| keremoner |
| My wife wants a van. I have narrowed the field down to either a Honda Odyssey EX or a Toyota Sienna SE. I know that Hondas are regularly picked as the best vans but I don't like the style change in 2006 models. Can those who have owned either of these vans please give me your feedback? Thanks. |
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| screbr |
I am not an owner, but my wife test drove both of these vans before I convinced her that the MDX was the best overall option (phew...), and they were on our short list of family cars.
Here were a few of the things we noted about each. Both of us preferred the Sienna in the end.
Sienna
- AWD available (important in our climate)
- Lots of option packages (XLE AWD was our choice)
- better styling (our opinion). The Sienna looked a bit more sporty (for a van).
- my wife liked the cockpit/driving feel on the Sienna. I didn't have a preference
Odyssey
- better gas mileage (especially with the VCM)
- better price (mostly because we couldn't get AWD)
- more HP
They are nearly identical in most facets, including cost of ownership, resale, cargo volume, and warranty. You can't go wrong either way. |
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| mdxx3 |
| I occasionally drive a Sienna LE AWD since it's our company's general-purpose minivan. :29: |
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| JL_SS |
| We test drove the Ody and the Sienna in 2004 and wound up buying the Sienna strictly due to the availability of AWD. The wife absolutely loved it. We wound up having to lemon it due to some non-typical problems, but I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. The one drawback specific to the AWD was run-flat tires that are expensive and wear out quickly. |
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| texrb |
We have owned a 1995 Honda Odyssey (orig smaller design) and a 1998 Toyota Sienna XLE. My wife loved both & as others said, the 2006 models are very similiar, with Honda being less expensive. I just drove a 2006 Odessy (my neighbors) had everything on it (Nav, leather, DVD) but not Tourng pkg. It was very nice, but I didn't like the fact their was no screen to check climate control & no memory seats - apparently Touring adds that.
If you need to get a van - you can't go wrong with either one of these. |
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| DaleB |
I have not done that much behind the wheel comparisons with recent vans, but my neighbor let me drive his '05 Nissan Quest, and it was actually quite impressive. Very nice road manners.
I would lean more towards a Odyssey or Sienna, but would not leave the Quest out of a test drive. Engine sounds great too. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I have not done that much behind the wheel comparisons with recent vans, but my neighbor let me drive his '05 Nissan Quest, and it was actually quite impressive. Very nice road manners.
I would lean more towards a Odyssey or Sienna, but would not leave the Quest out of a test drive. Engine sounds great too.
Consumer reports does not recommend the Quest due to poor reliability ratings. This is comfirmed by discussions with my dealerships service manager (they sell Nissan and Honda). With Nissan, she said it's not uncommon to disassemble something like the sliding door assembly because a of clunking noise complaint and find it is clunking because a seal/gasket that was supposed to be there was not installed at all. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
Consumer reports does not recommend the Quest due to poor reliability ratings. This is comfirmed by discussions with my dealerships service manager (they sell Nissan and Honda). With Nissan, she said it's not uncommon to disassemble something like the sliding door assembly because a of clunking noise complaint and find it is clunking because a seal/gasket that was supposed to be there was not installed at all.
That's sad indeed. Poor QC can quickly ruin a good concept. |
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| nightguy |
Never having owned or wanted to own one, I'm impressed by the Ody. Not sure if it's the look, feel or what but I like it.
Crazy as it sounds, you might consider the Chrysler long wheelbase. People that own or just drive them swear by them, including my father...I don't get it.
The only one I've ever driven more than a few miles was a Venture on the way back from Green Bay last year after MNF when nobody else could keep their eyes open. I was nervous as hell passing trucks because I had no idea where the corner ended. It was an absolute boat to me.
Still think it's ridiculous GM is the only van to NOT have a 5 star safety rating...at least of the major brands. :rolleyes: |
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| Sinecure |
If I had to buy a minivan, I'd get the Sienna because I'd want the AWD for Tahoe. If I didn't care about AWD, I'd get the Odyssey just because I think it feels a bit more solid.
My ex has a Sienna and it works great. |
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