Automotive Evolution
2001 Minivan Buyer's Guide
by Steve Siler

Here we are at the beginning of the millennium, and looking back on the past 100 years, the evolution of the automobile is among the most influential phenomena for the American family. But just as a 1.2 Gigabyte microprocessor far surpasses computers of just 20 years ago, so do today’s automobiles outshine those of the early 1900s.

Arguably the most evolved of all automobiles is the minivan. It was born not out of convention, but invention. Its combination of attributes and features took about 85 years to culminate, and thus represents perhaps the best and most efficient vehicle with which to transport people and things from point A to point B. Isn’t that what transportation is all about?

Yet minivans have gotten a bad rap over the seventeen or so years since their popularization. Early minivans suffered from rather ungainly styling and awkward handling, relegating them primarily to busy moms and dads whose needs and budgets minivans served so faithfully. But that was then, and this…well, just take a look at the minivans of the new millennium. They are now safer, more versatile, more spacious and more powerful than ever—basically better at everything they were invented to do.

And yes, now they even look cool.

Honda Odyssey 
The minivan market knew it was in for a change when Honda waved its magic wand over the Odyssey minivan. The resulting product proves once again that Honda just can’t seem to put a foot wrong. The Odyssey’s crisp lines and handsome front end make it the most cool among minivans. It features an enormous interior with the light and airy feel that Honda has become known for in the last two decades. Especially trick is the third row seat that disappears into the low floor; with the seat up, a deep well swallows cargo at will. Ergonomics feature typical Honda intuition, of course, and you can even get the industry-standard touch-screen Navigation system installed, although to do so renders the climate control buttons to a small pod way up by the base of the windshield. Power is impressive from the standard V-6: smooth, robust and whisper-quiet. Handling is taut, yet compliant over bumps. The lucky Odyssey was born into the Honda family, of course, which means Honda’s excellent reliability record applies here. The real kicker is that its $25K to $30K price comes in well below some of its competitors. This truly is no ordinary minivan. It’s the Honda of minivans. [Odyssey Details]

Toyota Sienna
For those who waited for so long for Toyota to produce a minivan that wasn’t, well, weird, the waiting is over. The last three years has witnessed Toyota finally becoming a major player in the minivan market, thanks to the excellence, and normalcy, of the Sienna. Though a bit smaller inside and out than Honda’s Odyssey and Dodge’s Grand Caravan (and available in only one wheelbase), the Sienna still has enough space inside for most duties which call a minivan to arms. Styling is typical Toyota: tasteful, tame. At least 2001 brought with it a minor freshening, including a new grille and jeweled taillights with clear-lens turn signals. The interior features excellent materials and good ergonomics, not to mention a 50/50 split rear bench, making the installation process only half as much effort. The only engine choice is a very smooth and very powerful V-6, which moves the relatively lightweight Sienna with serious authority. Handling is based on the Camry, so it is very car-like. The only serious complaint we have is that it’s a bit low on personality. We’d also like a bit more room. But that said, if the combination of high quality, Toyota reliability and enough space for a family are what you’re looking for, the Sienna could be the one you’re looking for. [Sienna Details]

Mazda MPV 
As with most of Mazda’s other products, the MPV is just a bit different than the norm. For starters, the MPV is about half a size smaller the other minivans in this collection—not a bad thing in this day of ever rising fuel costs and tighter and tighter parking spaces. Furthermore, what the MPV gives up in size is made up in pleasure behind the wheel (this is despite having significantly less horsepower and torque than most other minivans). How is that possible? Thorough engineering, resulting in excellent maneuverability and a solid structure. Its sporty, crisp styling mirrors its zippy (for a minivan) handling and great steering. But the interior is what a minivan is all about, and while it is more comfy for six people than seven, there is plenty of versatility within. Most notable is the trick disappearing rear bench seat, as on Honda’s Odyssey. The MPV blends some sedan-like features into the equation, though, such as roll-down rear windows and a relatively low driving position. With its just-right size—not as big as a Windstar yet not as small as something like the Chrysler PT Cruiser—the MPV has a niche all its own. The price is right, too. [MPV Details]

Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
This is the one that started it all back in ’84: the Dodge Caravan. And this year, it receives its fifth major redesign, making an already near-perfect minivan even better. Although the skin looks familiar, it is completely new from the ground up, improved in nearly every way and boasting several more "minivan firsts" to add to the impressive scorecard it has earned over the years. Among its myriad improvements are fold-flat, tumbling captains chairs, an available 50/50 split rear bench seat and a cool (optional) rear cargo organizer. Its available power-operating dual sliding doors are joined by a power tailgate with a built-in obstacle detector. The dashboard features near-perfect ergonomics and lots of storage. The Caravan’s engines are among the smoothest and quietest Chrysler has ever produced, moving the standard-wheelbase Caravan and long-wheelbase Grand Caravan with unparalleled strength. Word of caution: Caravan prices start low but can creep up quickly, although countless unique features make it worth checking out in any case. Its advertising claims it to be the best minivan ever. Look closely and see if you don’t agree. [Caravan Details]

Ford Windstar 
Ford has been a player in the minivan game nearly since the beginning. But never has it had such a strong product. Since its introduction, the Windstar has been a huge hit for Ford and a big hit with families alike. And as it evolves, it continues to win buyers despite its formidable competition. First of all, it looks and feels like it’s one of the larger minivans, and that’s because it is. That affords the Windstar an advantage of more cargo space than all its competitors except the Chrysler Corporation's long-wheelbase minivans and Chevy’s boxy Astro. The price of all that heft is a clumsy handling and an overwrought powertrain, although it is nice that Ford has simplified things a bit by making a robust V-6 the only engine choice. The Windstar is available in several trim levels, from regular to extra crispy, with the SEL trim level truly spoiling its occupants in ways that are more limousine than plebian. Perhaps best of all, the Windstar’s 5-star crash test ratings place it at the top of the minivan class. With all of that wrapped up in contemporary, edgy styling, it’s easy to see how the Windstar can fill so many roles—and garages. [Windstar Details]

Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager
The "bigger is better" ethic infects nearly every segment of the automotive market, and the minivan market is no exception. But wasn’t finding the right size the entire reason that minivans were invented in the first place? Of course it was, and this is why the nearly identical Quest/Villager twins shine. They may be smaller than most of their competitors, but they’re comfortable and friendly family haulers nonetheless. The advantage of the smaller dimensions and lower curb weight comes primarily in the handling department, making these among the most fun to drive (and easy to park) of any minivan. Outside, the design is still fresh and contemporary, even sporty in some trim levels, with five-spoke wheels and cool two-tone paint treatments among the many available features. Inside, the story gets better, with versatile seating arrangements, a clean dashboard design and options galore, which include cool entertainment centers and one huge sunroof. Power is there, but certainly not abundant, in the form of a 3.3-liter V-6 which seems thankful not to have so much mass to pull around. Also, being one of the older designs on the market, you may be able to find an attractive deal. So if the others are too big for your tastes, check these out. [Quest Details] [Villager Details]

Chrysler Voyager/Town and Country
Here are two very different minivans sharing the Chrysler name. First up, the Voyager, the more utilitarian value leader of the brand. But by no means does that make the Voyager "cheap." What, with the requisite bazillions of standard features and clever details that has kept Chrysler ahead of the minivan game since it introduced the modern minivan in 1984, the Voyager carries on stronger than ever. How about a power liftgate in addition to the rear doors? And a versatile optional storage organizer behind the rear seat? Rear cup holders that stay put even when the seat is swung up and out of the way? All for a good price, too. Just stay away from the wimpy four-cylinder engine unless your budget absolutely calls for it. 

The Town and Country, on the other hand, chucks value out the power vent windows and welcomes leather lined opulence like Thurston Howell III. Elegant gauges and [fake] wood trim dress up the minivan’s already strong architecture without making it garish. Furthermore, the T&C offers more robust powertrains with up to 230 horsepower and/or all-wheel drive! But don’t be surprised if a well optioned Town and Country closes in on the $40K mark. Still, no minivan can match the prestige of the Town and Country name, nor the luxury it contains. [Town and Country Details] [Voyager Details]

Chevrolet Venture/Olds Silhouette/Pontiac Montana
In typical GM fashion, the same basic minivan is offered by several different manufacturers. In this case, Chevrolet, Pontiac and for a while, Oldsmobile offer the General’s front-wheel-drive minivans. The all-American Chevy Venture is the value leader, suiting families of all sizes and budgets, for whom transportation is serious business. The Pontiac Montana, with its more aggressive styling and red, backlit gauges, appeals to more active-lifestyle families. 

The dressy and luxurious Oldsmobile Silhouette woos the upper crust in the same fashion as the Chrysler Town and Country, but with a slightly better price point. All feature fold-flat rear bench seats and standard OnStar communications, which more than make up for their uninspiring driving qualities. Also available, and standard on some models, is a cool flip-down entertainment system that fills in for you when you simply don’t think you can stand narrating even one more book about a purple dinosaur. Are these the best minivans out there? No, but for what you pay, they’re not bad. [Venture Details] [Silhouette Details] [Montana Details]

Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari
The Chevy Astro and the GMC Safari have the dubious distinction of being the only minivans on the market not to have been completely redesigned in the 16 years since its introduction. Understandably considered archaic next to other minivans, the Astro/Safari duo nonetheless has a place in the 2001 minivan market. Why? Well, truth is, these maxi-minivans have key advantages over the rest, mainly in the areas of interior space and towing capabilities. Having a study body-on-frame rear-drive platform enhances ruggedness, and all-wheel drive is an option (an appreciable one to for anyone who’s ever pulled a boat trailer up a slippery ramp). 

Seating for eight is more comfortable than in most other minivans, thanks to the extra space. And interestingly, all that extra interior space resides in a package that is about the same length as Chrysler’s short wheelbase minivans! They are the truckiest of the lot, the chunkiest of the lot, yet sturdy and among the toughest of the lot as well. If you need a big van for towing and hauling, but don’t have the garage space for one, this could be the right fit. [Astro Details] [Safari Details]

Volkswagen EuroVan
With the welcome addition of much more power to VW’s throaty VR-6 engine, the boxy EuroVan suddenly sprang to life this year. Yes, it’s been around for a while, and no, it’s not pretty, especially next to its curvaceous competition. If not for the 201 horsepower six cylinder engine that the driver basically sits on top of (check out the short hood), the EuroVan would be a forgettable snore. But VW has this knack for making fantastic V-6s and this one is no exception. A stability control system is standard feature that is hard to find on any minivan.

But enough about the stuff you can’t see. What makes the EuroVan a charmer is its character. The seats in the MV trim level are arranged living-room style, with the second row facing the rear. Additionally, in a true throwback fashion (remember the Microbus?), the now-fun-to-drive EuroVan still offers a "Weekender" camping package, complete with the pop-up roof, bed and stove. If you must, you can have a GLS that seems disappointingly normal next to the others. Unfortunately the price is steep (how about $34,000 for sticker shock?). But with an exclusivity factor second to none, it represents quite an interesting alternative to the mainstream, if not much else. [EuroVan Details]