The word is that the information/press embargo is lifted today, so the Edmunds 2005 Odyssey Test Drive will be appearing on the site soon. I'll provide a link when it comes available. That is if someone here doesn't beat me to it. :-)
Pittsburgh area. There are at least a half-dozen dealers is the greater PIT area. Some have good websites with up-to-date inventory, some don't. How far are you from Mechanicsburg? BobbyRahal Toyota has a good website, as far as inventory goes. Don't know about their deals. I shopped them once, but they weren't lowest. Didn't push it though, because it was a drive for me.
Stuff all the leather, bells, whistles and electronic goodies you want into a vehicle, but you can't call it a luxury vehicle unless it has a quiet cabin. My 2001 Ody is absolutely thunderous and I can't see paying for all the new goodies unless something as fundamental as cabin noise is addressed.
I find such statements to be a bit insincere. Unless you drove them one after the other how could you make such a comment? And even if you did, how could you compare since any difference is probably negligible? Oh, I know. It may have something to do with the fact that you make a living selling Hondas...
Actually I got this from the materials where they compared the noise levels at different speeds and RPMS. The Sienna is quiet as always but the new 2005 Odyssey is even "more quiet" except at one measurment...forgot which speed/rpm. It tied in that catagory.
We were happy about that since Sienna always had an advantage (not a huge one) in that catagory.
I didn't want Honda to make this thing too good. That won't help me get a decent deal anytime soon. Alls I asked for was a dash mounted shifter, XM, comfy seats and a moonroof, and it seems like they went overboard.
Good thing the competition is way better than in '98.
Any comparison of noise levels not done on the same roads and under the same wind conditions is meaningless. Also, the particular type of tire on the vehicles being tested is a major factor affecting road noise. For example, "summer" tires are notoriously noisier than "all season" tires. Wider tires are often noisier, too. Treat any "lower noise" claims for the new Ody with skepticism until direct comparisons with other vans are reported.
Road noise can sometimes be a very small part of the overall picture. If Honda has improved upon it, while improving every several other aspects, I think that would help maintain where the Odyssey started in Fall 1998. It is amazing to see how the current six year old model holds up given its mostly revised competition (in a June 2004 comparison at C&D, Odyssey took the top spot again, with Sienna a close second).
Touring model appears to be the sporty ride. Emphasis must be on handling (given that it will have 18 inch wheels with lower profile tires). I guess most people will look at EX and EX-L trims and those who want more would go for the Touring.
Given the weight gain, I assume much of it also comes from added noise insulation, besides features of course. The Touring model is supposed to tip the scale at nearly 4700 lb! That’s a lot of heft running down the highway.
Thunderous...mmm...good analogy...my '03 Accord must ride the same as your Ody.
I noticed a guy in his loaded V6 Accord next to me on the way to work. Poor guy looked like his teeth were chattering on the bumpy highway.
I agree with you completely...cabin noise will be my top priority on my next vehicle. I guess the salesperson picked the smoothest roads when I testdrove the Accord. Ugh.
I've read that 8-passenger seat is standard in EX(?) and Touring models. This would be addition of middle seat in the second row that can be removed completely.
I'm getting the impression that only the EX and EX-L come standard with the 8th seat plus Lazy Susan under-the-floor storage, while the Touring comes standard with a removable center storage console plus the Lazy Susan. But you could buy the 8th seat on the Touring and place it where the removable center console would be.
How is the acceleration of 05 Ody with that much more weight?
It is good Honda finally starts to address the cabin noise after being deaf to the issue for so long.
Anybody has similar experience as mine? During the early days of my 03 Accord, the cabin noise appears to be subdued, but now the noise seems to be louder.
I wonder how much of it is truely dampening of the road noise, and how much of it is an active noise cancelling speaker that you hear while driving. Yes, it's only suppose to activate while you're driving with 3 cylinders, but I wonder how much of it is true. You couldn't really tell without disconnecting the speaker while driving.
In many cars, the tires generate much of the road noise. If your Accord is like that, then yes, it might be noisier as the tires wear down. Our Quest has gotten pretty noisy lately with tire whine, but the front tires are getting pretty worn out which probably accounts for the increase.
the one plus seating will only be available in the EX and the EX with leather and NOT on the touring. The touring will have a removable center console. I sell hondas also.
Oh by the way, tomorrow the curtain will be drawn and all shall know!
Karen, I have not driven the new Sienna. Let me say though this new model from the LX up--I drove the LX and the touring--is significantly improved. Quiet, smooth, tremendous acceleration, great stero and on and on! Honda is going to party like it is 1999!
As I mentioned in a post yesterday, I think you are going to love this car!
Tires definitely help. I’m on third set in my 1998 Accord, and the noisiest of the three sets were the OEM tires (Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus) especially on concrete surfaces but rolling noise was low. OTOH, my experience with Michelin Pilot was better on concrete but rolling noise was higher but they lasted only 40K miles. Currently, I have Yokohama and they are just too soft to produce any noise but that also means they are very prone to damage.
What will the cost difference be? Touring model to come with 18" PAX run flat tires. These tires must be very expensive. Does anyone know what the ballpark replacement cost of these tires will be? Will they have a shorter life expectancy?
Honda, If you were not smart enough to include the 8-seat option on the Touring (even at an additional dealer installed option), you totally missed the point of the "high" end. Do not SUBTRACT market leading unique features - ADD THEM!!! Again, the Honda marketing guru's (used very loosely) have outsmarted themselves. I would love to see their market demographics on this justifying REMOVING a feature.
I was hopeful the Touring info was wrong. I am now resigned to the EX-L. Congrats to the Honda marketing team for not selling me a bunch of high priced options (I know I do not need, but would have liked) because they think empty nesters, or some similarly flawed logic, only buy the high-end and would not want a unique minivan first option like plus-1 seating.
I agree. I'm no longer in the market for a 'high-end' minivan (love my AWD Sienna!). But the priorative-technology of the PAX run-flat system alone would be enough to keep me from buying the 'Touring' model--even though I'd want all the other stuff that comes with it. I, too, would have to settle for the EX-L. That's OK, sounds like there won't be enough 'Tourings' to go around, anyway. That's too bad for you people who won't consider any other brand, but great for your Honda dealer's boat salesman!
I'm always amazed...what is a major benefit to one person is a turn off to others.
Imagine having your wife get a flat on a dark, rain slicked freeway in heavy traffic or in a bad neighborhood and being able to keep driving.
What is there not to like about that? The price of tires? One of the guys at the Ride and Drive had priced them and said they would be about 10% more than top of the line Michelins.
My guess is that we will start seeing more of these in the future.
Sure can't please everyone, that's for sure!
I still remember when people resented having to pay for (and use) seat belts!
Not that it will matter for me anymore, but I was also concerned about the cost of PAX replacements. Glad to hear "only" a 10% premium. But, where to get them replaced and available inventory will still be another issue altogether. No other manufacture has announced plans to use them and Honda will not put out enough Touring models in the next few years to encourage your local tire shop to bother with them.
You totally missed my point. I appreciate the benefits of run-flat tires. (Toyota put them on my AWD model because there's no room for a spare. But why Honda is doing this when there IS room for a spare is beyond me). From what I understand, the PAX system is priorative technology. It's Michelin or else! At least with my Sienna, I have my choice of brands come replacement time--not to mention whether or not to use run-flats at all. It is also my understanding that the PAX wheels will not even accommodate conventional tires. So, am I still 'funny?' And I don't resent anything. I'm just telling you why I wouldn't buy a 'Touring' model. (I would think a salesman might appreciate some consumer feedback).
consider this: 04 EXL MSRP is only 28980, and 04 EXL w/ NAV. MSRP is only: $30980
Even w/ 2% increase: 05 EXL MSRP shall be 29500. 05 EXL w/ RES AND NAV. MSRP shall be 32500. top of the line 05 EXL touring w/ RES AND NAV. shall be 34500.
All including dest. charge.
By looking at the latest, posted today, difference between EXL and touring, the difference is only about $2000.
The touring is far from Toyota's top of the line which has laser cruising, AWD, HID, wood steering wheel, and which shall cost thousands more than the touring is offering. And don't forget that everyone will be able to get $3-4000 off the MSRP of the Toyota.
you are right! Honda and Michelin do plan to stand behind their tires. I can't remember exactly about the length of years-i think it was 2 years-that as long as you have 50% or more tread, if the tire has road hazard damage--customer will have it replaced at NO CHARGE! Normally road hazard isn't covered under the warranty.
I agree with you to the extent that I can't remember the last time I had a flat tire. My wife would call the auto club anyway, spare or not. Perhaps the extra space was what Honda had in mind. But there have been enough gripes from Toyota owners (cost, durability & value issues) about the non-priorative OEM run-flats that I'll be interested to see how the PAX system works out for Honda. Since the '05 Ody will not offer AWD, I assume there IS room for a spare. So it just seems to me that it's an automotive answer to a question nobody asked....
Hey man i was so happy when i got this that i just couldnt teke it by myself!!! This van is great!! like Car and Driver said while the Sienna is the Lexus of minivans, the Odyssey is the BMW of minivans!!! Did you guys read where it says that that it has the best headlamps in its class? It has the best illumination of any minivan in its class!!!!
All of this information is just terrific! It's just about time to trade in my 2000 but I was just wondering what your source is for pricing? Can you provide a link or are these best estimates?
Hopefully tomorrow (9/1) Honda will let the cat out of the bag.
Comments
The word is that the information/press embargo is lifted today, so the Edmunds 2005 Odyssey Test Drive will be appearing on the site soon. I'll provide a link when it comes available. That is if someone here doesn't beat me to it. :-)
Just kidding. So, cut to the chase. How does it compare to the Sienna?
just my 2 cents
Seriously, it totally blew us away!
And, yes, hard to believe, but quieter than a Sienna.
Now...SO much to learn!
Also, it's "more quiet", not "quieter".
And Car & driver, Motor Trend, etc cannot be far behind, though not in my mail box today.
Actually I got this from the materials where they compared the noise levels at different speeds and RPMS. The Sienna is quiet as always but the new 2005 Odyssey is even "more quiet" except at one measurment...forgot which speed/rpm. It tied in that catagory.
We were happy about that since Sienna always had an advantage (not a huge one) in that catagory.
Good thing the competition is way better than in '98.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Touring model appears to be the sporty ride. Emphasis must be on handling (given that it will have 18 inch wheels with lower profile tires). I guess most people will look at EX and EX-L trims and those who want more would go for the Touring.
Given the weight gain, I assume much of it also comes from added noise insulation, besides features of course. The Touring model is supposed to tip the scale at nearly 4700 lb! That’s a lot of heft running down the highway.
When we drove it, we all noticed the improvement.
Funny, though how some people are bothered by road noise a lot more than others.
It was an improvement that was overdue in my opinion.
Can it be true?
The Ody more quiet or quieter (whatever) than the Sienna?
Wow.
A lot more soundproofing + ANC = more quiet?
I also noticed the Chrysler 300M has ANC and Car & Driver says it is quiet.
I noticed a guy in his loaded V6 Accord next to me on the way to work. Poor guy looked like his teeth were chattering on the bumpy highway.
I agree with you completely...cabin noise will be my top priority on my next vehicle. I guess the salesperson picked the smoothest roads when I testdrove the Accord. Ugh.
Still, I agree. Cabin noise, in my opinion has been a shortcoming for Honda. The 2005 Odyssey was MUCH improved.
Thanks in advance.
How is the acceleration of 05 Ody with that much more weight?
It is good Honda finally starts to address the cabin noise after being deaf to the issue for so long.
Anybody has similar experience as mine? During the early days of my 03 Accord, the cabin noise appears to be subdued, but now the noise seems to be louder.
Anyway, just a thought.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oh by the way, tomorrow the curtain will be drawn and all shall know!
As I mentioned in a post yesterday, I think you are going to love this car!
I thought you said you have not driven the new Sienna.
8^)
Honda,
If you were not smart enough to include the 8-seat option on the Touring (even at an additional dealer installed option), you totally missed the point of the "high" end. Do not SUBTRACT market leading unique features - ADD THEM!!! Again, the Honda marketing guru's (used very loosely) have outsmarted themselves. I would love to see their market demographics on this justifying REMOVING a feature.
I was hopeful the Touring info was wrong. I am now resigned to the EX-L. Congrats to the Honda marketing team for not selling me a bunch of high priced options (I know I do not need, but would have liked) because they think empty nesters, or some similarly flawed logic, only buy the high-end and would not want a unique minivan first option like plus-1 seating.
I suppose they could add it later if they were wrong.
Imagine having your wife get a flat on a dark, rain slicked freeway in heavy traffic or in a bad neighborhood and being able to keep driving.
What is there not to like about that? The price of tires? One of the guys at the Ride and Drive had priced them and said they would be about 10% more than top of the line Michelins.
My guess is that we will start seeing more of these in the future.
Sure can't please everyone, that's for sure!
I still remember when people resented having to pay for (and use) seat belts!
I was willing to overlook that, but . . .
Anyways, I know that Michellin and Honda will stand behind the tires....bottom line.
So I'm sold on the Touring.
And I don't resent anything. I'm just telling you why I wouldn't buy a 'Touring' model. (I would think a salesman might appreciate some consumer feedback).
04 EXL MSRP is only 28980, and
04 EXL w/ NAV. MSRP is only: $30980
Even w/ 2% increase:
05 EXL MSRP shall be 29500.
05 EXL w/ RES AND NAV. MSRP shall be 32500.
top of the line 05 EXL touring w/ RES AND NAV. shall be 34500.
All including dest. charge.
By looking at the latest, posted today, difference between EXL and touring, the difference is only about $2000.
The touring is far from Toyota's top of the line which has laser cruising, AWD, HID, wood steering wheel, and which shall cost thousands more than the touring is offering. And don't forget that everyone will be able to get $3-4000 off the MSRP of the Toyota.
I suppose if a lot of people feel as you do, changes will be made. Time will tell.
I think they are thinking people would rather have more storage than carrying around a spare that'll probably never get used. I really don't know.
you are right! Honda and Michelin do plan to stand behind their tires. I can't remember exactly about the length of years-i think it was 2 years-that as long as you have 50% or more tread, if the tire has road hazard damage--customer will have it replaced at NO CHARGE! Normally road hazard isn't covered under the warranty.
http://autodeadline.com/index.html
All I can say is wow!
Hopefully tomorrow (9/1) Honda will let the cat out of the bag.