Odyssey = ugly?

[JHZR2]

I get it, a minivan isn't the top pick for a stylish car. But at some point, it's practicality will trump, and we may add one to the stable. Since the Toyota van is no longer rwd, nor 4 cyl, all options are open. Honda ATs scare me, but the base model seems better configured for the price than the Toyota, which though I like my cars fairly minimalist, forces me up model to get a few things that are desirable... And leaves me with things I don't really want.

Enter the odyssey, a van which historically had really good lines. The latest one has real good mpgs, I just can't get past the styling, which sometimes I think I like, and other times looks to me as if they hacked three different vehicles together.

So does the odyssey look good or goofy as far as minivans go?

 

[cmorr]

I really like the looks of the Odyssey. We may consider this later this year when my wife replaces her Caravan (her third) .We have an excellent local Dodge dealer have purchase at least 8 cars from and get excellent pricing/service so its a tough choice to go elsewhere.

This months Motor trend has an long term use update on the Nissan Quest. May want to check that out as the reviewer would take the Quest over the Odyssey has down

 

[d00df00d]

I love the way the Odyssey looks.

Then again, function IS beauty to me, so I may be biased.

 

[Trav]

Of all the things you can say about the Odyssey ugly isn't one of them IMO. I think as far a mini vans go it looks pretty decent.
I guess the new ones are much better with the transmissions than the older ones.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I think the new Odyssey styling is abnormal, the previous Odyssey is better looking.

 

[friendly_jacek]

They used to look good. Not anymore.

 

[d00df00d]

Have you considered the Mazda 5, by the way? It's much cheaper than most minivans, good to drive, available with a 6-speed manual, and just needs a good roof box to have comparable cargo capacity. Some friends of mine just went that route and are loving every minute of it. It's fantastic with the 6-speed manual, too.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

I like the previous generation better and at first look I thought the current one was a bit odd with the hiccup in the side glass. Over time I've gotten used to it and it is starting to look better to me. It would be my choice if I were to buy a minivan. I generally prefer domestics but am not a Chrysler fan and GM and Ford obviously are not in the market. I certainly wouldn't let the styling stop me if I wanted one. I do consider styling however, some cars I just couldn't own. Kia Rondo comes to mind as one that is too odd/ugly to be caught dead in.

 

[97tbird]

I know looks are very subjective, but ^^^ that thing is ugly (to me), even by mini-van standards.

And I agree, previous version at least looked wel proportioned and better overall.

 

[JHZR2]

Is the Mazda 5 the one that might get a diesel?

iIRC it felt more like a thin walled, micro an than a minivan. Kind of like those daihitsu and Suzuki microvans that you see in the Caribbean and elsewhere. I may be wrong though...

 

[Shaman]

The USDM ones, yes, the JDM ones, heck no

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I think the new Odyssey styling is abnormal, the previous Odyssey is better looking.


That was my feel at first, but with come colors and configurations, I like the lines of the new one. It certainly is more unique. Most have turned into a box with a snout. At least the odyssey still has some shape, no matter how wavy and ovoid, to it.

We were disappointed with the cargo space in the rental quest we had in may.

No van has beat my parents previa in terms of ease of entry/exit, space in the rows and cargo space as far as I'm concerned... And I've driven a few minivans because often when I travel that's what they give me when put of compacts. The Chrysler vans seem to come close these days.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Shaman


The USDM ones, yes, the JDM ones, heck no


Are those swing out rear doors? If so, no good. Sliding doors are an advantage to me due to a fairly narrow driveway. It I was getting swing out doors I'd buy a suburban or highlander hybrid.

Good looking otherwise!

 

[dishdude]

It beats the new Quest.

 

[andrewg]

I think at first, and in the wrong color.....it does look a bit odd. But in most colors, and after having looked at one up close (and seeing many on the street), I think it exudes a fair (perhaps small is a better word) amount of class for what it is. If I had to get a minivan, I would only get the Honda myself. But the previously mentioned Mazda is a nice choice if a budget must be kept. Smaller though.

 

[SLCraig]

I think they look great.
They are all huge, but most new minivans look decent.

 

[ls1mike]

It is a van. What should it look like? If it is box, has a hatch and has a least one sliding side door life is good.

Having said that, I lik the last generation better.

 

[Dakota1820]

i dont care for it

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I just can't get past the styling, which sometimes I think I like, and other times looks to me as if they hacked three different vehicles together.

So does the odyssey look good or goofy as far as minivans go?


It's not just you. It looks like they cut the glass wrong for the back and just decided to use it anyway.

The Sienna and Caravan R/T are the only current vans I view as somewhat stylish.

The only van I personally would consider is a 2nd generation Caravan with a 2.5 and a 5 speed. Yeah, it would be slower than Christmas but that's kind of the point. I want to gut it and turn it into a camper. Like a Westfalia. Pop up roof is going to be tricky but I got everything else planned out pretty well. Now all I gotta' do is find my impossible 2.5/5 speed van.

 

[ClutchDisc]

Odyssey = ugly? YES!!!!! I can't stand it.

Unfortunately, the people who live across from me own a brand new Odyssey and I'm stuck looking at it every day.