Whats the best one to get in terms of LX, EX, EX-L, or whatever. For a 2005 or newer

 

I'll assume you got kids, or else there is no need to have a minivan. Kids get messy. Even the most careful parents will still see and have things happen that would may you cry if it was your mod car.

Therefore, I would recommend EX-L or Touring.

Leather seats are a lot easier to clean. They also hold up better to stains. If you are choosing a used van (leather or cloth), check the rear seats carefully. Child car seats will have points that push into the fabric of our Accord (for example). Any more pressure, and there will be a hole soon.

* Of course depending on the brand of car seat, but it can happen.

A bath towel will help protect it. But not everyone does that.

 

Buy as much as you can afford to. The Touring models feature PAX, which is a run-flat system. There are pros and cons to having the run-flats, so you should decide if you really need it.

On the EX-L and Touring models, Honda utilizes VCM, which allows the Odyssey to deactivate half of the cylinders when cruising. I've read that it only gives around 1-2mpg better efficiency, but that's still better than nothing. The LX and EX make do with no VCM, and incidentally make slightly more hp/tq.

I'd recommend picking up some all-weather mats - liquids WILL be spilt with kids in the car. Heck, even grownups too.

 

it's depend upon comfortability.which model of odyssey proves you more comfortable.
LX, EX, EX-L all are good models but EX-L is much better then LX, EX

 

I do have another minivan. And that's true. None of my kids ever all out spill in the van. It's adults that done it twice in the 2nd row.

Most of the 48oz (?) are top heavy with a small bottom to fit standard cup holders. Ice also floats to the top, making it worst in weight balance. The drinks will spill over during a turn. Come to think of it..... It's was the same person.

 

Hey thanks for the responses. I hope to get the EX-L. If the price is right. I know its not cheap.

Just wondering, I don't plan on slamming this wagon but do they have lowering kits for these cars? I plan on putting some nice rims on it but not too bling bling. NO 22s. What do you think has a good size for the wheels?

 

I like 18s.

Examples:

Lowering springs

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H-R-S...Q5fAccessories

Pics.

 

I believe there was an Odyssey with Element wheels, and the wheels looked pretty good on the Ody.

GLDrew - I'm a culprit of spilling in my own Odyssey. I had a big Jamba Juice smoothie, and sure enough the whole thing slammed onto the carpet. Liquids are usually no big deal if they're not too sugary, but that smoothie was impossible to clean up. Another time my wife's friend was sitting in a passenger seat, and didn't realize she had dropped a piece of chocolate onto the seat. We were on a roadtrip, so the damn thing sat there for a few hours; it melted. Best part was, though, she thought she poop'd herself. I lol'd.

 

Dark interior
Rubber mats
Leather seats
NO Food or Drinks allowed.

Funny. Most would not really eat or make a mess while eating in a car. Somehow, when riding in a minivan, people loose all common cautions while eating in a moving car.

 

IMO go with the EX-L. The leather is hard to beat and you won't have to deal with the PAX wheels and tires. H&R makes lowering springs for the Ody (05-07). Honda changed the front strut assembly for the 08 and 09 models. You can still fit the H&R's on the 08/09 models if you change to the 05-07 front struts.
As far as the wheels are concerned, anything from 18" to 20" looks good on the Ody. Just make sure the wheels and tires you are looking for are load rated for the Odyssey's heavy weight. I have H&R's and 20x8.5 wheels on my '07 EX-L and are very pleased with the over all handling, stance, and apperance. Check out www.odyclub.com . There is plenty of information regarding the Odyssey there.
Here is a few shots of the family truckster with the H&R's, wheels and roof rack removed.

 

So how does your minivan ride lowered? Can the average passenger feel it?

 

I don't think anyone who didn't own an Odyssey would notice. I would say that the ride is similar to a stock Accord. The heavy, marshmellow, top heavy feel of the van is pretty much gone. I personally like a firmer ride. Not bone jarring, but "sportier". I have ground control springs in my Civic. I don't think that I would want to drive it everyday. IMO the Ody's ride is perfect.

 

The minivan looks very menacing with those wheels. I like it!

 

Thanks!

 

Yeah thats they way I would set my new van. Can you tell me your set up? How low, and what type of springs? Camber kit? or no? Do you have to go very slow on speed bumbs? or regular slow down? Thanks for sharing your mini.

 

I just have off the shelf H&R's for the '05-'07 Odyssey. No camber kit and stock allignment. I know another guy on another board who has the same springs on his Ody. He had his alligned and mentioned that even with the springs (1.5" lower in front, and 1.3" lower in rear) were so close to factory specs that in his opinion, it wasn't worth getting the allignment. I've put 15K or so miles on and my tires only have very slight cupping on the inside of the tire. The tires still ride like the day they were installed. My wife and I are careful going over bumps and go slow, (not hold up traffic and go at an angle slow), but no different than when it was stock height. I think the van still has more ground clearance than a stock Civic...

 

1JAckleg,

Your van looks great. Lowering and rims wouldn't fly with the snow we get some winters here and the crappy roads. I did get a set of 09 Pilot take offs that I will slap on later in the summer when the Michelins wear down.

 

The Odyssey is a beautiful and sweet ride...

With the exception of the stupid PAX system that was used for awhile...

Some beautiful vans... makes me want to go out and drive.

 

Hi,

I would love to get a 2005 or newer minivan except I don't have the $$, and also I would like to be able to take out the seats and haul things in it occasionally. What about a 2001 EX? There is one for sale locally:
http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3885839442.html

Any advice? Thanks!

 

Only one question I would ask. Did it have it's transmission replaced?

Yes. - Buy. Ask for paperwork.

No - Would not buy. Unless you want to replace the AT yourself. $3,500-$4,500.

The AT does have some issues when it get's old. At 190K, either it happened or it will happen.