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Vans & Minivans Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans 
7485 messages, Last post on Mar 23, 2008 at 7:43 AM
You are in the Honda Odyssey Forum. Your Host is Karens
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Replying to: cpsdarren (Nov 27, 2006 6:24 pm) It didn't use to be when we ordered our first DGC in 1998 and again for our second in 2003. That said, I just checked both the Dodge and Chrysler web sites and the "Touring Suspension" is no longer an option. Checking further I was unable to find any reference to the suspension as standard equipment either, however, it seems that configuring a van with the 16" wheels and the Trailer Towing Package will get you all of the parts (among others) that used to be considered the upgraded suspension. Assuming this has been the case for a year or two, then it is highly unlikely that any recent reviews of DC minivans had the suspension that is on both of our vans. More's the pity as it really transforms the van from a waterbed on wheels to a very decent handler. Not that I would call either of our vans canyon carvers, but they are both way more tacked down any of the previous generation Odysseys that I've driven. Unless I'm missing something I will now officially conceed that the Odyssey is most likely the best handling minivan out there. Best Regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Nov 27, 2006 7:09 pm) I don't think we were pulling for a "victory," but since you haven't driven a current Odyssey, I don't think you know how well they have become as a sporty handler vs. the old model (which rode more choppy and had more numb on-center steering). Too bad they don't offer the touring suspension option for a DGC "Sport", or even just have the Dodge as the sporty one, and the T&C the soft one. thegrad |
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Replying to: shipo (Nov 27, 2006 7:09 pm) However, some of us still live on a budget. Our choice must include the BEST overall minivan for a reasonable price. After owning a 2002 T&C LX, I have been spoiled by the quiet ride with separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger AND the complete overhead console with compass/outside temperature and accurate trip computer. The Odyssey has NO complete overhead console while the DC trip computer was watered down in 2003 so it is NOT as desireable as the one in my 2002 T&C. I stupidly got a 2006 Sienna LE and overlooked the lack of separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger. BIG mistake. The Sienna does NOT live up to expectations. Since the Odyssey does NOT have the complete overhead console, my next choice will be the GC SXT even though the interior is plain in appearance compared to the Ody EX.
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Replying to: hansienna (Nov 27, 2006 7:25 pm) What comes in the overhead console that you can't get on the Odyssey? The Odyssey has temp in the odometer display, you can get a compass-rear view mirror as an accessory, and the overhead area of the Odyssey contains homelink garage door openers, an ambient light, map lights, a sunglass holder, and a conversation mirror built-in to the sunglass holder (ask me about it if you dont know what i mean about the mirror). Just letting you know all your options on the Honda.
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Replying to: thegraduate (Nov 27, 2006 7:30 pm) I did NOT get the separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger in the Sienna LE. That was stupid since I want warm and my wife wants cold. Still, before I trade off the Sienna, my wife and I will VERY carefully compare the Odyssey EX (cloth) and GC SXT. Both have their advantages. 
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Replying to: hansienna (Nov 27, 2006 7:37 pm) |
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Replying to: shipo (Nov 27, 2006 2:52 pm) No, but they tell you a lot. Like, if you're loading the suspension quickly (like you would in an emergency lane change) the stability control equipped models have higher speeds. Higher speeds through a controlled lane change = safer vehicle when an emergency arises. I find that comment a little suspect as well. Every time I've been to a BMW event at one of our local tracks, EVERYBODY turns off their skid control systems so that they can improve the handling of their cars. Well, they're turning it off so they can drift through the turns, which can increase lap times. Not quite the same as technically making the car handle better, you're just exceeding the grip of the tires in lieu of using brake/throttle. The fact that you can't drift the car with stability turned on should tell you a lot. That said, when driving in slippery conditions with either of my "i" model BMWs I made damn sure the DSC was engaged (no surprise there). The counterpoint to those two cars is the minivan, a benign sled like handling FWD vehicle, complete with inherent understeer. Go into a corner too fast on one of these things, Odyssey, Caravan, Sienna, it makes no difference, stability control is only going to be able to do so much. Oh sure there's a limit, but stability does pickup on steering inputs vs speed/yaw/etc. and if you're asking for more than the vehicle can physically provide it's going to do everything possible (beyond what even an experienced driver) could do in a split second to correct. Maybe a complete knucklehead move can't be fixed by stability control, but can't make the outcome any worse.
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My ideal minivan would have the Odyssey seating, separately controlled temperature of either Ody EX or GC SXT, overhead console of my 2002 T&C LX, NO power sliding doors, Odyssey dash with GC radio and stereo with more control knobs, Sienna transmission choice of D-4-3-2-L, spare tire location of Odyssey, 3.5L V6 of either the 2007 Ody or 2007 Sienna.
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Replying to: hansienna (Nov 27, 2006 8:02 pm)
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