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Comments
What little I have read, I have concerns about the VCM engine in the 05's. The engines may prove to be great; however, the 04 engines have been tested.
Bamaboy said that the doors would be more sensitive, which helps. Are there any other significant changes in the 2005's?
Will the 2005 have the rear sensor, as does the its competitors?
Will there be any changes to the DVD entertainment package?
The biggest change will be the impact on Toyota dealers, as their top ranking for the Sienna and snotty attitude will likely dissappear. You might actually find that the Sienna could be a good compromise with a lower price, quicker delivery, and most if not all of the 2005 Ody features.
If nothing else, even if you really prefer one model, mentioning the other brand should get some attention.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Also, once the new model comes out, it is possible that the traditionally high resale value of the early vans might take a hit. Remember, there really is no apparent difference between a '99 and an '04 (assuming most buyers can't tell the the engine grew a little or the tranny picked up another gear).
Given all that, based on the prices I have seen (2.5-3K off MSRP), the current van looks like a real good deal, especially if you are leasing.
I actually prefer the current Ody over the new SIenna dynamically (handling, performance, etc), but really prefer the Toyota interior. So, if Honda adds some features to compete, and puts in an interior at least as good as an Accord, and keeps the driving dynamics, they will have a winner.
Oh, they need to move the shift lever too, since everytime I drive one, I end up putting on the wipers by mistake.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Thanks for the input. I intend to purchase a 2004. This sounded fishy to me; however, I was told by a salesman today (one that knew that I was not buying from him) that due to necessary plant modifications for the 05's, the plant in Birmingham will be shutting down in late July or early August. Apparently, this dealership was notified that no new orders would be taken. If a dealership has ordered 04 Odysseys, the order will be filled, otherwise, no more 04's. According to the salesman, the prices will begin increasing due to stock shortages soon.
I smell the old sale FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt) technique.
I think most assembly lines would be looking at about 60 days to change over to a new model and then ramp production back up.
What's more, if we are talking percentages, then surely you would be better off with one of the Daimler Chrysler minivans. Their huge production numbers must certainly cause their reputed transmission failure rate to actually amount to a very small percentage.
Besides, you miss the point entirely. As you said, "Fact is all new model years have issues that raise the problem rate but NO model that comes out eliminates them completely." The point was that by avoiding that first year model you can also avoid those inevitable first-year glitches and surprises by not being their beta tester.
American Honda Motor announced that approximately two percent of automatic transmissions installed on approximately 1.2 million Honda and Acura models have experienced premature wear or failure.
For some reason I thought it was 4%. My apologies. I agree first year models have a higher incident of issues and problems but compared to the overall total of sales of a vehicle it is miniscule at best unless you have a true liability and screw up. And as far as Chrysler, you can forget it. Chrysler is getting much better but still not there yet. Hate to say it but Honda and toyota are the cream of the crop. Guess it has something do to with American ego in that they DO NOT LISTEN TO THE CONSUMER NEEDS AND WANTS. They like to force models of what they think the public should have. I hope the crafmanship of the big three come back and fast but I just don't see it. And do not say it is due to lazy Americans because that theory is shot to hell as many Honda and Toyota models are built in America and at our neighbors to the north, Canada so I don't buy that. I t all boils down to marketing 101 which is to KNOW THY CUSTOMER.
Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems?
As far as Chrysler goes, they have different issues. I had an opportunity to speak with one of the Chrysler product managers. She told that they can’t make products as reliable as Honda and Toyota because their factories are too old. Besides, she told me, it is not their market niche. Every manufacturer has its own niche. Honda and Toyota is reliability, Ford and Chevy buy American, BMW is the sporty ride, MB is prestige and Chrysler is all about style.
The Japanese culture is generally a group-oriented society where individualism is frowned upon. All the individuals are working as a team toward one goal which, if successful, will show positively on the company.....in our context it is to make the best vehicle in the world. Defeat is not an option and would show poorly on the group. In the event of defeat it gives them even more incentive to do better the next time around. Being "part of the group" is even important to the presidents/CEOs of the company.......they'll often make only 3-5 times what the average worker in the company makes, although I'm not sure this is true with Honda and Toyota's top exec..
If you look to the time when Japanese imports first started coming to America, you'll see that most American vehicles weren't noted for their quality and reliability. Only when there was competition from the Japanese did changes begin. Yet, even today who are the top two companies? Honda and Toyota.....in almost every category.
The point is that in a general sense the American car comapany's first priority is profit. The Japanese car company's priority is quality..........it is a culture thing in my opinion.
However, I think it will sure beat the Quest anyday.
I was disappointed with both the exterior and interior looks.
If this is any indication of where Honda is going, which seems to me like more sporty and less luxury, I will probably be disappointed with the new Odyssey as well.
http://www.hondapreview.com/odyssey/
Elysion 2004 Ody
Length 190" 201"
Width 72" 75.6"
Height 70" 69.7"
I think some of the styling cues will be similar -dash, projector headlights, but this is not the 2005 Ody.
Read This from www.HondaPreview.com
With competitors trying to keep up with the Odyssey by redesigning their vehicles, you can be sure that the 2005 model will send them back to their drawing boards once again.
Honda has also received high praise for extending warranties and covering repairs. However if you talk to anyone who experienced the first failures you'll find that Honda's reaction was not friendly or concerned at all. Only after the issue started to get some PR did they come around. They also made life very difficult for those trying to get reimbursed for new transmissions paid for out of pocket.
You're favoring mobility but sacrafising comfort.
Now that Chrysler has THE most flexible seating, the shoe is on the other foot.
Although my 1970 Dodge van was the most unreliable vehicle I have owned, I am impressed with the ride and comfort of one son's 2002 Grand Caravan Sport. However, another son's 2001 Odyssey EX does offer more cargo space with the Magic Seat. Both minivans have been reliable so far.
One real risk is a harsher ride/noise. 3 bangers and 4 bangers just have seemed to give more vibration because of the logistics of balancing the load. Maybe they have this figured out though.
Like several posts - it will be interesting to see what gas mileage they hit on the highway. I think 30 - 31 mpg will be the new standard having seen 27 - 28 mpg out of 2004 Odyssey owners.
Remember, the vast majority of second and third row passengers are kids who could care less about seat comfort as long as their head phones and/or DVD system is working.
Stow and Go will become the industry standard as the trade off in flexibility versus comfort will be worth it to the large majority of buyers. The question now is who will be the next manufacturer to offer Stow and Go and how will they improve seat comfort? Most of the vans have been recently redesigned and GM's new vans won't have any dissapearing seats. It will cost major $$ to retrofit Stow and Go, but I can't see the competition allowing DC to have this large an advantage for a long time.