GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

the ONLY acceptable excuse to buy the new odyssey over the sienna is the bigger 2nd row middle seat.

other than that

I'd rather get the '10 odyssey.

superchan7

I've warmed up to the Odyssey's exterior look. Aside from the front end, the new Sienna looks rather anonymous to me. Going inside, the Sienna falls further behind with its hard plastics and the slightly out-of-place swooping wood trim line.

An MPV buyer probably does not place much priority on cornering abilities, so I won't make any comments there. The huge negative on the Odyssey is the price.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

I agree a minivan is no speed racer, but when you have a family full inside while taking a turn/on ramp, it's nice to know that if feels stable and confident.
You don't see all 7 passengers grabbing on to the arm rests

And when you're going up the mountain with twisty road, it's less nauseating.

Lenscap2

This is so true. Handling plays a role in my buying decision. I can't comment on the Sienna SE since I have not driven one, but as I said it is out of the running because you can't get a leather interior. Besides, the SE must be rare. I have yet to see one on the road or at a dealer.

The SE aside, the Odyssey is the better driver/handler in my view after driving them back-to-back. There's a video on youtube (the link won't post here) where you can clearly see the Odyssey beats the Sienna in evasive handling.

Buying cars is subjective, and everyone has their opinion. But after comparing the Honda and Toyota (and I typically like Toyotas better), I've come to the same conclusion as Automobile Magazine, which named the 2011 Odyssey an All-Star:

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...a_odyssey.html

"The minivan is as close as you can get to the perfect family vehicle, and the Honda Odyssey is as close as you can get to the perfect minivan."

If somebody prefers the Sienna, that's great, too. You can't go wrong either way, it just boils down to personal preference.

KingsLexus

Motor Trend has a good comparo this month on these two plus the Caravan. Sienna took first prize in case anyone was wondering.

chikoo

Have a 2006 Oddy in the family. Reliable vehicle but it has a very heavy steering. not what I would prefer to drive over an extended period of time.

chikoo

My viewpoint is that I would be looking at the exterior of my vehicle for 10 secs while I get into it, and then staring at the interior for the 30min ride.
I'd rather get a vehicle with better interior looks than exterior, given all else is the same.

UDel

If you are more concerned about the interior you definitely want the Odyssey. Better design and better quality materials and fit and finish then the Sienna. Sienna interior is a disappointment and you can immediately tell the interior is where costs have been cut.

LexFather

Better design, "to you". Qualty/fit and finish is negligible. People's biggest outcry seems to be the swoop of fake wood on the dash. You also lose space and gain wind noise in the Oddy and again, you have to load an Oddy up to 40k+ to get features on a base 26k Sienna.

Lenscap2

If you're looking at an Odyssey Touring vs. Sienna XLE like I am, then you may want to reconsider your statement that the only excuse to get the Odyssey over the Sienna is the larger 2nd row middle seat

According to Edmunds:
"On suburban roads, the Odyssey remains the driver's minivan. The Sienna's ride is indeed softer, even floaty sometimes compared to the buttoned-down Odyssey...Moreover, the Honda's road manners will win the heart of any car-guy-turned-family-man. Forget crossovers. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is the closest thing there is to an eight-passenger sport sedan."

http://www.insideline.com/honda/odys...l#pvm_carousel

LexFather

And again, neither van is a bad van, both are very evenly matched and both are a good buy. That said lets not act like the Oddy is head and shoulders superior. Its not.

2 out of the 10 worst handling vehicles Motor Trend tested are Odyssey's

http://wot.motortrend.com/10-worst-h...#ixzz19bbzdvoy

No Sienna is mentioned. Other vans on the list;
VW Routan
Chrysler T&C
Dodge Grand Caravan

It is not some nimble 911, its a big, heavy huge van like Edmunds would have us believe. Again the Oddy might handle slightly better than the Sienna LE/XLE (which they tested in the comparo) but not the Sienna SE.

Here is what the same people said just last week about the Sienna SE.

http://www.insideline.com/toyota/sie...sienna-se.html

Lenscap2

Well said, I totally agree. I wouldn't consider any other minivan but these two.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

I already have an SE by the way-you'll have to put a gun to my head and even then for me to consider the oddy

Just to make sure that there's no confusion with my comment:
The odyssey has a regular size middle seat in the 2nd row while the sienna has a munchkin size.

Lenscap2

Ahh, I see I wish the SE offered leather, nav and rear DVD. If it did, I would strongly consider it. It's a great van.

By the way, I like your Yo Gabba Gabba sign off. I bet not many here know what that is (that's what kids will do to you).

jimxo

Honda is my pick, I own a 05 with 129k miles and I still love it.

The ride and driver feel is why I bought one.

My brother just purchased a new Sienna and loves it. I drove it and was impressed with the steering and 2nd row seat comfort.

I think Ody wins on resale value......to close to call.