Our 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring just reached the 20,000-mile mark. To-date we've had the minivan in for service only when it requested as much. We went in once about 10,000 miles and again about 17,000 miles. Our running cost to own the Odysssey is $156.88. And the only issue out of the ordinary is a pair of ever-so-slightly warped front rotors, which we've seen no reason to replace just yet.
By comparison, our Toyota Sienna cost us $0 for regular maintenance after 23,000 miles of long-term fleet duty.
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 20,000 miles
govmotorgm2008 says:
05:56 AM, 01/24/12
I wish I purchased this mini instead.
I purchased a 2011 Dodge Caravan with 16k miles.
The Caravan would not start two times.
One time it was the security system malfuction chip. Replaced under warrenty. But it was just a headache and waste of time to get it down to the dealership for replacement. The svc dept advise if it wasn't warrenty , it would cost $1200 to replace it. WOW.
Second time, The steering wheel would not turn. Turns out to be a malfuction with the column of some sort. Under warrenty again, but another headach. It would cost $1450.00 just for the column, not to mention the mechanical labor ..which would be another $1,000.
Plus, the people at the dealership...did not seem very friendly. They seem to walk around like they worked for the Soviet gov't. Depressing.
Now, there is a loud clunk everytime I put the car in Drive or Reverse. Need to bring it to dearlership soon.
What a headache. I thought I would be patriotic and buy this vehicle...but what a mistake.
Should have listen to my neighbors whom have a Sienna and Odessey...no issues.
revs29 says:
07:20 AM, 01/24/12
govmotorgm2008: Thanks for perfectly illustrating the fallacy of "American Made".
Your Dodge Caravan is assembled in Windsor, Ontario. The Honda Odyssey is assembled in Lincoln, Alabama. I wonder which plant employs more American workers?
(The engineering for both cars is primarily in the US)
I get a lot of flack for owning 3 Hondas (two Accords and an S2000) in Metro Detroit. Every one of my neighbors has sarcastically asked if I work for Honda. Yet our Hondas have a combined mileage of almost 500,000, and not one of the three has ever left us stranded or required a trip to the dealer (I do all routine maintenance and minor repairs). Unfortunately Honda is now a shell of it's former self - they'll almost certainly be the last 3 Hondas that we buy.
ed124c says:
08:02 AM, 01/24/12
@revs29: I guess I don't understand why you are abandoning Honda. Your cars have served you well. Yes, the S2000 is gone, but the Accord is still a viable midsize sedan, and I have read that the new one will be a bit smaller, with better gas mileage.
What brand would you replace your Hondas with? I know that making a decision about a new midsize is going to get very difficult once the new Accord, Malibu, Fusion, etc. hit the ground this year. So, what would you be looking for that your current Accord can't do well?
lowmilelude says:
08:33 AM, 01/24/12
You didn't change the oil in the Sienna for 23,000 miles?
dscain says:
11:02 AM, 01/24/12
@lowmilelude - the Sienna came with the free maintenance plan. It's not that they didn't get the oil changed; they just didn't pay for it. Mike could have been a little more clear on that one.
revs29 says:
01:33 PM, 01/24/12
@ed124c: My Accord is an '03 Coupe EX-V6 6MT. It's at 200k miles, and still delivers low 30's MPG in addition to being a blast to drive (as bland FWD cars go).
What Honda made today exudes any character or seems like it's a special, unique vehicle that is head and shoulders above its competition? I can't think of any. They've really cheapened out on the interiors and seem to be trying to steal market share from Toyota customers. I've always hated the 8th gen Accord - too big with a hideously cheap and ugly interior. It would be the last midsize car I would buy with my own money. I couldn't stand to look at those huge dashboard buttons all day.
What would I get? Unfortunately, I'll probably take my chances with a lightly used Audi when my Accord finally gives up. If the TSX Sportwagon had a 6MT with the V6, I'd consider it, but they don't.
I have no idea what the wife would get to replace her Accord.
desmolicious says:
01:43 PM, 01/24/12
" And the only issue out of the ordinary is a pair of ever-so-slightly warped front rotors"
Yet another Honda with warped brakes. The more things change, plus c'est la même chose .
miamifan1 says:
02:06 PM, 01/24/12
this gotta be some kind of mileage:time (in IL service) record!
Feels like you just got this!?
billt9 says:
08:06 PM, 01/24/12
I've had a toyota camry with warped front rotors.
don't think you're safe from maintaining/replacing those wear and tear parts if you go with a toyota sienna.
mikelovesvtec says:
09:16 PM, 01/24/12
From past experience, my family has owned two Honda's(06' Accord sedan and 09' Accord coupe). After using both as daily drivers I can list various things I would like changed. But, what they both offered and offer is a reliable machine that regardless of the time, temperature, and place will get you where you need to go.