Honda Stream coming to U.S. in 2009

[mikeyb]

Winding Road is reporting that the next-generation Honda Stream mini-MPV may be sold in the U.S. Having just been redesigned last year, the next Stream won't arrive until 2009, and even then we doubt it will receive anything more than a refreshening. Nevertheless, Honda appears intent to make some money off of this MPV that's based on the same platform as the Civic and CR-V. It's reportedly been a big hit in Japan since it debuted in 2000, though the recent redesign has met with mixed reviews. Though the JDM version can seat up to seven or eight people, Winding Road reports the U.S. version will probably get only two rows of seats. In Japan, the Stream is available with either a R18A 1.8L i-VTEC engine and five-speed auto or an R20A 2.0L i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT transmission. Whether those engines will be offered in the U.S. in unknown, though we would expect at least the larger of the two motors to make the journey to our shores.

Considering Honda's success with the Odyssey in the minivan segment, the Stream may do very well in the U.S. It appears smaller than a minivan, but larger than, say, a Mazda5. The current trend of segment-bending tall wagons and CUVs could carry the Stream right along.

- Winding Road

 

[Rogue]

a bigger mini-minivan?

If it's based on the Civic and CR-V, I wonder if you can swap in the K20 and the AWD? That would be interesting.

 

[Antoine]

Screw the Stream...Mazda bring the MPV!!!

 

[mikeyb]

^^HAHAHAHA. Isn't the Stream the size of a Mazda5? I do agree that Mazda needs the MPV. What would it be called here in the States? The Mazda8? But wouldn't the MPV take sales away for the CUVs?

 

[Antoine]

"Screw the Stream" <<<< That would make a great bumper sticker (do people still sport bumper stickers?)...lol

Yeah...I'm sure Mazda has its reasons for not bringing the new MPV to the states...YET...but keep in mind they sell the CX-7 and MPV at the same time in Japan...Maybe the problem is having the CX-9 and MPV for sale at the same time...Although, IMO I think the MPV is unique enough that it would seem like a good idea!

 

[Foolish]

What exactly would be the point of bringing that here without the third row of seats? Honda already has a 5 seat tall wagon, it's called the Fit!

I could see bringing it here as a six seater, to steal the segment away from the 5, but I'm sure we won't get the manual trans in the states.

 

[mikeyb]

^I was thinking the samething.

 

[mountjonas]

yeah, but isn't the fit super tiny. i'd much rather haul my family in a stream that a fit. hell, i'd rather drive that than the new accord.

 

[Flash5]

Def looks like the 5 to me, its got the same mini-van/station wagon feel to it.

 

[clicknext]

Stream is comparable to Mazda5. Fit is comparable to Mazda2. Big difference, I'd say.

 

[Foolish]

Stream is comparable to Mazda5. Fit is comparable to Mazda2. Big difference, I'd say.

Without the third seat it's not comparable to the Mazda5! More like the Tribute.

 

[Rogue]

Without the third seat it's not comparable to the Mazda5! More like the Tribute.

The Mazda5 seats 6
The Stream seats 5

I bet the Stream has more storage behind the rear-most seat since it doens't have the 3rd row. Also with the Stream being bigger than the Mazda5, it probably seats the 5 passengers more comfortably than the Mazda5's 6.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

The Stream is HOT. I see them all the time out here.

 

[Foolish]

The Mazda5 seats 6
The Stream seats 5

I bet the Stream has more storage behind the rear-most seat since it doens't have the 3rd row. Also with the Stream being bigger than the Mazda5, it probably seats the 5 passengers more comfortably than the Mazda5's 6.

Honestly, I see your point, but the Mazda5 seats 2+2+2 so generally, I think your passengers get more of their own room, as nobody has to sit in the middle. I agree that the stream must have more rear storage, though. The 5 has no room behind row 3. It's a people or stuff vehicle.

 

[Rogue]

...the Mazda5 seats 2+2+2 so generally, I think your passengers get more of their own room, as nobody has to sit in the middle..

I totally agree with that. I've sat in the rear seat of the Mazda5, and it was actually pretty comfortable.

 

[mikeyb]

 

[coolmazda5]

As an owner of a Mazda5 for 2+ years I don't see the point of the Stream to compete as a large 5-people wagon with more space. There is no comparison with the Mazda5 or even the Rondo as a 2-row seater IMO. I don't use the 3rd row everyday but it is awesome when needed (for short trips). For long trips and more than 5 people with a lot of space needs, I would suggest a Chevy Suburban

Having a manual tranny on the Mazda5 makes it even better. That is why a good percentage of the owners have chosen it. I don't believe Stream will have it, so minus 20 points (not even the paddle shifter compares, although is nice)

As per the handling, I'm sure you'all have seen the Mazda5-MPV-Honda Stream-blah blah racing (deadhorse video. The Stream's handling: minus 30 points.

We didn't buy the MZ5 to race it or mod it (it is the family ride) but the Zoom-Zoom soul in it makes it a big plus

Note: (deadhorse alert!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU4paH8qcQ8

 

[07MZ5SA]

I don't think Honda will ever bring in Stream without 3rd row seat.

Both Rondo and (2008) 5 have 2nd row ventilation. I wonder if Honda will offer the same feature bring in Stream to North America market.

 

[DCookSta]

Saw a couple while I was in Jamaica. It's about the size of the Mazda 5.

 

[07MZ5SA]

It's a first generation Stream w/ GDI.