A Ford Windstar having anything better than a Sienna? You can pretend to yourself all you want, but you're just looking like a fool here saying things like that.
Yeah, man, that's why Honda has it's followers and Toyota has it's followers. People buy Honda for more "practical" reasons and people buy Toyota because they are crazy like me:) **hee**hee**hee
I have not changed my mind at all. I don't care if the CEO of Honda tells me all this. I will always wait for the actual product to come out. What would I do if those words were false? Sue them? Heck, no. They are just words. Believe them or not. But always wait for the actual Odyssey to come out.
I agree with Andrewtran71. Wait until there's something definitive. Imagine passing up a deal on a Sienna (that may be a contradiction in terms) or on the '04 Ody--based on anonymous speculation parading as authoritative fact. How would you feel come September when the Ody turns out differently than rumored and you wasted a good chance to get a deal on an '04 Ody?
Has bamaboy given us a "fact" about which there has been no previous rumor spread around the Internet? Like a new color name or some other tangible, material item.
Chances are there will be "better" good deals in September on the 2004s once the 2005s hit the lot. At model switch over, the buyer has the upper hand. Your choices will admittedly be more limited but pricing will be aggressive. As an example, a local dealer was still trying to sell a 2003 in late December 2003 and without any negotiation was offering $2,500 off MSRP. I am sure $4,000 off MSRP would have been no prob.
Why talking about my mind? I just gave you FACTS. Whether if you like it or not, there ARE things Windstar have and Sienna NOT. Don't get turned on. Toyota even copied the small overhead conversation mirror from Ford Windstar. And most Sienna owners complained that it was useless, while the Windstars is much better. They also copied the stepwell lamps at the sliding doors (but no baby sleeping mode, still).
When talking about quality and reliability, sure, Ford can't come close to Honda & Toyota, but having more features? what's wrong with that? In previous gen. Sienna, there was no features at all! And even now they don't offer power passenger seat and memory seats and some other minor stuff, while the Freestar DO have them, plus (as I said above) lighted controls for everything. (more important than laser cruise or HID lamps, IMO).
I'm not a Ford fan, but fact is fact. Nothing with my mind is involved here.
I understand you're dieing for Toyota & Honda, and anybody thinking different is crazy (?), but you still have to agree that Toyota Sienna is THE ONLY non-luxury car (or better, only car from a non-luxury brand) to offer laser cruise & HID lights. It doesn't bother me at all, but don't expect Honda or others to copy them. All those features was reserved for luxury models only, and in the meantime luxury cars could lost some value. What's next up with the Toyota's? Do you think they will add the turning headlights (a Lexus feature) to the Sienna?
there's one thing about the Freestar I can't really get over- the inflated sticker price that was built around incentives. There's no way I'd ever pay $37,000 for a Freestar Limited when for $37,000 I could get a Sienna XLE Limited with almost everything the Freestar has plus a few more things. (And not to mention that top notch Toyota reliability)
#596 - 2 LCD SCREEN -THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN EITHER !
#597 - Yes I do. That is all I can say.
#598 - Doubt at the auto show , but do not quote me on that. No pix that I have seen on the net. Japanese version that you can find on net looks NOTHING like the American version.
#599 - Maybe only 2-3 cm wider ( 20-30mm ) than the current model.
#600 - UNVERIFY THIS ! If you do not believe me that is fine. EVERYTHING that I tell you is true. I have a confidentiality agreement that I signed with Honda when I was hired years ago. I would like to keep my job. I cannot just go & tell you everything on the 2005 model. here is a tidbit though. Does optional seating for 8 sound OK ? Different color leather ?
#607 - You can wait , but no changes or modifications are going to been done for 2005 model ( per engineering ).
#609 - How difinitive do you want. Want a picture ? CANT DO THAT !But if you like multiple cd's, you are in luck for upper lines.
Thanks for all the info that you have given to us i know how you feel that everyone is kinda pissing you off. If you just make a list with all the things that you can tell us about the 2005 Honda Odyssey that would be very helpful man!! Thanks a lot !!
As I posted in an earlier post, I believe that you do work for Honda. Your info seems very accurate and emphatically assured. Bamaboy, do you see an Aug 2004 rollout? Thanks.
I appreciate your "insider" information about the 2005 Odyssey. Since you already signed the agreement, we can't ask you for more. This is right because the sales may drop if people want to wait and buy the '05 model or buy other brands.
So it looks like the next Odyssey is not much different than the current model except a bigger engine (270 hp V6?) and the body shape (close to ASM concept?). And I would guess Honda will carry over all the features from current Odyssey (LX, EX and/or EX-L trims) to the next Odyssey. Sorry folks... no laser cruise control, HID headlights, hybrid engine or to buy Sienna.
Hey. Bambaboy. Let us know more updates if you can.
I'm chilled. I'm relaxed. I'm cool. Yeah, I think some of us are just hoping that Honda would match the Sienna in every way and then some. But deep inside, I have to agree with you that Honda tends to keep things simple and save money.
You forgot no woodtrim! What about the gated shifter? I don't think the new Ody will have the gated shifter. It may be on the dash, but it won't be gated shifter? I'm pretty close?
What about manual sunshades for the 2nd and 3rd row? I don't know, but I think it will have that either?
No Laser Cruise, no HID, no Adaptive Front Lighting System, no woodtrim, no stow 2nd row, no 2 LCD? It just has more practical everyday things with a bigger, better, and more fuel efficient engine, right?
I can see the power liftgate, but I don't think they'll add the moonroof since I don't think many people want to spend $500 or more for it.
The power 2nd row windows may also add another $500.
Remember the front and back sonar sensors will cost them about $1000 already.
We have to keep in mind that it is a Honda, not an Acura. And it's definitely not a Lexus wannabe either.
Just kidding. who knows what the Ody will bring us, except for bamaboy35004, right?
I don't really see the point of Honda keeping a secret about it. People who want the latest model already know that the 05 Ody is coming. People who don't care would rather buy a 04 model.
I just posted a review of my recent test drive of a 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD (very disappointing). Your answer to Post #617 was greeted with a sigh of relief. I will wait for the 2005 Odyssey. Do you know by chance if we will get all wheel drive? I am in the snowbelt and I need it.
Hello again Bamaboy.... I'm kinda surprised you have not seen the pix of the ASM concept Honda minivan that has been making the rounds of some auto shows. It has appeared in Tokyo (but not Detroit). I think that it shows the general DIRECTION that Honda is going with the American Odyssey. The ASM Concept is definitely NOT the 2005 Odybut it is COMPLETELY different looking than the Japanese market new Ody. It does have the higher more imposing front end with a higher beltline & a chunkier look. You might try a Google search to locate some photos. Bamaboy- if you see the ASM concept photos- please advise if the concept resembles the '05 Ody. Thanks
Obviously, the Japanese-market Odyssey would not make replace the current American Odyssey. So, I've looked into my Bama crystal ball (make that a cotton ball) and I can tell you definitely that it's "closer to the ASM photos being paraded on the Internet."
I have a confidentiality agreement that says that as a totally anonymous poster I cannot say something more definite that would tip of the Honda secret police, causing them to root me out and make me spend the rest of my days at the Piggly Wiggly in Lincoln (Alabama, not Illinois).
Isellhondas said it very well. Luxury stuff for free.
I'd prefer cheap over luxury. There are a lot of us with families who can't afford all of the luxury items. Isn't it feasible for a Honda or Toyota to manufacture and market a reasonably comfortable minivan that's priced at 19K?
I suppose with all of the roll-over airbags, and various R&D items, they must be paid for even by the LX or CE buyers.
But folks who have to transport more than 5 at most times have other demands on their income. Can a new minivan or decent tall-box station wagon be bought by this class of people?
You have your point and I agree. Unfortunately, we can only find few with that price range like Chevy Venture, Dodge Caravan, or Kia Sedona, probably the base models at invoice prices or after factory rebates. Unlike the minivans that we saw in the 80s and 90s, today's minivan look smart and come with countless innovations like power sliding doors & liftgate, all-wheel drive, navigation system, DVD player and many features which can be found on luxury cars these days. And we do need a minivan with tons of space in order to load these features.
It is not a conspiracy that today's auto markers to pack these equipments with premium prices. It is a people's demand. We want more on our cars. People want 6CD in-dash changer or DVD player on their minivans for themselves or their kids on road trip. People make more road trips (beside travel between home and school, church and supermarket) than before because of the airport security these days.
Don't get me wrong. Auto marker in South Korea seems to understand our needs. And look at Kia Sedona. It has been doing well in the past few years. European auto markers even showed no interests in our minivan market, except the slow selling VW EuroVan.
It looks like there are not too many surprises from Honda for the '05 Odyssey. Let's hope we won't be surprised with the prices too.
It is too bad that we can only find Civic DX or HX with no power windows, door locks, A/C (accessory), or CD player and only with manual transmission. The price will go up if we want these items. They are like the most wanted features on today's cars. I would think the entry level (LX if they don't change) of the '05 Odyssey would be under $25K like $24,995.
#629 - Do you work for Honda ? ASM pics no where close
#634 & 636 - No DX version. LX still base line. And prices a bit too low. 7 versions of '05 will be sold.
*************** NEWS FLASH ****************** A --->VERY<--- LIMITED EDITIONS OF THE '04 WILL FEATURE CLOTH INTERIOR ( EX ) WITH A DVD PLAYER BEGINNING IN 2 WEEKS !!!!!!! RUMOR ALSO HAS THAT CLOTH INTERIOR MAY GET A LIMITED EDITION NAVI ( NOT SURE ON THIS ONE , SO DO NOT QUOTE ME ) !!!
You make a good point regardling dealers being closed on Sunday. I think that is true in most states, especially here in the northeast where "blue Laws" with roots in the 13 original colonies are still on the books. But if I get a flat on Sunday I'll view that as no different than most any other kind of breakdown happening on Sunday, and get it fixed on Monday.
I am just not worried about being out of range of the drivable distance of the run flats.
Does this mean if this happens the price will be lower than the leather plus Navi as everyone nows leather is more expensive or will the "Limited Edition" tag cause Honda to think they can charge the same?
I don't work for Honda or any car company, but I find it hard to imagine Honda having NAV or DVD with both the cloth trim and leather trim. Wouldn't that just increase cost by having too many trim lines?
player4 - Where did you find this picture? I have a feeling this will be the final version of the 2005 Honda Odyssey or Honda LaGreat in JDM. Right? Bambaboy. It looks not much different than the current Odyssey. But is looks nice and refresh. Now we can all forget about the ASM concept.
Bambaboy - How many of the '05 Odyssey will be built? Isn't it still build in Canada? I hope Honda will keep up the demands. I am sure most people were paying MSRP (some over MSRP) for the first four years of its production, not to mention months of waiting. Well, LX, EX and/or EX-L... that's make sense for Honda.
lok888 - That is a photoshop of another forum member's guess at the new Oddy. I think his id is "TSX". I belive he works for Honda. It was posted at least 3 months ago. Could be accurate - no one knows. The Oddy is now built in Lincoln, Alabama in a new plant. The capacity is now about 240,000 per year - way more than the Alliston plant could ever produce. The Alliston, Ontario plant is gearing up for the new Honda SUT. As per MSRP, looks like recent Honda sales are hurting with Feb sales way down in Canada (-30% for Feb. while GM sales rose 0.5%)Honda has raised sales incentives recently. The Civic needs a refresh and I am sure the Quest and Sienna have hurt Oddy sales. Honda really needs the new Oddy to get sales back on track.
danno - I haven't seen the picture before. But it looks nice and close to the current boxy design. Is Alabama plant only build Odyssey now? My '00 Odyssey (traded with '04 Sienna) was built in Ontario plant which shared with the MDX and Pilot production lines. I wasn't follow the news much. I have seen more Honda TV ads about sales incentives lately. In the past, we have only seen those year end clearance sale. I guess the reasons for slow sale are the outdated vehicle design and technology, slow production on those high demand vehicles or lack of huge factory incentive & rebate like Toyota.
andrewtran71 - Do they have Odyssey (JDM LaGreat) in Europe? I think they still JDM Odyssey and Stream. I am not sure Honda has a huge minivan market share in European countries.
But I've read and even seen a website for the European Odyssey. I believe the site was linked to one of those sites I've posted some time ago regarding the JDM and ASM Ody.
Have you seen this one site? It's not new, but the writer seems to think the ASM is related to the new Ody, but that the new Ody will not be just luxurious and technologically advanced as the ASM, which is what Bamaboy35004 have been saying.
Comments
A Ford Windstar having anything better than a Sienna? You can pretend to yourself all you want, but you're just looking like a fool here saying things like that.
We can't predict the future, but oh no, you can?
Please.
You don't need sliding doors, either, but it's cool to have.
You don't need fold-down seats either, but it's nice to have.
I guess as long as you can afford it, it's necessary, but if you can't afford it, it's unnecessary, right?
Sure, you're entitled to an opinion like the rest of us :-)
The fact is, the new Ody is not out yet and we don't know squat.
We can't wait either.
People buy Honda for more "practical" reasons and people buy Toyota because they are crazy like me:)
**hee**hee**hee
Yeah, dude, you'll love NAV.
I don't care if the CEO of Honda tells me all this. I will always wait for the actual product to come out. What would I do if those words were false? Sue them? Heck, no.
They are just words. Believe them or not. But always wait for the actual Odyssey to come out.
Has bamaboy given us a "fact" about which there has been no previous rumor spread around the Internet? Like a new color name or some other tangible, material item.
Ok. Let's see. a Quest and a Sienna compacted together with a Honda badge slapped on the front... Wonder how that would look.
When talking about quality and reliability, sure, Ford can't come close to Honda & Toyota, but having more features? what's wrong with that? In previous gen. Sienna, there was no features at all! And even now they don't offer power passenger seat and memory seats and some other minor stuff, while the Freestar DO have them, plus (as I said above) lighted controls for everything. (more important than laser cruise or HID lamps, IMO).
I'm not a Ford fan, but fact is fact. Nothing with my mind is involved here.
I understand you're dieing for Toyota & Honda, and anybody thinking different is crazy (?), but you still have to agree that Toyota Sienna is THE ONLY non-luxury car (or better, only car from a non-luxury brand) to offer laser cruise & HID lights. It doesn't bother me at all, but don't expect Honda or others to copy them. All those features was reserved for luxury models only, and in the meantime luxury cars could lost some value. What's next up with the Toyota's? Do you think they will add the turning headlights (a Lexus feature) to the Sienna?
Come on... relax...
#597 - Yes I do. That is all I can say.
#598 - Doubt at the auto show , but do not quote me on that. No pix that I have seen on the net. Japanese version that you can find on net looks NOTHING like the American version.
#599 - Maybe only 2-3 cm wider ( 20-30mm ) than the current model.
#600 - UNVERIFY THIS ! If you do not believe me that is fine. EVERYTHING that I tell you is true. I have a confidentiality agreement that I signed with Honda when I was hired years ago. I would like to keep my job. I cannot just go & tell you everything on the 2005 model. here is a tidbit though. Does optional seating for 8 sound OK ? Different color leather ?
#607 - You can wait , but no changes or modifications are going to been done for 2005 model ( per engineering ).
#609 - How difinitive do you want. Want a picture ? CANT DO THAT !But if you like multiple cd's, you are in luck for upper lines.
Bamaboy, do you see an Aug 2004 rollout?
Thanks.
So it looks like the next Odyssey is not much different than the current model except a bigger engine (270 hp V6?) and the body shape (close to ASM concept?). And I would guess Honda will carry over all the features from current Odyssey (LX, EX and/or EX-L trims) to the next Odyssey.
Sorry folks... no laser cruise control, HID headlights, hybrid engine or to buy Sienna.
Hey. Bambaboy. Let us know more updates if you can.
Yeah, I think some of us are just hoping that Honda would match the Sienna in every way and then some.
But deep inside, I have to agree with you that Honda tends to keep things simple and save money.
What about the gated shifter?
I don't think the new Ody will have the gated shifter. It may be on the dash, but it won't be gated shifter? I'm pretty close?
What about manual sunshades for the 2nd and 3rd row? I don't know, but I think it will have that either?
No Laser Cruise, no HID, no Adaptive Front Lighting System, no woodtrim, no stow 2nd row, no 2 LCD?
It just has more practical everyday things with a bigger, better, and more fuel efficient engine, right?
The power 2nd row windows may also add another $500.
Remember the front and back sonar sensors will cost them about $1000 already.
We have to keep in mind that it is a Honda, not an Acura. And it's definitely not a Lexus wannabe either.
Just kidding. who knows what the Ody will bring us, except for bamaboy35004, right?
I don't really see the point of Honda keeping a secret about it. People who want the latest model already know that the 05 Ody is coming. People who don't care would rather buy a 04 model.
#618 - ASM CONCEPT ? HAVE NOT SEEN THAT. MORE LINES THAN EX LX & EXL. 260HP
#620 - YES YOU ARE CLOSE ON - EVERYTHING - !
#621 - GO AHEAD & PUT MONEY IN THE BANK THEN ! (HINT)
#622 - SEE ABOVE
Thanks!
bamaboy, just one slight question:
What are the trim lines? DX, LX, EX, EX-L, EX Ultimate???
I'm kinda surprised you have not seen the pix of the ASM concept Honda minivan that has been making the rounds of some auto shows. It has appeared in Tokyo (but not Detroit). I think that it shows the general DIRECTION that Honda is going with the American Odyssey. The ASM Concept is definitely NOT the 2005 Odybut it is COMPLETELY different looking than the Japanese market new Ody.
It does have the higher more imposing front end with a higher beltline & a chunkier look. You might try a Google search to locate some photos.
Bamaboy- if you see the ASM concept photos- please advise if the concept resembles the '05 Ody. Thanks
I have a confidentiality agreement that says that as a totally anonymous poster I cannot say something more definite that would tip of the Honda secret police, causing them to root me out and make me spend the rest of my days at the Piggly Wiggly in Lincoln (Alabama, not Illinois).
Power this, power that, rolling movie theatres, back up sensors for those who can't judge distances....etc....etc...
Amazing....
Oh, and whatever you do, don't raise the price!
This is interesting..
I'd prefer cheap over luxury. There are a lot of us with families who can't afford all of the luxury items. Isn't it feasible for a Honda or Toyota to manufacture and market a reasonably comfortable minivan that's priced at 19K?
I suppose with all of the roll-over airbags, and various R&D items, they must be paid for even by the LX or CE buyers.
But folks who have to transport more than 5 at most times have other demands on their income. Can a new minivan or decent tall-box station wagon be bought by this class of people?
It is not a conspiracy that today's auto markers to pack these equipments with premium prices. It is a people's demand. We want more on our cars. People want 6CD in-dash changer or DVD player on their minivans for themselves or their kids on road trip. People make more road trips (beside travel between home and school, church and supermarket) than before because of the airport security these days.
Don't get me wrong. Auto marker in South Korea seems to understand our needs. And look at Kia Sedona. It has been doing well in the past few years. European auto markers even showed no interests in our minivan market, except the slow selling VW EuroVan.
It looks like there are not too many surprises from Honda for the '05 Odyssey. Let's hope we won't be surprised with the prices too.
I could do without the power doors and the "magic seat" and their ilk, among other things.
My '95 Windstar was 18K, had a futuristic and comfortable interior design, and was rugged and reliable--except for a few strategically placed gaskets.
It had the few virtuous for which I purchased it--seating for seven, cargo versatility, good highway manners, and a non-luxurious price tag.
The Odyssey LX comes closest to this ideal, I suppose. If I adjusted the 18K for today's dollars, it may come out to the same price...
Current LX Odyssey equipement levels, plus
1. Bench Seats
LX: $25,000:
DX equipment plus:
1. Bucket Seats
2. CD Player
3. Power Passenger Sliding Door
4. Power Driver seat
EX: $27,990:
LX Equipment plus:
1. 6-Disc CD Changer
2. Power Driver Sliding Door
3. Power Liftgate
All the doodads that an Odyssey could have.
Pricing is just a guesstimate, but a DX "price leader" would be great to compete against the Sedonas of the world.
#628 - No not even close
#629 - Do you work for Honda ? ASM pics no where close
#634 & 636 - No DX version. LX still base line. And prices a bit too low. 7 versions of '05 will be sold.
*************** NEWS FLASH ******************
A --->VERY<--- LIMITED EDITIONS OF THE '04 WILL FEATURE CLOTH INTERIOR ( EX ) WITH A DVD PLAYER BEGINNING IN 2 WEEKS !!!!!!! RUMOR ALSO HAS THAT CLOTH INTERIOR MAY GET A LIMITED EDITION NAVI ( NOT SURE ON THIS ONE , SO DO NOT QUOTE ME ) !!!
http://www.prelude-fan.de/pics/odyssey-2gen.gif
I am just not worried about being out of range of the drivable distance of the run flats.
Bambaboy - How many of the '05 Odyssey will be built? Isn't it still build in Canada? I hope Honda will keep up the demands. I am sure most people were paying MSRP (some over MSRP) for the first four years of its production, not to mention months of waiting. Well, LX, EX and/or EX-L... that's make sense for Honda.
The Oddy is now built in Lincoln, Alabama in a new plant. The capacity is now about 240,000 per year - way more than the Alliston plant could ever produce. The Alliston, Ontario plant is gearing up for the new Honda SUT.
As per MSRP, looks like recent Honda sales are hurting with Feb sales way down in Canada (-30% for Feb. while GM sales rose 0.5%)Honda has raised sales incentives recently. The Civic needs a refresh and I am sure the Quest and Sienna have hurt Oddy sales. Honda really needs the new Oddy to get sales back on track.
I have seen more Honda TV ads about sales incentives lately. In the past, we have only seen those year end clearance sale. I guess the reasons for slow sale are the outdated vehicle design and technology, slow production on those high demand vehicles or lack of huge factory incentive & rebate like Toyota.
andrewtran71 - Do they have Odyssey (JDM LaGreat) in Europe? I think they still JDM Odyssey and Stream. I am not sure Honda has a huge minivan market share in European countries.
i'm curious. if you had a number of LXs on your lot, would you be able to sell them?
http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-article?article_id=127069
Have you seen this one site? It's not new, but the writer seems to think the ASM is related to the new Ody, but that the new Ody will not be just luxurious and technologically advanced as the ASM, which is what Bamaboy35004 have been saying.
http://www.autoimportcraze.com/articledetail.php?menu=2&Artic- - leID=118