First Drive: 2011 Honda Odyssey
09-11-10, 06:53 AM
#49
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09-11-10, 07:49 AM
#50
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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.
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.
. Well Honda still does. Mind you this is the same company that gave the 2nd gen TL a 5 speed auto and the last 2 gears were overdrive gears (not to mention it was fragile as glass). I hope their new 6 speed isn't a disaster like the one in the last Odyessy.
09-11-10, 04:08 PM
#51
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It's proven that more gears can potentially give you better MPG around town when your speed is not constant, when frequent gear shifts are required. But on the highway, all that matters is the final drive ratio. Apples to apples, you could drop a 2 speed transmission into the Oddy, and if the ratio of the top gear is the same as the 5 speed, they will get the same highway MPG.
Is it your opinion that any car company that still puts 4 and 5 speed transmissions into their cars, is "stuck in the past", and doesn't make anything that you would consider "true technology"?
They had some issues with the Oddy transmission, but calling it a disaster is a bit much.
09-11-10, 04:28 PM
#52
Not driving them, I'd guess the Sienna is a better vehicle but the Oddity is a better drive.
However they're both minivans on their way to school, safeway or bed bath beyond so nevermind
However they're both minivans on their way to school, safeway or bed bath beyond so nevermind
09-11-10, 04:31 PM
#53
"Is it your opinion that any car company that still puts 4 and 5 speed transmissions into their cars, is "stuck in the past", and doesn't make anything that you would consider "true technology"?"
More gears are potentially better but IMO these 6 and 7 speed trannies have crappy programming so they hunt for gears and downshift abruptly. We have a 5speed and 7 speed sedan in the household and the 5speed is older but smoother all the way around
More gears are potentially better but IMO these 6 and 7 speed trannies have crappy programming so they hunt for gears and downshift abruptly. We have a 5speed and 7 speed sedan in the household and the 5speed is older but smoother all the way around
09-11-10, 04:45 PM
#54
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Or is it because Honda will myopically try to squeeze every last cent out of outdated parts/assemblies before reluctantly stepping up to the plate with the other car companies, at which point their competition has already begun taking the next step again?
Honda's fall from grace is a sad thing indeed. Oh well, at least we now have the Korean twins to keep Toyota on its toes.
09-11-10, 04:55 PM
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Last edited by LexJaq; 09-11-10 at 06:53 PM. Reason: Spelling error
09-11-10, 07:36 PM
#58
I'm looking to get a minivan for my wife one year from now and will only consider the Sienna and Odyssey. At this point I'm leaning heavily toward the Honda. Has anyone actually sat in the Sienna? It has one of the cheapest looking and feeling interiors I've ever seen. Every single interior piece is hard plastic. The dashboard has a horrible layout that stretches buttons away from the driver. And the 2nd row's sliding seat tracks are fully exposed, meaning tons of dirt and stuff will ultimately get caught in there. Not to mention the Sienna's mast antenna from 1985 and non-independent rear suspension. I'm not saying the Honda is perfect, but I think it is better than the Sienna and I actually think it looks nicer. I wanted to like the Sienna but am having a hard time doing so. Basically they're both good in their own right and will both sell, it just comes down to personal preference.
09-11-10, 10:19 PM
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It's proven that more gears can potentially give you better MPG around town when your speed is not constant, when frequent gear shifts are required. But on the highway, all that matters is the final drive ratio. Apples to apples, you could drop a 2 speed transmission into the Oddy, and if the ratio of the top gear is the same as the 5 speed, they will get the same highway MPG.
I believe most vans offer 6 speeds standard. Not sure why Honda feels its so "special" you have to spend 40 grand to get one. Maybe its "special" to them since they finally have one after everyone else.
This comment doesn't make much sense to me, because I'm not sure where you're going with it. They simplified the design to reduce the number of internal parts. And?
Is it your opinion that any car company that still puts 4 and 5 speed transmissions into their cars, is "stuck in the past", and doesn't make anything that you would consider "true technology"?
They had some issues with the Oddy transmission, but calling it a disaster is a bit much.
Is it your opinion that any car company that still puts 4 and 5 speed transmissions into their cars, is "stuck in the past", and doesn't make anything that you would consider "true technology"?
They had some issues with the Oddy transmission, but calling it a disaster is a bit much.
The funny thing is i know the Odyessy on PAPER is a great van and the last one was arguably the best in class. So I know its a good van.
The new one is the usual disgustingly ugly design from them that I seriously have to question someone for buying one and do they need to see an eye doctor.