A.W.E.S.O.M. - O
 |
|
Hey all -
I was curious if any TOVer had an opinion on what the 'Holy Grail' Odyssey might be, in there opinion. That is, when did Honda get it - just right? For example, on a the Element, some may say after the MMC ('07 and later) w/the 5MT and AWD.
I thought I saw Jeff mention somewhere the G3 Odyssey before VCM was introduced (I could be wrong on that - for sure). Anyway, anybody have any thoughts on the matter? I've been looking at a '13 Fit for my wife, but I was thinking a nice used Odyssey could be had for the same money - and I wanted to hone in on what years and trim were the best. Thanks!
|
xBeastx
|
|
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O wrote:
Hey all -
I was curious if any TOVer had an opinion on what the 'Holy Grail' Odyssey might be, in there opinion. That is, when did Honda get it - just right? For example, on a the Element, some may say after the MMC ('07 and later) w/the 5MT and AWD.
I thought I saw Jeff mention somewhere the G3 Odyssey before VCM was introduced (I could be wrong on that - for sure). Anyway, anybody have any thoughts on the matter? I've been looking at a '13 Fit for my wife, but I was thinking a nice used Odyssey could be had for the same money - and I wanted to hone in on what years and trim were the best. Thanks!
|
Definitely don't buy the 2013 Fit. It will be updated around 2014 and will make your's look like crap, considering all the ED and i-MID stuff.
|
98EX4cyl
|
|
|
Easy to answer...the Type R Odyssey of course. Ask TonyE
|
Waldo
|
|
I bought a 2012 EXL Ody 6 months ago (5AT). I'm still not wild about the looks, but it drives so much better than any other van that I ignore the styling. The good handling is inherited from the earlier models. If you like the van concept, you won't go wrong with a clean used Odyssey.
You will not notice the VCM in everyday driving. The only part that I find annoying is the silly green "ECO" light on the dash that flickers as the VCM turns on and off. Useless, and bothersome at night.
There are common reports of AT failures. Buy from a Honda dealer, and get an extended Honda factory warranty.
|
VTECyo!
|
|
I have to disagree that you won't notice VCM...it can be slightly obtrusive at times when it engages, but it is quick to disengage and you have to be paying close attention to notice the switchover occur. Having owned Odysseys from the previous three generations, I can say that my 2011 Touring is by far my favorite. It is extremely practical, and very fun to drive. It is more capable than previous Odysseys in many respects, with the only downsides being visibility (not as good as in the past because of roof crush standards), steering feel (the pump provides much more assist than in previous generations), and the driving position (it was a complaint on the 2011 models that was subsequently fixed--I don't mind it, but there were a number of threads about it on odyclub.com)
I really think that a later model Odyssey (2008+) is your best bet. If you can afford it, I would give serious consideration to a 2011 or 2012 model.
|
CivicB18
|
|
As the previous owner of a 2005 Odyssey Touring and the current owner of a 2011 Touring Elite I think I'll chime in here.
I actually wish I could take the tactile performance and handling of the 2005 and mesh it with our 2011's added refinement and comfort levels. Id keep the 2011's styling as I actually love in it black as I think it looks down right sophisticated and expensive (for a minivan). Overall I'd probably stick with the 2011+ but I do miss the directness and more connected feel our previous 2005. Another reason would be a few torque converter issues with the last generation Odyssey. Our 05 never suffered from that or any mechanical failures but the 6AT in the new van is much better. I just wish it wasnt so eager to select the next gear in the hunt for superior fuel economy. I'd actually like to see the RDX's drivetrains in the Odyssey.
~Patrick
|
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O
|
|
|
I'm surprised how much Odyssey shows AT problems. Honestly it makes me leery. Are any years other than '11 plus known as reliable?
|
CivicB18
|
|
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O wrote:
I'm surprised how much Odyssey shows AT problems. Honestly it makes me leery. Are any years other than '11 plus known as reliable?
|
Our 05 Touring had no mechanical issues whatsoever, transmission or otherwise. I know the 99-03's had actualt transmission failures and some of the 05-10'a had torque converter issues. Our 11 with the 6AT has been flawless!
~Patrick
|
VTECyo!
|
|
CivicB18 wrote:
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O wrote:
I'm surprised how much Odyssey shows AT problems. Honestly it makes me leery. Are any years other than '11 plus known as reliable?
|
Our 05 Touring had no mechanical issues whatsoever, transmission or otherwise. I know the 99-03's had actualt transmission failures and some of the 05-10'a had torque converter issues. Our 11 with the 6AT has been flawless!
~Patrick
|
My 6AT has been very reliable as well, and I agree that it is too eager to upshift and too hesitant to downshift, but it is only a minor annoyance, and it's still far better than many transmissions from other manufacturers (be they, 6,7,8,9 speeds). My 05 Touring and 08 EX-L had no failures after nearly 150,000 miles, but then again neither did my 02 EX-L after 180,000 miles, so maybe I'm just easy on transmissions.
If you get an older model and you are questioning the reliability of its transmission, I would recommend taking a few steps. Go to your dealer and make sure that all the latest TSBs have been applied, so you shouldn't have any torque converter transmissions. If you plan on towing (I never have, but this is the advice most Odyssey gurus give), install a transmission cooler in advance. Some even recommend installing it if you aren't going to tow. Finally, it seems to me that Odyssey drivers in particular like to shift from reverse to drive before the car has stopped moving backward. DO NOT DO THIS. It puts tons of stress on the components of the transmissions, and I have an idea that it is this abuse of the transmission that is partially responsible for many of the failures.
|
A77
|
|
I have heard it said go with an 05, and I am not sure why - of course it has real leather in all three rows and the lazy susan. In 08? the third row went vinyl and it was easy to spot. In the current one it is damned had to tell what's vinyl and what isnt. There have been some front suspension issues with the 05s but in my experience they are pretty reliable overall. The touring of course had only 7 seats. certainly, and this is the point is it not, you'll need to get something from around then to be at Fit pricing? Obviously have a good long road test if you go this route as a lot of vans get a very hard life.
|
TonyEX
|
|
98EX4cyl wrote:
Easy to answer...the Type R Odyssey of course. Ask TonyE
|
OK, I'll bite.
Our first OTR was an '02 EX. That one got a set of BS 730 and a new transmission. It hauled ass, really. It went to the redline with a roar and it really, really moved.
Our second OTR as an '05 EX-L with NAVI/DVD. The tire sizes changed so we put BS EL42. It also hauled ass but it was more of a "touring" van, meaning that it was much quieter than the 02. It moved quite well too.
We also had an 00 EX (200bhp, AT4) and an 07 EX-L. I can not recommend the 07 with VCM and NAVI/DVD if you want excitement in a van, although it did move quite well and it did have some nice features that the others did not. As a family hauler it was exceptional. But, it was no OTR.
That said, if you can get a 3rd gen Odyssey with non VCM then go for it... unfortunately after 05 or so AHM started to bundle the goodies with the EX-L and above.. which meant VCM.
BTW- ALL of our Odysseys had the towing package... not so much to tow but for the oil and transmission coolers. AND being EX's -and above- they all had the auto AC and dual cores. Definitely something that you want in a large vehicle like that.
|
TonyEX
|
|
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O wrote:
I'm surprised how much Odyssey shows AT problems. Honestly it makes me leery. Are any years other than '11 plus known as reliable?
|
Jeez... resurrecting ancient history, huh? Those issues went away with the '04 redesign.
Our '02 went through a replacement at 27K miles.
Our '05 and '07 went through 50K++ miles each with no problems at all.
|
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O
|
|
TonyE wrote:
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O wrote:
I'm surprised how much Odyssey shows AT problems. Honestly it makes me leery. Are any years other than '11 plus known as reliable?
|
Jeez... resurrecting ancient history, huh? Those issues went away with the '04 redesign.
Our '02 went through a replacement at 27K miles.
Our '05 and '07 went through 50K++ miles each with no problems at all.
|
Sorry, was just going by the feedback on this thread. I was kind of hoping someone would say (i.e.) '05-'06 non-VCM, etc.
|
TonyEX
|
|
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O wrote:
TonyE wrote:
A.W.E.S.O.M. - O wrote:
I'm surprised how much Odyssey shows AT problems. Honestly it makes me leery. Are any years other than '11 plus known as reliable?
|
Jeez... resurrecting ancient history, huh? Those issues went away with the '04 redesign.
Our '02 went through a replacement at 27K miles.
Our '05 and '07 went through 50K++ miles each with no problems at all.
|
Sorry, was just going by the feedback on this thread. I was kind of hoping someone would say (i.e.) '05-'06 non-VCM, etc.
|
I did. 05 EX non VCM.
|
blackstripe77
|
|
|
Can I say RB3?
|
|
|
| |
![[home]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/home.gif){kind=small}
![[rumors and news]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/rumors.gif){kind=small}
![[model release matrix]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/newmodelreleasematrix.gif){kind=small}
![[dealer network]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/dealernet.gif){kind=small}
![[desktop calendar]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/calendar.gif){kind=small}
![[exhaust notes]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/exhaust.gif){kind=small}
![[tov forums]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/forums.gif){kind=small}
![[links]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/links.gif){kind=small}
![[search]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/search.gif){kind=small}
![[sponsors]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/sponsors.gif){kind=small}
![[garage]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/garage.gif){kind=small}
![[login]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/login.gif){kind=small}
