I'm trading my 06 for (drumroll) An 2011 Odyssey. I have become tired of my wife's complaints that our 08 MDX doesn't have enough space. Thus My RL will go and she will get a touring Elite. I like our MDX sport more than my RL thus that will replace it as my winter car. The s2K will continue to be my summer ride.
Thoughts on passing:
The RL was a good car but I never really developed a passion for it.
It has been our most troublesome Honda, though it never left me stranded. GEtting rid of the PAX tires cost me a pretty penny. I had the trunk opener/ battery issue, once replaced all electrical gremlins went away. The drive shaft had to be replaced. At 45K I had to replace the front rotors and pads, however, the brakes still don't feel quite right. I also have an occassional creak in the steering wheel when I go over bumps and big street whoopdedoos but it appears to be a bushing that gets creaky when the car has been stored for too long, it goes away.
Even with its quirks the car has been alright though not outstanding. Its best element was long, fast highway drives.
Not disappointed but not sad to see it go.
BTW for those that are interested the new ody touring is truly great, it actually has a smoother, quieter ride than the RL and of course it has all the latest and greatest electric goodies. It also handles very well and the six speed is as flawless as in the MDX. The 520watt audio is Cheers

 

smoother and quieter than an RL??? wow...

I test drove a brand new fully loaded Accord right before I bought my RL and to me.. it wasn't even close. noisy and bumpy compared to the RL... but it's been a WHILE since I test drove an odyssey.. probably 5 years.... can't imagein it's much better than a loaded accord??? and as nice as teh RL??? you sure on that?!??

i agree the RL doesn't inspire "passion"... but it is a darn nice car!

 

I love the new Ody. Actually, I love the old Ody as well. It's the only minivan I'd be caught driving.

Have fun driving the MDX....or, as I like to call it...an RL on stilts...

 

Hehe....post pics of the new Odyssey. On a side note an RL is an MDX is quite different...

 

I have an 07 MDX and 06 RL.. I agree..very different.

the MDX rides rougher, is louder, and is some ways feel "sportier"... albeit it is an SUV....

the RL feels far more luxurious / smooth / plush...

the MDX is an excellent family car... granted an Odyssey is more functionall...but the MDX would kick it's a$$ in the fun to drive category.. my MDX will outrun a lot of CARS... in the straights and the turns...

I love my MDX and RL for different reasons...

 

The 11 ody has improved remarkably in NVH. The ride is superbly smooth and its almost lexus quiet. They have done a remarkable job. The elite even has a radio that is of higher quality than the MDX's. Of course it is slower than the X but it still has peppy accelreration (low 8's to 60) and it doesnt have SHAWD. Besides awd and power it has really nothing to fear from the MDX as far as goodies are concerned the only "luxury" item missing is radar cruise and an electric memory steering wheel. It handles very well. The Elite is trully an Acura level mini with a Honda badge. It will carry 8 in full comfort plus cargo, The MDX can carry 4 and 3 midgets with one towel for each as cargo. Of course it should be acura grade since our optioned elite cost 46K (remote start, towing, and some trim goodies) Now for snow tires its going to need real snow tires, "performance " onces will not do w/o AWD........

 

just trade 08 Odyssey for touring elite as well. Well i have to say it is much better than my old old mdx. and the pricing is awsome. I got a great deal on the touring 43OTD

 

I tried to talk the spousal unit into an MDX, but she liked the Pilot better. WTF?

 

Neuron your wife is wierd

Kidding aside, the Pilot does have a little more room than the MDX, it is inferior in every other aspect. The pilot redesign was actually a little of a disappointment they tried to make it more truck and lost some of its "carlikeness" the complete opposite of the MDX. THe 6speed on the MDX is so darned good I felt tempted (very slightly) to swap our 08 for one!! Just be happy she doesn't want a Q7, an X5 or even worse an R350 you'd be spending a lot of time at the dealer

 

What is surprising is how much alike they are. Having both I like the characterization of the MDX as an RL on stilts, I've actually made the same comment a couple of times. Its not a rag on the RL but a compliment to the MDX.