Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Honda Odyssey Touring

[Autos_Editor]

Fifty grand buys a great deal of automobile. Here's how much minivan it gets you.

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[Threader]

Still can't like that rear quarters styling exercise. Always looks like the back end got crushed in an accident and was shoddily repaired at the body shop.

[mixmanmash]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

[bombastic]

Strange that when describing the engine there is no mentioning of torque, which is more important on this type of vehicle than HP.
Car is not bad, expensive though.

[bombastic]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

So 47k$ + taxes = 54k$-4k$=50k$ CASH purchase? And how many people have this sort of cash to buy a minivan? It is hardly a good cash buy.

[OliverD]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

So 47k$ + taxes = 54k$-4k$=50k$ CASH purchase? And how many people have this sort of cash to buy a minivan? It is hardly a good cash buy.

Subtract the cash before you add the tax.

[ipolski]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

It is probably a sweet spot when it comes to value, would be my choice as well.

[mixmanmash]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

So 47k$ + taxes = 54k$-4k$=50k$ CASH purchase? And how many people have this sort of cash to buy a minivan? It is hardly a good cash buy.

Tax is different in Alberta.  As well, I would be looking more at a mid level model which would be around 33-35k.

[canbra]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

So 47k$ + taxes = 54k$-4k$=50k$ CASH purchase? And how many people have this sort of cash to buy a minivan? It is hardly a good cash buy.

Moreover, I thought the $4000 off was for the LX model only, to bring down the starting price so as to draw to the Honda dealers people interested on the Dodge GC with its low price tag.

Earlier this month, at least in QC, when I simulated the price of these Hondas on their website, the $4000 off only showed up on the base model, not on the EX-L trim I was looking into.

[mixmanmash]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

So 47k$ + taxes = 54k$-4k$=50k$ CASH purchase? And how many people have this sort of cash to buy a minivan? It is hardly a good cash buy.

Moreover, I thought the $4000 off was for the LX model only, to bring down the starting price so as to draw to the Honda dealers people interested on the Dodge GC with its low price tag.

Earlier this month, at least in QC, when I simulated the price of these Hondas on their website, the $4000 off only showed up on the base model, not on the EX-L trim I was looking into.

Shows up in Alberta.

[Blueprint]

Bought my shiny black 2012 EX to replace a still-shiny slate-grey 2003 EX, paid less than 32k$ new after incentives and got 7k$ for the old one.

I love the looks of the van in this Dart Vader config, and the black (or white) vans get a "truffle" interior shade that's chic and different from the regular grey / beige.

The 6-speed tranny will be standard accross the board for 2014, but with cylinder deactivation, I get numbers my 2003 could not reach: record is 8,6 l/100km on a return trip between Gatineau and Montreal, via Ottawa, in a January blizzard (90 km/h average).

Turnpike cruising in the US gets between 8,9 and 10,1, depending on how hilly the highway is. 9,8 was the best I got out of the 2003, but in town the new one is similar, from 12 to 14 depending on amount of short trips.

The 2003 was faster and more sporting, at the expense of a stiff ride. The new one is a bit softer all-around, but far from a wallowing Quest.

...and just try to fit an unfolded stroller in the trunk of a crossover 

[jhonnybravo]

We drove one before purchasing the Acadia, very nice van that seemed worlds better quality wise compared to the Nissan Quest. As a Family vehicle I still think the Minivan is King.

[Spec5]

I'd have to disagree on the handling aspect of this review. Its ok for a minivan I suppose but far from sporting. Its got VERY light (like 1 finger turning) steering which is nice for parking lots etc but if you're doing any kind of "spirited" driving there's absolutely 0 feedback. You end up sawing away on the wheel trying to figure out what your grip level is like - its pretty bad. Of course it is a minivan.

My only other complaints really are that my drivers window/door panel seems to have developed a squeak in it. Even with all the toys, stuffies and noise inducing shakers the kids have crammed into every conceivable crevice I can still hear it. I also notice it "creaks" just a little bit now when you enter steep driveways or anything that involves twisting the structure. Its still a nice vehicle but I'm "blown away" by the Honda experience - frankly my 07 Tucson made a more positive impression thus far. Of course its literally half the length of the van.

The last complaint is the shift from park when the vehicle is cold is startling. If it weren't a brand new vehicle (well 1 yr old now) I'd have brought it to a tranny shop. But its done it from day 1. Huge mechanical clunk when you shift from P into R. Its actually stopped people in their tracks walking by it. VERY disconcerting. We'll see how it holds up. Only 20k kms on it thus far and it will never tow anything other than my mountain bike.

Final bill shows I paid 40k even out the door for our white EX (with fog lights - my only stipulation - at least it'll look good for a van!) - that includes a few of the "add ons" as well. The lease protection package I think it was called. Our monthly payment is $528 for 4 years. I believe it was deep in to the 700$ range to buy.

[bombastic]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

So 47k$ + taxes = 54k$-4k$=50k$ CASH purchase? And how many people have this sort of cash to buy a minivan? It is hardly a good cash buy.

Moreover, I thought the $4000 off was for the LX model only, to bring down the starting price so as to draw to the Honda dealers people interested on the Dodge GC with its low price tag.

Earlier this month, at least in QC, when I simulated the price of these Hondas on their website, the $4000 off only showed up on the base model, not on the EX-L trim I was looking into.

Shows up in Alberta.

So it shows up in Alberta, but not Ontario or other provinces? Well is not a good cash proposal for MOST Canadians.

[mixmanmash]

This van isn't badly priced if you factor in the $4000 off for cash purchase.  I would likely go for a mid level EX-Res or EX-L Res.

So 47k$ + taxes = 54k$-4k$=50k$ CASH purchase? And how many people have this sort of cash to buy a minivan? It is hardly a good cash buy.

Moreover, I thought the $4000 off was for the LX model only, to bring down the starting price so as to draw to the Honda dealers people interested on the Dodge GC with its low price tag.

Earlier this month, at least in QC, when I simulated the price of these Hondas on their website, the $4000 off only showed up on the base model, not on the EX-L trim I was looking into.

Shows up in Alberta.

So it shows up in Alberta, but not Ontario or other provinces? Well is not a good cash proposal for MOST Canadians.

So, here's what I just found for Alberta:

LX: MSRP $31,630, Cash: $31,630.00
EX: MSRP $35,790, Cash: $31,790.00 - if you're paying cash, why bother with the LX?
EX RES: MSRP $37,390, Cash: $33,790.00
EX-L RES: MSRP $42,890, Cash: $38,890.00
Touring: MSRP $48,895, Cash: $44,895.00

Here's Ontario (I punched in a postal code for Oakville):
LX: MSRP $29,990, Cash: $25,990.00
EX: MSRP $34,150, Cash: $30,150.00
EX RES: MSRP $35,750, Cash: $31,750.00
EX-L RES: MSRP $41,250, Cash: $37,250.00
Touring: MSRP $47,255, Cash: $43,255.00

Looks like they are giving $4000 off all trims in Ontario, which they are not in Alberta (LX doesn't get the discount in Alberta).

Edit: I just noticed for Ontario, they don't include the freight and PDI in the MSRP, which they do for Alberta.  The MSRP and Cash purchase price is the same in the 2 provinces (aside from the base LX).

[Fobroader]

Still think if I had to be sentenced to a minivan, the Sienna AWD would be my first choice, in the LE trim its $44,500 and $57K in full kit XLE Limited trim. Looks wise, a minivan is a minivan is a minivan, I still think that the Oddysey and the Sienna are about the same to me. The Caravan would be very tempting though, just its so much cheaper and its such a bad vehicle that it will make me try harder at work and work overtime to be able to afford a Boss 302 as a weekend car. 

[tooscoops]

and for "cash" purchases, don't that line of credit, or bank rates will count as cash...

lets say 5 years... 31600 (plus ontario tax) at 5.99% is 692 a month...

the 35790 (plus tax) at the current 1.99% is 709 a month


better to take the cash off... especially if you wanted to money down or perhaps pay it off early.


anywho, nice van... not what i would get because i would be using it as either a truck with all the seats removed/folded, or a young family mover that will see too much abuse... a grand caravan better suits me, but the odyssey is a nice van that offers higher levels of refinement and comfort for sure. just not things i want to spend the extra cake on.

[mixmanmash]

Still think if I had to be sentenced to a minivan, the Sienna AWD would be my first choice, in the LE trim its $44,500 and $57K in full kit XLE Limited trim. Looks wise, a minivan is a minivan is a minivan, I still think that the Oddysey and the Sienna are about the same to me. The Caravan would be very tempting though, just its so much cheaper and its such a bad vehicle that it will make me try harder at work and work overtime to be able to afford a Boss 302 as a weekend car. 

See, I did the opposite.  I got the weekend car first, modified it to my liking.  Now, I need to get the family hauler.  Not in a big rush though as we are making it work with the four of us in my Protege and in my wife's Rogue.  If there are more people (visitors), I have access to my parents full size van.  But, in the next year or two, my Protege is going to have to be replaced as the body is slowly dissolving away.

[bombastic]

The Caravan would be very tempting though, just its so much cheaper and its <B>such a bad vehicle<B> that it will make me try harder at work and work overtime to be able to afford a Boss 302 as a weekend car. 

For the price I would say it is better than Odissey and Sienna. Is bad in which way? It has the better engine, 6 speed auto, functional interior, Stow and Go.....

[mixmanmash]

The Caravan would be very tempting though, just its so much cheaper and its <B>such a bad vehicle<B> that it will make me try harder at work and work overtime to be able to afford a Boss 302 as a weekend car. 

For the price I would say it is better than Odissey and Sienna. Is bad in which way? It has the better engine, 6 speed auto, functional interior, Stow and Go.....

I can't qualify the Pentastar as necessarily a better engine.  It merely caught up with the competition but didn't advance.  Despite the Caravan having the 6 speed auto, it's fuel economy is poor compared to the Odyssey.  The Stow and Go seats, while practical, are very uncomfortable on longer distances.  For the few times the seats would have to come out, I would rather have a comfortable seat.