Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna?

[Bob Slydell]

I'm sure something like this has been posted before, but I'm being lazy and not looking for it.

We're starting to look into minivans this weekend and pretty much have it down to these two. Anyone have a preference? Likes/dislikes?

DW wants all the bells and whistles like power sliding doors and DVD and the one thing I noticed is that Honda seems to basically have certain models to choose from with very few add-ons while Toyota seems to kind of let you "build" your van. Is there an advantage/disavantage to this? Or do they end up being similiar is features and price anyways?

Thanks

 

[becjlek]

We have an Odyssey and really like it. What I love most about it is the service we get from Honda. They really treat us like we are part of their family.

 

[snoopy]

DH would tell you to always go with Toyota, you'll never be unhappy. He'll especially tell you that after we got rid of the only lemon Honda Odyssey ever made, apparently. Hated that van and had problems with it from the day I bought it until the day I dumped it on someone else.

 

[RitaZ.]

Personally, I would go for the Sienna, very smooth ride & reliable van. My friend just bought a new one earlier this year which replaced an older Sienna with over 170K miles on it. She's got everything on it, very nice and comfortable ride. Didn't I mention that already? I'm interested in buying a different Toyota vehicle and asked her if her Toyotas were really that reliable. She said they were, no problems at all.

Another friend has an Odyssey and she has had problems with it. Something about problems with acceleration, which were fixed, but it's still "not right" according to her.

Check out Edmunds. I'm sure that they have a topic comparing the Sienna and Odyssey.

 

[Puffy2]

When we were van shopping in 2004 I compared both. I thought the Toyota drove slightly better, but the price difference was huge. Toyota didn't want to give me nearly the "nice" options that Honda did either. (Toyota offered the bare minimum and with Honda I got the EXL - upgraded with leather, power seats, etc and a better deal...)

I have not regretted the decision. The car handles very well. I do recommend the leather seats - it's will keep it's "new" look much, much longer.

Not sure where you are located, but shop around - I got lots of online quotes and used them to get other dealers to come down on their price. In GA. - Milton Martin Honda was willing to deal.

 

[SeeDisney]

Yes, I clearly remember this was posted once before about 5 months ago. I read many many posts about the two. Cuz we too were deciding on those two vans.

Well, in June, 2005, we bought a Honda Odyessa. We love it. We got the leather seats upgrade with moon window. Love the middle row windows roll down too. Lots of people comment on that.

Good luck.

 

[ZachnElli]

I have a Toyota Sienna Ltd, I got it when it first came out, so 2 1/2 years. I still LOVE it! The parking sensors are awesome (don't think Honda has that) and for long trips the laser cruise control is great (don't think Honda has that either)! Now you can get the backing up camera with GPS. I want that! That's the only thing I don't have on mine, they didn't have them at first. I can't help you with the buying process, I just tell dh what I want and let him handle it!

 

[Bob Slydell]

Not sure where you are located, but shop around - I got lots of online quotes and used them to get other dealers to come down on their price. In GA. - Milton Martin Honda was willing to deal.

Really? That's good to hear. I just was figuring I would end up paying the same at pretty much any dealership (it seems like all their prices were pretty much exactly the same). I'll try to get a lot of quotes. Thanks

 

[KelNottAt]

I'm a very very happy '02 Ody owner. I've had it for 3 years and it still feels brand new after 58,000 miles. No complaints whatsoever. I highly recommend it.

 

[ZachnElli]

Love the middle row windows roll down too. Lots of people comment on that.

.

Toyota's roll down too!

 

[cynsaun]

Really? That's good to hear. I just was figuring I would end up paying the same at pretty much any dealership (it seems like all their prices were pretty much exactly the same). I'll try to get a lot of quotes. Thanks

NO! I got my Volvo via an internet bidding war between three local dealerships!

I would go with the Toyota. You may want to consider getting the AWD for winter weather, and I don't know if the Honda has that option.

Good luck!

 

[Mercy]

and for long trips the laser cruise control is great (don't think Honda has that either)!

What is the laser cruise control? I am looking at the Avalon and that is an option, what is the difference between that and regular cruise control?

 

[snoopy]

NO! I got my Volvo via an internet bidding war between three local dealerships!

I would go with the Toyota. You may want to consider getting the AWD for winter weather, and I don't know if the Honda has that option.

Good luck!

What model Volvo do you have? We're considering Volvo for our next car purchase.

 

[Bob Slydell]

What model Volvo do you have? We're considering Volvo for our next car purchase.

Hey!! Get out of my thread!!!

 

[wfloyd]

What is the laser cruise control? I am looking at the Avalon and that is an option, what is the difference between that and regular cruise control?

When you approach another car, the cruise will slow down a little so you don't wind up in the backseat of the other car. This keeps you from having to "turn off" the cruise when waiting to pass people.

 

[cynsaun]

What model Volvo do you have? We're considering Volvo for our next car purchase.

I have the XC90, the SUV. I have had it for almost 1 1/2, and I love it. It is super safe, and we haven't had one problem with it.

 

[snoopy]

I have the XC90, the SUV. I have had it for almost 1 1/2, and I love it. It is super safe, and we haven't had one problem with it.

Ahhh, we looked at those as well as the wagon. We're trying to get away from the SUVs. My MIL always drove Volvos, and drove them to the wheels fell off (which was in excess of 300,000 miles!). Good to know your experience has been good as well.

 

[ZachnElli]

When you approach another car, the cruise will slow down a little so you don't wind up in the backseat of the other car. This keeps you from having to "turn off" the cruise when waiting to pass people.

It will also speed back up to your setting when you get out from behind the slower vehicle. You can set it (the laser) for 1-3 car lengths in front of you. Doesn't work in the rain though (I thought I had broken it, nope it was just the rain!).

 

[DisneyArk]

I have an 02 Honda Odyssey and love it! At that time IMHO it had better options than the Sienna. But I really like both the new Siennas and Odysseys!! I think you need to test drive them and decide for yourself. Both companies have good records for service and reliability. We're very partial to Hondas and have had great luck in the past.

I recommend paying extra for leather seats!! Life with children tends to be hard on cars and the leather is so much easier to clean!! (If only it would stay clean )

 

[Bob Slydell]

I think you need to test drive them and decide for yourself.

I think that's what it'll come down to -- which one we like driving the most. Oh, and leather seats, while I was never a big fan of in the past, is essential now with kids.