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Honda or Toyota?

April 5th, 2008 at 02:04 pm

Last Saturday, my family went out van shopping with no intention of making a purchase just yet. We test drove two late model vans, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. Now we drove the higher end of the Honda and the lower end of the Toyota...big price differences. Hard to compare. Both drove great. The Honda seems to have more room. They have similar features.

We have spent the last year looking at Honda Odyssey prices online and in the newspaper. It finally dawned on me that we weren't looking at anything else. It seemed kind of silly not to consider other vans. We have a 1997 Dodge Caravan with over 120K miles on it. It is going to have transmission problems soon. We aren't interested in getting a new Caravan, because of long term quality issues and resale values.

I haven't had a car payment for several years now and we are looking to finance a portion of our purchase. So, I'm taking my sweet time (procrastinating) picking our next van. We looking for at least a 2005 in the $20,000 range. It seems I might get more options with a Toyota for a similar price. Any opinions...Honda or Toyota?

Thanks!!

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments »

10 Responses to “Honda or Toyota?”

  1. homebody Says:
    April 5th, 2008 at 02:14 pm 1207404871
    1207404871

    My Plymouth Voyager has over 180,00 miles on the original tranny, it's been a good van. My daughters have Hondas (Accord and Civic), I have a Toyota Camry (along with the van that I use to transport the dogs around)...I would think either would be good, both probably rate high and if you wait, I will look in Consumer Reports, but I am leaving this morning for an overnight trip with DH.

  2. 76Chick Says:
    April 5th, 2008 at 02:33 pm 1207406038
    1207406038

    We bought our 2007 Odyssey in August... and we LOVE it. My husband swore he would never drive a mini-van, let alone own one. However the trips out - especially to Costco - were not happening with 2 adults and 3 kids (one of whom is still in a car seat) in a Malibu. So, I talked him into it. It is the most expensive vehicle we have ever bought..(err financed?) but it is so worth it. My payment is huge, yet I have never had buyers remorse. It has so many cool compartments, seats that are easy to laydown (hideaway) or move around. It is an 8 passenger (the 8th seat is removable to gain an aisle way). It drives like a dream, has an awesome turning radius, and I LOVE it. =)

    We too were looking at one other van, the Nissian Quest... but not as seriously as the Honda. Mind you - we have always been a Ford family (leased 5 cars, bought 1 truck - which we still have - 10 years old)... then i got stuck with the Malibu, so this was our first "foriegn-made" vehicle, even though it was made in the US.

    Love it. Big Grin

  3. littlemama Says:
    April 5th, 2008 at 02:42 pm 1207406561
    1207406561

    I am a Honda girl myself. I currently drive a Honda Pilot. My previous was a Honda Oddesey. They cost a little more in the beginning, but hold their value.

    When I was researching between Honda's and Toyota's many years ago, Consumer Reports had them both rated very well. You really can't go wrong with either choice IMO.

  4. Amber Says:
    April 5th, 2008 at 03:49 pm 1207410551
    1207410551

    As the saying goes "I Love my Toyota" I drive a Camry and before that I had a Camry and loved both in addition to my tercel. I had no problems. Now my mom on the other hand has had nothing but Honda’s and I don't ever remember her having and problems other than tires, brakes; just the same as any other car. I know it is a tough decision between the two but personally I think they are both great vehicles. In addition, Ford and GMAC have come a long way when it comes to reliability I think people are afraid to look at them because of preconceived notions and their past experience. But they are making much better vehicles and when it comes to the brands we know and love they are giving them a run for the money (not to mention domestic is cheaper) good luck

  5. Carolina Bound Says:
    April 5th, 2008 at 07:41 pm 1207424499
    1207424499

    My last two cars have been Toyotas and I would never get anything else. All my previous cars were disasters!

  6. compulsive debtor Says:
    April 5th, 2008 at 11:59 pm 1207439964
    1207439964

    I swear by Hondas. I've owned them for years, but I am eyeing a Toyota for our next purchase -- but only because they have a hybrid I like.

  7. Blue Eyes Says:
    April 6th, 2008 at 01:17 am 1207444662
    1207444662

    I have a Honda Civic. I also have a Ford Escort, but I definitely prefer the Honda. It is my first Honda. It has been very reliable for me thus far.

  8. terri77 Says:
    April 6th, 2008 at 01:25 am 1207445122
    1207445122

    I don't think you can go wrong either way. My first was a Toyota Corolla, I upgraded to a 2008 Toyota Corolla in November.

  9. Broken Arrow Says:
    April 6th, 2008 at 05:44 am 1207460656
    1207460656

    I'm with terri. You can't go wrong either way, and to me, it's more important to see which dealer can give you the better deal. Personally, it is best not to "settle" with only one when the time comes to buy. If the sales guy senses that, they'll pump you for what it's worth. However, if you're not set on one, they may try to work with you just to keep you from walking away.

    I would have three in mind, and go with whoever can give you the best deal. Don't be afraid to say, "Well, deal A from this car lot said they can give me this. Can you offer me something better? If not, I'm going to go with them...."

  10. creditcardfree Says:
    April 6th, 2008 at 12:56 pm 1207486613
    1207486613

    Thanks all! My gut said we couldn't go wrong with either, but I think BA is getting it right...the final price. I just need to remind my husband of that. I'm glad we test drove both, it convinced my DH that Toyota's are a viable option. Now the plan is to just save a little more cash!!

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