Odyssey or Sienna.....Highlander or Pilot....CRV or RAV4

[SearchMaster]

FWIW, the "universal remote transmitter" is a garage door opener. You put your existing opener up next to it, hit the button, and it records the frequency so you don't have to carry it around, just hit a button on your visor to open and shut the garage.

 

[BDawg]

We got an '05 Sienna last summer and love it. The Honda is far sportier, but the Sienna was far more comfortable and luxurious. We figured comfort is what we were looking for in a minivan.

It's been a great car. When you're looking for a family car, nothing comes close to a minivan. Sliding side doors (automatic!) are more useful with kids than you can imagine.

 

[TRDGT]

The lease was up on our 2002 H/L two weeks ago and now have in our garage a 2007 RAV4 Limited V6.
I got to spend the day with it yesterday(wifes vehicle)and I must say the interior room is very close to the H/L. The v6 makes this suv a rocket!!!!!. Both vehicles are built in Japan so build quality are typical Toyota.
I realize the Limited version may be out of your price range, but if you can find a Sport or well equipped base with a V6 I say pull the trigger.
The new H/L will not be out until spring and will be along the lines of the Chrysler Pacifica in terms of type of vehicle(station wagon,suv). We also drove a new H/L and my wife went back to the RAV very quickly.
Also the 2007 RAV's have 6 airbags standard, something you have move to the H/L limited to obtain.(Toyota-wise)
As far as the CRV goes, very nice vehicle, but since we do a lot of cycling we needed a complete flat load floor, the CRV does NOT provide this as the back seats tumble and do not fold flat. As far as enginges go they are about the same HP in 4 cyl configuration 166 hp.
Honda does not offer the CRV with a 6 cyl, you will need to go to the Pilot for that and that's when it gets expensive.
All in all we loved our H/L but the RAV is a whole different animal with the V6 in it.
BTW the RAV V6 is the fastest vehicle Toyota makes at present.
Just my 2 cents

 

[Chunkee]

i was in exactly same boat as you and looked at all the vehicles you have and have on your poll...my wife and I bought something else...and we drove and researched them all

we bought 2, thats right 2 Kia Sedona EXs.... with the incentives and how well the 2006 are built, combined with the feature sets, fit and finish, drive, warranty and safety....it was a no brainer...my wife got a black one with ALL the trimmings...leather heated seats, sunroof, power doors including liftgate, rear back up sensors etc.... for 25000....i got a white one with the power door package....i know it may seem silly, but if you can find a Kia dealer with any of the EXs left...drive one...but I know the incentives may be done now..

jC

 

[richardycc]

how is the inside of the new CRV, do they still have that fold down tray in the middle? thats they only thing I dont like about it.

 

[dman]

Originally posted by: gsethi
We are looking to buy a new vehicle and are trying to decide.


Some Info:
Family of 3
Vehicle will be driven a lot (our current car did 200k miles in 4.5 yrs...so expecting around the same, maybe little less, from this vehicle also)

I just purchased a new Odyssey. The Sienna was also nice but I preferred the drivetrain and handling of the Odyssey better. We are a family of 4 and the Minivan has more usable space than an SUV. The 3rd row seats are accessable, even with car seats installed. The gas mileage is slightly better than an SUV of similar size.

Things I don't like about the Odyssey... to get the power rear hatch you have to get the touring model which means you have to get the Michelin PAX run flat tires. The Sienna has PAX System required on the AWD model but I believe you can get the XLE with power hatch without the proprietary tire system. Also, Sienna has mp3 built in which the Odyssey does not (from the factory). So, in the end, I think it's really close and will be which has the features you want at the price you are willing to pay (and what the current incentives are).

The '06 Odyssey has a more powerful engine than the '06 Sienna's. The '07 Siennas have a newer / more powerful engine available this year (from the Solara/Camry family), I have not driven that one to know what improvements it has over the '06. It may make for a better drive and give the Toyota the edge... for a while until Honda starts with their next upgrade. Fun fun.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: dman

Originally posted by: gsethi
We are looking to buy a new vehicle and are trying to decide.


Some Info:
Family of 3
Vehicle will be driven a lot (our current car did 200k miles in 4.5 yrs...so expecting around the same, maybe little less, from this vehicle also)

I just purchased a new Odyssey. The Sienna was also nice but I preferred the drivetrain and handling of the Odyssey better. We are a family of 4 and the Minivan has more usable space than an SUV. The 3rd row seats are accessable, even with car seats installed. The gas mileage is slightly better than an SUV of similar size.

Things I don't like about the Odyssey... to get the power rear hatch you have to get the touring model which means you have to get the Michelin PAX run flat tires. The Sienna has PAX System required on the AWD model but I believe you can get the XLE with power hatch without the proprietary tire system. Also, Sienna has mp3 built in which the Odyssey does not (from the factory). So, in the end, I think it's really close and will be which has the features you want at the price you are willing to pay (and what the current incentives are).

The '06 Odyssey has a more powerful engine than the '06 Sienna's. The '07 Siennas have a newer / more powerful engine available this year (from the Solara/Camry family), I have not driven that one to know what improvements it has over the '06. It may make for a better drive and give the Toyota the edge... for a while until Honda starts with their next upgrade. Fun fun.

Can you tell me what price you got on your Odyssey ? For 07 Odyssey LX, i have ~22.7k while EX is ~25.7k (+ TTL on both)

Originally posted by: TRDGT
The lease was up on our 2002 H/L two weeks ago and now have in our garage a 2007 RAV4 Limited V6.
I got to spend the day with it yesterday(wifes vehicle)and I must say the interior room is very close to the H/L. The v6 makes this suv a rocket!!!!!. Both vehicles are built in Japan so build quality are typical Toyota.
I realize the Limited version may be out of your price range, but if you can find a Sport or well equipped base with a V6 I say pull the trigger.
The new H/L will not be out until spring and will be along the lines of the Chrysler Pacifica in terms of type of vehicle(station wagon,suv). We also drove a new H/L and my wife went back to the RAV very quickly.
Also the 2007 RAV's have 6 airbags standard, something you have move to the H/L limited to obtain.(Toyota-wise)
As far as the CRV goes, very nice vehicle, but since we do a lot of cycling we needed a complete flat load floor, the CRV does NOT provide this as the back seats tumble and do not fold flat. As far as enginges go they are about the same HP in 4 cyl configuration 166 hp.
Honda does not offer the CRV with a 6 cyl, you will need to go to the Pilot for that and that's when it gets expensive.
All in all we loved our H/L but the RAV is a whole different animal with the V6 in it.
BTW the RAV V6 is the fastest vehicle Toyota makes at present.
Just my 2 cents

What was your price on the Limited V6 Rav4 ? (i am so mad at Toyota that they dont have the Base V6 RAV4 for our region (Have to get atleast the sport if i want a V6 ) and that is ~25k + TTL

 

[gsethi]

Sry, wanted to EDIT previous post but replied

Originally posted by: Chunkee
i was in exactly same boat as you and looked at all the vehicles you have and have on your poll...my wife and I bought something else...and we drove and researched them all

we bought 2, thats right 2 Kia Sedona EXs.... with the incentives and how well the 2006 are built, combined with the feature sets, fit and finish, drive, warranty and safety....it was a no brainer...my wife got a black one with ALL the trimmings...leather heated seats, sunroof, power doors including liftgate, rear back up sensors etc.... for 25000....i got a white one with the power door package....i know it may seem silly, but if you can find a Kia dealer with any of the EXs left...drive one...but I know the incentives may be done now..

jC

No way my father will spend ~25k on a Sedona EX when we can get an Odyssey LX for the same price (OTD).

 

[sash1]

Honda Element!

 

[TRDGT]

I was employed at this dealership for awhile plus we have purchased all our Toyotas there so there was a discount involved. We paid $25200, sticker was $27341 that may not be alot to some people but is still better than nothing. First years maintenence is free, plus free loaner car (toyota) if needed.
They are not doing a lot of discounts on the Rav from what I understand, but I would really try hard for a Sport if this is what you want. The engine alone is worth it!!!!
Try working from invoice rather than sticker price, and if you are interested try leasing(waiting to be flamed) we have leased all of our vehicles and have not regretted it all.
Good Luck

 

[gsethi]

Heres a quote for the Sports V6 so far: $24,500 + TTL (gotta start to work little harder on the dealers here now I have no doubt that I should be able to get this for under 24k + ttl)

EDIT: Going to test-drive these cars in couple of hours...will be tons of headache this evening to aggressive salesperson whom I will have to refuse

 

[gsethi]

Ok Update: (took a look at all vehicles and test-drive)

RAV4 SUCKS - sorry to say but the 2nd row (middle) seats are like BENCH. Very unconfortable.
CRV is nice, very comfortable but I4 lacks some power

Odyssey is very nice and it is a very tough choice between Odyssey and Sienna. Right now, we are leaning towards the Odyssey EX model.

 

[gsethi]

UPDATE: Taken test-drives and narrowed down the list to:
Odyssey
Sienna

RAV4 is just too uncomfortable. CRV while very comfortable is too small.

Now I have a question. Is the Odyssey worth ~4-5k more than the Sienna (net price OTD, after TTL and interest on financing). Toyotas have a 0% going on right now while the lowest on Odyssey with out excellent credit is between 5-6%. Also, a 1k price differenece between the both with odyssey being more expensive.

So is Odyssey worth ~$4-5k more than the Sienna if they are both similarly equipped ?

 

[d3n]

I have owned a new generation Sienna since 2004. I highly recommend it. The trim and fit of the Sienna make it more luxurious in my opinion. The odyssey seemed to suffer from more rattle and had a plastic feel to the interior. In my interest the Sienna was a more capable tow vehicle since you can manually select a 4th gear and thats not possible in the Ody. I really like the forum over at Siennaclub. They seemed much more supportive and informative about issues with the van. Also one thing to consider are the equiped tires. The standard tires held up pretty well but the Yokohoma 17" TRZ's gave the van a much sportier feel.

I can fit massive amounts of stuff in the van that my bud with a suburban would have to go find a trailer for. Very nice. With young kids I don't think you can go wrong with a van because the power sliding doors are win win! The cost to fix them on ether vehicle makes it worth getting the extended warranty. I've never had an issue at all with 50k miles on the van but one door fix would pay for the extended warranty. I picked a 100k Toyota Motor warranty for about $800 from another dealer than the one that sold the van to me. Normal retail is 2k

Your requirements will be different but I would put a lot of weight into the dealership that you can get them serviced at. The Toyota dealer service department was far more supportive. I take it in every 10k for a synthetic oil change and get free snacks.

 

[freebee]

3 people and you pick the larger van (Odyssey)? Why? (as you said you don't need a minivan.)

Your post is unclear as to why you prefer the Odyssey. In fact, your initial post indicates you need a high mileage commuter with no preference between small/mid SUV or minivan. And yet you choose the largest vehicle out of all the choices.

Remember the market (ie more people) prefer the Odyssey. That is why there is a price premium. However, unless your needs, (more room, cargo flexibility, etc) dictate it, there is no reason to choose the larger car. From a driveability standpoint they are all roughly equal...my own testing indicates I like the Sienna. But then again I swap cars every week or so, and I don't have sufficient seat time in any one particular model.

I suggest another vehicle to put in your comparison. The Subaru Tribeca. Just test drive it, but don't buy it. Its not worth what it costs (approx 30k). But this is the one car that I seem to take more often than the other fleet vehicles. Its just to give you a sense of what a crossover vehicle should feel like.

 

[Sketcher]

We bought a 2006 Sienna XLE AWD.
We love the thing (and before this; my wife wouldn't be caught dead driving a minivan). Haven't regretted the purchase at all. I went into the purchase with a preference toward the Odyssey and purchased the '06 Sienna based on the following (comments below are in comparison of the 2006 models):

1. Sienna has AWD; Odyssey did not. Minnesota winter driving, wife and four small children = prefer AWD.

2. Sienna has side door power windows. Summer time that's just plain cool to be able to roll down the sliding door windows so the kids can enjoy the outdoors too.

3. Sienna has run-flat tire & pressure notification: Odyssey did not. Some don't like run-flats. With four kids under 6 and the extensive driving we do I prefer my wife not to have to worry about changing tires or waiting for road-side assistance; especially in winter time. Run-flats enable her to simply drive to the nearest Toyota or tire dealer.

Bottom line, AWD made the decision.


Things I like about our Sienna (not comparisons, just things I like):

- AWD and and anti-skid/traction control system are stellar. Took it through the paces in some snow and ice roads and definitely glad the wife and kids benefit from that capability.
- Smooth and responsive engine (also surprisingly quiet).
- Tight turn radius.
- Excellent 360 degree visibility.
- Excellent feel / airiness. Don't feel closed in or claustrophibic.
- Side sliding windows are a nice feature. Didn't think much of them 'till I got them.
- Dual remote opening doors and tailgate. When the hands are full there's nothing slicker than automated doors and never have to worry about kids' fingers getting caught.

- Leather; it's just nice. I don't allow food in the van but it's nice to be able to wipe up messes and not have to shampoo.
- Fold down rear seating and light removable seats allows for excellent cargo space.
- Trunk area as low drop in height and deep storage capacity due to not having to allow for storage of spare tire (AWD model).
- Rear video camera; love it. Nice to have a visual to confirm safe to back up.
- Proximity system; love it. Nice to have audible and visual alerting to external structure.
- Laser cruise control; love it. Auto-breaking when sensing traffic slow; auto distance from car ahead etc.
- Folding sideview mirrors (automatic). Nice if navigating tight spaces.
- Tri-zone climate control. Not just three separate climate zones mind you; set the actual temperature and each zone heats/cools to maintain that temp automatically.
- DVD player w/Bluetooth wireless headphones. Enables the wife and I to listen to our own tunes while the kids enjoy a movie or play games.
- AC power; no more needing cigarette/car adapters to power devices.
- Xenon Headlights, auto dimming sideview mirror
- Profile Memory - Electric Seats/Mirros memory per driver.
- Navigation system - nice to have.
- Bluetooth Handsfree Cellphone integration w/Voice activated Navigation dialing.


My neighbor likes his loaded Odyssey as much as I like my Sienna, but wishes he'd had an AWD option. I've driven his and he mine. Odyssey definitely feels more "Car-like" when driving but I think the Sienna is more smooth in acceleration throughout it's range and engine noise is less noticeable than the Odyssey. Between the two, I think Toyota pulls off "Luxury" in a minivan better; but that may be just my bias because I own one and am used to it.

*Note that AWD does lower gas mileage. So if you don't need or want it then it's an option that you definitely want to leave out of the comparison.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: freebee
3 people and you pick the larger van (Odyssey)? Why? (as you said you don't need a minivan.)

Your post is unclear as to why you prefer the Odyssey. In fact, your initial post indicates you need a high mileage commuter with no preference between small/mid SUV or minivan. And yet you choose the largest vehicle out of all the choices.

Remember the market (ie more people) prefer the Odyssey. That is why there is a price premium. However, unless your needs, (more room, cargo flexibility, etc) dictate it, there is no reason to choose the larger car. From a driveability standpoint they are all roughly equal...my own testing indicates I like the Sienna. But then again I swap cars every week or so, and I don't have sufficient seat time in any one particular model.

I suggest another vehicle to put in your comparison. The Subaru Tribeca. Just test drive it, but don't buy it. Its not worth what it costs (approx 30k). But this is the one car that I seem to take more often than the other fleet vehicles. Its just to give you a sense of what a crossover vehicle should feel like.

I test drove the RAV4 and both me and my father hated the back seats and how uncomfortable they were.
We liked the CRV but it only comes in I4. My father really "WANTS" a V6 this time.

Pilot is out of our Range. I dont want to purchase a Highlander with a new completly redesigned model coming out in ~6 months.

That leaves us with Sienna or Odyssey. (I have mentioned this before that my family will NOT get anything other than a Toyota or Honda ... no matter what I tell them, they will not ). I was getting a very good deal on a 05 Dodge Carvan but my father flatly refused

Heres what we have decided:
Odyssey EX
or
Sienna LE w/ Package 1 or Package 3 (Package 4 is not available in our area...special order only)

We looked at both vehicles and liked the Odyssey better. It seems to have slightly better finishing (both inside and outside) as compared to the Sienna. Also, Odyssey has more demand from Sienna and slightly more resale value also. Plus, I know that my father likes Honda slightly better than Toyota.

BUT the purchase price differnce between Sienna and Odyssey is ~2-2.5k. (Sienna LE w/ package 3 at ~23k while Odyssey EX at ~25.5k).

Then, the Sienna has 0% financing for upto 60 months. The lowest we might be able to get on the Honda is ~5-5.5% with our excellent credit. (~5% of 20k financed = ~1k/yr in interest....i figured interest to be ~3-4k for 3-4yr loan - havnt figured out the exact interest yet).

So lets say...~2k price difference + 3k interest = ~5k net price difference between Sienna and Odyssey. (I know 07 Sienna is coming out in Late Dec/Early Jan with a better engine but i dont think any dealer will initially lower the prices of the new Sienna and/or offer 0% financing on them, especially with 06 still sitting on the lots)

EDIT: I still have the CRV in my mind but my father and mother want a mini-van. it will be my fathers vehicle primarily, so he gets to make the final decision. I only get to drive i t when we go out together or when he is not driving it or when I have to go and do his work.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: Sketcher
We bought a 2006 Sienna XLE AWD.

Yours is an XLE, so many of the features you mention are not available on the LE. Also, we are not getting an AWD (dont need it in the SF Bay area). Plus, no kids for us.

But right now b/c of the Net price difference, i am leaning towards the Sienna (if the difference was only ~2k, then it would be odyssey).

Waiting to see if Honda comes out with any financing specials over the thanksgiving (as one of the honda dealers hinted)

 

[Sketcher]

Any update?

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: freebee
3 people and you pick the larger van (Odyssey)? Why? (as you said you don't need a minivan.)

Your post is unclear as to why you prefer the Odyssey. In fact, your initial post indicates you need a high mileage commuter with no preference between small/mid SUV or minivan. And yet you choose the largest vehicle out of all the choices.

Remember the market (ie more people) prefer the Odyssey. That is why there is a price premium. However, unless your needs, (more room, cargo flexibility, etc) dictate it, there is no reason to choose the larger car. From a driveability standpoint they are all roughly equal...my own testing indicates I like the Sienna. But then again I swap cars every week or so, and I don't have sufficient seat time in any one particular model.

I suggest another vehicle to put in your comparison. The Subaru Tribeca. Just test drive it, but don't buy it. Its not worth what it costs (approx 30k). But this is the one car that I seem to take more often than the other fleet vehicles. Its just to give you a sense of what a crossover vehicle should feel like.

I test drove the RAV4 and both me and my father hated the back seats and how uncomfortable they were.
We liked the CRV but it only comes in I4. My father really "WANTS" a V6 this time.

Pilot is out of our Range. I dont want to purchase a Highlander with a new completly redesigned model coming out in ~6 months.

That leaves us with Sienna or Odyssey. (I have mentioned this before that my family will NOT get anything other than a Toyota or Honda ... no matter what I tell them, they will not ). I was getting a very good deal on a 05 Dodge Carvan but my father flatly refused

Heres what we have decided:
Odyssey EX
or
Sienna LE w/ Package 1 or Package 3 (Package 4 is not available in our area...special order only)

We looked at both vehicles and liked the Odyssey better. It seems to have slightly better finishing (both inside and outside) as compared to the Sienna. Also, Odyssey has more demand from Sienna and slightly more resale value also. Plus, I know that my father likes Honda slightly better than Toyota.

BUT the purchase price differnce between Sienna and Odyssey is ~2-2.5k. (Sienna LE w/ package 3 at ~23k while Odyssey EX at ~25.5k).

Then, the Sienna has 0% financing for upto 60 months. The lowest we might be able to get on the Honda is ~5-5.5% with our excellent credit. (~5% of 20k financed = ~1k/yr in interest....i figured interest to be ~3-4k for 3-4yr loan - havnt figured out the exact interest yet).

So lets say...~2k price difference + 3k interest = ~5k net price difference between Sienna and Odyssey. (I know 07 Sienna is coming out in Late Dec/Early Jan with a better engine but i dont think any dealer will initially lower the prices of the new Sienna and/or offer 0% financing on them, especially with 06 still sitting on the lots)

EDIT: I still have the CRV in my mind but my father and mother want a mini-van. it will be my fathers vehicle primarily, so he gets to make the final decision. I only get to drive i t when we go out together or when he is not driving it or when I have to go and do his work.

the '07 sienna's get an updated engine, 3.5 liters (instead of 3.3) with 268 HP (instead of 215 HP).

might be worth the wait.