Posted: 4/28/2005 9:21:29 AM EDT
| What is the best minivan as far as safety, mechanics, reliability, gas mileage? Opinions and experiences please. Thanks! |
| Ogre_4070, I own a 1996 Caravan. I purchased it new in 95 and still use it to haul stuff around it. I have 159,000+ miles on with no major problems. Aside from standard maintence, I replaced the battery and a windshield wiper arm. It has been t-boned and hit a deer, so it has not led a pampered life. It still runs fine and tracks great going down the road. It has the 3.3 v6 and I average 22-24 on the highway. The body has held up great with the Michigan road salt and the only areas of rust are near the deer inflicted damage. It has been very reliable, gets decent milage, and it has worked great for me. The only downside is the uncool minivan image :) |
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Toyota Sienna is hands down the best. Awesome drive, good engine, great milesage. Only problem is that they are VERY expensive. About 30k for a nicely equipped model. 25k for a base LE. For the money the Dodge Grand Caravan isnt bad. Not near as nice as the Toyota, but you get a lot for your money. You can get a leather loaded SXT with DVD and all the shit for about 25k. |
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If you can afford the bucks a Honda Odessy or a Toyota Sienna. They seem to be the best value for the money at the moment. How long are you going to keep the vehicle? After 10 years the GM, Ford, Chrysler will have zero value, the Honda & Toyota will be worth something. Check out the prices of 5 & 10 year old Honda and Toy minivan, versus the GM, Fords, and Chryslers. |
+1 '04 Odyssey is the first foreign vehicle my wife and I ever bought. We generally buy 2 year old vehicles so somebody else takes the big depreciation hit. Check out the prices on 2 year old Siennas and Odysseys, they're about the same as new ones. We have the '04 Odyssey EX. Only problem we have has so far is an intermittent problem with the driver side sliding door. The lock on it won't release, so the automatic gizmo doesn't open it. Have to do a "reach-around" from the driver's door to hold the door lock in the unlock position and pull the door open. I think they finally fixed it the last time we took it in. They took the door apart and did some tweaking. We only have 12k miles on it after 15 months, but I expect it will hold up for the long run since it's a Honda. Wish I could say that about American brands.  |
Yeah, 'cause we all know that soccer mom Suzie needs a 3/4 or 1 ton full size van or pick up truck to haul the kids around in and go to the mall and grocery store.  I would say that minivans are probaby the most utilitarian vehicle available. Plent of seats, lots of cargo room, decent fuel economy, nice ride, available with AWD for inclement weather, etc. If you have a genuine need to tow or haul stuff over rough roads all the time then yes, a minivan probably isn't for you. But I'd say that more often than not people buy big wasteful SUVs and trucks when a minivan would actually be more ideal for them. This is the problem with the internet, you don't always know if the guy offering his thoughts is some image conscious zit faced teenager or someone willing to take an objective look at the situation. Also, I hate to say it, but I agree on the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey being the best minivans. |
They also have a low "threshold". Meaning they are easier for people, especially shorter people and women, to load and unload. Loading a Subub can be a chore for someone 5'6" to 5'7" and damn near impossible for people shorter than that...... |
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I think the Sienna is the best all-around. It is a big bigger than the Honda. Both the Honda and Toyota do well in crash tests unlike the Chrysler, Chevy, and various other foreign models. Ford does okay in crash tests but reliability is questionable. Since I'm cheap I'd get a Chrysler, but be prepared to have the transmission rebuilt and probably some electrical problems. I'd also add a transmission cooler to the Chrysler, and be really anal about maintenence. I also like the Astro van but it does poorly in some crash tests and it lacks a driver's side sliding door and the front passenger legroom is very poor. GunLvr |
The Sto 'n Go seating is great. Some friends bought one because of this (changed their minds from Sienna to Town & Country) and they've been happy with the choice. |
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My wife's got an 03 Pontiac Montana,she really likes no probs so far. On a side note I drive a '95 Dodge intrepid that's close to going tits up. I've been dreaming about a new pickup/suv. But the little lady has informed me that when the time comes I'll be getting the Montana and she'll be getting a new mini. Oh well so much for manly toys Every once in a while she'll take my nuts out of her purse and let me carry them for a while.  
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