Minivans: Gone Are the Days of "Are We There Yet?"
By Teresa Ambord
It used to be that big families had to settle for station wagons... not the most attractive vehicles on the road. It seems like the first vans to appear were either paneled delivery type vans, or the hippy dippy VW vans that were cool, but gutless.
Now passenger vans are everywhere. The popular choice is mini-vans. For the most part, full-size vans seem to be reserved mostly for churches and businesses... or families that are so big, a mini-van just won't do.
Here's How They Compare
- A standard minivan may start around $20,000, or a luxury model with all the appointments can cost you a whopping $40,000. A full-size van starts in the mid twenties and tops out in the mid-thirties.
- Most mini-vans are V6 engines and you can expect about 20 mpg, highway. Full size vans tend to be V6, V8, or even V10.
- Mini-vans are often available with extras like side airbags for an extra measure of protection. Full-size vans have basic safety equipment.
- For a family van, an important consideration is whether or not you can reconfigure the second and third row seats if necessary. Either a full-size or mini-van should be able to do that. And mini-vans often have rear seats that fold right into the floor. Some of these foldable seats can be managed with one hand.
- Minivans usually seat seven or eight passengers, whereas full-size vans seat up to 15.
What Are the Most Popular Minivans?
The auto market seems focused on beefing up the family mini-van to the point they are comfortable, safe, and ... entertaining.
A survey shows that in the second quarter of 2004, the most popular minivan was the Toyota Sienna narrowly squeaking by the Dodge Caravan. Next came the Honda Odyssey, then the Chrysler Town and Country.
Here are some of the features you can expect with these mini-vans:
- Toyota Sienna: The 2004 model is larger than the 2003. It boasts available side airbags and side curtain airbags, and seats seven or eight passengers. It has a 230-horsepower, 3.3-liter, V6 engine, 5 -speed automatic, all-wheel drive.
- Dodge Caravan's 2005 model offers Stow 'n' Go seating and storage, so that the second and third seats quickly and easily fold away. Storage seems to be a key consideration of the new Caravans, with a variety of new ways to store, everything. It also has easy entry to the rear seats, comfortable seating, and an optional overhead rail system that can be removed.
- Honda Odyssey has been a favorite since the 1999 model was introduced. This year's model is the largest Honda ever made, and has horsepower that leads the pack. The Odyssey was the first minivan to develop third row seats that fold flat into the floor.
- The 2005 Town and Country, like the Caravan, has Stow 'n' Go seating and numerous storage features, and comfortable seats. It also boasts a number of attractive cosmetic upgrades.
And, it seems, whatever late model mini-van you choose, you can make it an entertainment center if you choose. A few of the choices are: DVD's, input jacks for video games, and improved rear speakers. Gone are the days of long, boring drives with the kids constantly asking, "are we there yet?" Instead, they'll be asking Dad to drive around the block a few more times while they watch the end of the movie.
