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Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna

5227 messages,  Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 5:09 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Car Comparisons, Van


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#2199 of 5227
Re: changes for 2006 by carguy1234 [dilbertzzz] by jlawkwu
May 24, 2005 (2:34 pm)
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Replying to: dilbertzzz (May 04, 2005 9:24 am)

Hi, I'm trying to decide on a 2005 Sienna or wait for 2006 Sienna and have some questions. I am very interested by the sound of, "The Sienna is supposed to get memory seats and mirrors, and power folding third row seats, among some other more subtle changes"
 
1. I've been searching for any information on what new features the 2006 Sienna may have and in particular really want memory seats. Can someone suggest any places/sources/sites that might offer insight to 2006 features?
 
2. Does anyone know when the 2006 Sienna models are scheduled to be available?
 
3. What does this mean, "an apparently optional-option"? It sounds like not all options are available throughout the U.S. (?)
 
Thanks
#2200 of 5227
Re: changes for 2006 by carguy1234 [jlawkwu] by irg
May 25, 2005 (5:01 am)
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Replying to: jlawkwu (May 24, 2005 2:34 pm)

This might change for 2006, but Toyota does this weird thing with their optional packages. You will notice there are about 10 or more packages for both the LE models, the XLE and then you have the AWD versions too. Some packages are available in certain regions of the country, others are not (or are not readily available). It can drive dealers nuts, because a customer comes in wants the package #5, but all a dealer can get is a #6 or whatever. There are so many varieties of the Sienna, it is amazing - and I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Better to have options that not most of the time. It reminds me of trying to buy a full size pickup, and looking at a Chevy or Ford, and all of the different configurations that are possible. Something for everyone usually.
 
As for 2006 models, if you aren't in a rush, it might make sense to wait for a 2006. If you want to save money, buying a 2005 at then end of the year could pay off for you - (actually buying at the end of any month helps save sometimes). Not sure where the power seats/3rd row power option started, somewhere on this board, I think from a Bulletin from Toyota. Your dealer might be able to confirm this, although probably a little too early to tell. I would imagine though, that the power 3rd row option, which would be a first on a minivan, won't be cheap, and will probably be available only on the XLE or XLE Unlimited, but I am just speculating here. A very cool option nonetheless.
#2201 of 5227
Re: changes for 2006 by carguy1234 [dilbertzzz] by jlawkwu by dilbertzzz
May 25, 2005 (5:08 am)
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Toyota provides a host of options on their vehicles, unlike Honda which is pretty sparse on such choices. However, depending on what part of the country you are in, you may well find that particular "options" you might want to choose are never available to you. In other words, the distributor responsible for your area may never ever order that particular option.
 
While it might be theoretically possible to order a Sienna built as you like it from the factory, I have never once heard of anyone successfully doing so. I think that practically that is not a possibility.
 
As for whether or not memory seats will be widely available (or available at all), I cannot say. But if/when they are listed as an option on the Toyota web site, you can then try to build a car with that option and check inventory to see if it is available in your area. My best guess is that the memory seats would only practically be found on the highest (and most expensive) trim level, if at all. Good luck! I hope you can get what you want.
#2202 of 5227
05ody-Oil Life Reminder by dhfd
May 25, 2005 (6:26 pm)
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Replying to: 05ody (May 23, 2005 1:23 pm)

What is the oil life reminder? What type of oil do you use?
#2203 of 5227
Re: Questions about Honda Quality [irg] by nwng
May 26, 2005 (6:55 am)
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Replying to: irg (May 24, 2005 8:01 am)

well, lucky you
 
I checked the edmunds' invoice price for a barebone xle in my area, it is still higher than my ex cloth, and that is without the side bags for everyone, traction and vsc. Before i bought the ody I shopped the ex cloth and the sienna le pkg 6, both were at the same price but the ex has the driver pwr slider and 6 disc changer. With two young kids, dual pwr slider was the deal maker.
#2204 of 5227
Re: Questions about Honda Quality [nwng] by irg
May 26, 2005 (8:46 am)
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Replying to: nwng (May 26, 2005 6:55 am)

I do feel lucky I have 2 young kids too, and another one due very soon. So I liked the XLE because of the dual power doors and the power liftgate. The LE doesn't have that you're right, and the EX cloth does. I forgot whether it has the power liftgate? I think it does, my memory of all the options each van has is starting to slip now that I have made my purchase. I was on the fence about the lack of some of the safety things on the base XLE. Side air bags have pros and cons, and since my kids sometimes fall asleep by the sides of the vans, I figured not having side air bags could be a good thing (the Toyota manual even mentions this). Traction control to me is a pain sometimes. I had it in my previous GM Saturn, and it actually hinders more than it helps in snow. Where we live, and with our driveway, I sometimes need the tires to spin to keep going in a forward motion. With the TC on, it would prevent the wheels from spinning true, but sometimes to the point of getting stuck altogether. Also, we live in a small college town, and at this point we don' take many trips. My speed limit to work ranges from a low of 10 mph (one lane bridges!) to a high of 45. So actual accidents that are severe here are very low. And any minivan, with or without airbags are pretty safe now, from what I've seen.
 
But in terms of price, what tipped the scales in favor of the XLE was the great lease deal I got. I may keep this van after the lease, we'll see. But I needed a decent van that would have fairly low payments. The Ody EX cloth was $440, and the XLE was $359. Different buying experiences for sure, and I think I got a great deal at Fitzmall, something I couldn't get locally. I was looking locally at a base SIenna LE AM package (#1) and they wanted about $380 for that lease. Honda should sell the LX model with 1 power door. I bet they would sell a lot. Seems like they are selling a lot anyway. For some strange reason though, the leasing program on the Odyssey's wasn't very competitive. One dealer who I trusted told me that, that financing they were good, but lease to lease, they could not compete with Toyota, and I found that to be true too, for now at least. It seems to vary every month.
#2205 of 5227
Experience with child seats?? by 96corolla
May 26, 2005 (9:16 am)
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Hi,
 
Does anyone have any experience installing and using child safety seats in the Sienna and/or Ody. I'm looking at the Ody and 8 passenger Sienna. In the "driving with kids" section, Consumer Reports stated that installing a child seat in the middle of the 2nd row seat is a problem with the Ody. Because of that I was considering not even looking at them. However, I recently read over in the Sienna prices forum that somebody was having a problem with child seats in the Sienna. Just looking for some insight. Thanks.
#2206 of 5227
I bought Odyssey EXL-R&N by liujn
May 26, 2005 (10:15 am)
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I currently own 2 other Toyotas. They are pretty good in quality but none are trouble free in the first year. I decided to go with Honda Odyssey after test-drove my friend's new Sienna LE-7 AWD. I hated the handling and cheap interior compare to my other Toyotas Few month later, this friend told me his AC was broken. The dealer told him the AC never worked so it was DOA. Could not believe my friend didn't check AC when he picked van. Like many others, he thought Toyota was always perfect.
 
This is my first Honda and I feel I made the right choice. For the equivalent equipage, Toyota is more expensive. In addition, I couldn't believe why Toyota still sells 6" DVD while Honda sells 9" DVD. Honda's navigation is super-cool too. As far as the initial quality, I have yet found any defects. Yes, zero defect! Given the complexity of the car, I have to give Honda a lot of credits, especially the Ody was made in USA and my Toyotas were both made in Japan.
 
Agree with other Ody owners, my Ody doesn't have the hot-air problem. When AC is off, I get the fresh air with the same out-door temperature. Up to now, that was the only person reported such problem assume he is a real ody owner.
#2207 of 5227
Re: Questions about Honda Quality [irg] by dae
May 26, 2005 (1:24 pm)
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Replying to: irg (May 26, 2005 8:46 am)

The Ody EX cloth was $440, and the XLE was $359.
 
That's quite odd. Cheapest XLE with no options has 27,100 invoice, and you can get EX cloth for about 26,000 ( I just paid 26,500, but I am a sucker for not shopping around too long.). And you want many options on XLE, as its default safety sucks - does not include Vehicle Stability Control for example. So add $4k for package 6.
 
Unless you are doing something extremely unwise with financing (and who shops by "monthly payments"? Invitation for a rip-off.) lower principal should result in lower payments.
#2208 of 5227
Re: Experience with child seats?? [96corolla] by dae
May 26, 2005 (1:33 pm)
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Replying to: 96corolla (May 26, 2005 9:16 am)

Consumer Reports stated that installing a child seat in the middle of the 2nd row seat is a problem with the Ody.
 
I would think it depends on the seat. Large Brittax in reverse position was a pain indeed, I moved it to the captain chair. I want to replace the 8th seat with a console anyway - you can fit one from Touring.
 
Booster should fit fine, but I do not you can easily fit 3 of then on the second row in Ody. I would not try that.
 
On the other side, the other two chairs in the 2nd row on Ody (I am talking EX cloth) are much more comfortable then ones in 8 seater Sienna. So for two child seats in the 2nd row I would pick Odyssey (and I did). Removing the center and moving one inside also.
 
Leather was not an option - I hate leather seating in cars...

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