For the benefit of the prospective buyer, we removed the second- and third-row seats from each van or folded the third-row seats in the vans so equipped. Noted below are how long it takes to remove and install the seats in each van and also the weight of all the seats that are removable. The vans are listed in order of the fastest combined seat removal/install times.

The process of gathering this information involved having one editor go through each van while another timed how long it took him to remove and install the seats. We'll also note that the weight of each seat is approximate because we were at the test track and used a bathroom scale while another editor held each seat. We subtracted his weight from the reading on the scale to get a number for the weight of each seat.

Honda Odyssey
Removal time: 2:10
Installation time: 2:10
Weight of second-row seats: 51 pounds each
Weight of third-row seat: NA; seat folds into floor
Comments: The second-row seats are light, with no sharp metal hooks. Removal is easy, but inexact slots hamper installation. The door openings are on the small side. The third-row folding seat is easy to store.

Pontiac Montana
Removal time: 2:08
Installation time: 2:17
Weight of second-row seats: 59 pounds each
Weight of third-row seat: NA, seat folds into floor
Comments: The second-row seats have sharp metal hooks on the bottom that require careful handling. The size of the door openings was adequate.

Chrysler Town & Country
Removal time: 2:01
Installation time: 3:00
Weight of second-row seats: 65 pounds each
Weight of third-row seat: 128 pounds
Comments: The third-row seat is very heavy and bulky but overall is the easiest to remove and install compared to that of the other vans. The doors are sufficiently wide, and the instructions are clear and easy to understand.

Mazda MPV
Removal time: 2:28
Installation time: 3:16
Weight of second-row seats: 51 pounds each
Weight of third-row seat: NA; seat folds into floor
Comments: The doors are very small and difficult to get the second-row seats through. Removal of the second-row headrests is required before the seats can be taken out of the van. The seats are relatively light, however.

Toyota Sienna
Removal time: 3:11
Installation time: 2:54
Weight of second-row seats: 58 pounds each
Weight of third-row seats: 59 pounds each
Comments: The third-row is a bulky split-bench that's awkward to carry. The second-row seats are also somewhat bulky. The door opening is wide, and we had no trouble getting the seats through. Reinstalling the seats is easy.

Ford Windstar
Removal time: 3:03
Installation time: 4:43
Weight of second-row seats: 64 pounds each
Weight of third-row seat: 105 pounds
Comments: The release for the second-row seats is difficult to use, with sharp metal hooks on the bottom of the seats. The third row is very difficult for one person to lift by himself. The doors aren't wide enough, and you must maneuver to enter and exit with the seats. The confusing instructions were not very clearly marked.