Mini-vans again

[Jack]

A few months ago there was a minivan thread. It was agrred upon that the Honda Odessey was the best but also costs close to 30K. The Dodge was the cheapest but has frequent transmission problems. Is there a reliable mini-van in the 22-25K range?

[snarf]

[Patience]

I have a '96 Grand Caravan, have had no unexpected problems.

[Minerva]

We have a 99 Grand Caravan and have had zero problems. This followed a 94 Grand Voyager, which was great until we were broadsided and overturned and it was totaled. HOWEVER - the side reinforcements were sufficient for people safety - NO ONE WAS HURT.

Bigger than the Honda (at least in terms of head room) and drives well.

[ne11er]

I had an '88 Plymouth Voyager...basically the same thing as the Dodge Caravan only a different logo on the car. Of course, I had my typical old car problems (heat/AC hardly worked, automatic locks weren't so automatic anymore, rust, and other normal wear and tear). However, I don't believe we ever had transmission problems with it. And, they were able to re-sell the thing after we traded it in in May. :smile:

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Honda is the best. And you pay for it in waiting for one and in price. In ten years, you lose all the extra cost, if you don't consider happiness/utility in your decision-making process.

The Ford Windstars I've been in are pretty nice. Can be equipped with a TV and VCR/DVD player. (For hooked children.)
My friend recently filled it with about 10 shelf and cabinet components for his garage. (Some, er, ALL assembly required.) It was at least 1000 lbs of payload. No other passengers allowed.
In summary, you should consider the flexibility of such a large vehicle. Most are coming equipped with removable or hidable seats.

[Anonymous]

Ford Windstar - nice ride for the right price. Seats seven and both back seats can be removed. The roof rack is flimsy at best, but an aftermarket can fix that. ALL Windstars come with a V-6; the beefier of the two is really nice for passing, even when loaded up!

BTW - I bought a '96 for less than 13K!!! GREAT condition and LOADED!!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: StarfishPatrick on 2001-11-27 08:55 ]</font>

[Lucy]

Has anyone tried the Toyota?

[Anonymous]

I recently looked at Toyota's line and am impressed in both the mini-van and small SUV. However, the Odyssey is far superior in the mini-van category.

I'm thinking of the mini-SUV route instead of the mini-van. Better gas mileage, more comfort, and in some cases cheaper. Anyone have comments on my top three 2002s? I am leaning towards the Highlander but that could change.

1. Toyota Highlander, the 4 cylinder
2. Honda CRV
3. Ford Escape

Thanks in advance.