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Vans & Minivans Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
5227 messages, Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 5:09 AM
You are in the Honda Odyssey Forum. Your Host is Karens
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Replying to: familyman (Mar 26, 2009 9:33 pm) A couple of comments and counterpoints, though... Your 2004 LE had 16" wheels with tall sidewall tires, while the Ody EX has 17" rims with performance tires. That's a pretty significant upgrade, one which is available in the Sienna XLE. Also, the Ody LX has 16" tires, just like the Sienna. So in the same price range you get apples-to-apples. You simply upgraded and paid more. So a lot of that is just better tires. Not to mention brand new tires. And a brand new vehicle has brand new shocks, struts, etc., also. Tires are the biggest factor by far, though. The other thins is the 04 Sienna had the 3.3l engine, and the 07+ models got what I consider the most significant upgrade - the 3.5l engine. Not only does it supply a lot more horsepower, but also it does so with zero loss in fuel efficiency. So you can have your cake and eat it, too. Good job pointing out the pros and cons of each model, though, especially the trip computer vs. dual climate control trade-off. Enjoy your new Ody. 
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Thank you all for the insightful comments about these two models of minivan. I have a couple of questions regarding their maintenance cost comparison, especially after their ages reach some milestones (I would like all to list those notorious milestones for various issues and painful experience): 1) Can someone comment on the Timing Chain vs Timing Belt pros and cons? 2) Saw discussions about transmission issues for old Odysseys, will 2009 version have similar issue and how does it compare to Sienna's transmission? 3) Power sliding doors or tailgate is a very convenient feature, but how is the reliability and maintenance cost? Besides the luxuriance, drivability, performance, features, I think these maintenance factors may also impact my long term consideration in choosing sienna or odyssey... |
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Replying to: cleverstar (Apr 13, 2009 6:46 pm) 99-04 Odyssey had a lot of transmission problems. From what I've been able to gather it was a basic design flaw. 05's and newer have a new design and problems seem to be much less. 09 Odyssey will actually have a Ridgeline transmission which is supposed to be "heavier duty" than the pre 07's. Toyota's transmissions have been relatively trouble free. I think Toyota had some problems with their power doors, but have got them worked out now. I haven't heard of many problems on the Honda. However the more complex the machines get, the more potential trouble you're asking for. They're both great vans. I have an 07 Honda Odyssey EX and have had zero problems with it. Love the van. 
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Replying to: cleverstar (Apr 13, 2009 6:46 pm) The Ody's transmission issues are probably a thing of the past. The Sienna transmission can hesitate under some circumstances (though my experience is very seldom) but when it hooks up, the engine makes up for the tranny. Power slide doors are one of those reasons we bought the extended warranty. More mechanical complexity = more possibility for expensive repairs but they are great to have while they work. Applies to power lift gates as well. |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 13, 2009 12:05 pm) The 2009 Odyssey LX, EX, and EX-L all use the same size all-season tire, not larger, high-performance ones: 235/65R16 The 2009 Sienna comes with two options for tires, according to the website.: P215/65R16 P225/60R17 The Odyssey LX just comes with wheel-covers, while the EX/EX-L gives you alloys, and Touring trim gives you P235/60R17 tires and upsized alloys.
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 14, 2009 9:08 am)  Any how, that's still a 20mm advantage in width for the Ody vs. the LE. The tires on my Sienna (Dunlops) are nothing to brag about, for certain I will upgrade to better tires when it's time to replace them. I may even to a Plus Zero to something like a 225/60 or 235/55 when the time comes. C&D compared them and even with the 16" tires on both they tied for lateral grip, FWIW.
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Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 14, 2009 9:21 am) . Was the same way for the Odyssey Touring w/run-flats, at least before the MMC. My info was from the manufacturer websites, let's hope its correct!
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 14, 2009 9:22 am)  Plus I'm looking at 2007s, which is when I cross-shopped them. Toyota recommends 35psi in the tires, which is the highest I've ever experienced. Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Honda specifies for tire pressure (non run-flats)?
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Replying to: oldyellowcat (Apr 11, 2006 8:36 pm) |
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I wound up buying the Sienna over the Odyssey even though I thought the Odyssey drove better and had better passenger accommodations. This was back in 05. Three main reasons were. 1 Wife wanted a DVD player and it was an option on the LE Sienna. To get it on the Odyssey you needed an EX-L and then you had to add the DVD. Upshot was the Ody cost $2,500 more (yes it had a little more content, but stuff we didn't want/need) In this case Toyotas weird options worked out better for us. 2 We were a little concerned about reliability as it was a first year model and the previous years were only average on CR. 3 Nearest Honda Dealer was about 200 miles away. I did get an Accord though for myself for almost the opposite reasons. Toyotas goofy options meant I could not get a stick without a sunroof, which in turn meant I could not fit. The Accord has excellent reliability (dealer distance less of an issue) and the Camry was a first year model this time. I Enjoy both vehicles. |
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