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Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans - READ ONLY

7485 messages,  Last post on Mar 23, 2008 at 8:43 AM

You are in the Honda Odyssey Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager, Van

Messages Page 138 of 749

#1370 of 7485 odd1 by 4aodge

Jun 11, 2002 (7:09 pm)

Ok, let's back up a bit here. Alot of what I said about not liking how Honda Vtec engines have to rev to ridiculous RPMs just to get peak power comes from my personal preference. I don't like having to rev to 3.5k+ RPMs just to keep up with traffic, which I don't have to do with our pushrod 3.3 V6. I'm sorry that I did not take into account in my posts how Honda engines are made for high reving.
 
I never said the 3.3 V6 has more torque than the Odyssey but I'm pretty sure it would feel like it. The 3.3 delivers its 203lbs of torque at a very low RPM of about 3k, which is really nice for large minivans. I've never seen a pre 2002 Odyssey get off the line with such power as my Town & Country. Although after about 3k RPMs the power in the 3.3 begins to fade, which I'm sure would not be the case in the Odyssey. However, the 3.8 V6 does have more torque than the Odyssey 3.5 and delivers it at a lower RPM, even though it only has 3 more lbs.
 
Also, let's not forget that the "ancient" pushrod technology used in the Chrysler 3.8 was rated higher by Edmunds than was the high-tec, advanced, wonderful 3.5 V6 found in the 2001 Odyssey. It was smoother and quieter than the Honda 3.5 V6. Also, the Chrysler engines are reliable and proven, especially the 3.3 V6. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
 
Although I've only sat inside a 2001 Honda Odyssey with aftermarket leather at a local dealership, I have driven a 2001 Town & Country Limited with the 3.8 engine. It would be a lie and an insult to Chrysler to say the interior of Odyssey is even similar to that of the Town & Country. Even my friend who is a die-hard Honda fan and owns a 2001 Accord Coupe EX thinks the Town & Country interior is more plush and luxurious than the spartan Odyssey, not to mention more attractive. When you sit in the Odyssey you feel like your sitting in a Honda. Period. When you sit inside a Town & Country LXi or Limited you feel like your ridding in the lap of luxury.
 
When was the last time anyone called the Honda Odyssey a luxury vehicle?
 
-Adam

#1371 of 7485 Why don't you two just exchange phone #'s? by bibbens

Jun 11, 2002 (7:36 pm)

And MY Dad could kick both your Dads' butts.

#1372 of 7485 "High Tech" by hersbird

Jun 11, 2002 (10:39 pm)

Of course Chrysler was using that "high tech" OHV type motor a long time ago on their minivans. Remember the 3.0 v-6 that was the mainstay for so many years of Chrysler vans. I had that motor in 3 or the 4 Grand Caravans I've owned but would take the 3.8 over it anyday. The pushrod design is just more reliable. All OHV motors will ultimately have problems with the valve guides, and also warpage on the aluminum heads. Our highest mileage caravan did do well, but I feel if it had the optional 3.3 pushrod motor it would have been in better shape at 145,000 (with only fluid changes and tires no less). Yeh there are lots of Accords out there with 150,000 miles on a OHV motor, but there are lots of them out there smoking as well. It's just not as common with iron headed, push rod motors. Both designs are actually about equally old so I really don't consider one "high tech" and the other "outdated". Besides winston Cup cars make 850 HP with those old pushrods on a 5.7L motor with no power adders. They can ONLY spin to 10,000 rpm doing it though...

#1373 of 7485 (bibbins) by pat84

Jun 12, 2002 (5:14 am)

Good one.
I have always wondered why these topics "vehicle A vs. vehicle B" frequently degenerate to my vehicle is better, because your vehicle sucks types of arguments.

#1374 of 7485 Expectations by bdaddy

Jun 12, 2002 (6:55 am)

The last time I checked, this thread was titled "Honda Odyssey vs. DC minivans". What do you expect. If you want to hear only the praises of your vehicle, go to a vehicle specific thread.
 
Maybe we should all just say, "the Honda and DC vans are both very nice vehicles", and then we can end this discussion - close it down, no need to discuss anything else cuz they are both great. Flip a coin.
 
Most of the banter here is good natured ribbing. Sure there is some testosterone sprinkled in from time to time, but I don't think anyone takes it to heart. As for comparisons of the vans, I'm all for it. Lets just make sure were comparing vehicles and offering opinions based on our experiences, not based on what we've read in other chat rooms or publications. As I've said before, I've driven most every 2002 minivan out there (save for VW). My comments are based on my experiences not on my perceptions and prejudices.

#1377 of 7485 flip a coin by steve_ HOST

Jun 12, 2002 (9:32 am)

May not be a bad idea at all since it seems that some participants here don't care about the vans so much as trying to get each other's goats.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

#1378 of 7485 Host by bdaddy

Jun 12, 2002 (11:29 am)

"seems that some participants here don't care about the vans so much as trying to get each other's goats" - Steve
 
Guilty as charged

Messages Page 138 of 749

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