It'll definitely put pricing pressure on other vans. Sienna still offers AWD and 8 passenger capacity, so it might hurt other vans more.
GM just announced that a DVD player will be standard on its vans, and my guess is gas mileage will be at or near the top, so those will be its selling points. Imagine getting a DVD for $22 grand after discounts. Or for $17k after a year, used.
Dodge has the biggest customer base and really only needs to keep those buyers loyal with incentives.
Ford didn't go far enough. Kia, we'll see. Nissan's van is a little too bizarre for more folks and prices were very optimistic.
Michelin Pax run-flats system has been chosen for Odyssey as standard equipment. This is surprising and a big win for Michelin as few other manufacturers have shown any interest since its introduction in 1998. It also means Odyssey owners would have very little choice in terms of what and where to get/install wheels/tires.
Pax systems require special wheels/rims, special tires, special support ring, and special tire mounting technique (tires are anchored to the rims). They also use a different way of describing tire size, e.g. 195-620R420A instead of 195/60R15. As your choice is very limited, it would almost certainly cost more.
By comparison, Sienna AWD's self-supporting sidewall run-flats are more conventional. You can use any wheels/rims, and there is only a slight difference in tire mounting technique compared with standard tire.
Pax claims longer run-flat range, better handling (Pax uses lower profile tires to reduce distance to the supporting ring, but would this affect ride/noise?), and protection against tires unseating. On the down side, you have to pay $$$ more.
Take out a second mortgage, honey, its time to buy a new set of run flats for the Odyssey at our local Michelin dealer! Michelin tires aren't cheap to begin with, I can only guess what a set of four Michelin run flats will cost.
I fervantly hope they're optional and not standard equipment. I've been reading a lot of run flat horror stories from the Sienna forums and, even though the Michelin Pax is a different system, I don't want to get into that potential money sink hole.
I hope for optional. Just what the average family on a budget needs, a $300-$400 per tire replacement cost, plus something that no one in the country is equipped to replace (I suppose Honda dealers will be forced to buy the equipment, but who knows if they can use it). The Rolls ROyce market probably hasn't driven too many independant chain tire shops to get Pax tools.
One option is to simply replace the tires/wheels when it's time. Of course, unless you get normal run flats, it would be nice to have a spare tire.
Michelin already tried a "unique" system once (TRX I believe). Very little acceptance, and it flopped. Like Pax, it required unique wheels and funky tire sizes, so you were stuck. Most people ended up switching to normal tires/wheels.
Well, on the Sienna, the run-flats are required only on the AWD versions; the additional drive system eats into the spare tire space so run-flats are required.
Since rumor has it that AWD will not be offered (at least initially) on the Ody, one has to wonder if the lazy-susan / potential folding 2nd row seats has eaten into the spare tire space???
Are there any potential Ody buyers willing to give up their spare tire and be forced to use run-flats (with special rims no less) for a lazy susan storage cubby?
GM just announced that a DVD player will be standard on its vans...
That alone may drive their sales up. Addtionally, they are offering as an option a Phat Noise 40 GB hard disk that can store movies, music, video games.
GM will also have a remote starter option. Nice to warm up the car if you're in the snow belt. Even for A/C on the hot summer days. Just remember to leave the HVAC where you want it the next day.
The USA Today spy picture is the first spy pic where you can see the true shape (of at least one side) of the tail light. As suspected, the prior photos where disguised, using a carefully done, body colored tape job. I am glad the lights will not be the ugly rectangular shape shown up to now.
Remote starting capability has always scared me. I keep my keys in my pocket, even when in the house. I would say at least twice a week, I come out and the doors are all locked because a key in my pocket pressed the remote. I have also set off the panic alarm many times, too. What happens when I accidentally start the car with the garage door shut? Is there some sort of safety mechanism?
The '05 Odyssey is hideous looking. We have been waiting months just to see the current generation Odyssey with new tailights and headlights. What a joke. Looks like I will be giving my money to Toyota and getting a Sienna.
If Honda did not improve the ride & noise quality (I doubt they did because Honda prefers sporty, rough riding cars) they have a real loser on their hands.
Also, the dash is just plain ugly. Looks like something from the early '90's or a Ford product. Why couldn't they use a dash layout similar to the Accord. Go figure.
I am with you mochisushi and I don't like the idea. I assume you need to unlock the door before start the engine. This two steps process will provide some security from mistakenly enble the start. Still, I prefer the Go system which you only need your key in pocket and push the start button ti live up the engine. For hot summer day, remote windows control is a very useful feature. Too bad it only comes at luxury brands and higher end model.
As the Dash design, you can't adopt the Accord to Ody due to higher seating, wider and low dash for better view and angle for such a bulky vehicle. Because the width, average size driver or passenger can't reach anything beyond the center line. That leave a area expand in verticle instead of horizontal in sedan. And that leave lots of space around which make it unattractive. To me, the functions is more important than the look. Nissan did a good interior design on its van like european furnitures. But when in use, it doesn't work that well. One thing I don't like is the angle most displays tilt. It will cause some reflection during the day and hard to read it.
The minivan in the photo looks like it has Sienna headlights, Chrysler wedge shape,tail lights and grille, current Odyssey side windows shape. The 2004 Odyssey is more attractive to me than the minivan in the USA spy photo.
I'm using a remote starter for almost 3 years, and I can assure you there is nothing to be scared of...
I have to press the start button 2 times in 5 seconds in order to start/shut off the engine. Some other systems require you to press the button for 2-3 seconds in order to activate the engine. If you do start up the car accidently or you forget to shut it off, it will shut off by itself after 10 minutes.
It's impossible to describe how convenient this is. If by most features once you get used to you can't give it up, it's much more for remote starts. I still remember the days in my old car, when I had to enter my car in a hot summer day when it was fire-hot inside the vehicle, start the car manually, and turn on the A/C which blew hot air for the first 5 minutes... or vice versa on winter with steam. Now it's so good! I'm coming out to a car with a perfect temperature at any time!
But I still can't get the idea what's the big deal of the GM remote starter? I mean, for a 100 bucks you can add it to any vehicle! What selling point would that be over an odyssey? I know, it's integrated into the security system, but who cares anyway?
Samnoe, Thanks for the information. I don't know anyone with this feature and really wondered if there was a safety problem. Makes sense that they have the safety features, otherwise the mfrs would really open themselves up to liability.
I agree that it's probably something that you need to use to appreciate. Right now, I feel that the car cools down quickly with the windows down, but I also see where this is more convenient. It would also be nice to step into a nice warm car in the winter.
Question though...How does it prevent someone from driving off? In Colorado, it's illegal to leave your car running without you in it due to car thefts. This happens most in the winter when people start their cars to warm it up and melt the ice on the windows. I wonder if there is an allowance for remote starting provided there is a feature to prevent drive offs.
Oh, I forget to tell you that main security feature -
With ANY remote starter, when the engine is running without the key in the ignition, once you step on the brake pedal (which is required to shift out of park), the engine will immediately shut off.
You can't do anything without the key in the ignition.
A bit off topic- scroll on by if not interested in subject of spy photos...
Seeing so many (all?) of the Odyssey spy photos coming in are from Brenda Priddy made me curious about who she is and whether taking spy photos is her full time gig. Turns out she is a mother of 2 who lives in Arizona, where she stumbled upon the 1994 Mustang and took a photo which ended up on the cover of Automobile Magazine. she has since developed into the best known auto spy photographer around. Hard to figure how she catches so many cars being tested. One wonders if perhaps she gets tipped off regarding test days/locations by insiders in some cases. Some manufacturers actually do want the spy photos to leak out to help build excitement...
As for the pictures we see of the 2005 Odyssey, I'll bet she has a bunch more and is leaking them slowly but surely. USA today just paid to get the first untaped shot. You have to figure she has more- and you have to figure she has shots of the back seat- just a matter of waiting to see who pays to get that one.
Link below is an article about spy photos in general and Brenda in particular.
But I still can't get the idea what's the big deal of the GM remote starter? I mean, for a 100 bucks you can add it to any vehicle! What selling point would that be over an odyssey? I know, it's integrated into the security system, but who cares anyway? <<
Having it on one remote would be a big plus, IMO. We had one in our last car and it's pretty bulky to carry 2 devices wround. Plus, there are certain cars that require extra equipment to get around security or cannot be used w/ remote starter at all (like my Saab 9-3SS).
I don't know why this isn't an option w/ every car. It's a great feature that would become ubiquitous if more people used it
Plus, think of all the gas wasted having unoccupied cars running all the time. It's also not good for the car really to idle like that (it's recommended to only let the car warm up for 15 or so seconds before driving away, although this may be for gas mileage).
How much CO will be spewed into a clsoed garage with the car running?
Just start the car, and open the windows! Actually, opening the windows from the remote is a nice feature (my Maxima had it).
I'm much moe concerned about the PAX tires. That may be enough to make me look at the Toyota again (although I really want the Honda to work out).
But, the more things that keep the Ody from being a bombshell, the quicker supply/demand will even out and better deals will be available. As long as they fix the things I don't like about the '04 (seats, shifter mostly), and add the roof and split rear seat, I can live with the rest (such as styling).
I agree with you. I start using this since 12 years ago. I have no problem with the system when I sold the car last year. It is still in excellent working condition. I have one in my wife's car and think to add one in my car. She really loves it especially the winter time here in New England. Although all agree there is no need to warm up the car (just drive slowly for few miles), we found this is a great feature. I don't know how much gas we have wasted but the system will shut off automatically in 10 minutes (you can set it in 20 minutes).
The reason why this is not so popular is many people just want the factory keyless entry system for easy access or just add aftermarket alarm system for security and auto insurance discount.
Stickguy, I'm with you on this. I am concerned with the PAX tires as well. I thought that run flats would be a good idea since it will primarily be driven by my wife...no more calls at work saying she has a flat and needs me to change it. (BTW, I have shown her how...she just doesn't want to...anyway, that's my job I guess).
However, there was something on the local news about a year ago and that turned us off. They were saying that if the run-flat goes bad, you have to replace all four. Anyone heard of this? I know that if you have a 4WD or AWD, this is recommended, but don't know why run flats would require this.
Anyway, the cost to replace the tires is just too high. Now, it looks like the PAX system could be even higher based on the description and reading all the forums. I, too, hope that it is an option, but also hope that they make the tire pressure monitoring system standard. That's the best thing. The tires that my wife has ruined was usually due to slower leaks that go unnoticed and she drives on the sidewall. I have also told her to drive on the flat tire until she gets someplace safe...Her and the kids' safety isn't worth a wheel and/or tire. At least with the monitoring system, she will be notified and can get air in them before running on the sidewall.
Me,too, don't like the run flat tire. I do like to have tire presure monitor to warn you if the tire get flat. You will hardly to tell if run flat tire punched by sharp item like nail and leak. By its stiff side wall, it won't drop down as regular tire.
As the PAX tire, it may not be more expansive than standard run flat tire but the installation must be higher due to special equipment needed. Most concern is if travel away from city and get flat tire. You are not sure you can find a tire store carry PAX tire say near yellow stone National park. Remember, this is family vehicle not just a commute car. I hope Honda Engineers and marketing people are not that stupid.
I think all models will have the tire pressure warning regardless of whether they have run flats or not because, seems to me, I recall reading somewhere that tire pressure warning system was to be required on all new cars sold in USA as of some date (this fall I think).
Monitoring is required at some point. I just got a Scion and it has one.
Run flats don't really bother me that much, if they function well, although I still want a spare tire (must be a traditionalist). What bothers me about PAX is how unique it is, so the odds of finding a store on a sunday in a rural area that a) has one available or b) can even install it without screwing something up are pretty low.
It's fine that you can drive 100 miles on the flat, but you can still get caught (and who really want's to take the chance on the highway with a loaded van including kids)?
Regular Michelins can easily go $175+ a pop, so these captive specialty tires will be what, $250++ each? Any idea how long they will last?
Guess my real beef will be if they are standard, and if the real reason for run flats is to ditch the spare (for the lazy Susan or whatever reason), it was a bad decision by Honda, compounded by picking the Betamax tire system.
You guys should test fit a full-size spare where that Lazy Susan goes.
Some people make a big deal about not liking donuts, well I replace the donut on our 2002 Subaru Legacy L with a full size spare and it fit just fine in the spare tire well.
Try it, who knows.
I got the rim for free and the tire was cheap, around $70 mounted IIRC.
In fact I still have one spare 15"x6" rim with 5x100mm spacing if anyone needs one that size. Not sure about the offset but it's probably about 48mm.
I was out cutting the grass in my front yard this morning when I saw something familiar driving my way. I recognized it from the spy shots I've seen in this forum. It was the 2005 Odyssey driving down my quiet side street. I ran into the house, grabbed my digital camera, and hopped in my car. I was a few minutes behind, but hoped I could find it. I spotted it parked in a Circle-K parking lot. Getting out, I snapped a few pictures. Once I put them on my computer I don't know how I can put them on this forum so everyone can see them. Can anyone coach me through the process. When the two ladies came out and got in the car I stopped to talk to them. I'll tell you about what they said and my personal impressions in my next posting.
Eyeblind, There are a bunch of people eagerly waiting to hear back from you. You should also contact Odyclub.com. They may have a way to post your pics and comments as well.
This is a link to the photo album I created on image station. I think you have to join to view this ablum, but it is free to join. Let me know if this works
Wow! Can you believe your luck?! That is great. Please post again, we are waiting. Cant wait to see the pictures. Also, please give your impression of the van.
I unfortunately ran out of film. I did stick around and waited till the two ladies who were driving it came out of the store. They'd driven it all the way from Ohio. They were very nice, but wouldn't talk much about the car. They did confirm the lazy susan. I was standing at the passangers side window, it was open and I was talking to them through the window. This one didn't have the navigation screen. In its place the cd player/radio controls were located there. I asked if they would open the sliding door and let me have a look. They politely said " no ." their trip was being recorded and there was recording eqiptment and other test gear in the back. This one did not have a moonroof.
My personal impressions. I am a happy 2004 Nissan Quest owner, so I don't have any hopes riding on the new Odyssey. I have come to love mini vans ( I still can't believe I'm saying that) and enjoy the conversation and speculation of this forum. The 2005 Odyssey has much greater a prescence as it drives down the street than the old one. It looks bigger. I liked the way it looked rolling down the street. It kind of resembles the Mazda mini van, but bigger, especially in the front. I don't see the Dodge/Crysler resemblence so much. The look like ballons with too much air in them. I think once you take off all the black disquise and have the nice shiny wheels and stuff, this should be a nice looking van. I wouldn't choose it over my Quest, but I'd choose it over the new Sienna.
The interior looks nice in person. Nice materials and nice fabric for the seats. In the end I think those who are hopful need to wait to see it in person. They might be pleasantly surprised. I have to go take my kids to swim lessons. Let me know if the link works.
Hey thx for the pics very much!!! they are great!!! keep your camera on your car so that when you see it again take some pics!!! To make it easier for everybody here are the links to the pics:
Thanks so much for sharing those with us. You did a good job getting the body photos. I understand it was probably very difficult to get the interior pics. I do think I like the body style on it, but it does resemble the Sienna an awful lot in my opinion, mainly from the front end. I am going to be one to wait for them to come out and then make my decision on which maker I want to go with. I have 3 in mind; Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. Only time will tell for sure what I decide, but I am hopeful for the Honda to be a much improved version of what they already have. If they quiet the ride and keep the price right, they will get my business. Again, thanks for sharing all the info. Sounds like the ladies were very gracious to even talk to you at all. That was really nice of them.
Would someone tell me if the 2005 transmission will be "all good" or not? Is the 2004 transmission different from the 2003's transmission. My neighbor's 2003 transmission just got recalled.
The 2004 has the same transmissionas 2003 but the later made has the detour fix already. Not sure for the 2005 but based on Honda's reputation, they should modify the design for the fix. Remeber, the recall cost them to pay to dealership so it makes sense to fix it in the redesign.
Eyeblind: great job! I appreciate your hard work to get these great pictures. From the first picture, it seems match the one post in earlier Spy photo. Center dash has a pod to yield the room for NAV screen and Temp control? Not good looking overall and the angel could cause reflection under the sun especially for the stereo display which like Nissan Quest. I wish they can add Stainless Steel or wood trim to light up the center console a bit for more luxury feel. I think Sienna did a better job on this issue. My 2 cents.
This one has the ground effects package. If you compare the side sills and front bumper with the "original" blue Ody with the masking, you can definitely see a difference. Personally, I like the look. However, I, too, am waiting to see and drive the entire package as a whole.
Kudos to Eyeblind who appears to have snapped the first 2005 Odyssey without a navigation system! If you check his interior pic closely, it is clear that no stereo exists on the center stack directly below the climate controls--this one simply has an extra bin. Is the stereo moved up to the nav binnacle along with an extra bin slot? Tough to see with the reflection, but it sure looks that way...
If this is an entry-level Odyssey, it might also explain the different tires--perhaps this one is configured without run flats, without the lazy susan, but with a traditional spare in the floor instead...?
Comments
GM just announced that a DVD player will be standard on its vans, and my guess is gas mileage will be at or near the top, so those will be its selling points. Imagine getting a DVD for $22 grand after discounts. Or for $17k after a year, used.
Dodge has the biggest customer base and really only needs to keep those buyers loyal with incentives.
Ford didn't go far enough. Kia, we'll see. Nissan's van is a little too bizarre for more folks and prices were very optimistic.
Ain't competition grand?
-juice
Pax systems require special wheels/rims, special tires, special support ring, and special tire mounting technique (tires are anchored to the rims). They also use a different way of describing tire size, e.g. 195-620R420A instead of 195/60R15. As your choice is very limited, it would almost certainly cost more.
By comparison, Sienna AWD's self-supporting sidewall run-flats are more conventional. You can use any wheels/rims, and there is only a slight difference in tire mounting technique compared with standard tire.
Pax claims longer run-flat range, better handling (Pax uses lower profile tires to reduce distance to the supporting ring, but would this affect ride/noise?), and protection against tires unseating. On the down side, you have to pay $$$ more.
Autoweek article
-juice
One option is to simply replace the tires/wheels when it's time. Of course, unless you get normal run flats, it would be nice to have a spare tire.
Michelin already tried a "unique" system once (TRX I believe). Very little acceptance, and it flopped. Like Pax, it required unique wheels and funky tire sizes, so you were stuck. Most people ended up switching to normal tires/wheels.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Wonder if a spare could replace the Lazy Susan?
-juice
Since rumor has it that AWD will not be offered (at least initially) on the Ody, one has to wonder if the lazy-susan / potential folding 2nd row seats has eaten into the spare tire space???
Are there any potential Ody buyers willing to give up their spare tire and be forced to use run-flats (with special rims no less) for a lazy susan storage cubby?
That alone may drive their sales up. Addtionally, they are offering as an option a Phat Noise 40 GB hard disk that can store movies, music, video games.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
-juice
If Honda did not improve the ride & noise quality (I doubt they did because Honda prefers sporty, rough riding cars) they have a real loser on their hands.
Also, the dash is just plain ugly. Looks like something from the early '90's or a Ford product. Why couldn't they use a dash layout similar to the Accord. Go figure.
Lets hope the spy photos are a hoax.
As the Dash design, you can't adopt the Accord to Ody due to higher seating, wider and low dash for better view and angle for such a bulky vehicle. Because the width, average size driver or passenger can't reach anything beyond the center line. That leave a area expand in verticle instead of horizontal in sedan. And that leave lots of space around which make it unattractive. To me, the functions is more important than the look. Nissan did a good interior design on its van like european furnitures. But when in use, it doesn't work that well. One thing I don't like is the angle most displays tilt. It will cause some reflection during the day and hard to read it.
The 2004 Odyssey is more attractive to me than the minivan in the USA spy photo.
I have to press the start button 2 times in 5 seconds in order to start/shut off the engine. Some other systems require you to press the button for 2-3 seconds in order to activate the engine. If you do start up the car accidently or you forget to shut it off, it will shut off by itself after 10 minutes.
It's impossible to describe how convenient this is. If by most features once you get used to you can't give it up, it's much more for remote starts. I still remember the days in my old car, when I had to enter my car in a hot summer day when it was fire-hot inside the vehicle, start the car manually, and turn on the A/C which blew hot air for the first 5 minutes... or vice versa on winter with steam. Now it's so good! I'm coming out to a car with a perfect temperature at any time!
But I still can't get the idea what's the big deal of the GM remote starter? I mean, for a 100 bucks you can add it to any vehicle! What selling point would that be over an odyssey? I know, it's integrated into the security system, but who cares anyway?
Thanks for the information. I don't know anyone with this feature and really wondered if there was a safety problem. Makes sense that they have the safety features, otherwise the mfrs would really open themselves up to liability.
I agree that it's probably something that you need to use to appreciate. Right now, I feel that the car cools down quickly with the windows down, but I also see where this is more convenient. It would also be nice to step into a nice warm car in the winter.
Question though...How does it prevent someone from driving off? In Colorado, it's illegal to leave your car running without you in it due to car thefts. This happens most in the winter when people start their cars to warm it up and melt the ice on the windows. I wonder if there is an allowance for remote starting provided there is a feature to prevent drive offs.
With ANY remote starter, when the engine is running without the key in the ignition, once you step on the brake pedal (which is required to shift out of park), the engine will immediately shut off.
You can't do anything without the key in the ignition.
Well, if it's like my remote start, the car will shut off if any of the following happens:
depress brake pedal
attempt to shift into gear
Also, the stearing wheel remains locked as there is no key in the ignition.
Seeing so many (all?) of the Odyssey spy photos coming in are from Brenda Priddy made me curious about who she is and whether taking spy photos is her full time gig. Turns out she is a mother of 2 who lives in Arizona, where she stumbled upon the 1994 Mustang and took a photo which ended up on the cover of Automobile Magazine. she has since developed into the best known auto spy photographer around. Hard to figure how she catches so many cars being tested. One wonders if perhaps she gets tipped off regarding test days/locations by insiders in some cases. Some manufacturers actually do want the spy photos to leak out to help build excitement...
As for the pictures we see of the 2005 Odyssey, I'll bet she has a bunch more and is leaking them slowly but surely. USA today just paid to get the first untaped shot. You have to figure she has more- and you have to figure she has shots of the back seat- just a matter of waiting to see who pays to get that one.
Link below is an article about spy photos in general and Brenda in particular.
http://www.bobking.com/news_advice/spyshots/SpyShots.htm
Having it on one remote would be a big plus, IMO. We had one in our last car and it's pretty bulky to carry 2 devices wround. Plus, there are certain cars that require extra equipment to get around security or cannot be used w/ remote starter at all (like my Saab 9-3SS).
I don't know why this isn't an option w/ every car. It's a great feature that would become ubiquitous if more people used it
Plus, think of all the gas wasted having unoccupied cars running all the time. It's also not good for the car really to idle like that (it's recommended to only let the car warm up for 15 or so seconds before driving away, although this may be for gas mileage).
How much CO will be spewed into a clsoed garage with the car running?
Just start the car, and open the windows! Actually, opening the windows from the remote is a nice feature (my Maxima had it).
I'm much moe concerned about the PAX tires. That may be enough to make me look at the Toyota again (although I really want the Honda to work out).
But, the more things that keep the Ody from being a bombshell, the quicker supply/demand will even out and better deals will be available. As long as they fix the things I don't like about the '04 (seats, shifter mostly), and add the roof and split rear seat, I can live with the rest (such as styling).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'd go for that:-)
And how about making the rear look like the MDX or BMW X5?
They screwed up, based on the spy pics.
The reason why this is not so popular is many people just want the factory keyless entry system for easy access or just add aftermarket alarm system for security and auto insurance discount.
I'm with you on this. I am concerned with the PAX tires as well. I thought that run flats would be a good idea since it will primarily be driven by my wife...no more calls at work saying she has a flat and needs me to change it. (BTW, I have shown her how...she just doesn't want to...anyway, that's my job I guess).
However, there was something on the local news about a year ago and that turned us off. They were saying that if the run-flat goes bad, you have to replace all four. Anyone heard of this? I know that if you have a 4WD or AWD, this is recommended, but don't know why run flats would require this.
Anyway, the cost to replace the tires is just too high. Now, it looks like the PAX system could be even higher based on the description and reading all the forums. I, too, hope that it is an option, but also hope that they make the tire pressure monitoring system standard. That's the best thing. The tires that my wife has ruined was usually due to slower leaks that go unnoticed and she drives on the sidewall. I have also told her to drive on the flat tire until she gets someplace safe...Her and the kids' safety isn't worth a wheel and/or tire. At least with the monitoring system, she will be notified and can get air in them before running on the sidewall.
As the PAX tire, it may not be more expansive than standard run flat tire but the installation must be higher due to special equipment needed. Most concern is if travel away from city and get flat tire. You are not sure you can find a tire store carry PAX tire say near yellow stone National park. Remember, this is family vehicle not just a commute car. I hope Honda Engineers and marketing people are not that stupid.
Run flats don't really bother me that much, if they function well, although I still want a spare tire (must be a traditionalist). What bothers me about PAX is how unique it is, so the odds of finding a store on a sunday in a rural area that a) has one available or b) can even install it without screwing something up are pretty low.
It's fine that you can drive 100 miles on the flat, but you can still get caught (and who really want's to take the chance on the highway with a loaded van including kids)?
Regular Michelins can easily go $175+ a pop, so these captive specialty tires will be what, $250++ each? Any idea how long they will last?
Guess my real beef will be if they are standard, and if the real reason for run flats is to ditch the spare (for the lazy Susan or whatever reason), it was a bad decision by Honda, compounded by picking the Betamax tire system.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Some people make a big deal about not liking donuts, well I replace the donut on our 2002 Subaru Legacy L with a full size spare and it fit just fine in the spare tire well.
Try it, who knows.
I got the rim for free and the tire was cheap, around $70 mounted IIRC.
In fact I still have one spare 15"x6" rim with 5x100mm spacing if anyone needs one that size. Not sure about the offset but it's probably about 48mm.
-juice
I spotted it parked in a Circle-K parking lot.
Getting out, I snapped a few pictures. Once I
put them on my computer I don't know how I can
put them on this forum so everyone can see
them. Can anyone coach me through the process.
When the two ladies came out and got in the car
I stopped to talk to them. I'll tell you about
what they said and my personal impressions in
my next posting.
Basically you need to host the pics somewhere on the web. Then you can provide links to it.
-juice
There are a bunch of people eagerly waiting to hear back from you. You should also contact Odyclub.com. They may have a way to post your pics and comments as well.
This is a link to the photo album I created on image station.
I think you have to join to view this ablum, but it is free
to join. Let me know if this works
I asked if they would open the sliding door and let me have a look. They politely said " no ." their trip was being recorded and there was recording eqiptment and other test gear in the back. This one did not have a moonroof.
My personal impressions. I am a happy 2004 Nissan Quest owner, so I don't have any hopes riding on the new Odyssey. I have come to love mini vans ( I still can't believe I'm saying that) and enjoy the conversation and speculation of this forum.
The 2005 Odyssey has much greater a prescence as it drives down the street than the old one. It looks bigger. I liked the way it looked rolling down the street. It kind of resembles the Mazda mini van, but bigger, especially in the front. I don't see the Dodge/Crysler resemblence so much. The look like ballons with too much air in them. I think once you take off all the black disquise and have the nice shiny wheels and stuff, this should be a nice looking van. I wouldn't choose it over my Quest, but I'd choose it over the new Sienna.
The interior looks nice in person. Nice materials and nice fabric for the seats. In the end I think those who are hopful need to wait to see it in person. They might be pleasantly surprised. I have to go take my kids to swim lessons. Let me know if the link works.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid133/p6d7e31005bd397cfa31- 3ead73b061997/f78ca03b.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid133/p46249d08bf3d4beaf0f- a07dda4a12868/f78ca09d.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid133/p73fdbb284057933f27f- 05fc19d50c8ad/f78ca139.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid133/p0210d24fb883b8126d6- acbeec99e99df/f78ca1d5.jpg
Eyeblind: great job! I appreciate your hard work to get these great pictures. From the first picture, it seems match the one post in earlier Spy photo. Center dash has a pod to yield the room for NAV screen and Temp control? Not good looking overall and the angel could cause reflection under the sun especially for the stereo display which like Nissan Quest. I wish they can add Stainless Steel or wood trim to light up the center console a bit for more luxury feel. I think Sienna did a better job on this issue. My 2 cents.
Geez, now I'm fixated on the PAX system, and until this AM I had never even heard of it!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I am 100% sure because you can see the brand when you zoom in at about 400%.
If this is an entry-level Odyssey, it might also explain the different tires--perhaps this one is configured without run flats, without the lazy susan, but with a traditional spare in the floor instead...?
"This one didn't have the navigation screen. In its place the cd player/radio controls were located there."
Putting the radio where the nav screen was just seems out of place. Almost seems like an afterthought...