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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 143 of 749

#1419 of 7485 Help me choose? by mitchs3

Jun 27, 2002 (7:05 pm)

I have a 97 Town and Country LX. When all runs and works well it is a very nice vehicle. However, I have had many repairs over the 5 years including 3 (yes three) new circuit boards that control the dashboard guages, rack and pinion steering, parking brake pedal, stereo, wiper motor, wiper switch, fuel guage sender ($500.00), interior lights. Im likely to purchase a 2003 Oddyssey over a 2002 Town and Country, but those 2500.00 rebate and 350.00 under invoice price given to me on any Town and Country is tempting. Has Chrysler reliability improved or is there a reason Chrysler needs to deeply discount their vehicle while Honda sells at sticker?

#1420 of 7485 Help me choose? by mitchs3 by dmathews3

Jun 28, 2002 (5:09 am)

Well, you are going to open a can of worms with that question. The DC people seem to think the product has improved and it looks like for the short term, it has. But and I do mean but, for the long term only time will tell. I think over all the Honda is a built better but it looks like if you want a Caddy type van and willing to take a chance on their quality improving, and with all the bells and whistles you will have to go with the DC van. The only sticking point with the Honda vans is on the 99's there is a possibility of some trans problems but it looks like Honda fixed them, and then went one step better and now there is the 5 speed which I haven't heard of any problems with. The best part was it didn't take a decade or more to fix like seems to be the norm on a DC van.

#1421 of 7485 mitch3 by pat84

Jun 28, 2002 (5:40 am)

You can get a lemon from any manufacturer. DC now offers extended warranties that should make them even more attractive to you.
BTW I drive a 99 Odyssey that has 60 K miles on it and would recommend them based solely on my experience.

#1422 of 7485 mitch3 by bdaddy

Jun 28, 2002 (6:30 am)

I always say, drive them first, then decide. I had the same temptations with the rebates DC was throwing in on their vehicles. I took the DC and Honda for an extensive test drive and that was the ultimate determinant for me. I preferred the power, handling and safety features of the Honda. For some folks, price is the number one factor in their decision. They can be found on the Kia boards.

#1423 of 7485 Hey!!! by odd1

Jun 28, 2002 (2:47 pm)

What with this good sound advise? This is VS board. Let's get back to sniping at each other....
L.O.L.

#1424 of 7485 Town & Country by 4aodge

Jun 28, 2002 (3:28 pm)

I have never heard of any 2002 DC minivan having all the problems you have had with your 1997 Town & Country LX. That does't mean its impossible, but Chrysler reliabilty has improved significantly since you purchased your 1997 model van. To see what I mean, just sit inside a new Town & Country and experience the difference in quality yourself. The dash is well assembled, the doors slam with authority, and the interior materials are of much better quality.
 
We have a 2000 Town & Country LX with 44k miles and no problmes. We bought the Town & Country over the Odyssey mainly because of apperance, features and price. We have been very happy with our current van and are now looking to replace it with a new 2002 Town & Country LXi.

#1425 of 7485 Hey!!! by odd1 by dmathews3

Jun 28, 2002 (4:34 pm)

It's not allowed anymore, thats why the posts have dropped off and now its just boring. Best thing that could happen is to put it 6 foot under.

#1426 of 7485 4adodge - reliability by bdaddy

Jul 01, 2002 (9:32 am)

"Chrysler reliabilty has improved significantly since you purchased your 1997 model van. To see what I mean, just sit inside a new Town & Country and experience the difference in quality yourself." - 4adodge
 
Adam,
I hate to nit pick, but since when does initial build quality=reliability. I know you must be thinking, "look at these plush surroundings" when you sit in your T&C but that in no way equates to reliability. At 40K miles, your van should be reliable. I wonder how it would fare at 60k, or even 90k miles. I love it when people claim, "I've always owned XXX cars and never had a problem." Then you find out they lease or trade them in every 2-3 years.
 
There, I feel better now.

#1427 of 7485 Can of Worms by mitchs3

Jul 01, 2002 (5:31 pm)

Well I did open up the can when I asked for help choosing either the Odyssey or Town and Country. What is most important is reliability over the comforts, though the latter is important. We have placed a order for 2003 Odyssey EX-L without yet driving because none of the dealers have one to drive. If only Honda will come out with a more luxurious SE model this coming year (2003)...Or perhaps an Acura badged version...No one has given me compelling reason to retry another Chrysler after all the trouble my 97 Town/country has given me....

#1428 of 7485 mitch3: Buy New Honda Odyssey by ody01

Jul 01, 2002 (7:21 pm)

Reliability most important get Odyssey. Love 2001 Odyssey now has 15,700 miles no problems. Odyssey most room, Magic Seat most luggage space, most power, almost best mileage. Don't need all extra feature on Chrysler minivan.

Messages Page 143 of 749

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