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Comments
What you say is true regarding how a customer may feel if they purchase an '04 now without knowing what the '05 will have. However, I am not sure that this is any different than other purchases.
What about in '01 or '02 when Honda upped the horsepower? I don't recall seeing a bunch of stuff on the Sienna before it came out; and this was a MAJOR change from the previous model. Computers are another great example, as are most electronics. I am an engineer in a consumer electronics company and I know that we keep new ideas pretty quiet until we are just ready for release.
So, I agree that it is frustrating and may create some disappointment for people that don't research. However, do you think that it is the company's (any company) responsibility to ensure that the customer fully researches before purchasing? Most companies rely on "impulse purchasing". All of us on this and other forums are more of the exception than the rule at this time. I guess because we are better educated in the types of research available that we expect more. See my quote from Margaret Thatcher (not an endorsement of her, just like her quote)in a previous post.
By the way, there is a new site posted on odyclub. Go to http://2005hondaodyssey.com/
Unfortunately, it sounds like there were some more pics yesterday, but when I went last night, the site stated that there was a request to remove all the pics. Sounds like nobody downloaded them beforehand :-( Anyway, there is some information on the PAX system and other small tidbits. Nothing mindblowing, but at least there is another source to watch (or to aggravate). ;-)
BTW, to end on a high note, I'm glad everyone is okay after the hurricane.
1). I wager Andrewtran71 is going to put his money down, because he won't be able to avoid his attraction of the implementation of the NAV.
2). I don't understand the deceit comment in your post. Where has Honda released misleading specs for the product? Further, you'd expect that a smart manufacturer that needs to test a number of vehicles in the real-world (as opposed to just a test track) before introduction is going to deploy prototypes with features and/or styling which may be disguised, and which may or may not reflect the final production vehicle. My opinion: that's just plain smart.
As for generating interest and respect - they are doing all the right things from my perspective.
As for dealerships being held more responsible than the manufacturer - ahh you lost me completely on that one.
Who cares if I bash Honda as a company?
As long as I'm not bashing any PERSON, right?
So what if I think Honda is pathetic?
Imagine how you would feel if you just bought a 2004 Odyssey only to find out next month they significantly upgraded the new minivan.
And if Toyota or any company did that to you, you would feel the same way.
Give Honda credit for what? I thought they were actually going to make a great looking minivan and blow everything away!
But based on these spy pics, there is no such thing as a great looking minivan.
Well, okay, I'll give Honda credit for the great navigation system, but that's it, alright? Don't push it.
I guess these companies think only poor people will buy minivans with ugly grilles and fake wood that cost $41K and only rich people can afford SUVs with awesome grilles and real genuine wood that costs $45K.
By the way, I was just having a little fun, man.
The NAV is great, but I'm leaning towards the overall looks too.
Everyone needs NAV in their vehicles, you know that!
When my two daughters grow up, I'll probably get each of them a 4-cylinder Accord with NAV. I wouldn't want my daughters to have to stop and ask strangers for directions, especially at night.
I already got my wife liking the NAV.
Perhaps Govt. should make a law that every automaker should make information about next model available as far in advance as possible. (Compliance will be achieved by mining company's emails and records)
In fact, there should be a law against trade secret; no one should be allowed to keep a trade secret...
Then USA will become USSR....
Eventually, TX will be a separate country. (collapse of USA)
Then the President of the USA will be only the president of TX...he can keep TX oil, really....
How this relates to this board? It’s just that I’ll miss it and all these spy shots because they won’t be needed ...
User777, The deceit I speak of is Honda the company going around and making people take information off the internet and other sources. Like for instance this very web site, Odyclub, and any dealerships that have previously posted any and all information regarding the '05 Ody. In my opinion that is being deceitful by not allowing people to know that a new model is even coming out, never mind any details. I dont give a care to their test drives, they should be doing that regardless and actually continue doing it as QC, but to pretend as though they are not testing a new vehicle DOES smell of deceit to me. Sorry if you dont agree, I guess we just see this differently. Where it comes to the dealerships, I know for a fact that dealerships told people who specifically asked about the new '05 model that they knew nothing of it and there was no such thing. How do I know this, well my husband was one such person told this not more than 3 weeks ago. Would you hold them responsible if you believed this and went ahead and bought an '04 just to see a new '05 roll off the line 2 months later? And if this is the kind of "non-information" being given to the consumers as a result of Honda telling them not to release information, well shame on them too. They are both equally responsible in my view. What is so wrong with that opinion. If we disagree we disagree, but I think I came to my conclusion with enough facts to make it a valid one.
I'm off my soapbox
BTW, you made me giggle with your post (I do have a sense of humor)
I never took it personally. I'm here just having fun like everyone else. Nothing I said mentioned that you couldn't bash Honda, nor did I say you couldn't think Honda is pathetic. I was just quoting you as saying "it's just a minivan". However, if it IS "just a minivan", then take it as such. No need to get upset if it doesn't meet your requirements/expectations or if the company doesn't act the way you think it should prior to introduction. There are a lot of other minivans to choose from, and their companies would gladly take your money. If you don't like the way that Honda is handling the situation, or you don't like the van, vote with your money. Your money; your decision.
No offense intended and no offense taken. We're all interested in the new Ody or we wouldn't be here. Everyone has their own opinions and tastes and we are all allowed to express them in a mature manner. That's what made this magnificent country great! And NO, I don't work for Honda or any supplier to Honda...Although if I could get a job in their R&D department here in Denver, I would probably do so in an instant!
"Eventually, TX will be a separate country. (collapse of USA)
Then the President of the USA will be only the president of TX...he can keep TX oil, really...."
And what's wrong with that? ;-)
Uh Oh. I'm bad. Mixing politics into our discussion. Never mind. Sorry to all you Texans. We Colorado Natives really DO like you...I think. Maybe we're just mad from the Cowboy/Bronco Super Bowl.
To me, having a nice grille and wood trim doesn't do anything for me. Having a a nice overall interior and dash (such as the new Accord and TSX) would be enough for me. And of course to me the new exterior is similar to the old one, which is perfectly fine since I liked the old exterior look a lot. And so far, looks like the new Ody does deliver what I expected.
But you know how life is; one day you're bashing it, the next day your driving it:-)
Who knows?
The Touring model might have REAL woodtrim plus satin-nickel accents and beats the Sienna's interior.
Anybody even a bit curious about the 2006 Sedona, which is suppose to shed like 300 pounds and be as long as the Ody & Sienna? What if it looks like an Acura minivan? :-)
Yeah, I am interested in seeing this new and improved Ody. Then I'm interested in seeing what Toyota does in response:-)
Did you guys know that Ford owns Mazda, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Land Rover, Astin Martin, and Volvo?
I think we need a Jaguar minivan, that's what I think!
Would you go for that?
Okay.
Ford also owns part of Daewoo and I believe, Rolls Royce (or did BMW purchase them?)
GM owns part of Opel, Saab, Subaru and Isuzu. I think they also own part of Kia and Hyundai, but not positive.
Lynn, don't confuse what the dealer tells you with Honda corporate. Dealers are independant, and it is a common practice for them to act dumb about new models, since they would rather sell you what they have now. Cheesy maybe, but it happens.
And, the '05 Ody has by no means been a secret. THe press and internet have been reporting it for a long time, so anyone that pays a little attention or does some research would know it's coming. No, there were not specific details released 6 months in advance, but can you blame Honda for wanting to do what they can to help dealers sell the '04s?
Plus, what is the magic lead time? 1 month? 6 months? 2 years? Should we be getting progress reports on the '07 Accord redisign already?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Simply put, Honda would do a great service to their loyal customers by acknowledging the new van. They had kept it hush hush even when people knew. What they are doing now is confirming it, which I think they should have done when confronted with it months back. I dont think it was their choice to let any information out to any websites, including this one. Yes the information was out there, but wherever possible Honda was nixing it systematically. The dealerships may be independent but they do answer to the manufacturer or they lose their contract to sell their brand. I dont think I am reaching on this one, we have tons of past posts that confirm the fact that Honda had been in complete denial of the new model. Until people started catching the test drives on the roads and spy photos started showing up on the net, they said nothing even when confronted. Again, a simple "yes, we are releasing one in late summer would have sufficed."
If you make 2005 info public, your 2004s will rot in the lots.
-juice
The practice of keeping new releases under wraps is the same for all products. Nikon and Canon don't come out and announce to world that customers may want to wait before purchasing a new camera because a new one with features x, y, and z will be coming out. Just the opposite-- they try their very hardest to keep the new product a secret as long as possible.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
What's the point? Here's an instance where the builder knew about changes coming but I missed out. I wish I had the new system, but I am so happy with the house and builder as a whole (much better than any other builder used before), I would gladly purchase again if I had to.
I also have some advantages over people up the street. Our home was one of the first witht he 90% efficient furnace versus their 80%. So, I won some and lost some. I realize that and can live with it.
However, I understand Lynn's point and can see where people can be upset that they just plunked down a half year's salary (or more) on a vehicle that is "obsolete" the next week. That is why the best purchasers (worse for the dealers) are those that do the research. We all are doing research and know what is coming (sort of) and can make our own logical decisions.
I think the point is that I have agreed to disagree, but at the same time, understand Lynn's position and respect it.
My guess is that Honda has a game plan regarding making the intro of the '05 as exciting and enticing as possible. I kind of doubt that they really know the impact this wait is having on those of us (the vast minority, I'm sure) who have been researching and waiting and waiting. For better or for worse, the majority of consumers do little or no research and often buy based on looks alone or sales gimmicks. I'm impatient because I'd like to make up my mind already --this has been over a year in the making-- but I'm not surprised at all regarding their marketing techniques.
Now if I could just decide what color I want........
Busy trying to be diplomatic. I like talking with all of you, so I try not to step on toes. As you can see, I need more practice! (You should have seen the rukus I caused at Odyclub! Holy Cow! I think I finally dug myself out of THAT hole).
I have pretty much decided on the Desert Rock, but want to see the Ocean Mist in person...and only if I can get it without the black interior.
I did, btw, see the rukus at odyclub. In your defense, it does seem that the closer it comes to the 05 info being released, the more nuts are coming out of the woodwork from Siennaclub and the more antagonistic people are becoming.
Oops...guess that wasn't very diplomatic...JUST KIDDING........I'm sure there's lots of very nice people at siennaclub.......lol.
What about the Olympic spots? I haven't seen any Hondas yet, just Corvette and Bud commercials. Would they come out this weekend 8/22. What exactly is that date I've been seeing on the posts. I forgot. Is it ride and drive, or something? I'll be on a ship on 8/22 from NYC to Bermuda. I'll continue to watch the Olympics and look for Honda commercials. Oh yeah, and watch athletes too.
If anybody reads this, please let me know when approximately we all can get our hands on the '05. Waiting for this car is really bugging me.
As for ordering, from what my dealer does, being third on the list means you get third choice. It really depends on what they are allocated and what you want.
mochisushi, we do agree to disagree but I actually think I agree with you more than you think.
I really am not that passionate about the whole debate either way, I just think I like the road GM has taken with the Terraza better than Honda did. I seriously doubt if Honda does do an Ody commercial we will see it before the last week or even the final days. Who knows they may wait til the closing ceremony.
BTW, what kind of trouble did you start at Odyclub? I missed it.
Somebody used an abbreviation for Japanese that is also a derogatory term. I mentioned that I was not being over sensitive, but requested that he not use derogatory terms and that we should respect all people of different races or origin. I lit a fire under some people that I shouldn't be bringing PC subjects into the forum. I had others that agreed with me. Basically, what I thought was a gentle reminder to be conscientious of what we write blew up in my face.
Once everything settled down, Hummerhonda suggested that since everyone was happy, to delete their posts. I did; that's why you probably don't see my response. Some haven't yet or aren't going to (you can probably find my quote). I wasn't out to start a PC war, but I guess I did. Anyway, I learned from this experience and will cut my keyboard cord instead of responding next time I see something.
BTW, if you want to see the "fun" firsthand, go to the To Buy or Not To Buy thread. But don't tell anyone I sent you!
Back on topic...at this time I'd like to say that I have absolutley nothing new to report about the 2005 Ody.
I just started work there Monday, but will be on the Pilot line. Took a whirlwind tour of the Odyssey facility yesterday and the line was moving very slowly. They want to get it right first and then gradually ramp up production.
Ocean Mist interior is Black and only Black for touring; Gray and only Gray for anything else.
Note to whoever mentioned wanting Olive interior- It comes only with Sage Brush or Slate Green exteriors (all models)
GJay1170, Sounds like the van you are hoping to get is going to be really pretty. I wish it wasnt so hot here, I would probably be very attracted to a black minivan since they are so rare. I have only seen a black Chevy Venture around this area at my daughter's school and it does set it apart from the other vans mostly a tan color.
Fbear, I want to see the Ocean Mist in person too. It should be a light blue right? I really love the light blue paint that DC uses on their vans and think I could be very happy with that. I think I could persuade my husband to agree to that rather than white (boring) which is his car color of choice. I dont however want a gray interior again. Would much rather have ivory I think.
Turbo, please let us know as soon as you can where your pictures will be posted. I think that www.2005hondaodyssey.com would be the best place to get them up immediately. Cant wait to get better interior pictures of the back seats and such. I would also love to see a clearer pic of the nav dash. Lucky you. What was your opinion from seeing the vans in person as opposed to what we have been seeing online?
Did you post them anywhere yet - or are you willing to e-mail? THANKS
-Bryan