The base GC with Stow n' Go will retail for at least as much as an Ody EX-L.<<
A GC SE w/ Stow N Go can be had for less than 23K right now, including consumer rebate, plus you can get an additional $1000 trade in rebate. EX-L invoice is a little over 26K. Not sure where you got your numbers from
Sienna raised the bar with the 60/40 split 3rd row seating. Most people feel Toyota reliability is tied with Honda for being best. Honda will not want the Sienna to outsell the Odyssey and will have AT LEAST a split 3rd row seat. Will the Odyssey also offer separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger now that the Sienna has it? Will the Odyssey also have an overhead console with compass, temperature and Trip Computer now that the Sienna has it? Will the Odyssey offer 8 passenger seating like the Sienna offers? I seriously doubt the next Odyssey will have fold into the floor 2nd row seats. With previous Chrysler reliability being below Honda and Toyota, the Odyssey does not need to offer all the features offered by Chrysler but they need to have as many as the Sienna.
It looks like a memo about the May 13 debut of Honda Elysion. It is an all-new 8 passenger minivan from Honda. That's all I can understand because of some Chinese characters. In my opinion, it looks like Honda ASM concept. And Honda is serious about its concept. It could be our next Odyssey. When they redesigned the first generation of Odyssey, the JDM got the LaGreat. It was totally different from the first Odyssey. It may be an indication that Honda will create a new model line in JDM while still using Odyssey in North American markets.
Cadillac tried the cylinder shutoff technology back in the mid 80's. It was called the 6-8-4 and was used in the Seville and Deville models. Anyway, the reliability was horrid. I hope Honda doesn't get a black eye with this type of technology. I am trying to figure out why they wouldn't just invest in Hybrid technology to compete with Toyota. I am nervous about buying a first year re-design car plus new engine technology...yikes. Both Toyota and Honda have always used the same 4 and 6 cyl. engine designs for years. Hopefully, they aren't getting the GM disease and experimenting with engine designs that are not thoroughly tested for 200k miles.
hostwannabe posted link indicated that they have had a vehicle in Japan for some time with the VCM technology so they are not risking it all on the US minivan market. Still, new model plus new engine equals more reliability risk. Unlike FMC, DC, GM - Honda rarely screws up and I think this vehicle will be "the van" for another 2 - 3 years. If nothing else, the new Ody will drastically reduce the Sienna price for those seeking the Toyota.
For years DC execs said the folding rear seat was a gimmick and that it wasn't worth it as it increased noise, reduced chassis rigidity and eliminated all wheel drive. Now after losing major market share, they have introduced both rows of dissappearing seats. Apparently it wasn't a gimmick after all. DC did a lot of market research and there is no way they would have spent the bucks to put in second row stow and go if it didn't give them a big advantage. Others might think this is just a gimmick too, but the proof is in the pudding and I'm betting any minivan redesigned after 2005 will have second row stow and go seats.
Chrysler may have caught all others by total surprise with Stow-N-Go and Honda may not have had enough time to have the 2nd row fold into the floor seating in the 2005 Odyssey. Ford missed the boat by not having the 60/40 Split fold into the floor on the new Freestar and Monterrey. Do you think Honda would do another re-design to add 2nd row fold into the floor seats if they don't already have it designed into the 2005 Odyssey?
From what I understanding, the Elysion is a real thing... an all-new 8-passenger minivan. We will able to know more after its debut in mid-May in Japan.
If Honda doesn't have the second row folding seats in the 2005 then I don't think you'll see them until the next redesign. Way too expensive to retool a brand new vehicle. Honda certainly has had plenty of time to ponder the advantages and if they don't have it, then they must have decided they won't need it to compete. Something that is probably accurate as long as they limit their production as in the past.
Could'nt agree more! Honda already launched the Japanese version of the Honda Odyssey. Cant see why they would have another (Elysion) japanese only model. We will have to wait and see if they call it the Elysion or Odyssey in North America. May launch in Japan, when will it launch in North America?
My understanding is the Elysion is smaller than the current NA Odyssey. I don't see Honda making our version smaller. As for another Japanese model - the JDM market is quite different than ours. IIRC, Honda and Toyota make cars for specific regions and dealers in Japan.
Recognizing there’s discussion on the board regarding the new redesigned Odyssey, I thought I might my comments regarding the Odyssey, and comparing it to the new Toyota Sienna.
I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey, which is my second one. I’ve often thought the Odyssey would be the #1 minivan on the market for sometime, but I’ve recently read where the Toyota is now the top dog. I, therefore decided, since I was going out of town, why not rent the Toyota Sienna. I had it for two days, and came away impressed, very impressed.
I immediately noticed that the Sienna is a much more quieter ride. There is no wind noise, as there is in the Odyssey. I hope that Honda, since their Odyssey’s ride is not as quiet, as the Sienna, they will fine-tune the new Odyssey, so that it will once again, be the #1 minivan on the market. Does Honda plan to build the new Odyssey with new windows, to offset the wind noise, making it quieter?
Though the Sienna is few inches shorter than the Odyssey, the Sienna has more legroom on the drive-side, and the passenger side, more than the Odyssey. I’m a very tall person with long legs, and would like more legroom. Does Honda plan to build the new Odyssey with more interior space?
The Sienna has a quick response than the Odyssey. Though the Odyssey has more horsepower than the Sienna, the Sienna really moves when you step on the gas. I research to find out why the Sienna pick up was so different, and found out it has a DOHC V-6, while the Odyssey has a SOHC V-6. Does Honda plan any changes in the engine, other than a displacement V-6?
Though I like the Odyssey, I would really like to see Honda add similar amenities as Toyota did with the Sienna, especially making it a much, much quieter ride.
The Japanese version of the Odyssey is the LeGreat. What they call the Odyssey is the redesign of the first generation Odyssey ('95-'98) The Elysion could easily be the Japanese version of the LeGreat, while we get a different "Odyssey"
The www.HondaPreview.com website was updated yesterday and here's what's new:
"Unless we are told differently the 2005 Odyssey will be hitting showrooms in August-September 2004. The first dealer order allocations should be coming out sometime around June."
I tried them out at the Toronto auto show a month ago. The problem with them is they feel like second class seats when you are sitting in them. In order to get them to fold into the floor Chrysler had to make the seats thin and flimsy. No thanks for this on the new Ody if they have to go anywhere near this type of config. I like the fold down a little flatter concept that Nissan uses on the Quest much better.
I also have rented the new Sienna with the 2nd row bench (ie 8 seat edition), and found that these seats are too narrow for adults, even sort of thin ones like the ones on our trip.
When will Honda learn that people do not want a noisy riding car/van. I own a '03 Honda Accord EXV6, paid 25k for it, and am very disatisfied with the ride quality. This car is so noisy on the highway. I am constantly scanning the roads to avoid any little crack/imperfection in the road. I will trade the car in next year for either the '05 Odyssey or Sienna. Honda builds a great reliable car but they are missing the mark on ride & noise quality. Hopefully they will learn from the Toyota that people who buy vans or sedans are not interested in compromising ride quality for a little bit of handling or sportiness.
"Hopefully they will learn from the Toyota that people who buy vans or sedans are not interested in compromising ride quality for a little bit of handling or sportiness."
There are plenty of us who are more than interested in that compromise. Not every car is for every driver. I've driven plenty of Camry's and am grateful for the sporty nature of my Accord and Odyssey.
There is no further information about the Honda Elysion probably until mid-May. So we can't tell whether it is smaller or bigger than the U.S. Honda Odyssey (LaGreat in JDM). However, there is no reason why the Elysion will be smaller if this is a 8-seater minivan. And the only words that I can read is the 3.0L V6 i-VTEC and 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engines for the Elysion. But hey, we may get the same van with VCM engine here. I hope my guess is right.
They are firm like the seats in my son's 2001 Odyssey EX which I prefer to the softer seats of another son's 2002 Grand Caravan Sport. I have sat in a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT with cloth seats and also a 2005 Town & Country Touring with leather seats. I also prefer the firm front seats of the Odyssey better than the soft front seats of either the Sienna or Grand Caravan. The Sienna 2nd row seats in either 7 or 8 passenger versions are NOT comfortable due to poor design. The Odyssey is THE most attractive minivan with GC and T&C 2nd. The Sienna is not as attractive but is more attractive than the weird looking Nissan Quest or antiquated Volkswagen Eurovan. I prefer the gear selector on the steering column as in the Odyssey and not on the dash as in Quest and Sienna.
Honda has 2 sizes in the SUV market: CR-V and Pilot. Toyota has 5 (RAV 4, Highlander, 4-Runner, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser). Many owners of the previous generation Odyssey don't like the current (1999-2004) Odyssey as well as the earlier, smaller, 4 door version. With gasoline prices rising as fast as the United States Budget deficit, a smaller more fuel efficient minivan may become a better seller than the current large minivan size. People don't like a smaller minivan like the Sedona or MPV that burns more fuel than the larger Odyssey, Sienna, or Chrysler minivans.
After reading you message, you summed up my feelings in a nutshell. When will Honda get it. They make a good product, but they just need to build a vehicle where the road noise is not pronounced. I currently own a 02 Odyssey, and planned to trade it in for the 05 Odyssey. However, after driving the new Sienna, I may very well trade it in for a Sienna. But that all depends on if Honda build the new Odyssey where the road and noise quality is not so pronounced. Though the Pilot has received excellent reviews, it to rides where the noise is pronounced.
1) The new Ody will be a great minivan. 2) The new Ody will be better than the old one. 3) The new Ody will most likely NOT be as quiet, soft, and smooth riding as the Sienna. 4) The new Ody will not be as luxurious as the new Sienna Limited. 5) The new Ody will not cost as much as the Sienna XLE Limited. 6) Some people prefer the "road-isolation luxury" philosophy of Toyota/Lexus. 7) Some people prefer the "driver's-car performance" philosophy of Honda/Acura.
8) If you prefer the Toyota philosophy, you will hate the Odyssey period. But wait for the new Ody to come out so that you can strike an even bigger bargain with the Sienna. You definitely will want to buy the Sienna.
9) If you prefer the Honda philosophy, you will hate the Sienna period. You will definitely buy the Odyssey.
the driving dynamics of the ODY appeal to this driver. the experience of others will vary.
while i sense that there might be a quieter tire than the Potenza's that came on our ODY LX which might change the situation some, a certain amount of road noise actually helps this driver with situational awareness.
robr2 - Clam down. I am not bambaboy #2. I just told what I saw. At this stage, we are all guessing. I am sure Elysion will share some design elements of our next Odyssey.
It will be so hilarious if it turns out the '05 Ody looks absolutely nothing like what bamaboy or anyone of us thinks or says.
The pic bamaboy hinted to has been around for over a year now. The pic shown of other Odyssey "versions" in Japan are way too small to be the USA Ody.
I would dare say this. If the new Ody is 191 inches long, then Honda must be one of the dumbest company right next to Ford or Chevy.
But since Honda is a pretty smart company, the new Ody will not be shorter than the current version, at least not on the interior dimensions since that's what people care about.
I don't think anyone would be way off to think that the new Ody may look similar to the Elysion or ASM Concept.
But yeah, it's anyone's guess right now.
Quit toying with us, Honda!
I don't know. I say it before and I'll say it again. Based on the new looks of the MDX and Acura RL, there is a big chance I will hate the way the new Ody looks on the exterior and interior. But it may look great for someone else.
I went to the NY auto show. I asked the Honda rep about the 05. No information until August and won't be released unitl September. I also sat in the 05 DC. I thought the second row seats were comfortable for smaller sized person. With two kids in car seats the 2nd row does help me out much. I still am leaning towards the Sienna if I can find one.
I also agree...Honda was really smart when they started following the baby boomers (building cars for that age group). I think they are missing the boat now...I also wish my Odyssey was more quiet. I hate the wind/road noise. I can understand Honda wanting to pick up the x, y etc generation...but don't forget us old people....were not dead yet! If the good Lord gives me another 20 years, that's alot of autos! Andrew, do you really like the Sienna's looks?....I just can't get use to the front end on that thing....I'm going to have to drive one if I can find one to drive! oh, this tranny recall of Honda's really stinks!
The Sienna is not as attractive from either the front or the side. The front has too many styling cues from the Pontiac Aztek while the side view does not look balanced (wheels look too small or the distance from wheels to windows is too great). The Odyssey is attractive and does not need any major changes. Just add the 60/40 split folding "Magic Seat" from the Sienna and a few nice Chrysler features that Sienna added (separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger and the overhead console with compass and temperature/trip computer). Do minivan owners really want roll down windows in sliding doors or fold flat middle row seats?
The most attractive? I think not. I didn't even consider the Odyssey, due to its dated interior:
You can have any color dashboard & steering wheel, as long as it's black. Leather interior on Odyssey is merely Accord-like. Sienna is Lexus-like. Column-mounted shifter (also black) obstructs view of (black) dash.
If all you expect from your minivan is the interior of an Accord or Civic, then you'll love the Odyssey.
I thought the tranny problem was over a while ago. Before I sold my '00 Odyssey for '04 Sienna, Honda extended its powertrain warranty. I had no problem with the car but few problems like power doors. Did bambaboy mention where the transmission will be built for '05 Odyssey?
About the VCM video, are we getting new 3.5L V6 for '05 Odyssey or the 3.0L V6 iVTEC from Inspire in JDM? The video showed the VCM technology on 3.0L engine.
I Like the exterior and interior looks of the Sienna XLE Limited.
The front grille needs more chrome, but overall, I like the exterior looks of the Sienna.
Since both Ody and Sienna are excellent overall vehicles with similar prices on comparable equipped models, looks is the MOST important factor for me in determining the vehicle I want to buy. This is the area I scrutinize the most.
Before I saw the Limited Sienna in person, I was disappointed with the looks. But seeing the Limited in person changed my mind. I noticed the front grille had a 1" line of chrome at the center of the grille. I noticed the license plate garnish had a 2" line of chrome. I think if Toyota had put the chrome grille of the Avalon or Solara or Lexus, the Sienna would have looked extremely good.
This is my pure honest opinion on looks of the Sienna and Odyssey.
The Odyssey's front grille looks great. It's not as good as a Lexus or an Acura RL grille. But it looks a lot better than the Sienna and the Acura MDX's grille. So the front view goes to the Odyssey.
From the side view, I honestly think the Sienna looks better. I prefer the squareness in shapes of vehicles, but a slight amount of roundness will enhance the looks. When I look at the Odyssey and Sienna side-by-side, the Sienna just looks more "balanced" from the side view. I think the hood line angle of the Odyssey is way too steep. It's like the rear end and middle body is squarish, but then the hood gets a pointy nose which to me shows a slight lack of balance. Again, I prefer squareness with a touch of roundness and balance in line angles. So I think the side view goes to the Sienna.
From the rear view, I like both the same. They tie here.
Thus, the tie breaker is the interior looks. Here it's no contest in my opinion. The Sienna XLE Limited has nice (although synthetic) woodtrim on the steering wheel, gated shifter, dash, and front door sides. It has chrome finish on the gated shifter and air vents. The Odyssey doesn't even have the gated shifter and certainly no woodtrim anywhere nor chrome finishes. I would have liked it a lot more if the Sienna's dash displayed an in-dash CD changer and DVD player in addition to the NAV screen. So the interior appearance goes to the Sienna Limited. One thing I hate about Acura/Honda is that they don't believe in having woodtrim on the steering wheel. Acura now has woodtrim on their gated shifter (except the 2005 Flagship $45-50K RL--go figure!). But still no woodtrim on the steering wheel.
Add in the fact that the Sienna rides very smoothly, softly, and quietly doesn't hurt.
The Ody is more tuned for "performance" and so the ride seems a little louder and more harsh and firm.
If bamaboy is correct, the new Ody will not have any woodtrim at all. If the new Ody looks like those Japanese pics of different Ody "versions", then the new Ody will not have the gated shifter either. Hopefully, the front grille will continue to look like the current Ody, if not like the Acura RL. But hopefully, the new Ody's front grille will look nothing like the Acura MDX. Otherwise, it will just tie the Sienna's front grille.
Based on what has been posted here, there is no reason to believe the new Ody will beat the Sienna in the OVERALL looks department.
Andrewtran71 - There are two new features (beside VCM technology) on new Honda Inspire in JDM. The HiDS (Honda Intelligent Driver Support System) functions like a laser cruise control. It keeps you a distant from a car in front of you. The CMS (Collision Mitigation System) will apply brakes, restraint the seat belts and with beeping tone as far as 100m as to avoid collision. Let's hope Honda will bring these items on future Odyssey. I know you have mentioned the laser cruise control before.
I think the new Ody will have some very excellent features. I guess whether these features will "beat" the Sienna Limited features is something only time will tell.
Right now, we don't know squat about the new Ody, thanks to Honda. We are purely speculation or making eduacted guesses.
I think the NAV will be better than the Sienna just because of the Accord's NAV.
Another thing Honda needs to fix is that ridiculous stopping distance from 70 mph. It's embarrassing to know that even the Kia Sedona and other less expensive vehicles beat the Odyssey and $42K MDX w/NAV+DVD on the stopping distance.
Hey, what is the big difference between Radar Cruise Control and Laser Cruise Control?
Isn't it more of a gimmick than anything? And more of a hassle to shift, instead of a simple straight line? I know it protects against knocking it out of gear while driving, but has that ever happened to anyone? Not me...
Some of the posts are really getting humorous. I think we are talking about minivans here, primarily used as kid haulers, etc.. The whole idea is to by a vehicle with multiple uses at a reasonable price, something the minivan does better than anything else.
If you want to spend $30K+ on a luxury car, get a Lexus. But whether or not a minivan has wood trim seems totally irrelevant. This is similar to criticizing a new sports car because the trunk is too small and it doesn't handle well in deep snow!
Comments
http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/message/
http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/whats/
http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/whats/
http://waigaya.honda.co.jp/enquete
http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/
http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/mail/
http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/catalog/
A GC SE w/ Stow N Go can be had for less than 23K right now, including consumer rebate, plus you can get an additional $1000 trade in rebate. EX-L invoice is a little over 26K. Not sure where you got your numbers from
Will the Odyssey also offer separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger now that the Sienna has it? Will the Odyssey also have an overhead console with compass, temperature and Trip Computer now that the Sienna has it? Will the Odyssey offer 8 passenger seating like the Sienna offers?
I seriously doubt the next Odyssey will have fold into the floor 2nd row seats. With previous Chrysler reliability being below Honda and Toyota, the Odyssey does not need to offer all the features offered by Chrysler but they need to have as many as the Sienna.
Ford missed the boat by not having the 60/40 Split fold into the floor on the new Freestar and Monterrey.
Do you think Honda would do another re-design to add 2nd row fold into the floor seats if they don't already have it designed into the 2005 Odyssey?
Honda has confirmed the VCM V6 for the Ody. Yes, it has been in production with the JDM Inspire for the past year.
Honda claims to have focused on functionality, rather than styling, so dreams of the Elysion probably should be put back on the shelf.
Honda already launched the Japanese version of the Honda Odyssey.
Cant see why they would have another (Elysion) japanese only model.
We will have to wait and see if they call it the Elysion or Odyssey in North America. May launch in Japan, when will it launch in North America?
I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey, which is my second one. I’ve often thought the Odyssey would be the #1 minivan on the market for sometime, but I’ve recently read where the Toyota is now the top dog. I, therefore decided, since I was going out of town, why not rent the Toyota Sienna. I had it for two days, and came away impressed, very impressed.
I immediately noticed that the Sienna is a much more quieter ride. There is no wind noise, as there is in the Odyssey. I hope that Honda, since their Odyssey’s ride is not as quiet, as the Sienna, they will fine-tune the new Odyssey, so that it will once again, be the #1 minivan on the market. Does Honda plan to build the new Odyssey with new windows, to offset the wind noise, making it quieter?
Though the Sienna is few inches shorter than the Odyssey, the Sienna has more legroom on the drive-side, and the passenger side, more than the Odyssey. I’m a very tall person with long legs, and would like more legroom. Does Honda plan to build the new Odyssey with more interior space?
The Sienna has a quick response than the Odyssey. Though the Odyssey has more horsepower than the Sienna, the Sienna really moves when you step on the gas. I research to find out why the Sienna pick up was so different, and found out it has a DOHC V-6, while the Odyssey has a SOHC V-6. Does Honda plan any changes in the engine, other than a displacement V-6?
Though I like the Odyssey, I would really like to see Honda add similar amenities as Toyota did with the Sienna, especially making it a much, much quieter ride.
"Unless we are told differently the 2005 Odyssey will be hitting showrooms in August-September 2004. The first dealer order allocations should be coming out sometime around June."
Source: www.HondaPreview.com
I also have rented the new Sienna with the 2nd row bench (ie 8 seat edition), and found that these seats are too narrow for adults, even sort of thin ones like the ones on our trip.
--Tom
There are plenty of us who are more than interested in that compromise. Not every car is for every driver. I've driven plenty of Camry's and am grateful for the sporty nature of my Accord and Odyssey.
Elysion Odyssey
L = 4840mm/191" 5105mm/201"
W = 1830mm/72" 1935mm/76"
H = 1790mm/70.5" 1740mm/68.5"
That would make the Elysion 10" shorter and 4" narrower than the current Ody. I don't see Honda going smaller than the current Odyssey.
As I noted before, Honda offers many more models in the JDM.
I also prefer the firm front seats of the Odyssey better than the soft front seats of either the Sienna or Grand Caravan.
The Sienna 2nd row seats in either 7 or 8 passenger versions are NOT comfortable due to poor design.
The Odyssey is THE most attractive minivan with GC and T&C 2nd. The Sienna is not as attractive but is more attractive than the weird looking Nissan Quest or antiquated Volkswagen Eurovan. I prefer the gear selector on the steering column as in the Odyssey and not on the dash as in Quest and Sienna.
Many owners of the previous generation Odyssey don't like the current (1999-2004) Odyssey as well as the earlier, smaller, 4 door version.
With gasoline prices rising as fast as the United States Budget deficit, a smaller more fuel efficient minivan may become a better seller than the current large minivan size.
People don't like a smaller minivan like the Sedona or MPV that burns more fuel than the larger Odyssey, Sienna, or Chrysler minivans.
2) The new Ody will be better than the old one.
3) The new Ody will most likely NOT be as quiet, soft, and smooth riding as the Sienna.
4) The new Ody will not be as luxurious as the new Sienna Limited.
5) The new Ody will not cost as much as the Sienna XLE Limited.
6) Some people prefer the "road-isolation luxury" philosophy of Toyota/Lexus.
7) Some people prefer the "driver's-car performance" philosophy of Honda/Acura.
8) If you prefer the Toyota philosophy, you will hate the Odyssey period. But wait for the new Ody to come out so that you can strike an even bigger bargain with the Sienna. You definitely will want to buy the Sienna.
9) If you prefer the Honda philosophy, you will hate the Sienna period. You will definitely buy the Odyssey.
while i sense that there might be a quieter tire than the Potenza's that came on our ODY LX which might change the situation some, a certain amount of road noise actually helps this driver with situational awareness.
The pic bamaboy hinted to has been around for over a year now.
The pic shown of other Odyssey "versions" in Japan are way too small to be the USA Ody.
I would dare say this. If the new Ody is 191 inches long, then Honda must be one of the dumbest company right next to Ford or Chevy.
But since Honda is a pretty smart company, the new Ody will not be shorter than the current version, at least not on the interior dimensions since that's what people care about.
I don't think anyone would be way off to think that the new Ody may look similar to the Elysion or ASM Concept.
But yeah, it's anyone's guess right now.
Quit toying with us, Honda!
I don't know. I say it before and I'll say it again. Based on the new looks of the MDX and Acura RL, there is a big chance I will hate the way the new Ody looks on the exterior and interior. But it may look great for someone else.
Honda just can't please everyone.
www.tranexp.com:2000
Will the new Ody be introduced in the New York Autoshow ?? I'm getting really anxious. I need to make a firm decision my next van.
bmt
http://www.honda.co.jp/INSPIRE/presentation/p-engine/index.html
(japanese audio)
Andrew, do you really like the Sienna's looks?....I just can't get use to the front end on that thing....I'm going to have to drive one if I can find one to drive!
oh, this tranny recall of Honda's really stinks!
The Odyssey is attractive and does not need any major changes. Just add the 60/40 split folding "Magic Seat" from the Sienna and a few nice Chrysler features that Sienna added (separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger and the overhead console with compass and temperature/trip computer).
Do minivan owners really want roll down windows in sliding doors or fold flat middle row seats?
You can have any color dashboard & steering wheel, as long as it's black.
Leather interior on Odyssey is merely Accord-like. Sienna is Lexus-like.
Column-mounted shifter (also black) obstructs view of (black) dash.
If all you expect from your minivan is the interior of an Accord or Civic, then you'll love the Odyssey.
http://www.canada.com/search/story.html?id=ae33aed0-cdef-44f3-be0- 2-e6e19796873c
About the VCM video, are we getting new 3.5L V6 for '05 Odyssey or the 3.0L V6 iVTEC from Inspire in JDM? The video showed the VCM technology on 3.0L engine.
Larger makes sense given 3 cylinder mode while cruising needs all the torque available to keep it in 3 cyl mode.
Food for thought.
The front grille needs more chrome, but overall, I like the exterior looks of the Sienna.
Since both Ody and Sienna are excellent overall vehicles with similar prices on comparable equipped models, looks is the MOST important factor for me in determining the vehicle I want to buy. This is the area I scrutinize the most.
Before I saw the Limited Sienna in person, I was disappointed with the looks. But seeing the Limited in person changed my mind. I noticed the front grille had a 1" line of chrome at the center of the grille. I noticed the license plate garnish had a 2" line of chrome. I think if Toyota had put the chrome grille of the Avalon or Solara or Lexus, the Sienna would have looked extremely good.
This is my pure honest opinion on looks of the Sienna and Odyssey.
The Odyssey's front grille looks great. It's not as good as a Lexus or an Acura RL grille. But it looks a lot better than the Sienna and the Acura MDX's grille.
So the front view goes to the Odyssey.
From the side view, I honestly think the Sienna looks better. I prefer the squareness in shapes of vehicles, but a slight amount of roundness will enhance the looks. When I look at the Odyssey and Sienna side-by-side, the Sienna just looks more "balanced" from the side view. I think the hood line angle of the Odyssey is way too steep. It's like the rear end and middle body is squarish, but then the hood gets a pointy nose which to me shows a slight lack of balance. Again, I prefer squareness with a touch of roundness and balance in line angles.
So I think the side view goes to the Sienna.
From the rear view, I like both the same. They tie here.
Thus, the tie breaker is the interior looks.
Here it's no contest in my opinion.
The Sienna XLE Limited has nice (although synthetic) woodtrim on the steering wheel, gated shifter, dash, and front
door sides. It has chrome finish on the gated shifter and air vents. The Odyssey doesn't even have the gated shifter and certainly no woodtrim anywhere nor chrome finishes. I would have liked it a lot more if the Sienna's dash displayed an in-dash CD changer and DVD player in addition to the NAV screen. So the interior appearance goes to the Sienna Limited.
One thing I hate about Acura/Honda is that they don't believe in having woodtrim on the steering wheel. Acura now has woodtrim on their gated shifter (except the 2005 Flagship $45-50K RL--go figure!). But still no woodtrim on the steering wheel.
Add in the fact that the Sienna rides very smoothly, softly, and quietly doesn't hurt.
The Ody is more tuned for "performance" and so the ride seems a little louder and more harsh and firm.
If bamaboy is correct, the new Ody will not have any woodtrim at all.
If the new Ody looks like those Japanese pics of different Ody "versions", then the new Ody will not have the gated shifter either.
Hopefully, the front grille will continue to look like the current Ody, if not like the Acura RL.
But hopefully, the new Ody's front grille will look nothing like the Acura MDX. Otherwise, it will just tie the Sienna's front grille.
Based on what has been posted here, there is no reason to believe the new Ody will beat the Sienna in the OVERALL looks department.
I guess whether these features will "beat" the Sienna Limited features is something only time will tell.
Right now, we don't know squat about the new Ody, thanks to Honda. We are purely speculation or making eduacted guesses.
I think the NAV will be better than the Sienna just because of the Accord's NAV.
Another thing Honda needs to fix is that ridiculous stopping distance from 70 mph.
It's embarrassing to know that even the Kia Sedona and other less expensive vehicles beat the Odyssey and $42K MDX w/NAV+DVD on the stopping distance.
Hey, what is the big difference between Radar Cruise Control and Laser Cruise Control?
It will be tough to compare to see which is best!
It will be exciting to see the new Ody!
If you want to spend $30K+ on a luxury car, get a Lexus. But whether or not a minivan has wood trim seems totally irrelevant. This is similar to criticizing a new sports car because the trunk is too small and it doesn't handle well in deep snow!