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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 354 of 749

#3531 of 7485 Re: [marine2] by socalawd

Jun 13, 2005 (9:02 pm)

Replying to: marine2 (Jun 13, 2005 7:32 pm)
There is the mention of poorly fitting interior trim pieces in consumer reports. I was also going by my own problems and my cars fit anfd finish. The 2005 may be improved, but I haven't seen many reviews. Sorry for stating something that maybe misleading. The VSC was the main selling point for me and the dodge I had before had oh so many issues for a 50,000 mile vehicle. I am almost 40 years old and have never replaced a car with less than 100,000 miles. When I bought my 2001 Caravan I got 5,500 off the sticker price. I thought I was getting good value. Well I didn't.It was marginal at best. BTW weren't you the one saying that the car crash data from Honda was being withheld. That data has been out for months. 5 stars all around(a safety concern with front driver side opening from side impact) and best pick for offset(Dodge is acceptable). Along with VSC and standard side airbags. As far as how quite my van is I got 3 kids 3-10 so IT's never quite in there . So I can't really comment on that. I only hear how great the dodge/chrysler vans are here comeon guys show me one reviewer that says dodge/chrysler is the top minivan. All you have is your opinions.
Here is the other information from the edmunds town and country review that I never see anybody post here! All I see is the tight as a drum quote. I'll give you the pros and cons from edmunds review remember this is a top of the line chrysler.
 
Pros Excellent ride and handling, good low-end pull from 3.8-liter V6, roomy and luxurious interior, innovative fold-flat second- and third-row seats.
Cons Unimpressive reliability history, major safety features remain optional on lower-level models, no stability control
 
Chow!!

#3532 of 7485 Have you guys flunked economics? by hayneldan

Jun 13, 2005 (9:20 pm)

When you talk about resale values, have any of you guys ever heard of the laws of supply and demand? When you have an limited amount of product available (Honda Odyssey's) versus a large amount of product available (DC minivans). The limited supply product always commands a higher price.Reference any High School or College Economics text. If you were a used car dealer and had 5 DC minivans on the lot and only 1 Odyssey, and an owner of either came in asking for a trade in price, who do you think would get the higher trade in value?

#3533 of 7485 That's not quite right. by marine2

Jun 13, 2005 (9:55 pm)

Even what you posted said it had roomy and luxurious interior. Far from what you said before about it. Safety features remain optional, but they can easily be gotten if one wants to pay for it. Some don't. Unimpressive reliability history, I think they have done quite good in safety recalls in the last two years. only two last year, one for a fuel filter and another for a power steering hose. So far this year, it's only been a seat belt re tractor . Honda has had five in the last two years. Last year it was transmissions and fuel pumps. This year it's been electrical, brakes and steering column.
 
"I only hear how great the dodge/chrysler vans are here comeon guys show me one reviewer that says dodge/chrysler is the top minivan. All you have is your opinions."
 
I have never said the Dodge was a great van. That comes from 99% of the Honda owners about the Ody. They are always cutting down the Dodge van. I am saying the Dodge is a very good van and even though the Ody is a hair faster, turns a few inches shorter, supposedly gets a little better mileage, it's got it's share of problems Dodge/Chryslers minivans don't have. Noise, wind, sliding doors,etc. The difference in problems between the two vans can easily be seen in the posts on 2005 Hondas and 2005 Dodge/Chryslers. Very, very few 2005 Dodge/Chrysler owners are complaining with problems with their vans and they've been out months longer than Honda's. But still Honda owners act like nothing goes wrong with their vans.

#3534 of 7485 Re: That's not quite right. [marine2] by socalawd

Jun 13, 2005 (10:57 pm)

Replying to: marine2 (Jun 13, 2005 9:55 pm)
Safety features remain optional, but they can easily be gotten if one wants to pay for it
 
No VSC can't get it no matter how much you pay. I personally like the safety for everyone, too bad it prices some out of the market!
 
When you talk about resale values, have any of you guys ever heard of the laws of supply and demand? When you have an limited amount of product available (Honda Odyssey's) versus a large amount of product available (DC minivans).
 
Well how does this explain the Accord and Camry resale values. They are the top selling cars but hold way more value than the Dodge Intepid, Ford Tarus, Saturn L series, or Chevy Malibu. Maybe there is a little more to it. YOU THINK!!! And resale value at the end is a good thing to have. I didn't have any at the end with my caravan and Intrepid.
 
Even what you posted said it had roomy and luxurious interior. Far from what you said before about it.
 
I like to post the whole review not pick and choose. Edmunds reviews in my opinion are a little short sighted. Here is what consumer reports has to say LOWS- Seat comfort, interior trim materials, some controls and coarse engines.

#3535 of 7485 I get Consumers Report and they are bias by marine2

Jun 14, 2005 (12:36 am)

towards American vehicles. For instance they rate the Honda Ody as better than average in reliability, even though everything about it is new. But several American cars that are new this year, they only rated them as new. How fair is that?
 
This clown that rated the Dodge Caravan said it was noiser than the top rated vans. While almost every 2005 Dodge owner that has commented on their van, has bragged on how quiet it is. No wind noise or rattles like many Honda owners have complained of.
 
He says the engine only puts out adequate performance, when several revewers I have posted, claimed it put out a strong performance and was only less than one second slower than the Honda in the quarter mile.
 
Then he complains the Dodge hasn't got adjustable arm rests. But no one ever mentions that neither did Toyota or the Saturn. I have never had a car, van or truck with adjustible arm rests. But again, it was his way of belittling the Dodge.
 
He complained of the controls being (busy). What the heck does busy mean?
 
He said the Dodge rode well at low speeds but on the highway it was unsettling and floaty.
 
Read what this one reviewer said about the ride of the Dodge and and what another said of the Honda.
 
Ride quality is supple and well-controlled on the highway. The rack-and-pinion steering responds nicely and provides good feedback through the steering wheel. The Grand Caravan tracks true at highway speeds, so there's no need for constant, minor steering corrections. Indeed, the Dodge Grand Caravan offers superb driving dynamics. Grand Caravan rides more softly than an SUV, gliding over potholes rather than trying to beat them into submission. It's an excellent choice when transporting passengers on beat up freeways and bumpy urban streets.

 
As on its passenger cars, Honda tuned that suspension tightly. The vocal engine, decent tire grip, and busy ride quality make it feel connected to the road, and the turning radius is nearly as tight as a sedan's. Like the Accord it's based on, the Odyssey gives the feeling that it can be tossed around corners a bit. Taking it up on the offer ruins the illusion, however, mostly because the capsizing feeling that comes with any aggressive turn reminds you of how high you're perched. That, plus too-slow steering, plus the Odyssey's not-so-mini measurements, make mountain runs a nervous affair. It's probably best to be content with the Odyssey's feel in the city, and best to keep it there
 
This is from Edmonds,
 
Instrumented test numbers aren't typically the first item of concern when discussing minivans, but we feel it's important to mention just how quick the T&C feels for a minivan. At the track, it broke the front tires loose when punched from a dead stop, and the automatic transmission delivered positive upshifts above 5,000 rpm. Shorter, tighter gear ratios would provide even quicker acceleration
 
Does that sound like the engine is just adequate?
 
Different drivers, different opinions.

#3536 of 7485 Re: That's not quite right. [socalawd] by dennisctc

Jun 14, 2005 (3:45 am)

Replying to: socalawd (Jun 13, 2005 10:57 pm)
No VSC can't get it no matter how much you pay. I personally like the safety for everyone, too bad it prices some out of the market
 
Yeah, even those who need a new Minivan and can't afford $24k for a minivan. Ohh wait, they can buy a new Dodge for less than $20k...ohh they may not have VSC but it would probably beat their old vehicle in many areas.
 
Well how does this explain the Accord and Camry resale values. They are the top selling cars but hold way more value than the Dodge Intepid, Ford Tarus, Saturn L series, or Chevy Malibu. Maybe there is a little more to it. YOU THINK!!! And resale value at the end is a good thing to have. I didn't have any at the end with my caravan and Intrepid.
 
Guys!!! All anyone wants to talk about is "resale values", true the japanese have higher resale but their initial prices are higher too. Someone posted they saved $5000 on their Dodge, then complained about resale after years of use. He probably now feels great paying about/above MSRP for a Honda though, justifies it, and feel great with his extra $$$ at the end of 5 years. I'd rather have the extra cash NOW to invest, use etc...especially since we're talking Minivans. I think GM is on to something with employee pricing for all. It'll make purchasing str8 forward, like buying a toaster (not to offend but that's what Minivans are to me!!)
 
I like to post the whole review not pick and choose. Edmunds reviews in my opinion are a little short sighted. Here is what consumer reports has to say LOWS- Seat comfort, interior trim materials, some controls and coarse engines.
 
Hmmm you picked and choosed and added from CR above. From CR March 2005:
 
Highs - Interior Flexibility
Lows - Seat comfort, Interior Trim Mat'l, some controls.
 
You're picking "coarse engines" from main body I believe.
 
Overall the DCX is "recommended" by CR. For the money, it's hard to beat. My opinion, I love my questionable interior mat'l...perfect for my situation of hauling kids and dogs, camping gear etc... The Honda wouldn't last a month in my household. For example, the backs of my driver/pass seats are hard plastic with hooks built in for grocery bags! Each indentured servant, Opps, Kid, gets to carrying a bag into the house after returning from shopping Ohh and the hard plastic takes a beating better than the soft backs of Honda/Toyota. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the hooks to tie the kids down in place, while traveling

#3537 of 7485 Re: Isell, why do you always say the same thing? [socalawd] by mrblonde49

Jun 14, 2005 (5:52 am)

Replying to: socalawd (Jun 13, 2005 3:00 pm)
"The price difference and available options make it attractive for some buyers. "
 
Not some buyers, MOST buyers. By a large margin

#3538 of 7485 Honda Vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans.... by jipster

Jun 14, 2005 (7:11 am)

... in number of posts in their Prices Paid and Buying experience boards. It is interesting to note that the numbers of posts since July 28, 2003 were: Dodge/Chrysler vans 215.....Honda Ody posts 5,358. A difference of 5,143.
I don't think Odys outsell Dodge/Chryslers 25:1. Chrysler owners indifferent?
Or, Ody owners insecure?

#3539 of 7485 Re: Honda Vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans.... [jipster] by davids1

Jun 14, 2005 (8:33 am)

Replying to: jipster (Jun 14, 2005 7:11 am)
Or......
 
Dodge/Chrysler owners are out driving their vans instead of posting on this board!!!
 
Have a nice day.

#3540 of 7485 Not just that board by marine2

Jun 14, 2005 (8:43 am)

Look at the Dodge/Chrysler 2005 board. There hasn't been a post on it in three days and the last one was mine I believe. People are not complaining about the 2005 Chrysler minivans like Honda owners are, and there are a lot more people that have bought 2005 Chrysler/Dodge than 2005 Honda's. As a matter of fact, Chrysler minivans sold an all time high in May.

Messages Page 354 of 749

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