AlexusAnja

I think Stephen Hawking designed this vehicle from subatomic matter and quantum mechanic theories of universal design, and he didn't thank God for the design.

GFerg

At least it looks good with all the doors open. lol.

I actually liked the concept version somewhat. This production version is soo wierd. I also think the Sienna is kinda frumpy looking as well, but the SE trim really does it some good.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I wish they had given us a nicer looking wheel. A simple 5-spoke would suffice for a base model.

And LOL at Touring Elite name. Why not just call it the Touring model and have an 'Elite' package for those wanting more features. I hope I don't see a Touring Elite Plus on the next generation..

RXSF

why on earth does this cost more than a Sienna....and with a 5 speed auto and ugly profile, its not going to sell. interior looks good though

Initial B

iTrader: (2)

haha, I love it...in the sense that it's such a massive fail. Ugly, lame powertrain, FWD only, etc, etc.

I admit, after '97 (last year of the Previa), Honda has owned the minivan crown, IMO, but all that changes in 2011. 3rd gen Sienna FTW!

Fizzboy7

They are saving space for the "de Sade" package. ; )

superchan7

I actually like the new look. It's quirky, but works for me and I prefer it over the new Sienna. +1 on the transmission choices...people are going to notice the knock on fuel economy with the 5AT.

Once again, Honda and Toyota set the bar for these US-market vans.

JDM Previa/Estima and Odyssey still look better, but I tend to be biased towards JDM models.

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

These pics honestly don't look that bad then I first though but I still love my Mazda MPV 2001 minivan, I think it is the best looking minivan made.

LexJaq

LOL, good catch!

At what point in the future would you like me to dig your post up, and show you that you're wrong? 6 months? A year?

What's the hang-up on the gear count, guys? Should it have a 7 speed transmission? 8? If so, why?

IS350jet

It should have 6. Why?

1. It's keeping up with current technology.
2. All of its competitors do.
3. It will increase highway fuel mileage.
4. Faster accelleration.

LexJaq

1. The number of gears has nothing to do with technology. The gear is just a machined piece of metal with cogs on it.
2. Meaningless. Unless a person only cares about bragging rights, or loves fluffy automobile marketing material.
3. Changing the final drive ratio will affect highway MPG. Adding or removing gears below that top top gear will not.
4. Up until a certain point, yes. But the law of diminishing returns absolutely applies here. There are other factors at play when choosing a gear count (like fatness of the engine torque curve, etc), but I would venture a guess that Honda probably figured out that there is little to no noticeable improvement to be made by adding another gear or two, and stayed with 5. Fewer shifts means less wear and tear on the transmission, less hunting for gears, and, well, less shifting.

mmarshall

The undersized 1Gen Odyssey (also produced as the Isuzu Oasis) was not terribly popular, but, since then, every-generation Odyssey has sold like hotcakes. I don't see why this one will be any diffrent, even with a somewhat awkward-looking beltline.

LexFather

Its meaningless to people stuck in the 1990s. There is no law of diminishing returns, it is proven that more gears helps your MPG which means this vehicle could get even better MPG.

Car companies with true technology know this and they even create 8 speeds with less weight and parts than 6 speeds.

I mean isn't it obvious the entire industry has moved to 6, 7, 8 speeds and CVTs and this is stuck with a 5 speed and finally gets a 6 speed.

Everyone has past Honda, they are a has been. Period.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The number of gears help acceleration since you can keep the ratio closer in between shifts. But LexJaq is correct, the final gear ratio is what counts. When you're on the highway cruising in the final gear, 0.50 is 0.50 regardless of how many gears there are before that.

However I do rather see a 6 spd than a 5spd in the Odyssey. A set of shorter gear ratios could make better use of the rather old J35 engine.

dunnojack

based on internet comments, most people don't like the exterior.

the people who designed this van own 46 odysseys among themselves......... and this is the best shiet they could come up with ?..............

they must love the pontiac Aztek too.


They should have designed it like this....... much better looking and more cohesive, relatively....
VVVVV