Latest news with #HondaOdyssey
Motor 1
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Dallas Man Quoted $7,000 at Dealership After a Light Goes Off In His Car. Then He Takes It To His Mechanic. They Fix it for $125
In the span of a single day, a red airbag light in a late-model Honda Odyssey triggered two radically different diagnoses—one from a dealership, the other from a trusted local mechanic. The difference? $6,875 and a whole lot of trust. In a viral TikTok clip, Dallas-area Realtor Jonathan Morsinkhoff (@morsinkhoffrealestate) takes viewers through the dread and disbelief of allowing a little bit of trust for the staff staffing the repair center at his local Honda dealership. Morsinkhoff's story starts with a common, nagging warning: a red airbag light on the dashboard of his wife's 2020 Honda Odyssey. Although the van was less than three years old at the time, its odometer had surpassed the 36,000-mile mark, placing it outside the three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty window that Honda offers. Worried it might signal something serious, or that the issue might qualify as a recall, he booked an appointment at the dealership. Two days later, after carving time out of a hectic family schedule with three kids, Morsinkhoff dropped off the Odyssey at his local Honda service department at 8 a.m. Several hours later, a text message arrived with a quote: $7,000. According to the dealership, the likely culprit was a fault in the passenger seat's airbag system wiring harness, a deeply integrated component that would require removing a large portion of the vehicle's interior to access and replace. Modern vehicles, such as the Odyssey, feature complex airbag systems with sensors located in multiple areas, including driver and passenger frontal airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Some even include seat-integrated airbag modules , which can further complicate repairs. The dealership's message explained that their technicians were unable to pinpoint the exact fault location and thus recommended replacing the entire airbag wiring harness. That's a labor-intensive job that Morsinkhoff was told involves stripping back the trim, lifting the carpeting, and removing the seat rails to access the buried cabling. While Morsinkhoff understood that post-collision electrical gremlins could be complex—his wife's Odyssey had been in a front-corner crash about eight months earlier—something about the quote didn't sit right. So, he did what every seasoned car enthusiast recommends when faced with a four-figure service estimate: He got a second opinion. 1 Mechanic, 2 Hours, $125 The next morning, Morsinkhoff brought the Odyssey to his longtime mechanic, a shop he described as honest, experienced, and familiar with the family's vehicles. He followed his wife's advice not to say a word about the dealership's diagnosis. Let the shop run their codes, troubleshoot the issue independently, and see what they find. Less than two hours later, the phone rang. The mechanic had already pulled the airbag fault codes, identified the issue as a loose connector under the driver's seat (not the passenger's), removed and reseated the wiring harness plug, and verified that the airbag system reset cleanly. Total cost: $125. No interior teardown. No multi-day wait. No thousands in parts and labor. This is a prime example of how real-world experience and logical diagnostics often outperform the 'parts cannon' approach sometimes taken by dealership service departments. While many factory technicians are highly trained, dealership shops operate under strict time-billing and warranty reimbursement structures , which can push them toward replacing large systems rather than pinpointing the most cost-effective fix. And the loose connector? That kind of issue, which is often caused by vibration, previous repairs, or just time, is common enough to warrant basic inspection before reaching for the parts list. According to national estimates, airbag sensor repairs or harness issues typically range from $100–$600, depending on the location and severity. A $7,000 job is a statistical outlier unless a complete supplemental restraint system rebuild is involved. For Morsinkhoff, the conclusion was simple: 'This is why I don't trust anybody else with my cars.' Motor1 reached out to Morsinkhoff via phone. We'll update this article if we hear back. Now Trending 'I'm Still Not Telling People I Drive a...': Driver Buys the 'Temu Range Rover.' It Keeps McDonald's McFlurries Cold 'It Was Cheaper Than if You Bought It Normally:' Woman Says Everyone Always Asks About Her Car. She Got It Off Amazon Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Honda Won't Like The Toyota Sienna's Price and Fuel Efficiency
Honda Won't Like The Toyota Sienna's Price and Fuel Efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog. The minivan segment is incredibly competitive There are only six tried-and-true minivans still on the market (seven, counting the VW which means the competition is fierce among the top contenders. Among them are the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, both of which have a strong reputation for reliability among family haulers. When it comes down to price and efficiency, however, Toyota's offering pulls away from the pack. The Toyota Sienna is an affordable family hauler Starting at under $40,000, the Toyota Sienna is one of the most affordable family minivans on the market. Backed by Toyota's reputation for practicality and reliability, it's no surprise the Sienna still stands while many past competitors have fallen. The Honda Odyssey, one of the Sienna's most notable competitors, starts at just over $42,000. At the base level, both the Sienna and Odyssey offer fairly standard equipment for the segment. Power sliding side doors, LED lighting, and tri-zone automatic climate control make the list. As far as tech goes, both minivans include wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a myriad of safety systems. At the top of the range, the Sienna becomes more expensive than the Odyssey, with the Platinum trim starting at $56,445. The Odyssey Elite is over $5,000 cheaper, priced from $51,180. While the Sienna's top-spec trim is more expensive, it may be over the top for some consumers. In fact, one could argue that the Sienna Limited, available from $50,500, is a better match for the Odyssey Elite. At those kinds of prices, you'd expect luxury levels of comfort and convenience, and that's exactly what these minivans bring to the road. The Honda Odyssey Elite comes equipped with leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power tailgate, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. In terms of tech, the Elite comes stocked with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, an 11-speaker premium audio system, and a 12.8-inch rear entertainment system. Comparatively, the Sienna Limited comes with climate-controlled, leather-trimmed front seats, a power tailgate, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. It matches the Odyssey Elite in tech, with wireless smartphone compatibility, wireless phone charging, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. You'll have to opt for the Entertainment Package to get a rear entertainment system, though. The range-topping Toyota Sienna Platinum seems designed to be the ultimate family hauler when it comes to comfort and convenience. It comes stock with a built-in vacuum and fridge, heated steering wheel, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The top-spec model is also available with a 1500W inverter that powers two outlets and a rear entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, remote, and two wireless headphones. The Toyota Sienna is the most efficient minivan Regardless of trim level, the Toyota Sienna comes stocked with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and an eCVT, producing 245 horsepower. When equipped with front-wheel drive, all Sienna trims are rated for an EPA-estimated 36 mpg across the board. Toyota's hybrid minivan is one of the few models in its class with optional all-wheel drive. When equipped with AWD, the Sienna sees its fuel economy drop to 34 mpg in the city, reducing combined fuel economy to 35 mpg. The Honda Odyssey comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful of the two Japanese minivans. Notably, however, the Odyssey is only available with a front-wheel drivetrain. Regardless of trim level, the 2025 Honda Odyssey earns up to an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Despite having less power and higher fuel economy, the Toyota Sienna matches the Honda Odyssey's 3,500 lbs. maximum towing capacity. When it comes to interior space, both minivans offer plenty of room for families and their cargo, but Honda's minivan is the clear winner, with up to 141 cu ft. of space. The Toyota Sienna's second-row seats aren't removable like some competitors, so it offers just 101 cu ft. of cargo space with both rear rows folded flat. Final thoughts When it comes to affordability and efficiency, the 2025 Toyota Sienna is the minivan of choice for budget-conscious drivers. The Sienna received an interior update for the 2025 model year, reinforcing its practical, yet comfortable design. The base model offers plenty of amenities that are standard for its segment, but the story changes with the higher trims. The Limited trim meets the needs of most consumers, and the Platinum trim offers the pinnacle of comfort and convenience. No matter the model, rest assured that the Toyota Sienna is a reliable family hauler for families from all walks of life. Honda Won't Like The Toyota Sienna's Price and Fuel Efficiency first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Honda Won't Like The Toyota Sienna's Price and Fuel Efficiency
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Walmart Is Selling a 'Fantastic' $90 Car Emergency Kit for Just $44, and Shoppers Say It 'Has All the Essentials' The minivan segment is incredibly competitive There are only six tried-and-true minivans still on the market (seven, counting the VW ), which means the competition is fierce among the top contenders. Among them are the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, both of which have a strong reputation for reliability among family haulers. When it comes down to price and efficiency, however, Toyota's offering pulls away from the pack. 0:07 / 0:09 Walmart is selling an 'amazing' $230' lawn mower for just $111, and shoppers say it's 'user-friendly' Walmart is selling an 'amazing' $230' lawn mower for just $111, and shoppers say it's 'user-friendly' Watch More 2025 Toyota Sienna — Source: Toyota The Toyota Sienna is an affordable family hauler Starting at under $40,000, the Toyota Sienna is one of the most affordable family minivans on the market. Backed by Toyota's reputation for practicality and reliability, it's no surprise the Sienna still stands while many past competitors have fallen. The Honda Odyssey, one of the Sienna's most notable competitors, starts at just over $42,000. At the base level, both the Sienna and Odyssey offer fairly standard equipment for the segment. Power sliding side doors, LED lighting, and tri-zone automatic climate control make the list. As far as tech goes, both minivans include wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a myriad of safety systems. 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum HEV AWD — Source: Kristen Brown At the top of the range, the Sienna becomes more expensive than the Odyssey, with the Platinum trim starting at $56,445. The Odyssey Elite is over $5,000 cheaper, priced from $51,180. While the Sienna's top-spec trim is more expensive, it may be over the top for some consumers. In fact, one could argue that the Sienna Limited, available from $50,500, is a better match for the Odyssey Elite. At those kinds of prices, you'd expect luxury levels of comfort and convenience, and that's exactly what these minivans bring to the road. The Honda Odyssey Elite comes equipped with leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power tailgate, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. In terms of tech, the Elite comes stocked with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, an 11-speaker premium audio system, and a 12.8-inch rear entertainment system. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Honda Odyssey — Source: Honda Comparatively, the Sienna Limited comes with climate-controlled, leather-trimmed front seats, a power tailgate, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. It matches the Odyssey Elite in tech, with wireless smartphone compatibility, wireless phone charging, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. You'll have to opt for the Entertainment Package to get a rear entertainment system, though. The range-topping Toyota Sienna Platinum seems designed to be the ultimate family hauler when it comes to comfort and convenience. It comes stock with a built-in vacuum and fridge, heated steering wheel, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The top-spec model is also available with a 1500W inverter that powers two outlets and a rear entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, remote, and two wireless headphones. The Toyota Sienna is the most efficient minivan Regardless of trim level, the Toyota Sienna comes stocked with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and an eCVT, producing 245 horsepower. When equipped with front-wheel drive, all Sienna trims are rated for an EPA-estimated 36 mpg across the board. Toyota's hybrid minivan is one of the few models in its class with optional all-wheel drive. When equipped with AWD, the Sienna sees its fuel economy drop to 34 mpg in the city, reducing combined fuel economy to 35 mpg. 2025 Toyota Sienna — Source: Toyota The Honda Odyssey comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful of the two Japanese minivans. Notably, however, the Odyssey is only available with a front-wheel drivetrain. Regardless of trim level, the 2025 Honda Odyssey earns up to an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Despite having less power and higher fuel economy, the Toyota Sienna matches the Honda Odyssey's 3,500 lbs. maximum towing capacity. When it comes to interior space, both minivans offer plenty of room for families and their cargo, but Honda's minivan is the clear winner, with up to 141 cu ft. of space. The Toyota Sienna's second-row seats aren't removable like some competitors, so it offers just 101 cu ft. of cargo space with both rear rows folded flat. 2025 Honda Odyssey — Source: Honda Final thoughts When it comes to affordability and efficiency, the 2025 Toyota Sienna is the minivan of choice for budget-conscious drivers. The Sienna received an interior update for the 2025 model year, reinforcing its practical, yet comfortable design. The base model offers plenty of amenities that are standard for its segment, but the story changes with the higher trims. The Limited trim meets the needs of most consumers, and the Platinum trim offers the pinnacle of comfort and convenience. No matter the model, rest assured that the Toyota Sienna is a reliable family hauler for families from all walks of life. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I Have Driven Over 250 Car Models: These Are the 3 Best and Worst for Your Money
With so many models and options on the market, choosing the right car for your money isn't easy. The wrong choice leaves you trapped in a money pit, draining your finances with repair costs, poor gas mileage and lack of options to recoup your investment. But the right car purchase serve you well for years with affordable upkeep, great fuel economy and strong resale value. Find Out: Check Out: To help you get the most bang for your buck, we spoke to Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with to get her opinion on the car models she thinks are the best value, as well as which are the worst. Best Values Honda Civic The Honda Civic is a compact sedan with great fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of up to 36 mpg combined for models with the 1.5L turbo engine. The base model 2024 Honda Civic LX has a starting MSRP of $23,950. Don't let the small size fool you — the Civic's well-designed interior gives you plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Its strong resale value and low maintenance costs make it a smart choice for those seeking a dependable and economical vehicle. 'They have very few problems even when they reach high mileage,' said Musson. 'They're luxurious at a budget price.' Good To Know: Honda Odyssey If you're looking for a minivan, the Honda Odyssey is a great pick. The cavernous interior provides comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and the powerful V6 engine delivers smooth performance while still achieving a respectable 22 mpg combined. The starting MSRP is $38,240, and it will serve you well for over 200,000 miles with just routine maintenance. 'The Honda Civic and Honda Odyssey are two of the most reliable vehicles,' said Musson. 'Their safety features make you feel secure.' Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback is a rugged midsize SUV with all-wheel-drive capability and solid fuel efficiency at 29 mpg combined. The roomy interior carries a lot of cargo. Subaru is also known for its durability — you should expect it to last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. 'Subaru Outbacks are great buys for your money,' Musson said. 'The all-wheel-drive standard feature is hard to beat. The interior has a great, user-friendly design. They're workhorses and will provide reliable service for years.' Worst Values Ram 2500/3500 Diesel If you're in the market for a truck, you may want to think twice about the diesel engine RAM 2500 or 3500. You might be drawn to the macho image of heavy-duty trucks, but diesel engines require more expensive maintenance and repairs. 'One of the worst vehicles for your money is a Ram diesel,' Musson said. 'The parts on a diesel truck are ridiculously expensive. Not every mechanic will work on a diesel, so your options for repair shops are limited. The parts fail, and you'll need repairs frequently.' But what makes these trucks a bad value is their poor fuel economy. With an estimated 15-20 mpg combined, you'll spend big bucks at the pump. Diesel fuel also tends to be more expensive than gas, which will add up over time. Land Rover Range Rover Another worst buy, according to Musson, is the Land Rover Range Rover. While they're undeniably stylish, she says they're a maintenance nightmare. 'Their starting price is high, so you'd expect reliability,' said Musson. 'That's not the case though. They're one of the least reliable vehicles, and they're frustrating when parts start breaking down.' The starting MSRP for the 2024 model is $107,400. For most buyers, these luxury SUVs just aren't worth the financial pain. Ford Focus The Ford Focus has been a popular choice for car buyers on a budget for a long time. Ford has recently stopped making the Focus. You might be tempted to get an even better bargain by picking up a used one. But even for the price, they underperform consistently. One of the main issues is poor reliability. 'Skip the Ford Focus,' said Musson. 'It's a budget car to begin with, so at least you're not spending a ton on the purchase price. However, it's the kind of car that just has a lot of annoying problems like window electronics that stop working and a noisy ride.' You might get a great deal upfront, but the high likelihood of costly repairs and low resale value make it a poor choice. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth This article originally appeared on I Have Driven Over 250 Car Models: These Are the 3 Best and Worst for Your Money
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New Space Force STARCOM commander returns to Patrick Space Force Base after 11-year absence
When U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Smith and his family packed into their Honda Odyssey van in 2014 and drove north on Interstate 95 to the Pentagon, he didn't think he'd ever get stationed on Florida's Space Coast again. Fast-forward 11 years. Smith has returned — as a Space Force major general. And he'll lead STARCOM as the high-tech field command continues transitioning from Colorado to Patrick Space Force Base, eventually creating a headquarters boasting more than 450 personnel in the next several years. "Who could have imagined in 2014 that I'd stand here today in a sharp and distinctive uniform; taking command of something we call a field command; within a brand-new military service?" Smith asked. Smith spoke from the Sharkatorium stage during a change of command ceremony Friday, July 18, at Patrick SFB. Smith moves to STARCOM after serving as Vice Director for Joint Force Development at the Pentagon, where he supported the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral STARCOM is the Space Force's training hub for warfighting in space, including doctrine, tactics and techniques. The Space Force was created in 2019. STARCOM — an acronym for Space Training and Readiness Command — was activated as the Space Force's third field command in August 2021. Then in May 2023, military officials announced STARCOM headquarters would move cross-country from Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs to Patrick SFB. Next, St. Johns River Water Management District permitting records show two modular buildings measuring 22,898 square feet and 22,737 square feet are slated for STARCOM at Patrick SFB, along with a 133-space parking lot and dry stormwater retention area. Estimated completion date: Oct. 31. More than 100 STARCOM personnel are expected to be stationed on Florida's Space Coast by year's end. Smith succeeds Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, who has commanded STARCOM since July 2023. Sejba's next assignment: special assistant to the vice chief of space operations at the Pentagon. Smith previously commanded the 1st Range Operations Squadron at then-Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from August 2012 to May 2014. That's when his four children attended Merritt Island High, Jefferson Middle and Tropical Elementary schools. "I definitely did not foresee how dramatically or rapidly the very character of warfare would evolve," Smith said, referring to space-based surveillance, electronic warfare and other complexities. For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@ Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: STARCOM leader to oversee move from Colorado to Patrick Space Force Base Solve the daily Crossword
