Honda Odyssey Future Models

mochisushi

You're correct. When I first posted, I hadn't read the entire patent. I thought that it would show how the seat folded into the well. That's why I edited the response soon after I ran through it quickly. Good use of space that's there...but I agree that this isn't as interesting as I first thought.

Since this appears to be the area that the spare tire was located in the past, the new questions are:
Where is the spare tire? Under the third row well like the Freestar? Didn't look like it based on the spy shots. Or are they including Run Flats?

65times

Your are 100% correct,my dealership adds nothing to the van upon arrival thus the MSRP is the MSRP. One across town does add mud flaps, striping and adds it to the MSRP. Buyers beware!

aabb

My dealer said the same thing (No Add-ons). I have not done the paper work yet. Dont know if it possible to get this in writing. It's just something you trust. If they deviate, you can walk away with the deposit,

stickguy

"charge what is fair, not what they can get out of it"

Actually, in a competitive environment, what they can get out of it is what they charge! Of course, you can argue that forgoing some s/t windfalls will lead to larger profits l/t, but I have a feeling this really doesn't happen.

Anyway, anytime the hot new vehicle comes along, the "gotta have its" overpay for the first ones. If it's not worth it to you, wait until street prices come down, or just do the legwork to hit all the dealers until yo ufind one that wil take your offer.

Hopefully by year end supply will be high enough that there will either be vans in stock, or maybe just short waits, and maybe even some discounts.

lynnw

I think waiting is what I might end up doing. I would love to be able to buy the van sooner rather than later, but it wont hurt me to wait. When they come out I will definitely go out and look at them and test drive them. Then I will come back home and get online quotes from all the dealers around here. I think that there are about 8 pretty locally so there will be a pretty obvious "average" price. If all looks good at that time, I may go ahead and purchase it. If the prices seem too out of line, I probably will try again for quotes closer to the end of year and see what happens. I suppose I am really not one of those "gotta have it" people. I have better things to do with an extra couple of grand.:)

dudleyr

The more people who decide to wait instead of buying right away, the less expensive the van will be for everyone. I would be perfectly happy with a Sienna if the prices don't come down though.

I noticed that there was a list earlier of the different models, and the DVD was only available on the EXL. Currently you can get a standard EX with the DVD. While I want the DVD, I really don't feel like overpaying for it (all minivans charge way too much for the DVD option) and then having to get leather on top of that. In fact idealy I would like to get the DVD on an LX, but I am sure that is not in the cards. If I have to get leather, then I will probably go Toyota or aftermarket - I do much prefer the factory installs though.

fbear

If you kind of want it right away but just don't want to be gouged, the best plan is to find a reputable dealer now and get on their waiting list. You can always walk away (with your deposit) if they try to gouge you later on, but if initial demand is high, the dealers where you can get the van quickly will be the ones that add $2,000 options. The dealers that treat you fairly will be the ones with the long waiting lists. I have always found that the best bets are the highest volume dealers. They get bonuses, etc for volume so they don't need to make as much on each sale.

I know that capacity is supposedly up (compared to '99) but it will take a while to re-tool all the factories- they are probably re-tooling some plants now but others cannot be re-tooled until final 99's roll off the line and that will be mid-August...So at least initially, there may be back logs like '99.

fbear

You are correct that you must get EX-L to get DVD. Here is the list of Odyssey models from the official Honda color chart for 2005 (dealer gave me a copy):

LX
EX
EX-L
EX-L RES
EX-L NAVI/RES
EX-L TOURING
EX-L TOURING/NAVI/RES

RES = Rear Entertainment System
NAVI - Navigation System

gjay1170

A friend of mine pulled up next to me at parent's night at camp with a brand new '04 Odyssey. I congratulated her on her new car, and told her I almost got an '04 too, but will wait for an '05. She told me, "Don't bother, the '05 are the same. My father sells Hondas." I can't believe that. Of course they are going to be redesigned. I'm not going to listen to her and ruin my new car surprise in September. You guys/gals here on Edmunds, Odyclub, and my Honda dealer are the sources of my van info. Keep the new info coming!!!

amc731

The GM at our dealership called today and confirmed only what we've already heard regarding packages, colors and features. Since we're #4 on his list, he wanted to know what color and model we were leaning towards. The most expensive being the Touring with Navi & Res, obviously........he said it was his "thought" that this model would still come in under $34. Here's hoping. And yes, he's aware we're still planning on paying under MSRP. Time will tell, but at that price, with the options we've heard of, it almost sounds like a bargain compared to Sienna. We'll just have to wait and see:)

player4

Even tho i already headr your news at ODYCLUB, congrats on your order, and yes its like a bargain!!!

lynnw

I will definitely be checking with the highest volume dealer for the reasons you stated. I honestly think that I probably will end up with the touring model, and if what amc731 said is true about price it will be better than a bargain in my opinion. I cant wait to find out how these vans will be priced.

rorr

"Time will tell, but at that price, with the options we've heard of, it almost sounds like a bargain compared to Sienna. We'll just have to wait and see:)"

For under $34k for their top edition with RES/Navi, yes, that certainly WOULD be a bargain compared to the Sienna. That would have to place a 'base' Touring model at around $31. Since my understanding is the Touring model is designed to match up with the Sienna Ltd., that would be a huge bargain indeed.

Here's hoping that Honda can fill the pipelines quicking.....and the Toyota dealers get nervous...

dudleyr

But , you can get a well equiped LE Sienna with DVD, power doors, trip computer for about 27k right now. If you want DVD, then I fear the Odyssey will be more expensive. What is an EXL -RES likely to come in at? I would guess near 30k.

mochisushi

I was reading a thread on an MDX mule at TOV where they were talking about trademarks (www.auto-report.net). The Site Admin at auto-report.net for the Honda threads wrote the following:

Honda held its first press previews of the 2005 Honda Odyssey in mid-June, and "First Looks" from the major magazines should appear in around 6 weeks, just ahead of the new model's introduction. Kept tightly under wraps the new minivan adopts the styling of the Japanese-market Elysion in a lower, longer, wider format to suite American tastes. For those of you who can't wait until September Chris Doane captured a mildly disguised test vehicle for Brenda Priddy & Co.:

There is also a link to an Autoweek article at the following URL.

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?...t_code=07811226

lynnw

the link opens up a blank page asking for a code. But thanks for the info. that is helpful.

Last night DH and I sat down and checked out some of the local dealer websites to pick a couple to contact about pre-ordering and pricing, and avalability. Lo and behold one of the biggest has the online sales manager that we just recently purchased 2 '05 Chevy 1-ton Express vans through. My DH will contact him today since he is the one who dealt with him for the purchase. He will refer him to contact me so I can speak to him about all the details on the Odyssey. If he gives me any good info I will pass along any info. I am hoping since we already have a good relationship with him and he knows we are serious, qualified buyers he will treat us exceptionally. It would be pretty much a sure thing for him as far as a sale and he would receive many referrals from us.

dudleyr

One more thing I forgot about. The sunroof. If you want a DVD you have to get an EX-L which is reported to have a standard sunroof. So if the EX is 27.5k the EX-L will be about 29k by todays prices, but add the sunroof and it could be 30k, then the RES is usually about $1,500, and you are looking at 31.5k for the cheapest model with RES. Hopefully they restructure prices and the sunroof is just thrown in for the same $1,500 premium that the Leather has typically cost.

Am I way off base here, or does that seem like a lot of money? Typically families with small kids want the RES, but those same families are saving for college, and have plenty of other expenses to not want to toss out 4k over the price of an EX just to get a RES.

mochisushi

I see what you mean about the link.

Try this.
1) Go to www.auto-report.net
2) Select Forum
3) Scroll down to American Honda
4) Select 2005 Honda Odyssey.
5) Click on "Go to full article in AutoWeek"

amc731

Well thanks.......too bad the forums aren't linked so we wouldn't have to "double-post":) Here's hoping.....we'll keep you "posted"!

lynnw

Thanks! I was able to read it. My DH called the dealer today and of course he is not there. He will be back tomorrow and we will call again.

leadfoot1

Don't forget you can add various accessories to the different trims. For example, to the 2004 LX you can add RES, remote entry, and backup sensor, among many other things. You can see what can or cannot be added to a trim by going to hondacars.com and do a "build and price." Hopefully, the 2005 trims will maintain this flexibility. Then you can just add the RES to a basic EX and not pay for leather if you don't want to.

stickguy

Besides, if a family has worries about having enough money for college, etc, they shouldn't be looking at 30K vehicles. Last I checked, a DVD system isn't required by the constitution ;-)

besides, you can get a really nice portable unit these days for $400-$500 or so. Not real reason it has to be built in.

For me, if they keep the price of the EX-L at about the same level (29K), but including the roof, there should be one in my family's future (and it will save me the trouble of getting my wife a Christmas present!).

I am trying to resist the RES pressure. The kids would probably like one, but they watch enough TV anyway.

rorr

" am trying to resist the RES pressure. The kids would probably like one, but they watch enough TV anyway."

YES!!!!!

Finally, a voice of reason in the wilderness. We've got 3 and 5 year-old girls: so long as they've got their coloring books/stickers/plastic animals/etc. etc., we're fine. And they'll need/want all that stuff ANYWAY even with a RES. When I was a kid, I read constantly. I figure a trip to the half-price bookstore will be a heckofa lot cheaper (and better for their minds) than endless reruns of 'Brother Bear'.

Sorry, off-topic.....

dudleyr

Actually my kids don't watch much TV, it is a treat when they are in the car. We make them spend 1 minute reading for every minute they watch TV (not the 4 year old though), and they wind up reading much more than that. Parents who take an interest in their kids don't have to bombard them with the latest blather on DVD. There are good concerts that kids can watch, and many educational DVD's as well as instructional videos.

I live in a state (SD) where it is a 3-4 hour drive just to get to a city, and even that is only 100k people. So we probably do over a dozen trips a year that are 200+ miles each way with 3 kids. RES would be helpfull. Portable TV's can be nice, but they are temping to thieves, and are one more thing to deal with when packing up the car. They can also be unsafe in an accident if they come loose.

No RES isn't a right, and we are not looking at $30,000 vehicles, as I said the Sienna can be had just how I want it for $27k, so if the Honda is much more expensive I will go that route. Besides that, a $27,000 vehicle is just about the average selling price of a new vehicle and can hardly be considered frivolous - especially with the additional safety and reliability of a new vehicle. I know you were speaking tongue in cheek, but ...

65times

The true benefit in the RES is for mom and dad, not the kids. In other words, my wife and I load up on educational DVD's from the local library which ensure DW and I can have meaningful spousal discussions on long trips with NO INTERRUPTIONS from 7 and 4 year olds. It is truly worth it when kids are happy and most importantly quiet! Also off the subject however, a passionate topic for DW and I! Worth every penny!

horsejd

Can anyone confirm that the 05 Ody will at least have rear side curtain airbags as an option if not standard. thanks

player4

Yes, the Side Curtin Airbags will make an apperance on the 2005 Honda Odyssey, and from what ive or weve headr they will be standard.

prgeoman

I don't know about rear side airbag curtains, but I know that the new Odyssey will not come standard with a nose cover to cover the ugly front. That you will have to buy!

lynnw

Amen! I have a 5 year old who thinks that there should not be a quiet moment while she is in the car. I cant even listen to a song on the radio if she is with me because I get bombarded with questions about her birthday that is 7 months away!!! She is adorable but that is so annoying. I much prefer to have her calm down sometimes and watch something she enjoys. I make sure her "out of car" time is filled with other very brain stimulating activities. I could NEVER have markers, crayons or stickers in my car unless I wanted it completely "re-decorated." lol

prgeoman- That is funny, but do you really think the front looks that much different, and for that fact uglier than the current model? I dont know, my opinion is that the front end looks more or less the same as it did before.

gjay1170

Lynn, you're right about not having crayons in the car. I'm sure we all know what happens to them on hot days, especially when they are left in the folding tray in the front. The cup holders are not the same fern color they used to be. I am going to purchase the RES/NAV with leather. I used a 9 TV and shoved it between the front captain chairs and it worked fine. Still, I worried about vandalism, and it's unsafe in an accident. But when I use that TV, my kids are glued to it, and I can enjoy my drive without them fighting. The fern cloth I have now is not too dirty, but when I get the ivory leather, it can wash off clean, I hope. Somehow I have to protect the rugs! I do go on a lot of trips with my van, and sometimes take my parents. They find the 3rd seat comfortable, which is good, and so do I. Now, that I'm going to buy this '05 van, I'm going to try to keep it clean. I am currently leasing my van now and waiting to get into the '05.

fibber2

Unfortunately, my '02 Ody is in for tranny replacement under the current second gear recall. I got one of the lucky units that really baked at 35k miles. But the dealer (and Honda) are handling the issues beautifully, and we will be driving a Chry T&C Touring with S-&-G seats from Enterprise for the next week or so.

Interesting concept if you ride with two people mainly, and haul a lot of stuff. And the big floor bins are great for storage when the seats are up, but it creates a world of compromises. Comparing the middle buckets from the Honda to the Chry is like comparing a Lazyboy recliner to folding beach chairs. I couldn't sit in them for very long. The cushion sit low, and is tilted back sharply. Butt low, knees high. Plus the seatback is very low. In it's normal position, the headrest hit me in my center back between the shoulder blades! I had to have it extended almost to its limit to get behind my head, leaving my shoulders unsupported. So the middle is now kids only, or very short (stature or duration...) adult use.

Also, the spare tire has been moved forward close to the firewall, and is not accessible from inside (as in the Honda). A winch drops it under the front-center of the vehicle, forcing you to move the van, or crawl totally underneath to retrieve it. Too many oddities to get me to leave my odyssey...

Perhaps if Honda were to try and emulate this on a future variant, they could execute better. Sounds like we will only be getting the 'turntable' bin to supplement storage around the spare tire on the '05 models.

Steve

amc731

I'm with you on the RES. We've also used a portable TV. After the novelty wore off, we've only used it for long trips. And trust me, it's a life saver. My kids tend to feel car sick if they read too much, crayons & pens are just asking for trouble and right now their game of choice is "punch-buggy" which brings it's own set of problems:)

We "ordered" a white exterior with the ivory interior -- I really wish car makers would come up with at least darker flooring, but at least the leather does wipe clean. I cannot imagine scrubbing the seats the way I've had to scrub the carpets in our current van. Just last week we moved my daughter's booster seat (and you never know WHAT you're gonna find under it) and there were melted M&M's on the seat. Thankfully, it was just a matter of wiping it off with leather cleaner. Ditto for everytime someone has spilled a drink or gogurt.....I could go on endlessly. If you have children, consider the leather!!

lynnw

I also plan on getting the RES/NAVI, leather is no big deal to me. I can take it or leave it. Leather is awfully uncomfortable on really hot days here in Florida. Everytime my DH drives my car (w/leather seats) he complains about it. He prefers cloth, I dont care either way. For some reason people have had it engrained that leather is luxury, maybe because it is so expensive. The fact is that with leather you have to really be dilligent about maintaining it. You have make sure you condition it regularly so that it will hold up and not "flake" and crease later. Also if it gets wet and you dont dry it immediately in hot weather it will shrink dramatically and cause problems. I know this because DH own an auto upholstery shop and has had many experiences with leather seats. I try to keep mine cleaned and conditioned but I have noticed the left side of my seat (where the rain will sometimes come in if I roll my window down) is already flaking and really dry. All that comes from the seat getting wet. The only part that is doing it, is the one that gets exposed to incoming rain. I always keep extra napkins onhand to dry the seats and door trim whenever they get wet. I plan on keeping my '05 Ody for a long time (10 yrs if it will hold up for me) because I think automobiles are such a lousy investment. But I do want to purchase cars that I love, so with the thought of how long I will keep it I dont mind spending extra. Because of this I always buy them loaded with all the extras. My current car is a '97 and is in perfect shape both inside and out (except for the slight leather problem which is a small area) had it not been for the 2 children I now have that I did not have when I bought it, I would not be getting rid of it. I prefer to spend that kind of money on my home or save it for college and retirement.

lynnw

We must have been posting at the same time. Go to Babies R Us and buy one of those seat savers that go underneath the car seats. You wont believe how much junk you will be able to dump out that gets on it underneath the car seats YUCK! I would never have car seats without those things, all you do is take it out and dump the junk. Not to mention it helps with saving the leather from getting indented permanently. I use the 2 part one so you can just take the back off when they get into the booster seat and still have the bottom tray.

gjay1170

I believe this is the website for the seat savers. Someone posted it on OdyClub somewhere. I'm still using bath mats under the seat. They keep the feet from getting the cloth/or if you have leather clean, but don't keep the other stuff from getting in between the back of the seat. I will definately get it before my next van. Leather for me would be no problem. This is the first car/van that had cloth since my '95 Mitsubish Galant. All the cars I've had since then had leather. The problem with leather is that if you have infants, and they through the bottles around it's impossible to get the milk/formula out of the leather, especially on the leather side doors. Now that they're 7 and 4, I don't worry about that. I'm also considering on getting some kind of protection for the front captain chairs since my kids love to put their feet on the back of them. I take my older daughter riding every week, and the mud/poop can be a problem. I'm so looking foward to ivory? Why can't the Black Ody have grey interior? I know the touring Black Ody has black, but that's too hot, even in NJ.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000083GHY/qid=1087- 487615/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/002-5883258-2867221?v=glance&s=baby- &n=507846

casper7777

I'm with lynnw about the disadvantages of leather. I would much prefer cloth seats. But one thing I really want is a nav system. Is there a chance that I will be able to get the EX trim (without leather) and tack on the navigation system as an option? Based on the spy pics, it does seem like the navigation system screen is pretty well integrated into the dashboard. I wonder what the dash will look like without the nav system. Will the screen still be there? Any insights would be much appreciated.

mochisushi

For our old Ody, my Pilot and my wife's Sub, we went to the Foleys (May Company) when they had a big sale on towels. We purchased plenty of the large bath towels and use them to cover the all the cloth in the Ody and Pilot, and to place under the car seats in the Sub. We remove the headrests and punch holes in the towels to hold them in place at the top. And when they get dirty, you just throw them into the washing machine.

I have heard a horror story of how people place the car seat directly on top of the seat and over a short period of time, all the semi-sharp edges on the bottom of the car seat actually cuts through the upholstery. This happened to a friend with his new Expedition with leather seats within six months of purchase. YIKES!

gjay1170

When I did have my sedans the car seats left indentations until I purchased those infamous bath mats. I do keep a car seat in the Acura TL, and every time I take out the seat, indentations. I only keep one in there, and would use a backless seat for my older daughter. I would stick to the cloth seats, but if I want the RES/Navi, I have to get the Leather. That will mean towels in the front seats in the summer so we don't burn our tushes. I will miss my cushy cloths.

lok888

I have one of those car seat saver from Baby "R" Us. I don't see any marks or indentations on the leather seats (seat cushion and seat back) on my SUV. My two year old is about 30 lbs and the car seat is about 10 lbs. No problem with the infant car seat (with base) and toddler car seat. Leather is easy to clean, IMO. I have to spend more time for cleanup on my another car, Camry with cloth seats.

You just need to pay a bit attention to leather. Beside vacuum, I apply leather cleaner and conditioner every few months. I use windshield sun screen to block harmful sunlight and most SUV and minivan have tinted windows already.

mochisushi

A bit off subject...But what kind of leather conditioner do people use/recommend. I have been told to use Luxor and it is okay to use the leather conditioner on the vinyl as well. Instead, I purchased both the vinyl and leather conditioners. I apply the vinyl first, then the leather. I figure that I'd rather have the leather conditioner overspray to the vinyl than the other way.

user777

>>
Amen! I have a 5 year old who thinks that there should not be a quiet moment while she is in the car. I cant even listen to a song on the radio if she is with me because I get bombarded with questions about her birthday that is 7 months away!!! She is adorable but that is so annoying. I much prefer to have her calm down sometimes and watch something she enjoys. I make sure her "out of car" time is filled with other very brain stimulating activities. I could NEVER have markers, crayons or stickers in my car unless I wanted it completely "re-decorated." lol
>>

what a problem. many people would feel greatly gifted to have that problem.

don't take the following personally. it's meant to be rhetorical.

we purposefully DIDN'T purchase a van with an entertainment system because we valued the interaction with our children more than the passification (and other) effects one of those systems would have on them. we also thought the cost was rediculous... 1/20th the cost of the vehicle? are they serious?!

my wife instituted a plan at home where the TV remains off, and if the children are well behaved, they get to watch one thing on Saturday night.

after a few weeks of doing this - not only did our children's behavior get noticeably better, we witnessed our children getting more constructive in the use of their time - their interactions with us and other children got better - and our time to do other things increased.

really - maybe we'd all be better off turning off the TV and other sources of distraction!

why not engage a 5yr old in conversation w.r.t. any topic? what we start (or fail to start) now will have follow-on effects later for our children.

when I see kids walking with their parents talking on cell-phones, playing gameboys or listening to portable CD-players, I wonder - what's the long-term effect of always being "on" and "connected"?

how about some down-time, so they can hear themselves and ourselves thinking?

OK - I'll admit - my wife asked me just last week why someone hadn't designed a sound-proof barrier between the front seats and the rear seats of the modern van.

maybe these DVD systems are a pseudo-"sound"-proofing system of sorts.

yet I wonder, are they worth it in the long run? is that what we are to value?

regards.

aabb

I wish honda put the same seat material as the Honda Element. Honda are you listening? you have families that cant decide between leather and cloth.

lok888

Not really off subject. Many of us want to know how we are treating the leather for their Odyssey with leather. I am using the Turtle Wax leather cleaner and conditioner (not 2-in-1 formula). It has no chemical smell, greasy residue or mirror-like surface. Many leather care products contain aloe and pH balanced.

stickguy

I used to get major indentatins (crush marks) in the cloth seats too, and used a towel underneath to try to minimize the problem.

Anyway, I'm happy to be out of the car seat phase. makes travelling much easier.

mrblonde49

So the middle is now kids only, or very short (stature or duration...) adult use. <<

I would think this is fine with the vast majority of Minivan buyers. (I'd venture to guess maybe 75%). That's who's riding in the back anyway - kids

gjay1170

I went to Baby's R Us today and got the seat protectors for $14.99 each. I got the plain one, not with the bear. It seems to be longer for the feet. It was either gray or black. I have gray now, but will get ivory. That's ok. Thanks for the info about the Turtle Wax for leather seats. My husband's TL really needs it done.

hayneldan

I too was dissapointed with the Stow and Go seats, until I discovered there is a release that allows the seat to move backward to create a lot of legroom, by doing that and raising the headrest to the top and reclining the seat one notch I was very comfortable, and there still was room in the third seat. I'm 6' 4"

lynnw

I wont get into the subject on how to deal with kids either in the car or at home because that is a touchy subject with me. Acutally after 8 years of infertility and numerous IVF cycles I am happy to have that problem. Anyway, I do respect your opinion and all children are different. My DD is acutally very bright and very educationally and socially stimulated otherwise.

I use a professional grade leather cleaner and conditioner that my DH sells at his shop. I will dig it out and put the name on here as soon as I can, but gotta run out to spend some QT with my DD.

mrblonde49

Taking the personal "child raising" issues out of the mobile DVD equation, and looking at it another way, I would think that it's bit safer for all involved if the kids are absorbed in something and not distracting the driver. I've heard of several caes where people crashed because they were reaching in the backseat to deal with a child or theior accesories.

Just another angle....

stickguy

my biggest gripe is that RES still tends to be way overpriced when it comes from the factory. After all, they are building/wiring the van, so the incremental cost of throwing a unit on the roof is minimal. The real soct difference is in the equipment, and it's hard to see how that can be $1,500+

Anyway, I agree that wedging a TV between the seats isn't safe, but the have some real nice bag systems these days. They hang between the front seats (strapped on), and some even have separate screens that hook to each headrest. Plus, you can buy 1 and use it in multiple cars, and even take it into a motel if you want. Might not play though the stereo, but most people use wireless phones anyway.