Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Smoother ride, more comfortable & sound system is far superior.
After all is said and done, these are the reasons we either like a car or not.
As for cost, yes, they are more expensive than standard tires although whether they are "alot more" depends, among other things, on one's perspective. Quoted prices I've seen seem to be about $175 each.
The best thing about them, however, is that unlike conventional run-flats, PAX tires offer a superb ride, comparable to regular tires.
Yes, but those complaints have NOTHING to do with tire life (that is a problem with the Sienna AWD runflats, not the PAX tires) or the tire ride.
The complaints regarding PAX are that the wheels/tires are proprietary to Michelin and that availability may be spotty (because the Ody Touring is the ONLY vehicle in NA to use this tire) and that alternate tires cannot be fitted to these rims.
And with the EX-L, you don't need a can of fix-a-flat; you have a spare.
Knowing or not knowing this issue is another thing.
Go with these two vehicles could not be wrong, no vehicle is perfect.
As you did, I would always want hear something negative about a vehicle.
I am not saying people promoting a specific vehicle are associated with
a dealership, and if it is, there is nothing wrong on it. You just have to be careful.
Excellent point. Locking the doors also helps. Combined, your risk of ejection would be minimal. The NHTSA intentionally unlocks doors for their side impact tests, unless an automatic system that is difficult to override is standard.
It's now a moot point now, anyway. Honda updated the design for 2006 and a retest by the NHTSA no longer indicates any safety concern. The Odyssey retained 5-star ratings.
Both vehicles are very safe. Each has advantages. As noted, the Honda has a slightly better rating in the NHTSA frontal driver test and the IIHS head restraint test. The Odyssey also has rollover deploying side curtain airbags with sensors for all seating rows plus standard stability control. Though subjective, many reviews indicate it has somewhat better handling and braking limits. A few hundred more pounds on most models can't hurt in a head-on crash, either. In favor of the Sienna are available features on lower trims like DRLs, auto door locks, tire pressure warning and also better driver's side rear visibility (also subjective). The new turn signal mirrors available on higher trims for 2006 are nice, too. Keep in mind the Sienna also had quadruple 5-star ratings for 2004; the numbers on the NHTSA frontal driver crash test really didn't change greatly and may not be too far from the threshold for 5-stars in any case. From what correspondence I have, it appears that updates to a restraint system to meet new regulations led to the retest in 2005 and possibly the lower score as well.
Despite the differences, both are very safe vehicles overall. The IIHS side impact tests on the minivan category are due to be released soon, so that should add another round to the debate. I suspect most models tested with side curtain airbags will do well, though.
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=80
On the good side, the stereo sounds great and the DVD player is very nice. The Odyssey looks better than other minivans on the outside. The engine compartment is the most organized I've seen on any vehicle.
I wasn't happy with any of the choices when I bought the Odyssey, but I thought it was the best compromise. After three weeks, I wish that I had bought the Sienna, even though it's not as attractive and doesn't come with satellite radio. By every measure our 2006 Odyssey is a better minivan than the 1998 Olds Silhouette that it replaced, yet I'd have to say that the Olds never disappointed me the way that the Odyssey has. I don't think I'll buy another Honda in the future.
- power vent windows
- front console
- 10 speaker stereo with surround
- roof cross bars included ($285 extra for Odyssey)
- windshield wiper de-icer
- stereo jack for Ipods & CD player plays MP3s
You get the idea. You may have to give up some nice features either way. The Sienna has a much smoother ride than the Odyssey, but the Odyssey is sportier looking and feeling.
I bought into some of the reviews that talked up the Odyssey without pointing out any of it's faults. The articles said that it rides like a premium sedan - no way. It's nice on smooth pavement, but hit some expansion joints or potholes and it's a violent ride. Enough that the wireless headphones kept falling off my kid's heads.
Speaking of crossbars. How easy are they to take off of a Sienna. I have some nice Thule cross bars that I use for serious rooftop duty (Canoe etc) that are stronger and more stable than the factory bars. Right now I keep the factory bars on (along with the Thule) and install the other bars for carrying things. Are the bars on the Sienna easily removable. Would be nice for wind noise and gas mileage (slightly).
I did find the Odyssey to have many of the same shortcomings at the lower trim level. While the ride was acceptable in terms of being smooth and quiet, the Sienna was somewhat better. I also liked the Sienna interior a bit better, though I think the Odyssey's is quite nice relative to many other vehicles on the market. On the flip side, I think the Odyssey seats are very comfortable and our gas milaage has been well above expectations so far on two tanks of suburban driving. The tradeoff for the Sienna's quiet and smooth ride is clearly the road feel and handling in the Odyssey, so it's personal preference as to which you value more. Both are very good vans. For many, the choice may well come down to which gizmos you value and what sort of things disappoint you. I was coming from a 2001 Odyssey, and the 2006 model is an upgrade in almost every regard so far.
Having said all that, there is probably a forum that is the inverse of this one and there are likely Toyota loyalists wishing they bought an Odyssey instead of a Sienna, I think they call that buyers remorse/sour grapes.
A very minor quibble on my part but......Toyota does NOT equip any of it's vehicles with PAX tires.
There is no so called "internet price" for Honda as offered by many Toyota dealerships in my area (DC area). This is just another option in buying vehicle. I didn't notice anything like this offered by Honda.
Both Toyota and Honda have wonderful vehicles that I like to keep, and it could not be wrong if you choose either based on their reliability history.
I have 400 miles on ody so far, and there are some rattles inside. The map/glove compartment has a loose fit and does not match when closed in. I guess it will start openning on its own soon. The plastic is cheap looking. The seats are not as comfy as toyota. No Trip computer. The door handle is tight and pry on the opposite side. I guess they want us to use left hand to open the door instead of right. Does not make sense for why they did that. Also the way the 3rd row seat recline and folds back is not very durable. I doubt that pull strap will last.
on Plus side, the handling is responsive, overall looks are better than sienna.
The deciding factor me was that sienna/camry is towards it end of cycle for this shape. There will be new camry next yr which will be more like avalon and since sienna is based on camry platform, it will change in 2008 (as early as late 2007).
Above all i wanted to give honda a shot as this is my first one. I am not sure if i will do that again. It is not being a toyota lover and whining on this forum. I have spent 26 k in a vehicle and i want to be satisfied.
Asif
We've gotten 21 mpg on our first two tanks in predominantly suburban driving around town. I can't compare to Sienna, but it is 2-3mpg higher than our 2001 Odyssey in the same conditions. The EPA estimate for the 2006 also happens to be 2mpg higher than the 2001, so the relative economy seems to be reasonable. As they say, YMMV.
When we were thinking for a mini-van, of course we went to Honda dealers and test-drove Ody for a couple of times. We won't be able to go to the top models/options since we have a budget of $25k pre-tax.
We got a quote from Honda dealers of $24,986 before tax for a Ody LX. But finally we got a Sienna LE + BZ package, or the #4 package, instead. The pre-tax price is $25,400.
After we got the van, we feel:
1) The edmunds TMV for Sienna vans should be reduced to $1000 lower; It's simply not right. Both my wife and I are kind of green and don't know how to negotiate at all, we don't even speak good English, so I don't think we could get something way below the TMV. I am afraid the TMV should be even lower.
2)Honda Ody LX is very nice, but has less feature than Sienna LE + BZ(#4) package. Such as, right power sliding door; privacy windows; power driver seat; 6 CD changer; and many others for convenience.
3) The toyota dealership in TN has done a better job than the Honda dealership in the same area. It may or may not be the case elsewhere though.
4) The only thing we really don't like on the Sienna LE+BZ package van is the ugly antenna. It is in the glass for XLE and above models, but we have to live with it due to the budget issue.
Hopefully the above info can help future buyers.
Good concept hard to impliment though - what people like is not always available. I would like a minivan with a diesel engine and a manual transmission - where do I get that?
All,
Let's fast forward 5-10 years or so. Folks like us will be posting from their blackberry successors and look back on today's Ody and Sienna like they were the Pontiac Transport versus Aztek or VW Thing versus Yugo. For those who aren't familiar, these were four vehicles that were ugly and did nothing for most consumers but scatter the USA market to other segments. In ten years you might get laughed at by your neighbors who say, "You still have an INTERNAL COMBUSTION engine? C'mon Mr. Morph-resistant, it's all about 'nucular' (a presidential quote) hydrogen green electric plutonic pnuemonic plasma hybrids, get with the world government mandated program, you're making us all look bad to the mother ship."
Every vehicle ever made is a compromise but they evolve in directions and for reasons I don't fully understand. I only wish that more forethought and weight was placed on informal customer feedback which in a way, this place and others offer. I don't recall getting a survey from any auto manufacturer asking what you'd like to see done differently or better next year. OK, Volvo one time, but I never saw any of my suggestions implemented and I have several profitable patents. Let's start with an Ody coin holder!
And, why is having to use a Torx screwdriver such a big deal? Just curious..how often do you move those cross bars anyway?
Seriously...it's not a good thing to spend that much money and be unhappy. I do think, however, based on the level of your complaints that you would have found minor items on a Sienna that would have bothered you as well.
What do you think the bottom of your cup holder is for?
this doesn't exist in the '05 / '06 model?
There are no provisions or devices shaped to hold coins in any 2005 or 2006 Odyssey, thus the ridiculous grumbling. Using the bottom of a cupholder causes a sticky and possibly staining mess (pennies) and the coins rattle. Our '06 Ody Touring R&N is still rattle free so I enjoy the quiet coin free jingle ride for now. I solved this problem long ago with a $5 coin holder from Target that fits in a cupholder but I shouldn't have to sacrifice one of the dozen or so aboard to hold change, wink. The fun part is making a big deal of such a simple omission as a design oversight.
There's not much to pick on with either vehicle titled in this forum as choosing represents your personal taste and owner acceptance of comprimises.
We are in E TN and also looking for a van now. Can you give more detail about where and whom you bought from? Thanks in advance.
No full time 12 VDC on either one. This is a common trait of Japanese vehicles. There are mods available to do this but I can't disclose where they're located unless you e-mail me.
Honda 0-60 mph 8.6 sec, 1/4 mile 16.5 sec
Toyota 0-60 mph 8.8 sec, 1/4 mile 16.7 sec
For a complete review of this comparison and the Chrysler minivan go to http://motortrend.com/roadtests/van/112_0505_minivans/index4.html
Flip a coin, they're both great manly-man/mommy-mover minivans.
Does anyone know how the Sienna or Odyssey would handle a 400 lb tongue weight with the right hitch?
Thanks! -Alice
Family feedback is that it is roomy (from a 6'4" teenager) and feels like the old van from my wife. My only negative is that it has very light steering, too much assistance.
It is of course quieter than a van with 118,000 miles on it and a strange clunk from the front steering.