4 cyl. Ody. MPG lower than V6

[shortlid]

Now that gas is $4.00 a gallon looking for a 4 cyl. mini-van to get most MPG. But when looking at the older four swing out door Odessey's I see 20 city24 Highway. V6 models of redesign model is 18 city 25 highway. Can this be correct? The older Ody. was smaller and lighter? Did the early gen. oOdy. come in manual transmission?

[jembr325]

Yes this probably is correct.

The older hondas were less fuel efficient than the newer cars. My 1997 4 cyl vtec accord got 18/26 and the new ones (with similar engine and transmission) get 21/29.

If you want space and gas mileage perhaps a CRV would be a good bet. Its similar to the minivan interms of interrior layout, the seats also fold down for storage, but it also is very driveable on long trips, sits higher for visability and can go off road should you ever want to go camping with your family. The new CRVs also look better than a minivan (from some of our perspectives). The crvs also get much better gas mileage -- to your earlier point. doors.

[jembr325]

Ignore the last word "doors." -- this was the left over from a comment I deleted regarding the only thing a person would miss out on would be the automatic/sliding doors.

[8695Beaters]

The current V6 also uses cylinder deactivation which allows the engine to run on 3 cylinders when the engine is not under load. Basically when you are crusiing down the highway, you are driving an inline-3, not a V6.

As far as I know, nobody builds minivans in manual because 90% of the buyers would choose auto. It's just the market. The Dodge Viper comes in only manual because 90% of the buyers would choose that anyway.

Unless you absolutely need 7 seats, buy an old Accord wagon. They built them up through at least 1997, maybe later. A well-cared for 1997 Accord will give you plenty of space and as a four-cylinder will get you great gas mileage. However, if you really want to downsize, buy a 1996-2000 Civic hatchback. Tiny, plenty of room, and even better mileage.

If you want something brand new, I would reccomend the Fit. It gets really good gas mileage, handles well, and is surprisingly peppy for having an engine that is so small. Small car safety has also improved greatly in the last few years. Honda did a good job of managing space, so it is surprisingly roomy. Check one out before you write it off as too small.

If you don't mind me asking, why do you need a minivan? Many people who buy minivans (and also SUVs and trucks) buy them because they think they need the space. My family has never owned a pickup, SUV, or minivan. The number of times we have needed one can be counted on one hand. We have always had Integras, Accords, and my dad currently drives a Toyota Matrix. We have gone camping, hauled lumber, repaired houses, gardened, and done everything a van can do while saving money on initial cost, gas, and repairs. Yesm they are a bit more cramped, but if you don't mind that, a good hatchback can do just as much as a minivan, while being much more economical, and without the stigmata of a minivan. Just think about that when you are out shopping.

[jembr325]

Correction -- gas mileages on newer Accords of this type now get 21 city /30-31 on highway.

[jembr325]

I agree with Beaters if your going primarily for mileage. However, if you have a big family and do a lot of driving, take a look at the Honda CRV along with the minivan.

My family is on their 4th CRV -- cost effective, fuel efficient, spacious, comfortable on longer drives, and can hold a lot of building materials from your local Home Depot.

You could also look at some of the Toyota products -- minivan and the new redesigned Rav4.

[8695Beaters]

Scratch the Fit and the Civic. Buy an Element. They don't sell too well (they sell, just not as many as say the Odyssey or the CR-V), so I bet you could get a nice deal on one. And since they did the update, they look a lot better. Plus they have a good deal of room and get pretty good mileage. Unless you need more than 5 seats, that would be the way to go.

[jembr325]

Yeah the Element isnt too bad -- I like that one too -- would be a great beach cruiser since you can just hose down the floor board. I thought they were more expensive, but I suppose the prices have dropped substantially.

Still like the new CRV slightly more for long term drivability in a family car. If you are more of a sporty family, then the Element might be a good choice. They both have the same engine and come in 2 or 4 wheel drive. The CRV actually costs slightly more (about $1,500), but will get you another 2 mpg (assuming you pick automatic for both). I can vouch for the CRV, but havent ever had an Element. Make sure you watch out for the A/C compressors in all of Hondas larger vehicles... some have problems and this is expensive to replace 2 grand if out of warranty depending on what all fails. (See Consumer reports.) I beleive they have fixed this issue with 07 and newer vehicles.

See pricing and mpg details below for both:



CRV PRICING & MPG

$20,700 2WD LX
$21,900 4WD LX
$22,950 2WD EX
$24,150 4WD EX
$25,500 2WD EX-L
$26,700 4WD EX-L

166-hp, DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine
Great fuel economy: 20/27/23 (city/highway/combined) (2WD).†
Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV) designation

2008 Honda CR-V - the Official Honda Web Site


__________________________________________________ ___________
ELEMENT PRICING & MPG

$18,980 2WD LX
$20,380 4WD LX
$20,990 2WD EX
$22,390 4WD EX
$22,775 SC

166-hp, DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine
5-Speed Automatic (City/Highway/Combined; 2WD) 20/25/22

Honda Element - Choose an Element Model

[shortlid]

I have two children and a 120 lb. German Shepard. Then there is my wife and me. We travel to the in-laws in CT, and NY from New Hampshire twice a month. I need something larger. Had a Subaru wagon before but my shepard can't stand-up in the back.

[shortlid]

[quote=jembr325;19551] Make sure you watch out for the A/C compressors in all of Hondas larger vehicles... some have problems and this is expensive to replace 2 grand if out of warranty depending on what all fails. (See Consumer reports.) I beleive they have fixed this issue with 07 and newer vehicles.

QUOTE]

Never heard this know that the automatics in some of the Ody. had lube issues make them go bad. But A/C compressors have been issues as well.