If you have a transmission problem then yes it could run into a warranty issue if the coolers are not installed as it was explained to me. I think that the only aftermarket being used are trailer-hitches and a AT and PS cooler as Honda's are way over priced. You will have to buy the wire harness from Honda.
look at the Ody accesserios/modifications thread here on Edmunds. There were just some posts with links to hidden hitches web site. nice 2" one, bolt in, for $140.
The seat cushion below seems to help me a lot with my problem with sitting in ANY car seat. You can give this a try at a very low cost.
Car seats have a backward tilt that causes more strain on the back (at least for me)and this cushion has a forward incline. The gap at the back eliminates the strain on the tailbone.
I got it from my local dealer here in Knoxville, TN. I had monitored the buyers forum here and had a good idea of what a good price should be, although most of the best prices I saw were for 7 years instead of 6, but with my current annual mileage of 18,000, I should reach 100,000 miles in about 6 years anyway.
Before you get the HOnda, check out the sienna which can be ordered with a towing package. NO muss no fuss!
I had an estimate of the hitch package of about $1400 which is ridiculous. So I negotiated the package with the purchase price. It took two months to get the hitch installed since they were still designing an air baffle.
One and only one positive, the 2" hitch is very low profile and basically hides under the bumber. All fluids, short of the windshield fluid, receive coolers and an air baffle. The Honda 4 prong wiring harness is required since it has a connector that plugs into a module behind the tailight by the jack.
I actually need a six prong plug and HOnda ain't helping with the wiring, you are on your own.
The coolers are required to maintain the warranty.
What really ticked me off was the claim of 3500# towing capacity in the sales brochure. Of course I was informed of the cooler issue before buying. BUT you have to read the car manual that states that for any trailer heavier than 1850# (or half the so called rated value) requires a weight distribution hitch. That will cost you ~$350 or so plus installation, and more crap on the trailer. Problem is that the rear suspension can't take the weight without this hitch modifier.
I have a 2000# popup trailer so I want to do it right. Among many other missjudgements, I would buy this van if towing is in your future.
If you had a truly light trailer then you could probably get away with an aftermarket hitch. the honda hitch bolts cleanly into ready threaded holes, but the factory hitch requires about a 4x4" cut into the bumper. If you find anaftermarket hithc that does not require cutting the bumper then you can easily remove it before selling it. As a minimum you would need the Honda 4 prong wiring harness.
finally, negotiate the purchase price with the hitch, their internal labor and parts costs are lower thn retail.
As far as the Honda hitch being a lower profile than the hidden hitch is simply not true. If you compare the two hitches side-by-side you will not notice one hitch being lower than the other. The hidden hitch is a round tube and is more appealing to the eye than the square bulky one from honda. If there is a quarter inch difference it would surprise me. The only advantage to the honda hitch is the flat 4 pin connector is secured nicely into the bracket in which I modified to create the same effect. If and when I get my digital camera back from canon in for repairs, I will be happy to take pictures and post both installed hitches.
My neighbors tow a 19 foot boat. They bought some inflatable boots that go inside of the rear springs and I was told they cost $75.00. They seem to work very well as far as leveling the tow vehicle.
From the conversation I had with the Honda factory rep, you should not tow over 2000lbs without trailer brakes and the fluid coolers. He indicated that everything should be fine under 2000lbs without the coolers but common since should be used like not tying to pull a trailer in Death Valley at 75 mph in 110 degree heat. He did say that if planning to take long trips the coolers are strongly recommended and that warranty issues are treated on a one to one basis and it's pretty easy to see if the transmission failure was do to excessive heating which seems to be the primary reason for the coolers as well as safety reasons.
Come back in 2 years and you will not see as high of a posting frequency on this forum.
I wouldn't bet on it. I've been around these forums since 1999. Then the Odyssey topics were hot anticipating the new model. Even as Odysseys started to become more common and prices a bit more negotiable, discussions continued apace.
As the model aged, when you predict a slow down in postings, guess what happened? Postings accelerated in frequency and intensity as folks speculated, dreamed, wondered, philosophized, anticipated, and longed-for the even newer version Odyssey. The newest Sienna having once again come out first merely added fuel to the fire. Even at the slowest posting rate in the last 5 years the Odyssey topics have outpaced any domestic topic at their fastest paces by several orders of magnitude.
I'm afraid there is something else afoot that underlies this posting disparity. Perhaps it has to do with a certain mildly self-conscious (and therefore slightly defensive) propensity for these "foreign" makes. I'm not at all sure. But it is certain that only "domestic" models that are slightly off-beat or have niche appeal generate anything like this volume.
Unfortunately, though I have enough curiosity to wonder why, I don't have the time nor patience with bureaucracy required to seek a doctorate in the subject (actual it would have to be a Masters, since I couldn't even take it the first time to get even that far!). ;-)
I have narrowed down my search to a 2005-6 Odyssey Touring Model with Nav and DVD. This appears to be the best van on the road; however, I must agree that the passenger seat is most uncomfortable because of 1) Lack of 8-way powered seat and 2)lack of leg room to move around because of the deep glove compartment. This has caused me to start looking for an alternative. If I thought Honda was going to offer a power passenger seat, I would hold off buying. Thanks for the thorough report on driving comfort.
Richard, Please don't misunderstand my comments about the power passenger seat. My wife and I took two separate trips to California within three days as I described on previous posts. I did all the driving, as I usually do, and my wife commented on how comforatble she was for the entire trip in the passenger seat. Leg room for her is not a problem as she is just 5'2", but the few times I have sat in the passenger seat I was not uncomfortable (6'3"). I found the Ody to be a most comfortable ride, whether on high speed interstates at 75mph or on twisty two lane roads (PCH). The Ody is actually as fun to drive as my previous 2001 Toyota Solara convertible. My comments on the power seat were simply an observation that Honda missed providing a useful option. In our situation, although I know it's not there, it doesn't diminish my satisfaction with the car's ride or quality.
I have commented on the lack of a power passenger seat on the Ody. Even though it is not available, my wife and I really like the car.
A couple of other things that would be nice to have, possibly on future models:
Laser cruise control. This was first available on MB, and it is now available on some Toyota models as well as some other makes. It makes it less frustrating when a car or truck pulls into the passing lane and then slows down and fluctuates between 55 and 65 mph. With LCC, your car adjusts to the varying speeds and maintains a safe distance behind. When the slow vehicle finally gets out of the way, the car automatically goes back to its previously set speed.
Keyless entry and starting. This is also available on several other makes, including Acura and Toyota. The owner is given two fobs, similar to the key fobs we get with our Hondas. These fobs, however, do not need a key to start the car. When you approach within two feet of the car, the fob sends a signal which allows the door to be opened. It also adjusts the seats, steering wheel tilt, mirrors, a/c settings and audio to the driver (1 or 2) who is entering the driver side. Once inside, the key is not needed to start the car, just turn the starter switch. In case of battery failure or for valet, a key is concealed within the fob and can be removed and used.
Active headlamps, also available on Acura. When making a turn, the right or left headlamp turns up to 20 degrees in the direction of the turn. Great for twisty rural roads.
When I think back to my first car, (a used 1957 Ford Fairlane) the things we take for granted now can really be appreciated such as power doorlocks and windows, seat(s), cruise control, air conditioning, auto headlamps, nav system, dvd, cd, am/fm/xm radio, etc.
Some day our grandkids will wonder why you ever had to manually drive a car when the fully automated highway system is so convenient. All you have to do is enter your destination in the on-board computer and watch a movie or take a nap until you get to the old age home to visit grandma and grandpa. :-)
That's a nice wish list, but let me present one that is more realistics to overcome shortcomings: -front seating comfort(not for me but for many poster) -plastic interior trim that does not scratch so easily, i.e. to be children friendly which is the reason most people buy this van. Tough the plsatic and you have a mark. -a stereo system that doesn't have cheap speakers and poor placement on front doors where feet also scuff upn the grills -how about getting rid of that window antenna that ruins reception - I haven't listened to FM since I got the car - it just can't hold a station without drifting in and out -how about minimizing air buffeting with secon row windows by adding the traditonal rear quarter swing out vents -making tralering more friendly and less costly , it will cost you upwards of $2000 to tow anything over 2000# -lastly but most important, cut out the road noise (but now I have learned that this is a Honda problem throughtout their line whether Acura MDX or Pilot etc. Piss poor! -In my local driving my 2001 3.8l T&C consistently got 20mpg, I CANNOT get get above 18 over the same daily routine - but I do have more hp.
I am not sure if you were directing your question to me or hansienna, but in the event it was me, I'll respond with my thoughts.
I don't think that the seat would be uncomfortable, but that a power adjustment would make it "more" comfortable.
My view is that a power seat would allow the passenger to change the tilt of the seat which would allow a shift of the pressure points while sitting for an extended period. Just as the average person changes position while sleeping to allow better blood flow throughout the body.
I am sorry i can't comment on the Hidden Hitch profile - I don't know. I have seen hitches on older Odys that stick out underneath.
The HOnda hitch is hidden under the bumper, the only thing sticking out is the receiver and 4way plug.
I would like to know more about the bladders that you can stick in the springs. I have seen them advertised. Here is my concern, and maybe Honda's: the bladders will no doubt help to level van so you driving lights will stay on the ground, but I cannot see the bladders transfering any weight to the front wheels which will loose traction and steering when you weigh down the back which is the funtion of the weight distribution hitch (Idon't like the cost and complexity of messing with this hitch).
I also know too many people who tow without trailer brakes or anti-sway devices. YOu don't want to drive next to or behind these folks.
Good info about the cushion, thanks. I have a 'obus forme' seat that helps but doesn't totally eliminate the back/leg pain, my husband and I fight over it - for now the 'driver' gets to use it. I will try your cushion suggestion and hope it works, it's much cheaper than the obus forme too. Per the comment from someone else about the van being easy to sell - so far you are right - most people would rather pay a couple of thousand $ more and get a new one. So far the best offer I have gotten is $4k below what I paid for it. I plan on changing my marketing techique somehow if this seat doesn't do the trick.
just got back from a 600 mile weekend trip (first long drive since just after we bought it in Dec.). Started with about 2.2K on it, so decently broken in.
Got about 23.5 mpg overall, better by at least 10% over what our Quest got on the same drive. this is a combo of local highway, around town (not stop and go, more rural), and interstate. The interstate peice is on some hilly stretches, and included 80+ at times, and usually 70-75.
Going up, I got 24.5, and about 22.5 coming home today. But, most of the trip was in a torrential rain (with the defrost cranking), and a long stretch stopped on the NJ Turnpike. I usually got better mileage on the return leg with the old van.
So, averaging almost 24mpg on this drive was pretty impressive to me. I have no doubt that I could pull close to 28 on a open highway stretch with the cruise set near 70 (and without the hills and rain).
I need a trip to Va. Much flatter than heading into the Adirondacks (starting near Phila.).
I think the seats of the Honda Odyssey are VERY comfortable....in all years 1999 - 2005 but for me, the more flat seats of the 1999-2001 were the most comfortable since I prefer the old fashioned split front bench seat to bucket seats. A power front passenger seat would be nice but not as important since the passenger can move around without creating danger to the rest while the driver must be more attentive.
Add to the list of changes: an intermittent setting for the rear wiper. It was pouring most of the way home (5 hours on the road), so I used the wipers a lot. The rear doesn't need to be on constantly (and it annoys me when it is), but that's the way it is designed. I just had to turn it on/off each time I needed a swipe.
Anyway, this van was awesome on this trip. Swallowed everything, with room to spare. It also loves to run. Every time I looked down, I was over 80, and it hardly felt like I was moving. ALso tons of power in reserve, a nice change from our '99 Quest.
Seats were fine to me. I could feel the seat, but was able to find a comfortable seting, and am no worse for wear after 5 hours in the saddle (2.5 hrs. at a shot). It does encourage you to sit up straight. Must have gone to Catholic school ;->
Also, best car I have ever owned for driving in the wet. Huge amount of rain today, with lots of water on the roads. The Ody just cruised on through. I never felt a slip (or saw the VSA light), and always felt perfectly in control. It was really that stable. Frankly, from the steering wheel, I couldn't even tell it was raining. I suppose alomst brand new tires helps too.
This is a nice driving van. Great drivetrain, and excellent handling for such a big van.
Still to me too big for around town use everyday, but perfect for long distance travelling.
"Add to the list of changes: an intermittent setting for the rear wiper."
?????
I'm about 95% certain the rear wiper DOES have an intemittent setting. However, when the rear wiper is FIRST turned on, it will swipe a few times without being intermittent, and then shift into the intermittent mode. By constanting turning it on and off (like you apparently were doing), you were not allowing it turn run long enough to enter that mode.
I also know that when it has been operating in intermittent mode, and you put the van into reverse to back up, the rear wiper automatically switches to full mode and then switches back when you put the van into Drive.
I have an '00 Odyssey and asked my wife to try the new one last time she went to the dealership. She reported back that in most ways it is great, but she was highly put off by a wind whistling sound that kicked in above 45 mph. It was regardless of the direction she was going, so it was not ambient wind, but in her opinion, the car itself. Back at the dealership, she said they acknowledged this to be a problem, and that the Pilot has it too, because it shares the same roof rack.
I'm somewhat skeptical, and wonder if the thing is not just so much quieter than our old '00 Odyssey that this residual noise stands out all that much more. Yet why did the dealership admit to the problem, I wonder. Do current owners find this to be the case? It would be on non-LX models, of course, since the LX lacks a roof rack. I'd appreciate any opinions. TIA.
"So, averaging almost 24mpg on this drive was pretty impressive to me. I have no doubt that I could pull close to 28 on a open highway stretch with the cruise set near 70 (and without the hills and rain)."
Just as long as you don't hold your breath doing it! We can get 28 mpg in our 2005 Touring ONLY going at 55-60 mph. I can't get better than 23 mpg above 70 mph on a perfectly even road on cruise control. Travelling at 80 mph produces mileage of 21 mpg. By the way, that's for completely empty van with middle seats removed and left at home!
I based it on getting close to 24 on the trip I took. I don't drive with an eye toward maximizing mileage, so I figured if I did, I would add at least a few Ms to the PGs.
28 always seemed ambitious to me. If I could take a trip and get the non-VCM 25mpg rating, that would be excellent.
Anyway, my real point is, the mileage is fine, given the performance. This van hauls butt, holds a ton, very comfy, etc. Getting mid-20s is icing on the cake.
".... She reported back that in most ways it is great, but she was highly put off by a wind whistling sound that kicked in above 45 mph. It was regardless of the direction she was going, so it was not ambient wind, but in her opinion, the car itself. Back at the dealership, she said they acknowledged this to be a problem, and that the Pilot has it too, because it shares the same roof rack."
I heard of a similar whistling caused by a defective molding/seal on the windshield- lower edge driver's side.
that was supposed to have been fixed a long time ago, on the production line, but could certainly be the casue. Easy for the dealer to check.
The other thing I have heard can cause a problem is the crossbars (if you have them). They can be loud if you put them on backwards. If they are the right way, try sliding them back. Might make a difference.
Of course, there might be nothing wrong, and it is just the normal minor wind noise around the outside mirrors. Some people are more sensitive than others, so it is entirely possible that it sounds the same as mine does.
I went and test drove Odyessy and Pilot AGAIN the other day still trying to decide which vehicle to get. I took my husband this time because I wanted to get his opinion on everything. Once we got over 40 mph it was definatly whistling and just overall noisy inside, both of us agreed that was a big issue. We tried it with windows down partially and you could barely hear each other talk, with 3 kids and in the summer they like windows down it would not be fun. Our 2001 Odyessy was noisy too but for some reason noticed it more with this one, maybe because I hae become more used to a quieter vehicle. Then we drove the pilot, now the pilot was definatly more comfortable in the drivers seats I thought, though it was still noisy I grant you probably not as bad as the Odyessy but...What is Honda going to do about this problem?, I would think people would be complaining a lot about it.
My Touring transmitts a relatively large amount of noise on concrete pavement and noticeably less on asphalt. While it is surprising (given its weight) that it is not quieter, it is a far cry better than the '99 Odyssey we once had.
It was built in February and does not have the wind whistling issue. Most folks who have complained about such a problem bought early production units.
I brought the issue of the door rattles to my dealers attention within weeks of purchasing my 2000EX. After five years of door seal lubing and "no problem found" I just gave up. It really bothered me (and still does) that a thirty thousand dollar vehicle would have rattles from the get-go. I guess these "small" issues don't concern Honda like tranny or other expensive items, but they should, because I for one won't purchase another unless I'm sure it won't sound like a ten year old vehicle. It is a very reliable vehicle, but it suffers in some relatively minor areas of build quality. IMO.
I have a Honda LX (the one with the torture chamber seats) with roof racks installed at the dealer. It it rides quiet with or without the factory racks, HOWEVER, we put our yakima bars on the racks and the noise was really loud, a low pitched mmmmmmm. I moved the bars back and that helped alot but didn't eliminate the noise, we may try using a wind diverter attachment.
I fixed my sliding door rattle by taping a large rubber washer to the door frame where the rattle was occuring. I took it to dealer twice and they couldn't fix it. (See previous posts about this I think in Feb). Someone else fixed their rattle by having the door realigned, there is a detailed post about this earlier.
be prepared to spend time on this: never leave your car to be fixed without getting a rental car from the dealership. schedule to have the service manager drive with you, and take turns driving and sitting next to the door. plan your drive route in advance, knowing which roads will set off the rattle. test drive it when they call you saying its fixed, and do not return the rental car until you are satisfied. do not take the car home until you are satisfied - leave with the rental again if you are not happy.
they shimmed the door out, but now, this problem has reappeared. we are now entering arbitration with Honda under Massachusetts Lemon law. Our dealership has stood by us, and has committed to giving us another car, if Honda won't.
turns out, our Lojack came with an aftermarket package. we wanted remote start (cold winters here). that system came with "features" which allow for controlling door locks etc. we named the car "Christine".
we are now entering arbitration with Honda under Massachusetts Lemon law. Our dealership has stood by us, and has committed to giving us another car, if Honda won't.
I don't think a rattle qualifies as a lemon under MA law. But good luck anyway - a good dealer is hard to find.
I searched the posts but was unable to find the answer, so sorry if this has been hashed out like crazy but...can you fit three car seats in the 2nd row on the 2005?
The mood will turn real quick when she starts nagging you why you didn’t vacuum the cheetos and old McDonald’s fries she’s laying on and then hey who left the old diaper back here. Whispering “com’on baby” will only go so far
and the overhead dvd player was playing Mary Poppins
I drive a minivan too. But I think I am the only man who drives a minivan to drop the kids off school. Except for one other guy who rides a bike (now how cool is that), most men either drives a regular sedan or a truck
Yes, amongst all the aggressive mommies in minivans and SUVs, I feel so much more manly dropping my boy at kindergarten in my Taurus! ;-)
The Yukon XL puts me up higher, but not having the obligatory "suburban jungle" equipment (brush guards on all four corners, 4WD, and a massive towing hitch on the back) still leaves me at a disadvantage....
Me and my wife own a 98 Pontiac Sunfire, to which she owned before we met, that she is the primary driver and a 01 DGC to which replaced my 86 Lincoln Town Car, to which I owned before we met, that I am the primary driver of. I really enjoy driving our minivan and don't feel no less of a man because I drive one. I drop off our three kids in the morning and on the weekends when we go out as a family, I drive. Today's minivans are a lot more stylish and have more luxury items then ever before. My wife drives our van sometimes if she has a lot of shopping to do that won't fit in the Sunfire. :shades:
And you certainly should feel manly in your minivan, or any other car you drive. Notice my winky-car icon there. I was tongue-in-cheekily poking fun at the whole "what I drive defines my manhood" mentality.
Spend some time near any elementary school during drop off or pick up times and you'll witness many a woman exhibiting the sorts of behavior often associated with manliness (not the more exemplary traits, I mean). Being a selfish lout is no longer the province of men alone.
As has often been stated in these forums, each should assess their own needs and comfort requirements, then buy the vehicle best suited to those. As in the rest of life, putting others down (or feeling put down) does not lift anyone up. Rather it just brings everyone down.
Such attitudes seem fair game for good-natured derision, don't you think?
Based on looking closely at the Odyssey EX (in connection with a test drive) and also while at the Annual Auto Show, I seriously doubt you could put 3 car seats in the 2nd row of the Odyssey EX. Take your 3 child seats to a Honda dealership and see if 3 seats will fit in the 2nd row and be safely secured. The middle seat of the 2nd row of the Odyssey would be more comfortable for me than the rear seat of any Taurus, Accord, Camry, etc...and would tie the PT Cruiser back seat middle seat for comfort.
2nd Plus on seat is not intended for a car seat according to Honda. It does not have the latch attachments and the safety belt originates from the ceiling and is not suitable for a car seat. I wanted to remove one of the larger seats and use the other two second row seats for car-seats (anyway, it did not need to be comfortable) making it easier to pass to the third row for grandparents. As far as space needed, there is enough space for three car seats in the second row.
Noticed the head rest is more L shaped (L should be up-side-down) in 05 than 99. Now my neck has to bend more and shoulder kinda hangs (no support). Not good for long trip. Any solution. I wonder does 99-04 headrest fit in 05...
Also noticed my 05 pull to the right a bit. Not much but enough for me constantly adjust it. It still happens after dealer did the alignment (they said good to catch it early). Any one has this experience.
We we need a new vehicle in the next year or so, but we like to camp as well. I was hoping to get one of the new light-weight, hard-shell travel trailers, but they run around 3200-3500 lb GVW. I've seen there are special things to install for the Odyssey to pull that weight. My question has to do with the maximum hitch weight the Odyssey can handle. The trailers we are considering have DRY hitch weights around 265-410 lbs, so probably a little more with batteries and full propane tanks, etc. Can the Odyssey handle this without problems is a tent-trailer thing we can realistically tow? Thanks.
I really do not see the tongue weight as a problem as long as your not loading up the space behind the seat with a lot of additional luggage. If so, you need to purchase some sort of hitch load leveling device. I would to put a lot of thought in the length of trailer you plan to purchase. FYI, Honda recommends no more than 350Lbs tongue weight and that you change your transmission fluid every 7500 miles when pulling that heavy of load.
And the price Honda gets for that towing package might pay for the gas in something more tow-worthy for a lot of years, LOL! I'm thinking of trading my Tahoe for an Odyssey and fuel savings are only factoring at about $600 annual based on what most folks seem to be getting in real-world here with their Odysseys. I'm sure there are smaller utes that get better mpg than my Tahoe and would pull 3500# effortlessly. I paid $250 for the tow package on my Tahoe and that included all the heavy cooling, brake controller wiring, 8-pin wiring plug etc. I don't know how in the world Honda comes up with over $1000 in charges. I personally wouldn't buy one if towing was on my agenda. In fact, that's about the only thing keeping me from buying an Odyssey since I occasionally pull a small trailer from Maine to TN and would rather not take drive my 1-ton dually around New England just to pull at 4,000# trailer. Oh well, decisions....
Towing wasn't in our decision making process when we made our final decision between the Sienna and Odyssey (ultimately going w/ the Ody.)
However, if towing IS in your plans, and you desire a minivan, the Sienna does have AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT all of the various wiring harnesses, coolers, etc. necessary for towing. All that is required (if tongue weight is kept down) is the hitch. In this regard, IMO the Sienna is ahead of the Ody.
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Car seats have a backward tilt that causes more strain on the back (at least for me)and this cushion has a forward incline. The gap at the back eliminates the strain on the tailbone.
http://www.allegromedical.com/personal_care/pillows_wedges/visco_memory_foam/coccyx_cushio- n.P191796
Sorry I didn't answer sooner. Hope this helps.
I had an estimate of the hitch package of about $1400 which is ridiculous. So I negotiated the package with the purchase price. It took two months to get the hitch installed since they were still designing an air baffle.
One and only one positive, the 2" hitch is very low profile and basically hides under the bumber. All fluids, short of the windshield fluid, receive coolers and an air baffle. The Honda 4 prong wiring harness is required since it has a connector that plugs into a module behind the tailight by the jack.
I actually need a six prong plug and HOnda ain't helping with the wiring, you are on your own.
The coolers are required to maintain the warranty.
What really ticked me off was the claim of 3500# towing capacity in the sales brochure. Of course I was informed of the cooler issue before buying. BUT you have to read the car manual that states that for any trailer heavier than 1850# (or half the so called rated value) requires a weight distribution hitch. That will cost you ~$350 or so plus installation, and more crap on the trailer. Problem is that the rear suspension can't take the weight without this hitch modifier.
I have a 2000# popup trailer so I want to do it right. Among many other missjudgements, I would buy this van if towing is in your future.
If you had a truly light trailer then you could probably get away with an aftermarket hitch. the honda hitch bolts cleanly into ready threaded holes, but the factory hitch requires about a 4x4" cut into the bumper. If you find anaftermarket hithc that does not require cutting the bumper then you can easily remove it before selling it. As a minimum you would need the Honda 4 prong wiring harness.
finally, negotiate the purchase price with the hitch, their internal labor and parts costs are lower thn retail.
My neighbors tow a 19 foot boat. They bought some inflatable boots that go inside of the rear springs and I was told they cost $75.00. They seem to work very well as far as leveling the tow vehicle.
From the conversation I had with the Honda factory rep, you should not tow over 2000lbs without trailer brakes and the fluid coolers.
He indicated that everything should be fine under 2000lbs without the coolers but common since should be used like not tying to pull a trailer in Death Valley at 75 mph in 110 degree heat. He did say that if planning to take long trips the coolers are strongly recommended and that warranty issues are treated on a one to one basis and it's pretty easy to see if the transmission failure was do to excessive heating which seems to be the primary reason for the coolers as well as safety reasons.
I wouldn't bet on it. I've been around these forums since 1999. Then the Odyssey topics were hot anticipating the new model. Even as Odysseys started to become more common and prices a bit more negotiable, discussions continued apace.
As the model aged, when you predict a slow down in postings, guess what happened? Postings accelerated in frequency and intensity as folks speculated, dreamed, wondered, philosophized, anticipated, and longed-for the even newer version Odyssey. The newest Sienna having once again come out first merely added fuel to the fire. Even at the slowest posting rate in the last 5 years the Odyssey topics have outpaced any domestic topic at their fastest paces by several orders of magnitude.
I'm afraid there is something else afoot that underlies this posting disparity. Perhaps it has to do with a certain mildly self-conscious (and therefore slightly defensive) propensity for these "foreign" makes. I'm not at all sure. But it is certain that only "domestic" models that are slightly off-beat or have niche appeal generate anything like this volume.
Unfortunately, though I have enough curiosity to wonder why, I don't have the time nor patience with bureaucracy required to seek a doctorate in the subject (actual it would have to be a Masters, since I couldn't even take it the first time to get even that far!). ;-)
Please don't misunderstand my comments about the power passenger seat.
My wife and I took two separate trips to California within three days as I described on previous posts. I did all the driving, as I usually do, and my wife commented on how comforatble she was for the entire trip in the passenger seat.
Leg room for her is not a problem as she is just 5'2", but the few times I have sat in the passenger seat I was not uncomfortable (6'3").
I found the Ody to be a most comfortable ride, whether on high speed interstates at 75mph or on twisty two lane roads (PCH).
The Ody is actually as fun to drive as my previous 2001 Toyota Solara convertible.
My comments on the power seat were simply an observation that Honda missed providing a useful option. In our situation, although I know it's not there, it doesn't diminish my satisfaction with the car's ride or quality.
Good luck,
Rick
A couple of other things that would be nice to have, possibly on future models:
Laser cruise control. This was first available on MB, and it is now available on some Toyota models as well as some other makes. It makes it less frustrating when a car or truck pulls into the passing lane and then slows down and fluctuates between 55 and 65 mph. With LCC, your car adjusts to the varying speeds and maintains a safe distance behind. When the slow vehicle finally gets out of the way, the car automatically goes back to its previously set speed.
Keyless entry and starting. This is also available on several other makes, including Acura and Toyota. The owner is given two fobs, similar to the key fobs we get with our Hondas. These fobs, however, do not need a key to start the car. When you approach within two feet of the car, the fob sends a signal which allows the door to be opened. It also adjusts the seats, steering wheel tilt, mirrors, a/c settings and audio to the driver (1 or 2) who is entering the driver side. Once inside, the key is not needed to start the car, just turn the starter switch. In case of battery failure or for valet, a key is concealed within the fob and can be removed and used.
Active headlamps, also available on Acura. When making a turn, the right or left headlamp turns up to 20 degrees in the direction of the turn. Great for twisty rural roads.
When I think back to my first car, (a used 1957 Ford Fairlane) the things we take for granted now can really be appreciated such as power doorlocks and windows, seat(s), cruise control, air conditioning, auto headlamps, nav system, dvd, cd, am/fm/xm radio, etc.
Some day our grandkids will wonder why you ever had to manually drive a car when the fully automated highway system is so convenient. All you have to do is enter your destination in the on-board computer and watch a movie or take a nap until you get to the old age home to visit grandma and grandpa. :-)
-front seating comfort(not for me but for many poster)
-plastic interior trim that does not scratch so easily, i.e. to be children friendly which is the reason most people buy this van. Tough the plsatic and you have a mark.
-a stereo system that doesn't have cheap speakers and poor placement on front doors where feet also scuff upn the grills
-how about getting rid of that window antenna that ruins reception - I haven't listened to FM since I got the car - it just can't hold a station without drifting in and out
-how about minimizing air buffeting with secon row windows by adding the traditonal rear quarter swing out vents
-making tralering more friendly and less costly , it will cost you upwards of $2000 to tow anything over 2000#
-lastly but most important, cut out the road noise (but now I have learned that this is a Honda problem throughtout their line whether Acura MDX or Pilot etc. Piss poor!
-In my local driving my 2001 3.8l T&C consistently got 20mpg, I CANNOT get get above 18 over the same daily routine - but I do have more hp.
I don't think that the seat would be uncomfortable, but that a power adjustment would make it "more" comfortable.
My view is that a power seat would allow the passenger to change the tilt of the seat which would allow a shift of the pressure points while sitting for an extended period. Just as the average person changes position while sleeping to allow better blood flow throughout the body.
The HOnda hitch is hidden under the bumper, the only thing sticking out is the receiver and 4way plug.
I would like to know more about the bladders that you can stick in the springs. I have seen them advertised. Here is my concern, and maybe Honda's: the bladders will no doubt help to level van so you driving lights will stay on the ground, but I cannot see the bladders transfering any weight to the front wheels which will loose traction and steering when you weigh down the back which is the funtion of the weight distribution hitch (Idon't like the cost and complexity of messing with this hitch).
I also know too many people who tow without trailer brakes or anti-sway devices. YOu don't want to drive next to or behind these folks.
Got about 23.5 mpg overall, better by at least 10% over what our Quest got on the same drive. this is a combo of local highway, around town (not stop and go, more rural), and interstate. The interstate peice is on some hilly stretches, and included 80+ at times, and usually 70-75.
Going up, I got 24.5, and about 22.5 coming home today. But, most of the trip was in a torrential rain (with the defrost cranking), and a long stretch stopped on the NJ Turnpike. I usually got better mileage on the return leg with the old van.
So, averaging almost 24mpg on this drive was pretty impressive to me. I have no doubt that I could pull close to 28 on a open highway stretch with the cruise set near 70 (and without the hills and rain).
I need a trip to Va. Much flatter than heading into the Adirondacks (starting near Phila.).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
A power front passenger seat would be nice but not as important since the passenger can move around without creating danger to the rest while the driver must be more attentive.
Anyway, this van was awesome on this trip. Swallowed everything, with room to spare. It also loves to run. Every time I looked down, I was over 80, and it hardly felt like I was moving. ALso tons of power in reserve, a nice change from our '99 Quest.
Seats were fine to me. I could feel the seat, but was able to find a comfortable seting, and am no worse for wear after 5 hours in the saddle (2.5 hrs. at a shot). It does encourage you to sit up straight. Must have gone to Catholic school ;->
Also, best car I have ever owned for driving in the wet. Huge amount of rain today, with lots of water on the roads. The Ody just cruised on through. I never felt a slip (or saw the VSA light), and always felt perfectly in control. It was really that stable. Frankly, from the steering wheel, I couldn't even tell it was raining. I suppose alomst brand new tires helps too.
This is a nice driving van. Great drivetrain, and excellent handling for such a big van.
Still to me too big for around town use everyday, but perfect for long distance travelling.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
?????
I'm about 95% certain the rear wiper DOES have an intemittent setting. However, when the rear wiper is FIRST turned on, it will swipe a few times without being intermittent, and then shift into the intermittent mode. By constanting turning it on and off (like you apparently were doing), you were not allowing it turn run long enough to enter that mode.
I also know that when it has been operating in intermittent mode, and you put the van into reverse to back up, the rear wiper automatically switches to full mode and then switches back when you put the van into Drive.
The reverse deal is annoying, if you have the fronts on intermittent, you end up wiping a dry rear window unless you turn off the fronts.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm somewhat skeptical, and wonder if the thing is not just so much quieter than our old '00 Odyssey that this residual noise stands out all that much more. Yet why did the dealership admit to the problem, I wonder. Do current owners find this to be the case? It would be on non-LX models, of course, since the LX lacks a roof rack. I'd appreciate any opinions. TIA.
Just as long as you don't hold your breath doing it! We can get 28 mpg in our 2005 Touring ONLY going at 55-60 mph. I can't get better than 23 mpg above 70 mph on a perfectly even road on cruise control. Travelling at 80 mph produces mileage of 21 mpg. By the way, that's for completely empty van with middle seats removed and left at home!
28 always seemed ambitious to me. If I could take a trip and get the non-VCM 25mpg rating, that would be excellent.
Anyway, my real point is, the mileage is fine, given the performance. This van hauls butt, holds a ton, very comfy, etc. Getting mid-20s is icing on the cake.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I heard of a similar whistling caused by a defective molding/seal on the windshield- lower edge driver's side.
The other thing I have heard can cause a problem is the crossbars (if you have them). They can be loud if you put them on backwards. If they are the right way, try sliding them back. Might make a difference.
Of course, there might be nothing wrong, and it is just the normal minor wind noise around the outside mirrors. Some people are more sensitive than others, so it is entirely possible that it sounds the same as mine does.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It was built in February and does not have the wind whistling issue. Most folks who have complained about such a problem bought early production units.
Thanks!
turns out, our Lojack came with an aftermarket package. we wanted remote start (cold winters here). that system came with "features" which allow for controlling door locks etc. we named the car "Christine".
I don't think a rattle qualifies as a lemon under MA law. But good luck anyway - a good dealer is hard to find.
Get her in a Dodge minivan and fold both rows down and you can have a fiesta
The mood will turn real quick when she starts nagging you why you didn’t vacuum the cheetos and old McDonald’s fries she’s laying on and then hey who left the old diaper back here. Whispering “com’on baby” will only go so far
I drive a minivan too. But I think I am the only man who drives a minivan to drop the kids off school. Except for one other guy who rides a bike (now how cool is that), most men either drives a regular sedan or a truck
The Yukon XL puts me up higher, but not having the obligatory "suburban jungle" equipment (brush guards on all four corners, 4WD, and a massive towing hitch on the back) still leaves me at a disadvantage....
Spend some time near any elementary school during drop off or pick up times and you'll witness many a woman exhibiting the sorts of behavior often associated with manliness (not the more exemplary traits, I mean). Being a selfish lout is no longer the province of men alone.
As has often been stated in these forums, each should assess their own needs and comfort requirements, then buy the vehicle best suited to those. As in the rest of life, putting others down (or feeling put down) does not lift anyone up. Rather it just brings everyone down.
Such attitudes seem fair game for good-natured derision, don't you think?
Take your 3 child seats to a Honda dealership and see if 3 seats will fit in the 2nd row and be safely secured.
The middle seat of the 2nd row of the Odyssey would be more comfortable for me than the rear seat of any Taurus, Accord, Camry, etc...and would tie the PT Cruiser back seat middle seat for comfort.
Noticed the head rest is more L shaped (L should be up-side-down) in 05 than 99. Now my neck has to bend more and shoulder kinda hangs (no support). Not good for long trip. Any solution. I wonder does 99-04 headrest fit in 05...
Also noticed my 05 pull to the right a bit. Not much but enough for me constantly adjust it. It still happens after dealer did the alignment (they said good to catch it early). Any one has this experience.
Thanks.
However, if towing IS in your plans, and you desire a minivan, the Sienna does have AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT all of the various wiring harnesses, coolers, etc. necessary for towing. All that is required (if tongue weight is kept down) is the hitch. In this regard, IMO the Sienna is ahead of the Ody.