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(Enlarge photo)
The competition is tough. Each one of these minivans may have something to offer a growing family.
(Photo by Scott Jacobs)
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Road Test: Comparison Test
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2004 Minivan Comparison Test
Introduction
By
Brian Moody, Road Test Editor
Date posted: 04-27-2004
The minivan world is changing; in fact, it's been in a constant state of flux
ever since Chrysler introduced the first minivan over 20 years ago. Early in
their development, minivans went through an awkward phase that spawned such
hideous contraptions as the Dodge Colt Vista, Mitsubishi Expo LRV, Nissan
Axxess and Toyota Previa, many of which were really just tall wagons. Later,
carmakers got the hang of what a minivan really was and most copied the
winning Chrysler formula of basing the vehicle on a front-wheel-drive car
platform. However, they still struggled with design and style — the
well-intentioned but difficult-to-look-at mid-1990s Pontiac Trans Sport is a
perfect example. By the late '90s it seemed as if everyone had a minivan and
some were quite good. Ford had its Windstar with top-notch safety ratings, and
Honda had a redesigned Odyssey that forced everyone to rethink what a minivan
could or could not be.
As with any comparison test there are ground rules. Only all-new or
significantly redesigned models are included. Despite having received
virtually no changes for several years, the Honda Odyssey is included
in our comparison because it won
our last minivan comparison and continues to impress us despite its
six-year-old design. In addition to the Odyssey, we have included the
redesigned Nissan Quest, the all-new Toyota Sienna and the revamped Ford
Freestar. We also included the Kia Sedona since it did not compete in our last
test.
They may not be the coolest vehicles on the road, but many staffers here
now swear by the much maligned minivan for three simple reasons — comfort,
convenience and cargo capacity. If you're shopping for a family vehicle, this
test is a "must-read" and could save you from a strong dose of buyer's regret.
Oh, and we think you'll find some surprises in the rankings as well.
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