Tell me about your safe vehicle

[tchrgrrl]

We are still struggling with body shops and insurance companies but at this point DH and I agree that we are getting a new vehicle - either our '06 Odyssey will be totaled or we will sell it once it is repaired.

I would love feedback on what super safe vehicle you drive (or have considered). Our requirements are - excellent side impact ratings, a score of less than 70 on informed for life, side curtain airbags, seating for at least 5 including 3 carseats installed (Regent, MA and eventually an infant seat/convertible), excellent reliability. We will consider buying new again but are not against buying a used vehicle. The vehicle needs to be less than $30k, way less would be better.

TIA for your input!

[lovinwaves]

So you aren't getting another Odyssey? We have an '05 and can't imagine having anything other than it right now regarding safety.

[tchrgrrl]

We may very well get another Odyssey - we love Honda but the stats say the Odyssey is no longer the SAFEST van on the market so we will consider other options. We were also pretty stretched with the Odyssey payment and while it is of course totally worth every penny for our family's safety, if we can find an as safe or safer vehicle that won't push our budget so hard - that would be great too.

[Jeanum]

I'm hard pressed to suggest another option other than an Odyssey since your family is such a testimonial to its safety. (I'm a semi-biased Sienna driver who seriously considered an Odyssey when we were van shopping). If I remember correctly, your rental is a Kia Sedona? How do you like driving the Kia in comparison to your Odyssey?

[skaterbabscpst]

what about the new Hyundai minivan? You can fit 3-across in a Sonata too, and my local dealer is advertising the '06s for under $15k.

[lovinwaves]

what about the new Hyundai minivan? You can fit 3-across in a Sonata too, and my local dealer is advertising the '06s for under $15k.

THe Hyundai Entourage and Kia Sedona are virtually the same van. They are both great picks, but I don't like that they recommend premium fuel.

Also, just because the Odyssey is not exactly "at the top" anymore doesn't make it less safe. You will be hard pressed to find the safety, luxurious, and convenient features that you had in your Odyssey in a less expensive vehicle. That's just a bummer. You may be able to get into just an LX maybe, or ex-l for around $28,000 or less.... The Sienna's cost a little more then the Odysseys.

[tchrgrrl]

I agree, as far as uber safe AND luxury - the Odyssey is going to be impossible to beat but we may be willing to sacrifice some luxuries for economy.

Yes, we are driving the Kia Sedona right now. It drives nicely but not as nice as the Odyssey and it isn't even comparable for comfort and little extras. :rolleyes: I would actually call it downright uncomfortable - especially after 600 miles with a still bruised and battered body from the accident.

[tchrgrrl]

THe Hyundai Entourage and Kia Sedona are virtually the same van. They are both great picks, but I don't like that they recommend premium fuel.

Also, just because the Odyssey is not exactly "at the top" anymore doesn't make it less safe. You will be hard pressed to find the safety, luxurious, and convenient features that you had in your Odyssey in a less expensive vehicle. That's just a bummer. You may be able to get into just an LX maybe, or ex-l for around $28,000 or less.... The Sienna's cost a little more then the Odysseys.
I had no idea the Sedona recommended premium fuel - the gas cap doesn't say that, nor did Enterprise mention anything - hopefully we aren't killing the van by filling it up with regular!

Our Odyssey is an EX, and it looks like it is being repaired to the tune of $16,000. :eek: AND 4-6 WEEKS of work. We actually paid just over $28k for our EX - we bought through the Costco car buy program. The dealership that is repairing our van has offered to give a good deal on a new one - so we may look in to driving right out of the body shop and in to the sales office to try to trade in the repaired '06 for a new '07.

[lovinwaves]

I agree, as far as uber safe AND luxury - the Odyssey is going to be impossible to beat but we may be willing to sacrifice some luxuries for economy.

Yes, we are driving the Kia Sedona right now. It drives nicely but not as nice as the Odyssey and it isn't even comparable for comfort and little extras. :rolleyes: I would actually call it downright uncomfortable - especially after 600 miles with a still bruised and battered body from the accident.

Are you set on getting another van, or are you willing to venture to another type of vehicle. Maybe some other people on here with three kids can chime in on their vehicles.

[tchrgrrl]

I would consider an SUV but probably not a sedan.

[lovinwaves]

Well, then look into the Honda PIlot, CRV. Toyota Highlander

[WESTMICHIGANLEO]

I would look at the Pilot for sure. We are loving ours so far (about 800 miles on it). We don't have 3 kids, but we have had 3 adults in the 2nd row seat and it was fine.

The wifey has a hard time letting me even drive it. Every time I get a ride in it though, I think it rides like a car. Of course I come from an '01 Explorer and before that an older Ranger (affectionately referred to as the Danger Ranger)

[Patriot201]

I would DEFINITELY look at the Honda Pilot. It is a great car!!!

I am a BIG TIME Honda fan, so almost any of their cars rank highly with me! :)

[steph]

Honda Pilot!!!! If you don't get leather you can actually get it reasonably priced.

[steph]

What about the Nissan Quest? It is rated up there but I would say as make of vehicle goes I find nissan a little more reliable than Hyundai or Kia.

Though I have to say that for SUV's I would get a Pilot or Acura MDX and for Vans I would get a Odyssey.

Honda's (and Acura's) are just so reliable.

[lovinwaves]

What about the Nissan Quest? It is rated up there but I would say as make of vehicle goes I find nissan a little more reliable than Hyundai or Kia.

Though I have to say that for SUV's I would get a Pilot or Acura MDX and for Vans I would get a Odyssey.

Honda's (and Acura's) are just so reliable.

There are a couple of things with the Nissan. Premium Gas, and Price wise she might as well stay with the Ody. Safety wise the Ody and Kia/Hyundai are safer.

[steph]

There are a couple of things with the Nissan. Premium Gas, and Price wise she might as well stay with the Ody. Safety wise the Ody and Kia/Hyundai are safer.

I'm not trying to doubt you but don't Nissans take regular unleaded????:confused:

Also the Nissan is rated #4 and the Ody #10 - unless I am missing something!!

Again I'm not trying to sound mean but I really want to know about Nissan's taking premium...:)

[steph]

Hmmmmm....

I just looked up the gas thing. Why would the Quest take premium but the other Nissan's take regular?

[lovinwaves]

Hmmmmm....

I just looked up the gas thing. Why would the Quest take premium but the other Nissan's take regular?


In my post above you will see I said they "recommend" premium fuel. What list are you referring to when you say #4 and #10?

[lovinwaves]

I'm not trying to doubt you but don't Nissans take regular unleaded????:confused:

Also the Nissan is rated #4 and the Ody #10 - unless I am missing something!!

Again I'm not trying to sound mean but I really want to know about Nissan's taking premium...:)

I was referring to the 2006 models on the informedforlife website, and also this link will show you the Odyssey/kia/Hyundia are rated better than the NIssan Quest....IIHS ratings 2007 (http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=80)

[ccjones]

Another vote for a Pilot! I just bought a 2007 EX-L 4WD Pilot on December 1st, shortly after I got the money from the insurance company for my totaled 2005 Nissan Xterra. I'm pretty cheap, so I was kinda bummed three different Honda dealerships couldn't locate a new 2006 model on clearance in my state and the three neighboring states, so I ended up getting a 2007. I really like it, I can't get over how smooth the ride is compared to the Xterra, the suspension is just awesome! It really does feel like driving a sedan!

I wanted leather seats, and the only trim to offer leather is the EX-L. But if you were willing to get cloth seats, like another posted said, AND if you don't need 4WD where you live, then you should be able to get a pretty good deal on a 2WD Pilot LX or EX.

[steph]

I was referring to the 2006 models on the informedforlife website, and also this link will show you the Odyssey/kia/Hyundia are rated better than the NIssan Quest....IIHS ratings 2007 (http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=80)

The 2007 informed for life list rates the Quest better than the Ody.

But I still think if I was looking for a van I would get the Ody. I'm just a Honda fan!!!

[lovinwaves]

The 2007 informed for life list rates the Quest better than the Ody.

But I still think if I was looking for a van I would get the Ody. I'm just a Honda fan!!!


Oops my link was suppose to be for 2006...LOL

Anywho, I think any cars that are high up on that list are going to be just safe as one another. The Odyssey sets the precedence for Minivans. All the others seem to lack in one way or another, JMO. I have yet to read an article where they put the any other minivan above the ODyssey, hence our decision of purchasing one. LOL

[Aaron'smommy]

I am buying my Odyssey EX for 26,900, today (2007) if that helps you... it's the sticker +500. The dealer gets a holdback of $850 on top of the $500 they're making from me, so I don't feel so bad... Also, the Nissan Quest, while rated higher on the informed for life website, doesn't rate well in rear crashes (Same with Sienna). I called my brother, who is a paramedic in a large city, and asked him from a practical point what his opinion was about crashes. He said from his observation (mind you, he's in a large city with more traffic than rural) that most accidents are rear-endings. So, with that in mind we went with the Odyssey!

Not sure if any of that matters, just thought I'd share!
:)

[oxeye]

We have a Chrysler Pacifica - I don't know how it rates with all the things you mentioned but it is very safe. 5 stars in front and side impact, 4 stars in rollover (which is good for an SUV/minivan).

Lots of other stuff - weight sensitive front airbags, side airbags for all three rows of seats. ABS of course.

I bought it because of its safety ratings. They start around $26k I think (but don't quote me on that!)