Is Odyssey 08 is a good van?

[gogo24]

I'm very new to this forum and this is my first post.

I'm planing to buy a family van . Don't know why but I and my wife prefer the Odyssey over the Toyota Siena.

Is Odyssey EX 2008 a very good van to buy?

Which website that I can look if there is a recall issue for a new car?

I appreciate greatly your inputs.

[rodeo02]

Everyone has different expectations of what is "Good". In my opinion, after owning a Ford Windstar and having a few Chrysler and GM minivans in the family, here's what's good about the Odyssey:

1) They are by far the best looking minivan, inside and out.
2) They have the best road manners and overall driver's experience. They handle much more like a sporty car than a van
3) The most thought to cabin design, layout and comfort behind the wheel.
4) American Honda Motor corp in conjunction with the dealer network will assist in the cost of repairs even when out of warranty (in most cases).

What's not so great?
1) A firmer ride and more road noise than the rest. (again, for driver feel)
2) Not the greatest transmission longevity. Supposedly corrected with the 2007 model year, but too early to tell.
3) Power steering noise/problems are fairly common. The pump is noisy on my brand-new 2008 already.
4) So-so fuel economy. A typical tank will yeild us 20mpg. Our 2001 Windstar would do 21-22mpg (not a huge deal). There are owners that report low-mid teen MPGs with their Odys.

Honestly, I think overall reliability would be best with a Sienna. The Sienna will also offer a softer, more disconnected ride. The Sienna engine is slightly more powerful, but sounds like it's about to come unglued when pushed hard. Don't forget the Hyundai/Kia MVs too! They look similar to the Honda and are probably a good value.

Joel

[gogo24]

Thank you very much, Joe.

[badbrakes]

Don't know whether you've already made your purchase, but here's some additional input. Based on my personnal experience, I would go with the Toyota product. I did get an 03 Ody brand new and have never been satisfied with my purchase. All sorts of little things break on that car: power locks, lock cylinder (you can't get the key in anymore), multiple trim elements just come undone... all pretty annoying. Perhaps they've improved the vehicle over the years but I won't buy them again.
On the other hand, I've owned a 96 Toyota (Corolla) which I got new and never had any problems with it - truly only reg maintenance. It's got close to 200 000kms. If this is indicative of Toyota's product quality across the board, I'd think that the Sienna would be a better purchase.