discount as much as like $4K off MSRP these days even if we know the detail for '05 model. People could pay MSRP or more and months of waiting. Anyway, I think you would like the voice activated navigation system on '05 Odyssey better than the touch-screen on Sienna. I hope the compilation of leather+DVD+Nav will be on one of the 7 trims. I agree the Toyota and Lexus vehicles can have both options. And you can play DVD movie on the nav screen too with emergency brake on or in "P" mode.
cartagram - It is difficult to put all the information in one piece
In my mind, Bamaboy has been very gracious and low key, very disciplilned in his statements and his responses.
He's obviously a homicidal maniac that just happens to work for Honda! ;-)
One reason we didn't get one when they first came out is the front seats were very uncomfortable. Flat and hard without any back support. From a few test drives, the Sienna feels much better.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
686 - it will ride a little better than the 2004. I do not know the sound level on the interior, but it is quiter than the 2004. 5 speed
687 - I do not get the fold away 2nd seat. If you have something big enough to drop the middle & rear seats, BUY A PICK UP TRUCK!! 150,000 year @ full production.
691 - Unfortunatly no ! Siennas seats are more plush on leather models. You know Hondas seats are more firm and same is true for 2005
I hope you don't mind us asking specific questions. I appreciate the information you've given us already. I recently went down to the local honda dealer and gave them $500 to hold the first '05 for me--at sticker. Black EXL with nav and dvd (assuming that package exists). This is my first mini-van and I'm selling my S2000 to get it. Anyone in the market?
1. What will the mileage be on the new VCM? A slight or significant improvement over today's?
2. When will the '05 hit dealer lots?
3. Can you confirm that DVD and NAV will be available together with the leather EX?
4. Assuming #3 in top of the line...what's the top sticker going to be?
VW seats are firm but supportive.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=105&STORY=/- www/story/01-05-2004/0002083292
2003 Ody sales were 154,063 with a 13.4% decline in December. If Honda is only building 150,000 a year (according to Bamaboy) I see the following scenarios...
1. Honda's not planning for a Sales increase
2. Honda is content to restrict supply in order to ensure MSRP+ pricing at launch as the plant is capable of producing way more than 150,000 Odys.
3. Some Alliston Canucks need to show the 'Bama workers how to wrench bolts together a little quicker... ; )
http://www.dailyhome.com/news/2004/dh-localnews-0106-0-4a05u2053.- htm
The Alabama plant produces the Ody and Pilot. In 2003, Honda sold 106,907 Pilots. Let's say They sell 115,000 Pilots in 2005. That leaves 185,000 Odys that the 'bama plant can produce. Sounds about right, I think.