Which Minivan? - MX-5 Miata Forum (2024)

tej

Join Date: Jan 2000

Location: Raleigh, N.C.

Posts: 844

I am in the market for a van as well. We turned in a leased 2004 Honda Odyssey, and we'll probably pick up at a later date a 2008 model of a brand we have yet decided on.

For 2008 the Chrysler Vans are receiving a major overhaul. Plus for 2008 the Honda vans are getting a mid-cycle update. You really have to drive all of these vans, and go over all the little tidbits that differ on them, and line up priorities of what you would want or need. Your friend will have to determine what is important to them; from ride quality, cup holders, to seating configurations, to electronic gadgets, to safety features (air bags, latch seating, etc). They all do 90-95% of things similarly, but it's that last 5-10% of true differences that need to be sorted out.

All the vans from Hyundai/Kia, Honda, Toyota, Chrysler/Dodge, and Nissan are very close to each other. Here are my breakdowns of advantages and disadvantages (that I see):

Hyundai/Kia:
Good overall package, good balance between driving dynamics v. ride smoothness. Great pricing, and much improved fit/finish/NVH/build quality.
Below avg fuel economy. Hit or miss dealer service. Low resale value. Some one year owners complain about door squeaks, and some are having trouble with sliding doors not opening on even the slightest inclines. These things could improve in newer models thou. I don't like the way the 3rd row seats fold down (Honda and Chrysler let you tilt outwards for stadium seating...if you have infants/toddlers, this seat makes a great changing table when flipped backwards)

Honda:
Sportiest ride of all minivans. Good overall fit and finish. Fairly decent interior layout. Decent power, and fuel economy. Strong resale value. Pricing is becoming more competitive, as many Ody's are unsold on lots. 2007+ models get a beefier transmission from Ridgeline. 8 seat layout is available, but very tight for the 8th person.
A bit louder inside then the others(harder to talk with 3rd row). Interior material selection is a bit light on the quality. For the price it's light on features/equipment (lacking MP3 CD, Bluetooth, interior light auto shutoff). 2nd row seats don't fold or tilt out of the way. You must physically remove them for extra space. (Hyundai/Kia, and Toyota 2nd row tilt up against 1st row - Chrysler's fold 'under' floor, and Nissan's can be folded somewhat flat 'on' the floor).

Toyota:
Rides soft (if that's what you like). Quiet ride. Good overall fit and finish. Very strong engine (new for 2007 3.5L V6). AWD is available. You can get almost all gadgets available anywhere. Lexus-like interior feel, and layout. Decent resale value. Dealers are willing to deal. Available 8-seat layout.
Rides soft (very nautical). Front seats are a big complaint by most deciding not to buy the Sienna (lacks thigh support). Some of the wood trim is a bit much (Objective).

Chrysler/Dodge (2008 - some firm details and some assumptions)
Ride should be soft, and should be quiet. To my eyes the interior looks very sharp and user friendly (kids, family capable) In a 2007 van you could have a conversation with the 3rd row at highway speed, so I expect the 2008 to be same or better. Ton of equipment and features for the money (Bluetooth, MyGig, memory seats, dual input-dual screen rear entertainment). New Swivel seats for 2nd row, so you can face the people in 2nd and 3rd row (my wife is excited by this feature). 6 spd transmission with 3.8L and new 4.0L V6. Stow and Go is standard (a really nice - IKEA shopping - feature, even though the smallish seats are more comfortable for young'uns.) With any seat configuration you still get that big "trunk" like space under the floor, between the 1st and 2nd row. Chrysler introduced the new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty (may be a moot point)
Resale value is bound to be low. However it may not be as low as before. Chrysler has slowly curbed the number of vans going to fleets/rentals. Handling will not be as good as the others, due to the limitations of the beam rear suspension. Although fit and finish may be good, the overall long term reliability will always be a question mark. New 6 spd transmission reliability unknown.

Nissan:
Dramatic Styling. Fairly quiet. Very good dynamics (on par with Honda). Very airy living area. Lots of gadgets and cleaver features; like Skyview roof, and fold almost-flat seats) Very large sliding door opening, good access. Low floor, so its easier for younger children to climb in.
Dramatic Styling. No roll down middle windows. 3rd row seat is not a split fold, but a full bench fold. Sharply angled hind-quarters results in a smallish, odd shape for behind 3rd row storage.

The above were my findings due to what I find important. I may have missed a few important attributes, or failings of a certain vehicle, that you may find important. Just go drive all the vehicles, and really sit and inspect all the feature minus the sales drone tagging along.

-Tej