Honda Odyssey Future Models

gjay1170

My salesman called me today, and told me that my new van that I ordered 7/16 is coming in soon. It should be here by the 9/22 release date. They don't know about pricing yet, but this dealer will not charge over MSRP price. It might be less than the MSRP price, maybe? All I know is that I want to pick up the car for no more than $33,000 for the EX-L Nav/Res included tax, title, license, and whatnot.

Yes, I'm excited. I never ordered anything that was redesigned before. The last time I ever order a car was the '01 Ody, which took 4 months, and I leased it. This time I'm buying the '05 and I'll keep it at least 5 years.

lynnw

I spoke to a dealer recently who told me that Honda was not happy with the dealerships that sold over MSRP. They warn their dealerships that they should not be doing this. I would advise anyone who comes across any dealership that will charge over MSRP should contact Honda USA and turn them in. I also would advise you to walk away from that dealership and buy elsewhere. As for me, I would have loved to have the new '05 but decided on the Quest. We recently had to "evacuate" our area and found ourselves in Atlanta and put 1200 miles in the first weekend we had it. We are very happy with it and it is a wonderful van with many many features we have not fully been able to use yet. I wish all the new '05 Ody owners-to-be many years of fun and carefree driving. My comment on the tire issue is forget about winter driving, have they come out with hurricane tires yet?

mochisushi

Hi Lynn,
Glad you're okay (again) and enjoying the Quest. You may have missed my previous message since it was just before the excitement. I told you to wait on the Quest and that you might be able to get one with "slight" hurricane damage for less. That's what happens in Denver...BIG hail storms, then the Hail Sales appear. Hope you get a break from the next one (Isaac or whatever the "I" name is). Take care.

lynnw

Hey there Mochisushi! Boy I tell you, we have definitely had our fair share of bad weather. I remember a few years ago we had one of those bad hail storms and the dealerships really took a hit with that. Somehow though these car lots have an invisible shield that doesnt affect any of the cars during the hurricanes. One would think there would be severe damage to them but from what I have seen (and I have not been out too much) the cars all seem fine. I hope Ivan heads more to the west and gives us a break for a while. I am tired of picking up roof shingles from my yard, and the occasional satellite dish

mybuy

Has any one ever used the Costco auto buying program? If yes, was there a real price difference when you went to the Costco affiliated car dealer? I'm getting ready to buy a minivan, and they said that both the 2005 Sienna and Ody are part of the program, so I was going to check it out.

grayghost

The tests are usually done at sea level under certain conditions. Different manufacturers try to match the environment/conditions so the numbers are accurately comparable.

scienceman

A coworker of mine bought an '03 Odyssey through Costco. He got it for $100 below MSRP. The dealer was already selling at MSRP--so not that much of a savings. According to a CR article some time ago, you can't expect to save that much with Costco if the vehicle is in high demand.

ceric

If you get out of major cities to buy Honda, you probably could get a great deal. My friend bought his '01 Odyssey for $1500 less than mine at about the same time period. While I paid $1500 OVER MSRP in Silicon Valley, he paid MSRP at Bakersfield.

For high demand vehicles, Costco won't save you much.

ac00lra

While I paid $1500 OVER MSRP in Silicon Valley, he paid MSRP at Bakersfield.

Bakersfield? There's a thought. I'm in the same situation. I predict the price will be crazy here in the Bay Area. I think I need to convince my wife to take a weekend trip to Bakersfield. :-)

stickguy

A weekend trip to Bakersfield? You romantic devil you ;-)

hondagirl1

Honda's P.R. line is that the Odyssey was designed and engineered to offer a more carlike driving experience. Surprise-it's true. The driver sits lower than in other minis

Is it really true that the driver sits lower in the 2005 Honda Odyssey compared to other minivans? If that is true, I may be considering a Sienna. I do not want to be sitting any lower than I am sitting in my 2002 Odyssey. Does anyone have any idea how much lower the driver sits in the 05? Is it really noticeable? Part of the reason I like driving a minivan over a car is better visibility.

stickguy

I think the current Ody already sits a little lower than other vans. I doubt they lowered it enough to make a noticable difference.

In any case, you are still going to sit higher than in a normal car, but not as high as in an H2.

As with most everyone elses concerns, all shall be answered when the magical, mystical '05 arrives 2 weeks from today (assuming you can find one to test drive, or at least test sit).

foxb11

My parents have used Costco and have been very happy with it. However, I contacted them recently about an '04 Odyssey, and not only did they put me in touch with a dealer that was about 25 miles away (never mind that there is a dealer 1 mile from my house, let alone 5 others in between me and the one they put me in touch with), but the way Costco works, they won't tell you the Costco price until you come down to the dealership. And not only that, but while I was specific in my selection of an EX-L from Costco's page, the dealer that contacted me didn't even have any EX-L's in stock! While talking to the dealer rep on the phone, however, I threw out a price that I had gotten from another dealership, and she did say that the Costco price wasn't as low as that. Costco's price is also a no-haggle price. I would at least check it out for the '05, but my guess, as others have said, is that it won't save you too much, unless your dealer is trying to charge over MSRP, in which case you may save a bunch.

robertsmx

indy93
Bragging rights at the possible expense of consumers wallets and possible repair headaches?

VCM sounds like an extension of Honda’s proven 3-stage VTEC system. Honda has successfully used VTEC for years to operate only half of the valves at low engine speeds. In this case, it basically extends the same to not operate any (on one bank).

ace1000
I wonder if the Smart Maintenance System will require more frequent oil changes on the VCM models because of the higher engine rpm.

No. Look at Accord V6 (auto) and Accord V6 (manual). The latter has a higher cruising rpm (due to shorter gearing) but requires the same oil change interval. Actually, most of the time, people get the oil change done more frequently than they need to.
 

andrewtran71
I thought ANC is turned on all the time, not just when VCM kicks in?

Yes. BTW, the new RL doesn’t have VCM, but it still utilizes ANC. ANC is on even when the stereo is off. I’ve a feeling that ANC is going to be in vogue, fairly soon.

ateixeira

I don't think the technology is new. I recall way back in 1995 Nissan employed noise cancellation technology on its Altima.

Perhaps it's better now. As in it actually works. ;-)

-juice

robertsmx

I believe it was Mitsubishi that fiddled with “cabin noise” control in its 3000GT but in a different sense, but not a true ANC (it was more about letting more engine noise in than not). Not sure about the Altima though.

stickguy

Once I open the moonroof and crank the stereo, I don't think I will notice the ANC too much.

Now, if it could cancel out the sound of 2 kids bickering, they will make a fortune.

ateixeira

It's been a while but I swore it was Nissan. Any how it may have been for Japan only, they get tons of stuff we never see.

I will pay ANYTHING for that technology, stickguy! ;-)

-juice

fbear

Looks like noise is reduced in the new Ody.

Car & Driver (Oct issue) Preview states:

"the Odyssey is a mobile room of serenity"

dudleyr

Remember only EX-L (and up) models get the VCM and hence the ANC. I wonder about the noise on the EX and LX models that the peasants must drive (myself included) : ^ )

Juice - you probably want a noisy vehicle to drown out the kids.

robertsmx

Ford Freestar would be a perfect fit for the purpose. I had one for the weekend. Courtesy Hertz. Of course, on the downside, it gulped a gallon every 21 miles or so (mostly freeway driving).

kixo

In the flood of press materials for the '05 Ody, I read this:

"For both comfort and performance, lateral displacement of the steering wheel has been eliminated so the center of the steering wheel lines up directly with the centerline of the driver and the steering wheel is 22mm closer to the driver."

I check out an '04, and sure enough, the steering wheel is offset from the centerline of the driver's seat.

Does any current 99-04 owner find this a problem? Is the offset noticeable?

ateixeira

robert: wait long enough and the inevitable $15,000 rebate will pay for gas for the van's whole lifetime.

I noticed a similar offset on the 1997 Honda CR-V, it annoyed me a bit. They corrected that for 2002.

-juice

hansienna

I have driven a 2001 Odyssey EX many times and did not notice that the steering wheel was offset from the center line. I did notice the left wheel intrudes more into the foot space in the Odyssey which I have not noticed in my 1993 Ford F-150 or 2001 Chvey Blazer.
    The left wheel intrusion into left foot space of the driver is about the same in the 2001 Ody EX as it is in either a 2002 GC Sport or a 2002 T&C LX.

montreid

There are quite a few dealerships in between that have offered MSRP limits on the '05 Ody: Namely: Livermore, Tracy, Stockton, Modesto, and Lodi.

We decided on the '04 Ody instead though.

If you do go to Bakersfield, Yosemite is on the way (very romantic) and Bakersfield IS the home of California country music....

gjay1170

I drive an '01 Ody. I noticed too the stearing wheel was off with the chair. I have to sit more on the left to drive and move the rear view mirror. My husband never noticed this, but complains I keep the mirror to the left. By the way, my drivers chair makes creaky noise. Anybody elses EX do the same. Anyway, it's being replaced in 2 weeks.

alexmish

I drive 01 EX-NAVI (43K miles) and noticed the lateral displacement from the day one. Did not bother me much. The offset is only noticeable to a trained eye.

Well, dont care about it anylonger, trading it in for 05 Touring in 5 weeks.

alexmish

Agreed 100%. Ever since I got my 01 EX, I no longer can comfortably drive a sedan. What is worse, my right leg gets numb after an hour of driving in a sedan, while I drove from central NJ to Toronto practically non-stop in the Ody and did not feel a thing !

Visibility in the Ody is one of its most attractive features (not to mention it is a safety factor!)

alexmish

I did not like the original Michelin performance on my 01EX Ody. After 26K miles they were worn off (and I do 75% highway driving, regular rotations and once every 2 weeks pressure check). Had them replaced with Bridgestone Turanza, way better !

As I will be trading-in my 01EX for 05Touring, I do have a concern about Michelin's PAX tyre performance ( I do like the ran-flat idea, but that is where my love with Michelin ends

ac00lra

A weekend trip to Bakersfield? You romantic devil you ;-)

Heh. A weekend getaway and a nice shining car as a present afterwards. "Who could ask for anything more?" :-) Oh wait, wasn't that the Toyota commercial of years back before the "we got the feeling?"

ac00lra

BTW, do we have any legal expert here?? Let's say I bought a car in Vegas, you know with the money I got after winning some kind of jackpot. :-) I guess I have to register the car in Nevada, don't I? Then what happen when I bring it back to California? Do I have to pay the registration again to California DMV? Or how much time do I have before I have to register again in California? Anybody done this before?

alexmish

I did not like the original Michelin performance on my 01EX Ody. After 26K miles they were worn off (and I do 75% highway driving, regular rotations and once every 2 weeks pressure check). Had them replaced with Bridgestone Turanza, way better !

As I will be trading-in my 01EX for 05Touring, I do have a concern about Michelin's PAX tyre performance ( I do like the ran-flat idea, but that is where my love with Michelin ends

amykkbc

Even 10 Billions?
better give me the rest:-)

planomateo

California makes you pay the difference of the sales tax if any if I remember correctly. For a car to be considered use, it has to have 7500 miles. I'm going off memory from about 4 years ago so the numbers could be wrong.

I was trying to buy a car in Montana (no sales tax) and get it into Cali...DMV laughed at me.

If you live in Cali, then you should register in Cali, but you will probably have to pay taxes in Cali.

ceric

About registration of vehicles purchased out of state....
"California law prohibits importing and/or registering a new vehicle (one with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase) unless it meets or is exempt from California emission standards. If you acquire a 49 state vehicle (vehicle manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country and do not qualify for one of the exemptions, you cannot register your vehicle and must immediately remove it from this state. You may purchase a One-Trip Permit to do so."

About sales tax (use tax) calculation...
"Use Tax-This tax is similar to sales tax. It is collected at the same rate as your county of residence. It is due on all vehicles purchased in California and on those brought into this state within 90 days of purchase. Any sales taxes paid out-of-state will be considered when computing the use tax due this state. This fee is due for ownership transfer of recently purchased vehicles."

For more FAQ...
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/nonresident.htm

Therefore, by law, one could
- buy a vehicle (50-state legal) from a sales-tax-free state (like Oregon)
- wait for 90 days (leave it with a friend, for instance)
- bring it in and register with DMV
If I mis-interpret the laws, please correct me.

Personally, I think CA need the tax money, and I couldn't bear to wait for 3 months to enjoy my new vehicle...

ac00lra

Darn! I guess it's not easy to get around those CA laws. Those guys in Sacramento really know how to take money from you. :-) I guess Bakersfield weekend it is. :-P

mybuy

I just got off the phone with a dealer I'm working with, and according to a document he received from Honda, he said that the 2005 EX-L will only come with either RES or NAV, but not both. To get both you need to get the Touring. I thought from some earlier discussions here I read that you can get both. Any body have any other info on this? I was trying to avoid the required PAX tires on the Touring and settling for the EX-L with RES and NAV.

odync

You can get Res and NAV together on an EX-L

These have been the commonly accepted options:

2005 ODYSSEY 5DR LX 5AT
2005 ODYSSEY 5DR EX 5AT
2005 ODYSSEY 5DR EX-L 5AT
2005 ODYSSEY 5DR EX-LRES 5AT
2005 ODYSSEY 5DR EX-LR&N 5AT
2005 ODYSSEY 5DR TOURING 5AT
2005 ODYSSEY 5DR TOURR&N 5AT

flanders

I have actually driven the 2005 Odyssey since I work at a Honda dealership and I have to say it is an awesome minivan. It is very quiet compared to my wife's Windstar. It handles great, the nav is great and the room is unbelievable. The third row seat is very roomy and comfortable and its just all around a nice vehicle. No idea on pricing yet, but if you are thinking of a minivan, I would have to say, you need to at least drive this one before looking at another. I would have to agree with edmunds review as far as the a/c controls, but if that is the only thing I don't like, I'll take it.

jchan2

When do you think that rebates on the Freestar will reach $19,999?

robertsmx

I was kinda surprised to see that the Freestar SEL I had for the rental MSRPs at $29K (per Edmunds)! I wouldn't pay $20K for that thing. The 4.2-liter engine lacked responsiveness and didn't have enough grunt at highway. I didn't know (until today) that it had only 202 HP. Now, I know why! And it drank fuel at will (almost 30 gallons for 620-odd miles that I drove mostly freeway at 60-70 mph).

hondagirl1

How does it compare to the Sienna?

mikechen

The smaller van features w/7 seats, laser park assistant and backup camera, MP3, dual sky windows, Xeon light, GSP and better MPG.

http://www.u-car.com.tw/newcar/NC-a75b1373.asp

The MSRP 4 all aboved options is only $25,500.

lok888

It looks like the first generation of Honda Odyssey ('95 to '98) in US with 4 swing-out doors. This Tawinese made Toyota 7-passenger minivan (or they called it RV) uses 2.0 L 4 cylinder engine with 150 hp.

robertsmx

In Japan, Honda has its own lineup of three smaller minivans that can comfortably sit under the American Odyssey…

Stream is offered with two variations of Honda’s 2.0-liter I-4, both rated at 155 HP (one of them utilizes Honda version of DI engine called I-VTEC I the other is the simple I-VTEC).
Honda Stream

The Japanese Honda Odyssey is evolution of the first generation American Odyssey. It is offered with 2.4-liter I-4 (delivering 160 HP or 190 HP) mated to 5-speed automatic or CVT-7 transmission.
Honda Odyssey

Elysion offers sliding door unlike the other two minivans, and is offered with 3.0-liter V6 delivering 250 HP/228 lb.-ft via 5-speed SportShift automatic.
Honda Elysion

There have been rumors of “Honda Latitude” being brought over to North America, but nobody’s sure what that really means. It could be a small wagon/SUV like FR-V or something along the lines of Stream/Japanese Odyssey.

sanfrandan

My mom's 95 Voyager has an offset steering wheel, and I HATE it.

My brother had done everything to get his college degree except finish his thesis. He already had a nice job, so for years he himself to get distracted and procrastinate. He finally completed it by taking a week off work, going to a hotel in Bakersfield, and having them remove the TV. With nothing else to do, by the end of the week he was done. True story.

ej6

Hello for foxb11
my email is nowhealthcare@hotmail.com I have a few questions regarding the honda van you leased first what are the details on your lease any capitalized cost reduction security deposit uprfron acquistion fee dispoisal fee money factor and did you negiotate purchase price before you did the price lease what dealership did you buy it from thank you

surjn98

Wish the styling was better. The 2005 is bland and like a Sedona. Honda should styled it similar to the Japanese models. Anyone who wants to pay deposits,etc for this minivan should rethink the the options. The previous model was probably worth paying the deposit-but definitely not this model.

jchan2

this one is worth the deposit. Just not over MSRP prices. Then again, the old one wasn't worth that much either- it simply SOLD for that much. I think the styling is OK.

xfactor

I am disappointed to see that the 2005 HO has less cargo room than the 2004. The specs I have seen show cargo room with all seats in place at 38.4cu feet which is slightly higher than before (38.1) however, with the split 60/40 seating you lose the room available under the current 3rd row bench seat (Perfect for beach boards). The Sienna and Quest both offer over 43cu feet of space.

I am also under whelmed by my experience with the trade in values. I own two hondas and the resale/trade-in values while higher than competitors are not high enough to offset the initial premium in price.

It will be interesting to see Hondas pricing on the '05 when it comes out and the downward pressure on Sienna/Quest pricing.

Based on a line-by line spec comparison the '05 is not as different from its competitors as it was in 1999 so I would expect sub-MSRP prices soon after the fever of the IPO is over.

I am also disappointed that Honda is engaging again in leather gouging for the right to get a DVD. I was hoping that the 2004 HO DVD no leather trim would carry over to the 2005.

Honda should be commended it made standard all the safety equipment/airbags on the lower trims like the LX.

Based on everything I have seen the Quest/Sienna/Honda analysis will come down to price as there is not a material difference in functionality between the vans.