Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Maryland
Posts: 71

Currently own a 00 Odyssey that the wife drives. Will be getting an au pair in a couple of months. The wife wants the au pair to drive the Odyssey for safety reasons and the fact that it is an automatic. My two cars are both stick. Do we get a new Odyssey or a Pilot?

I have 3 kids: 9, 7 and almost 2. The 7 year old uses a booster seat.

Wife likes the idea of a 4 wheel drive vehicle for the lack of prompt snow removal in the DC suburbs. I like the fact that the Pilot is a foot shorter than the Odyssey (Her current Odyssey has scrapes on every corner!!!) and you can get a Pilot for invoice with no hassles.

Even though I do not want to own 2 minivans, I also like the idea of getting a larger DVD screen, more room for those occasions that the whole family and the au pair will travel together. newer technology, and a vehicle that generally handles better but still has first year teething problems.

Comments?

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Houston, Texas USA
Posts: 994

Ody has a whole lot bigger interior so in that criteria the Ody wins over the Pilot. The Pilot is 4WD and you can't discount that, especially in the snow. Its got a higher clearance to, for flood prone areas.

Otherwise for your situation, I'd recommend the Ody as you'll have 3 kids, the au pair, the wife and yourself. Much more comfortable in the Ody.

__________________
2005 Silver/Grey Touring N+R
PAX Lover

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Nov 2004
Location: NH originally, now stationed in Germany
Posts: 111

Coincidently, we are awaiting the build of our Odyssey with our 2003 Pilot destined to be traded at that time.

When we purchsed our Pilot, the Sienna was in its first year of redesign (no deal to be had despite a relative at the local Toyota dealer) and the Odyssey was pending its redesign.

We went with the Pilot to get the AWD (we live in NH) and were fortuante to get almost $1000 off MSRP...not bad for that time.

We now have two kids (2 and half and six months) and find that we are "out growing" the Pilot. Granted I am over six feet tall, but I find that with the rear facing seat behind me, I am cramped at the steering wheel, when I do drive it. Interestingly, I was cramped in the passenger seat of the Sienna when we drove it recently. We have used our 3rd row a handful times, but feel that it is rather cramped (in 2003 the second row did not slide, as it does now).

We are going with the Odyssey at this point for a number of reasons:

- more usable space (both in terms of people and cargo)
- more features for the buck (buying at $200 over invoice, so it
actually works out this way)
- NAV and RES together (mutually exclusive in the Pilot)
- full side curtain air bags (not available in the Pilot)
- better MPG (in theory)
- anticipated upcoming move to Germany, so the need to carry
visitors and kids will be real (we live within minutes of family
now)

As a side note, we had hoped to get our van sooner, and had we traded at that time, the trade value on the Pilot would have provided me with an amount of equity that would have equalled the amount of money we put down on the vehicle....not too bad in my book, and better than anything GM would able to accomplish.

Good luck on your desicion. You may want to visit www.hondapilot.org and check out some the Ody vs Pilot info there and get a lot of info on the Pilot.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Oct 2004
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 314

The Odyssey's got my vote having switched (reluctantly) from the Pilot. The Odyssey is safer, easier to get into for everybody and more fuel efficient (at least psychologically). I still miss my Pilot but only wished I still had it on only 2 occasions this winter (then again your area's been getting bad winters recently). Why not get both?

__________________
Firefox + NoScript + Adblock + Fasterfox + SpoofStick

2005 Silver Ody EXL R+N [odyclub.com]
2005 Silver Accord EXL +N [driveaccord.net]

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Feb 2005
Location: Beautiful Mountains of Western North Carolina
Posts: 87

I had the same problem making my decision. Here's what I posted on another thread:

quote:

---

Originally posted by ASK
I really struggled with the Ody vs. Pilot choice. I test drove both and loved both. I was one of those moms who vowed she'd never have a minivan ("MV")! I was up at night worried about the decision.

However, once I considered that the Ody EX-L has better price, safety (side curtain air bags), gas mileage, cargo space, standard features (like dual climate control), etc., AND once I climbed into the third row of the Pilot, I was SOLD on the Ody.

I still look longingly at those Pilots as I see them driving by, but then I remember all the pros that the Ody has, and I don't worry so much about my image as an MV mom.

I did read that Honda has plans (as part of its "Safety for Everyone" campaign) for ALL its vehicles to get side curtain airbags by the end of '06, but I didn't want to wait that long for the Pilot. I'm very happy with my Ody.

I suggest driving both, and getting into the third row of the Pilot. It is VERY hard to get to (I'm 5'4" and 104 pounds), and the seat is stiff and uncomfortable. The third row of the Ody is easily accessible and comfy enough for the in-laws. Also, it has a lot more cargo space even with the third row up.

Of course I have a 4-year-old and 2 1/2 year old, so perhaps the Ody is better for me than it would be for someone with older kids, but we were trying to think about the next 10 years, and how we might carpool, have sports equipment, etc., and the Ody just seemed the better choice.

---

__________________
'05 EX-L, Slate Green/Gray

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Mar 2005
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 78

I went through a similar decision process as well except I was also looking at Sienna AWD. We are moving to Seattle area in the summer and I thought a AWD would be useful. I ended up getting a Odyssey EX yesterday because
1. AWD is not really needed in Seattle / NW area unless I go skiing every week.
2. Pilot's lack of curtain airbags and space
3. Sienna AWD costing about 2k more than FWD, uses more gas, and has no spare tire

Not sure about DC area, though, or your preference of brand.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Feb 2005
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 4

I switched from a '03 Pilot to a '05 Odyssey EX-L-RES. That wasn't my initial intent as I was looking to buy a '05 Pilot at the local dealer. There was an Odyssey in the showroom at the time while I was waiting for the salesperson and to pass time by, I started looking closely at it. When the salesperson showed up, she asked why I wanted an '05 Pilot. I answered to get more room in the third row ('03 Pilots don't have sliding 2nd row seats).

Long story short, after much thought, I bought the Odyssey. Better equipped, more room, and safer for a lower price.

Fast forward: after several ski trips and a few snowstorms, my fears about not having AWD were unfounded. With 4 Blizzaks, the vehicle has no problems in the snow. The cockpit, er, I mean the driving seat/area is so modern and luxurious that I don't feel like I'm driving a minivan (I owned a '96 Caravan at one time). The kids love the DVD (yeaah, no more bickering) and there's so much room (especially with my Thule box for skiis installed). I also get the rated gas mileage with the iVtec engine.

With the kind of driving I do, I have not missed my Pilot at all. I would not be surprised if the '06 Pilot will get the iVtec engine, as well as all the safety systems found in the '05 Odyssey.

I don't regret my purchase at all.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Mar 2005
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 48

David,

My wife drives a 2005 Odyssey Touring R/N and I drive a 2005 Pilot EX-L R. We have 3 kids aged almost 8,6 & 1 (all birthdays the same week). Here is what I can say after 1 month:

Pro Ody:

- More room for the kids. In the Pilot, we do not use the 3rd row so all 2nd Row has 2 boosters and the infant car seat. It is sometimes difficult for the older kids to fasten their seat belts without help in the Pilot.
- Kids get easier access. I always fear they may one day fall from the SUV (despite the side steps I added).
- Sliding doors are safer for kids.
- Ody can have both Nav and Res and XM radio. I miss the NAV in the Pilot.
- Pilot DVD screen hides partially the rear view. It is also too close from the driver and I already hurt once myself when I turned back my head from the driver's seat to give something to the kids.
- Gas mileage (if you drive partially on highway).

Pro Pilot:
- Quality better. Had several problems with the Ody (still have the AC to repair)
- AWD
- More comfortable on bumps, quieter (I hate the rattle noise in the Ody, but it can be fixed). Nicer steering wheel, better arm rest.

Also, if you consider Ody Touring: I still have mixed feelings about PAX tires. Michelin network does not seem very efficient yet in my neighborhood. For the moment I view this good only if getting flat near your home.

__________________
Max

2005 Odyssey Touring Desert Rock Met/Ivory NAV/RES
2005 Pilot EX-L Steel Blue Met/Gray RES

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2004
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1512

David,

We own an Ody and an MDX (very similar to the Pilot). I would definitely go with the Ody. Our Ody is our family car because it has more room for people and cargo. (We have a two-year-old and one due in about 3-1/2 weeks.) I have driven it through a Minnesota winter now and can tell you that it drives very well in snowy/slushy conditions. I have not worried about driving it at all in adverse conditions. My husband drives the MDX and is only keeping the booster seat for our two-year-old in it. Although we haven't tried it, we suspect that it would be difficult to use a booster seat and an infant seat (or two boosters) and still have access to the third row of seats. We will be using only the Ody when the whole family needs to go somewhere....the MDX is dedicated to those times when only one of us and our two-year-old need to go somewhere. Best of luck in your decision.

__________________
Mommyvan
'05 EX Slate Green/Gray cloth

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Nov 2004
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 342

quote:

---

Originally posted by David

Wife likes the idea of a 4 wheel drive vehicle for the lack of prompt snow removal in the DC suburbs.

---

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Sep 2002
Location: So Cal
Posts: 12660

I know nothing about driving in the snow, but a Touring would not allow mounting snow tires easily. (I think you can mount a set on different rims and then have a warning light on) Front wheel drive works great in the snow.

To the OP, how many miles on the 00 Ody? Ever take van vacations? Might be nice to have a new Ody.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: old bridge, nj, usa
Posts: 854

Ditto on all points.

Lately I have been using the MDX with 3 booster chairs in the 2nd row and it's just a pain.

I just wanted to try it out.

I didn't want to use the 3rd row because I rather keep it folded.

Ody wins hands down. If I could only have one, it would be the ody.

Maybe when the youngest hits 5, it might be easier.

By the way, have your or your husband noticed the difference in the suspension between the ody and mdx when driving on rough streets?

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mommyvan
David,

We own an Ody and an MDX (very similar to the Pilot). I would definitely go with the Ody. Our Ody is our family car because it has more room for people and cargo. (We have a two-year-old and one due in about 3-1/2 weeks.) I have driven it through a Minnesota winter now and can tell you that it drives very well in snowy/slushy conditions. I have not worried about driving it at all in adverse conditions. My husband drives the MDX and is only keeping the booster seat for our two-year-old in it. Although we haven't tried it, we suspect that it would be difficult to use a booster seat and an infant seat (or two boosters) and still have access to the third row of seats. We will be using only the Ody when the whole family needs to go somewhere....the MDX is dedicated to those times when only one of us and our two-year-old need to go somewhere. Best of luck in your decision.

---

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2004
Location: Maplewood, MN
Posts: 21

I too went through the same decision recently!! I was all set on the Pilot as I drive a 4WD now and thought it would drive me crazy to be a "mini-van MOM". YIKES!! Never, ever thought I would be one of "those".

Anyway, after going to the showroom and really looking at both of them closely the Ody won hands down. My husband can get in and out of the 3rd seat easily (we still have 2 in car seats and getting into the 3rd row of the Pilot with 2 car seats would mean unbelting one or climbing over the middle of the 2nd row - not the easiest as an adult). The access to the 3rd seat with the Ody is a ton easier.

I like the RES screen in the Ody too - it is bigger and doesn't intefere with your rear view mirror. Also, the NAV is great.

So, to end a long story - we ordered our EX-L RES/NAV today!! Won't get here for 8-10 weeks, but got a great deal and look forward to driving it on our trips this summer.

Good luck with your decision!!

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Feb 2005
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 4

Yes, I'm sure a lot of us who got one never thought we'd get a minivan. Then again, the '05 Odyssey isn't your regular minivan.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Dec 2004
Location: xoxo SoCali xoxo
Posts: 770

Wow! Looks like I'm not the only one who traded away the 03 Pilot for the 05 Ody.
The ride in the Pilot is better. Bumps and rough roads seem to be less harsh....
But the Pilot, even the 05, has no side curtain air bags and is still too small. The back seat is pretty useless and if you have carseats--all in the middle row, lots-o-luck! Our kids were in boosters and could never put the seat belts on themselves--just too tight a fit.
The Ody is spacious and even luxurious (for a van).
We have no regrets.

__________________
05 EX-L/ Nav/Res Sagebrush Pearl/Ivory

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged