We have recently sold our '01 Sienna XLE mini-van, and are currently searching for a decent 2005 model replacement vehicle that can haul large loads (i.e. groceries, small and med sized furnitures, stuff from Home Depot/Lowe's, you get the idea). We're not particularly interested in a large SUV, but we like a vehicle that can seat 5-7 people (3rd row seating). Also, the car has to be 2-wheel drive, not AWD. We are looking at a pricing range in the high 20's and mid 30's.

Having said that, here are our top choices so far (in no particular order):

- Toyota Sienna XLE
- Honda Odyssey
- Nissan Pathfinder SE

So if you had a choice, which one would you go with? TIA

 

Toyota Sienna XLE

 

Honda Odyssey Touring. The car looks real good for a minivan!

 

They all have their pros and cons:

Sienna -- Has an interior often described as "Lexus-like" but not the best exterior, IMO

Odyssey -- Nice looking package overall but IIRC you have to get the fully loaded version to get the cylinder-shutoff technology.

Pathfinder -- The most powerful of the three but the least roomy third-row (obviously).

If you need to routinely carry more than five people I'd go the minivan route unless they are children.

 

let's not forget.....

that pathfinder is still a Nissan... currently doing naughty things with the French. (like sharing engines and other technology..)

 

You're not going to find the Pathfinder's engine, transmission, or any other major components (if any components at all) in any Renault. AFAIK, there's no Renault tech in the Pathfinder, either.

Even if you were to, so what?

 

Why is AWD out?

 

I think a minivan it's probably more suitable for you, I think either the odyssey or the Sienna will be fine, can't go wrong with either one. . .

 

Go for another Sienna

 

No use for paying extra (for the vehicle and gas) for AWD in Florida when you don't need it

Edit: How about a Highlander? A friend of the family who's a painter is able to fit all of his supplies and a few ladders in a Highlander with no issues at all

 

I'd go with the Sienna or Odyssey... you'll prolly get better gas mileage with those that with the Pathfinder. Also those two minivans are excellent vehicles... both are bar-raising in their class. They also have a very smooth car-like ride. I'd say look at both of those thoroughly and just see which one sparks your fancy more. You can't lose with either.

 

I agree. The Sienna has more versatile fold-down seats than the Odyssey and a somewhat smoother, quieter ride. Its repair record is a little better, too.....although Honda has since gotten rid of the most troublesome device on the Odyssey........the GM-supplied electric sliding door mechanism.......and replaced it with a much more reliable Honda-designed one. That GM unit was a piece of junk.


I agree with the conclusion that AWD is not needed for snow traction in Florida ( it almost never snows south of the Panhandle and only rarely in the Panhandle ) but AWD offers other advantages as well, especially on wet roads...and Florida DOES get heavy rains....lots of them. The Sienna does offer it. The Odyssey does not.

 

I never knew the automatic door mechanism was designed by GM. My buddy has a '00 (I think thats the year) Oddessy, and they replaced ~4 mechanisms during the warranty period and then one more just recently.

 

Why would a Japanese car company use an electronic piece of equipment from an American car manufacturer?

 

When Honda redesigned the Odyssey in 1999 and made it into a REAL minivan instead of just a slightly longer Colt Vista-type of vehicle, one of the major revisions was a first-ever full-sliding side door instead the previous Odyssey's four car-type doors. For some reason ( I don't know why....you'll have to ask an Honda engineer or product planner ) Honda decided not to design their own electric motor and sliding mechanism for the new door. Power-sliding side doors by then were becoming more and more in demand for minivans, and customers expected automakers to start proving them....just as power-tailgates and liftbacks are now the new rage.
So, for whatever reason, Honda markets this brand-new Odyssey.....an excellent minivan in virtually every other respect.....with a junk GM-designed power-door unit that proved VERY troublesome...as you and your friend have found out.
The latest Odyssey.....as I mentioned in my last post.......does not use this mechanism any more. Honda realized their mistake and came up with a better unit of their own for the newer Odysseys.