It looks like 2011 is the year of the minivan with almost all of the main players receiving major updates. The best selling vans are the Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town and Country, which receive exterior tweaks and major interior modifications. Not just the most popular vans they are also the third best selling vehicles in the country and for 2011 they also get a new engine and transmission. Toyota recently released their all-new Sienna van with a choice of 4-cylinder, V6 and even all-wheel drive. Nissan is even back in the picture with a stylish Quest and the Kia has re-styled the Sedona van. With all this competition Honda set out to establish themselves at the top of the van market by having an aspiration purchase. A van one might want to own, rather than buy as a grudge purchase.
The Skin
Styling is so subjective but there are a few things worth pointing out on the Odyssey. The front features a very cohesive looking front grille that sweeps into the front lights. This line carries across the front fenders with very good effect, in fact the Odyssey has an almost sedan front end. It's the middle and back of this new van that will take some time to adjust too. The ''lightning-bolt'' design behind the rear sliding doors is meant to differentiate the Odyssey, making it less boxy. It certainly looks unique and provides a bigger side window for third row passengers but the rail that the sliding doors sits on is now accented, making the side look unfinished. Other manufacturers have done a better job of hiding this rail (Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan), where Honda highlights it. The aim was to make this shorter and wider van more dramatic compared to the older unit, helping it stand out. For better or worse it certainly does stand out.
kara scobbie 6:22 PM on August 27, 2012 Good Evening,
We have come across a Honda Odyssey 2008 with 20000 miles (30000km) for sale in New Westminster. The dealer is asking $23995. This is a dealer that buys good, low km cars from automakers auctions in the States and has then shipped to Canada. He has done all the nessesary inspections and servicing. (there had been a recall on a transmission part and that was replaced by Honda USA before auction) My question is what are your thoughts on a situation like this and do you have any reservations about buying an american vehicle. We are going to get it insected by BCAA before purchase. Also do you think this is a fare price.
thanks for you help, Kara Scobbie
We had been quite excited but when we found out is was a US car, now are unsure.
Motormouth.ca says: 7:51 PM on August 27, 2012 Get them to provide a CarFax report showing that the US vehicle has the mileage stated and that it has not been in a big accident etc. Once you have the BCAA report, you can then go to www.canadianblackbook.com to find out the current resale value. I own a US car, if it checks out enjoy the savings.
bob campbell 6:08 PM on June 22, 2012 I purchased a honda down in arizona in jan of 2011.The savings were appox.$8000.00 on an odessey van.. My canadian dealers tell me the honda warrenty is no good since I registered it (an american made car) in canada. My question is ...How can honda abdicate their responsibility for defective or possibly dangerous parts what with NFTA and all ????? Why does bringing the car across a border void their responsibility to repair defects??? Thanks for your time..
Motormouth.ca says: 5:40 PM on August 9, 2012 The warranty is with the company that sells the vehicle and Honda US is a different company from Honda Canada. Some companies, like Toyota, will honour the warranty but others use this loophole to discourage people from buying down south. You might have a point that this violates NAFTA but that is a fight that would take years and millions of dollars to push through both court systems. This is a good lesson for other people looking south for a deal. Find out ahead of time if the warranty is honoured in Canada. Your best bet is to take the car back to the US and have the work done there. If there is a defect or a recall, then Honda Canada would repair the car for free as recalls are binding.
Harry 11:02 AM on March 18, 2012 I have 2002 Honda Odyssey with 236K. I have been using conventional motor oil since I bouoght the vechile new. I am thinking about using a synthic oil now due to our cold temp. in the winter. Would this cause me problems by switching over to a synthic oil? I haven't had any issues in the pass with the engine, regarding leaks or performance.
Motormouth.ca says: 10:04 AM on March 21, 2012 Synthetic will not harm your vehicle in any way and you can change at any time. This is a good idea.
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