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Virtually all, if not all, overhead cam engines use a timing belt which does require periodic replacement. [snip] Since Honda engines are overhead cam design, they have a belt.
Sorry but that is simply not factual. Yes, it is true that a belt requires periodic replacement and a chain typically lasts the life of the car but the use of either a chain or belt is really the preference of the manufacturer and not a function of the motor being OHV. Case in point, Nissan, Ford and others choose to use a chain for their OHV engines. Honda and Toyota and others choose to use a belt. It used to be that belts were quieter than chains but in modern cars it really is hard to tell.
All the cars that I have ever bought, except my first, had a timing chain. Can you guess what happened to my car that had a belt?
And there are of course many other upgrades included in each package besides just the DVD systems, but I am not sure if the several thousand dollar premium is worth it for the Touring or the Elite. What are your thoughts about the value and practical usefulness of other options included in each package, such as the parking sensors? The sunshades? Fog lights? Memory seats? Sunshades? Acoustic windshield? Blindspot system? 3rd row armrest? HID headlights? There are obviously many here and I realize each has its own merits, but does anyone care to analyze or summarize the overall benefit / value of the Touring and the Touring Elite packages in light of their cost premiums? Are they worth it? Any regrets one way or another (wish you upgraded or wish you didn't upgrade)?
I also opted to forgo the RES since I like some of the aftermarket systems better.
But anyway, it is up to what gadgets/features you like and will really use. The only thing I can say is that if you want to go the Touring way I'd go for the Touring Elite, the Touring seems a little bit sandwiched in between the EX-L and Touring Elite, no much added value for the price difference IMO.
My only argument with the Touring Elite (cool vehicle), is that it is still a Honda (not an Acura). Just keep that on mind, especially when looking after interior/exterior upscale finishes/features and actual post-sale service.
Originally post problem under wrong discussion group.
From day one, noticed dangerous hesitation at speeds 10 to 25 MPH. Accelerator goes dead for 1 to 2 seconds without response, then kicks in.
Immediately spoke to dealership. Sales rep said he has not heard of problem but said Elite has new transmission.
Right after Christmas drove to FL. Encounter problem several time. Thankfully avoided being run into rear when I could not accelerate immediately.
When I arrived in SW FL went to local Honda dealer immediately. First appointment was in one week. Service Rep who scheduled appoint did not ever hear of problem but said Elite was all new.
When I went to drop off car a different Service Rep said he had heard of this problem but there was NO FIX. He explained problem in detail just by reading my scheduling notes stating “hesitation in accelerating 10 – 25 MPH.” He said it has been happening in previous year Hondas.
Was checked out by different Service rep, He said tech drove car but could not recreate problem. Connected to computer found no problems. Service rep said he checked online to see if this was a reported problem or if there was any updated but both were negative. Said to check back if problem continues .I TOLD HIM THAT THE SERVICE REP WHO CHECKED ME IN SAID IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM HOWEVER THIS SERVICE REP SAID HE WAS UNAWARE OF PROBLEM!!!
Now have 3000 miles and problem is occurring more often. Waiting to return home (NY) to have local Honda dealer check out.
IF ANYONE ELSE HAS PROBLEM AND HAS IT RESOLVED PLEASE SHARE. Thanks
I did encounter the TPMS error that seems to be common in the industry (not just Honda) from cell phone interference but it appears there is a quick software fix. We'll see.
We really enjoy the Touring because we have both the navi and the DVD player. Sure, navi is on most cell phones but that is a hassle. The DVD we don't use much unless on long drives, but the total integration is superb. We LOVE the fact that our iPhone contacts can be completely transferred over, something not possible without the Navi. Not sure if Bluetooth Audio is available on other trim levels, but it makes the USB integration almost useless... we can connect our iPhone as an iPod wirelessly.
I do miss the individual tire pressure readings we had on the 2008. Not sure why that was taken out but enjoy the ability to customize the door lock/unlock prefs, lights, etc. It's only been two days but we're loving it!
Does anybody know something that I don't?
I really like the Odyssey in general, and I think it is much superior in most regards over the competitors (although I still can't look at that disgusting exterior design), but I must give credit where credit is due.
The sliding doors in the Chrysler minivans are the best design IMO. First, you can always override the power doors manually, once the "system" feels that you want to do anything manually, it "shuts itself off" and let you do what you need to easily. Another good process, if you're opening the door by mistake, and you want to close it, pressing the button or pulling the door handle will reverse direction immediately. You can go back & forth as many times as you wish. That's "smart thinking" IMO.
Now over to the Odyssey. Once you open the door, there is NO WAY to reverse direction. You must patiently wait until it SLOWLY opens fully, and only then start to close. And vice versa. Should you press a button or pull the door handle in the middle of moving, the door will stop sliding and beep, like screaming in protest "what the heck do you want from me? Let me finish my job...!!" and upon pulling the handle again, it will continue to open fully, while you stay there (in the cold, heat, or just big rush) and wait for the door to finish opening, so you can finally close it.
Again, this is the most stupid design I have ever encountered. When I read that Honda improved the sliding door design, I was sure that this issue is what they’re talking about. But boy was I mistaken!! And please correct me if I am wrong. I WISH to be wrong!!
I have EX-L without Navi and all my contacts transfer just fine from iphone. Additionally bluetooth works just fine on EX-L and any trim that has bluetooth.
Interestingly one can setup IPAD to stream just like the iphone. There is a slight lag between the movie picture on ipad and the sound coming out of the van speakers .
Bought my van 2 weeks ago in Dallas area
33K +TTL
EX-L with wheel locks, all season mats, door edge guards, mud guards, door sill garnish, and window tint for the front two windows as the rest already have privacy glass.
pricewala at gmail dot com
PW
I still maintain the Odyssey is unbeatable -- great steering, perfect ride (firm, very European), smooth transmission, and one of the best engines out there with fuel economy to match -- except for the obvious tranny design fault. How can Honda ignore this? Convince us all they've fixed the tranny and we'll gladly buy (I back ordered my 2002 because they were so highly rated and hard to get). From the ton of available information it seems Honda used substandard clutch pad material that just falls apart and clogs the tranny (check out how many civics, accords, and Odysseys had the same problem between 2001-2003, it's uncanny: http://www.hondaproblems.com/problems/transmission-failure.shtml)
Civic 2001: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Civic/2001/ (ouch!!)
Accord 2003: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/2003/
Odyssey 2002: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Odyssey/2002/
Not so for other models, including the CRV.
Another explanation is you can't clean the internal filter, unless you drop the pan. But I see other recent models have the same setup. strange.
Until Honda shows credible evidence explaining tranny failure I won't even consider the Odyssey; a pity cos it's otherwise the best minivan on the market, and seems to have less cheapo interior than the Sienna!
Thanks.
Thanks again.
When we travel with the grandparents, they sit in the 2nd row and the kids in the 3rd row.
Besides the huge price increase, I should say no EXL/NAV/RES, that's a major deal breaker for us.
I suppose in instances where you wanted the two second row seats but the gap between them the lack of arm rests might be a problem, but I'm not sure how often we would ever operate in that configuration.
I'm wondering, for folks who have had the car for a longer time, if this is an issue for you when you drive? I am especially thinking about mid-long car trips, where your leg can feel cramped and your knee almost feels locked in. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
bottome line is........EVERY car will have a dead battery if not driven enough. If you let a car sit for a few days without driving it, and then take a short trip......I'll guarantee you'll have a low battery. Just common sense.
BTW.....I am assuming you know more than consumer reports, Edmunds, Healey from USA today.....motor trend, car and driver....need I go on?
They say the Odyssey is the #1 Van made.
Oh......the quest is nothing more than a look alike Ford Flex.
A few of you simply need to grow up.