I just wanted to chime in here about the vans.
I got an '05 Odyssey this past summer and LOVE it. I had to make the difficult choice between the Odyssey and Sienna. Both are great vans. I preferred the styling of the Odyssey. I thought it handled a bit better, though the Sienna was quieter. Overall, when I purchased, the Odyssey was a better deal (I got an EX with leather). You may be able to get a GREAT price on an '05 if you can still find one.
The EX-L (with or without DVD/Nav) and Touring do come with extra insulation, mainly because the 3/6 cylinder engine is apparently a bit noisier. I don't find it a noisy vehicle, but my recollection is that the Sienna was quieter (but no available "eco" engine).
I also wanted to say that the 2nd row "8th" seat in the Odyssey is not for any child seat, not that one would fit anyway. I just checked my manual, but can't find the exact reference. We did ask the dealer about this prior to buying and they told us no child seats should go there (maybe that's just a Canadian thing?). The seat is very narrow, but much easier to install/remove than the Sienna 2nd row center seat (I can do it by myself). It is really more of a spare seat, IMO.
As for the sliding rear passenger door issues on the older Odysseys, I know this was a problem in the past (we have neighbors who have had 3 Odysseys and one had this problem). HOWEVER, the '05 and newer Odysseys have sliding doors that auto-reverse when something is in the doorway (like an arm). They work very well.
The Odyssey does come with some great features. I tell everyone I bought the most expensive 2nd row window shades. What a GREAT feature! :)
The only real downside to the Odyssey is that if you happened to have FOUR children in FFg seats (that here, Canada, must be tethered), you can't do it in the Odyssey. I have no plans on needing 4 FFg seats, but if you had quads, it would definitely be an issue.
HTH
Melissa
Maya Papaya!
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