Seeking Feedback on Either the New Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna Mini Vans

I just bought a 2006 Honda Odyssey last week and LOVE it. I have never heard any of my family or friends talk badly about their Odyssey. I had a 2000 Honda Odyssey and traded it in. I also looked a Siennas. My grandma has one and loves it. I like the 2007 I drove, but really liked the Odyssey better, it had less miles and I liked that it had automatic doors on both sides. They are both great vans, you can't go wrong with either one.

Hi J.,

We owned a Honda Odyssey for 3 years. We loved it for the first couple years but than began having problems which we believe was the transmission - this is when we decided to trade it in. My friend bought the Sienna and I think it's a smoother ride, so that may be what you want to consider.

One feature my friend didn't get in her Sienna (and she regreted after travelling in my van so much) was the auto-sliding doors. This was an excellent feature and I still miss being able to remotely open the doors when my hands are full or I want to have my daughter jump in. (we are Honda lovers and have owned them for 12+ years)

That's my 2 cents ~ good luck!

I have a 2004 Toyota Sienna and absolutely love it. I haven't had any problems with it either.

Good luck!

We have a 2007 Odyssey and love it. We researched and test drove Odyssey, T&C and Sienna. I'm a Honda person - had a civic for 250,000 miles...

We have found that the finishout and the inside trim was a better quality and didn't look like it would break in the Odyssey. We've had no service issues, no weird noise, no having to buy new tires every year, etc. We couldnt be happier with our choice.

We were total car snobs before having the minivan. We traded in my 2005 Acura TL and before this, my husband drove the Mercedes SLK. We thought the Odyssey was the most classy of the minivan choices.

Hi J.,
We have a 2004 Odyssey and my girlfriend just purchased a 2008. We both love our vans and the awesome features! The 2008 has some really great things that make your life so much more convenient! But I also have friends with the Sienna and they love their van too! I'm just not sure you can go wrong with either one - it will just come down to the way it feels when you drive it and the conveniences you find helpful. Good Luck!

Hello J.,

We're on our 2nd Honda Oddessy and love it. first we had a 02 and now we have a 08. the sliding doors' windows OPEN!!! that was the first thing my 8-year old noticed. I did notice a difference in the breaks from the 02 to the 08 but I figured I was driving the 02 for almost 6 years so your body gets used to the car. we didn't have any issues with breaks or transmission or engine... we drove to michigan 5 or 6 times on the 02 Oddessy. I love my Oddessy! =) ~C.~

Hi J.- Well- I dont drive a mini van but I can say that I just got a Chrysler Aspen and totally love it- do NOT get a Jeep commander- view with third seat up is horrible. I am going to direct your question to my husband- he has been in the car business for 20 plus years and is the maven. He can also supply you with an auto warranty- so don't pay the dealership price- My husband just said- either one - both have some of the highest ratings- "Either one you cant lose on"
You can probably get a better deal on the Toyota- ask the dealers about rebates or dealer incentives available. Most people don't think about that stuff.- good luck!
For the warranty- ask for Dean - at 4 resources
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D.

I test drove both of these mini-vans as well and went with the Sienna. I just felt the ride was smoother and they were willing to work a little harder to get the price and payment that I wanted. They are also higher (just a little) on the resale value list at consumer reports. As for the transmission issues, nothing yet and we just rolled over at 25K miles. We opted for the platinum warranty that covers everything up to 100K miles (even the radio) and they provide a rental if they need to keep it more than a day for repairs along with roadside assistance. It costs an extra 30 per month to the payment, but I think it's worth it. They also gave me coupons for my first 3 oil changes. Whether it was the dealership I went to (Plano Toyota) I don't know, but the HOnda dealer wasn't as giving. Other than that, I'm sure both will do well for you, but that was my experience.

I have had the Odyssey for 3 years. I love the van but the brakes are loud and sound like they are going out so I get them checked all the time only to find out that they are still good. The only thing that I hate is the run flat tires that came on mine. I hate them and ranted about them awhile back on my blog: http://www.junecleavernirvana.com/2008/01/monday-morning-...

If you skip the fancy tires, I would highly recommend the Odyssey.

J.: we have an Odyssey and even though I fought it, I do love it. I wasn't ready to be a "minivan" mom, but you can't deny the great features and it is so convenient for having lots of kid stuff with you. I love the sliding doors and get the DVD system!

E.

We own a 08 Honda Odyssey-recently went on vaca. and rented a Sienna and we LOVED it!!! I don't know about the transmission,which is def. an issue but as far as the car itself we absolutely loved the Sienna over the Odyssey, it is much more plush and comfy. We just felt that it had better features overall-for example, call me lazy but the O doesn't have automatic tailgate-not a big deal until your hands are full with kids or groceries and you need it opened or closed...in the rain! The S does. The seats in the S are much more comfy imo and much more leg room, also it just looks nicer on the inside...Just my opinion but things to think about. HTH

We own the Sienna, and absolutely love it. We were trying to decide between the Sienna and Odyssey also, and decided we liked the Sienna better. I thought the console area looked a lot nicer, and the dealership gave us a really good deal. I have heard great things about them both, though. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Good luck!

I have had an Odyssey since May. I previously had a Honda accord for ten years, so I am hooked on Hondas. I don't know anythign about a Sienna. I love my Odyssey. I have had no problems with the breaks. I was able to buy the van at fleet pricing through my credit union, Advancial Credit Union. Check with them to see if you can join the credit union, and then you can get substantial savings. I probably saved at least $5K or more by going through the credit union. Google the name and go to the web site. I have 2 sets of twins and what I love the most about my van, besides the fact that I can get all my family in it, is that I bought a 7 year package that provides for a free complete detail every year and plus they will clean the car free any time I want to bring it in. Go with Lute Riley Honda if you buy an O.

Dear J.

I have a 2004 Toyota Sienna and love it! We purchased it new from Toyota Plano and haven't had any trouble with it (just regular maintenance). It is currently for sale because we are working on getting out of debt. If you're interested just let me know. I will buy this minivan again once we've accomplished our goals.
Happy hunting! Rosie