[gutzmom]

We are considering trading our 2007 Odyssey EX for a 2011 (probably an EX as well) but are conflicted. We love our 07. Yes, we have had some issues but they have been resolved for the most part and we have been very happy with the vehicle. I really like the new 2011 but I'm scared I will wish I still had my 07 with all the issues I see on this forum. So, for those who had a 3rd gen and now have an 2011, are you OK with your purchase or do you wish you still had your 3rd gen?

Thanks in advance,
KG :huh:

 

[tl01]

We are considering trading our 2007 Odyssey EX for a 2011 (probably an EX as well) but are conflicted. We love our 07. Yes, we have had some issues but they have been resolved for the most part and we have been very happy with the vehicle. I really like the new 2011 but I'm scared I will wish I still had my 07 with all the issues I see on this forum. So, for those who had a 3rd gen and now have an 2011, are you OK with your purchase or do you wish you still had your 3rd gen?

Thanks in advance,
KG :huh:

I didn't own a 3rd generation Ody but I'll say that while we've had a few issues with our first 2011 Ody, I still don't regret the decision to get one. Obviously on a board like this, you are going to see the vocal minority and the issues that they are having.

Our first 2011 Ody had the battery light come on once, the front left strut replaced twice, the AC worked on and a slight vibration issue. No car is perfect and for the most part the dealer worked hard to resolve the issues. From my experience I would say go for it.

Interestingly enough, we recently bought a Touring Elite. We left it parked for 1 week without starting it at all. During that time I went to the car and opened the sliding door and trunk many times and even listened to the stereo a few times and when I finally went to start it again last night it didn't have a problem and the battery light never came on. I was sure something would happen but it didn't.

 

[wyoming]

In my experience, if you're not completely gung-ho about making such a large purchase: don't. Time will pass and at some point you'll be unable to resist the temptation to upgrade, at which point your desire will overcome your fears, and then it seems more reasonable to enter into such a large financial responsibility. I think this is a good tactic for any large purchase. After all, your 2007 is only 4 years old and you still love it.

 

[BigBoat]

You gotta love the forums

You will get a good mix of responses to make up your mind but the only factual thing I can tell you is this recommendation: unless you are in a real need to get the car (for example: timing is critical and there are no alternatives out there), do not buy the first year model of a new generation.

Save some models throughout automotive history, the first year models of a new generation always have quirks that need to be fixed, fine-tuned, corrected, etc. and usually those fixes are dealt with by the time the 2nd year model hits the dealers.

Having said that, the 2011 is a great car but the 2012 should appear some time in the next few months

 

[gutzmom]

I agree on not getting a model out the first year but we were told it had been released in Europe for a couple years before coming to the States so a lot of the glitches have already been worked out. Does anyone know if that's true? Everyone I know that has one absolutely loves it. The amount they are giving us for our trade in right now is significantly higher than we would have expected (apparently, there is a shortage of used cars in our area right now) so that adds to the timing. Plus, interest rates are so low that we will actually lower our payment. Lots to consider!

 

[Gstom1]

If the style, design and features of the 4th generation Odyssey completely turns you off, then you'll have to wait for the 5th generation, which will probably arrive around 2015-2016. If you can wait that long, then your current Odyssey will be 8-9 years old and you will have received great use out of it.

The 4th generation Odyssey was completely redesigned in Honda's USA design studios for the North American market. There is a separate 4th generation Odyssey that is for the international market (i.e. Japan, China). This international version of the Odyssey looks somewhat different than its North American counterpart and is also on a different generation time table.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Odyssey_(international)

 

[BigBoat]

Q:

we were told it had been released in Europe for a couple years before coming to the States so a lot of the glitches have already been worked out.

A:

The 4th generation Odyssey was completely redesigned in Honda's USA design studios for the North American market. There is a separate 4th generation Odyssey that is for the international market (i.e. Japan, China).

In summary, it is not the same car/model at all, just the same brand and name

 

[bmwzimmer]

If you buy a first year model, get an extended warranty and you'll be fine.

 

[Frogger]

Sold a 2006 EX-L at 90k miles for a 2011 Touring.

If the question is about the 2011 being better, well then yes, on balance, it is better. Any gripes about the differences quickly fade as you get used to the new van.

However, that said, wish I had stayed in the 2006. Reason we jumped the gun is we thought that 100k was the death mark for being able to sell the Ody (rather than trade) where we live. We sold our 2001 Ody EX with 108k on it, and it took 9 months at a substantially low price, and concluded (apparently wrongly) that it was the the 100k that did us in on that.

Well, the 2006 sold in 2 days... and now I am left guessing whether I could have run it another 2 years and done ok, seeing as it was fully updated with new brakes, new tires, etc.

 

[gutzmom]

Thanks for all the replies! We bit the bullet today and went with the EX-L and we love it already. I do prefer the 07 dash to this one but it will grow on me. The only thing I'm not sure I will adjust to is not having the two 2nd row seats slide together for easier in and out access for my kids. Plus, what is up with those headrests in the back? We just do not get it! Otherwise, we love it. The handsfree phone is awesome and I love the rear view camera. Very, very happy and we even ended up with a lower car payment! We did get the extended warranty just for peace of mind.

 

[tl01]

Thanks for all the replies! We bit the bullet today and went with the EX-L and we love it already. I do prefer the 07 dash to this one but it will grow on me. The only thing I'm not sure I will adjust to is not having the two 2nd row seats slide together for easier in and out access for my kids. Plus, what is up with those headrests in the back? We just do not get it! Otherwise, we love it. The handsfree phone is awesome and I love the rear view camera. Very, very happy and we even ended up with a lower car payment! We did get the extended warranty just for peace of mind.

The headrests were made that way so they would be uncomfortable until they are moved into a position to protect in a crash. Enjoy your van!

 

[oddy03]

You gotta love the forums

You will get a good mix of responses to make up your mind but the only factual thing I can tell you is this recommendation: unless you are in a real need to get the car (for example: timing is critical and there are no alternatives out there), do not buy the first year model of a new generation.

Save some models throughout automotive history, the first year models of a new generation always have quirks that need to be fixed, fine-tuned, corrected, etc. and usually those fixes are dealt with by the time the 2nd year model hits the dealers.

Having said that, the 2011 is a great car but the 2012 should appear some time in the next few months

Not buying the first year throughout automotive history usually pertained to American cars, LOL! Thats not necessarily true today. My 3rd generation Oddy had many issues and it was the 3rd yr, so go figure? The only issue on the 2011 Touring elite is the struts, otherwise great.

 

[oddy03]

We are considering trading our 2007 Odyssey EX for a 2011 (probably an EX as well) but are conflicted. We love our 07. Yes, we have had some issues but they have been resolved for the most part and we have been very happy with the vehicle. I really like the new 2011 but I'm scared I will wish I still had my 07 with all the issues I see on this forum. So, for those who had a 3rd gen and now have an 2011, are you OK with your purchase or do you wish you still had your 3rd gen?

Thanks in advance,
KG :huh:

Nope, the 2011 is superior in many ways.. in my opinion...drives/handles better, faster acceleration, a usable 8th seat, better highway gas mileage (3 better on highway), much better brake feel than the mushy 2005 to 2010 pedal feel. Better leather on the seats vs what was on my 3rd generation. I do like the steering better on my 3rd generation. The 2011 is a little to over assisted, though not as bad as the 2011 Sienna.

 

[oddy03]

The headrests were made that way so they would be uncomfortable until they are moved into a position to protect in a crash. Enjoy your van!

Yes, and also so the 3rd row would fold into the floor without removing the head rests.

 

[oddy03]

Styling...

1 other thing.. the styling... it only seems to be forums and some car magazines that people hate the styling. In the real world... I have been told numerous times in traffic or parking lots, "nice ride" comments I never got in my 2nd and 3rd generation Oddy's. Even a few people, obviously not car people, mistaking it for the Mercedes R350 because of the way the back window is angled from a side profile. I get more compliments in this Van then driving my M56X or the vette...

 

[Gstom1]

The 2011 Odyssey looks a lot better in person. Photos and videos just don't do it justice!

:frown:

 

[oddy03]

The 2011 Odyssey looks a lot better in person. Photos and videos just don't do it justice!

:frown:

Yes, I agree! When I first saw pictures, I thought the 2011 was ugly as well.... in person and certain angles, not bad.. It's a van...

 

[gutzmom]

It really is much prettier in person and with all the awesome features, the exterior grows on you. We ended up with silver even though I wanted the smoky topaz and we are very happy with it. The truffle interior, while beautiful, was just darker than I like. Would have loved the topaz with beige interior.

 

[bar10dah]

Nope, no regret at all. Loved my '05 EX. Love my '11 EX-L even more!

 

[BigBoat]

I get more compliments in this Van then driving my M56X or the vette...

No surprise there :stupid: