Best Minivans of 2010
Minivans have weathered the soccer-mom stigma and the onslaught of SUVs to remain an attractive choice for families – and grandparents -- who recognize their unmatched blend of practicality and comfort. Sales are a fraction of their early-2000s peak, but demand is strong enough that every minivan maker has recently launched a new model or has one in the wings. With ample seating for seven or eight and bodies big enough to tax garage space, most minivans really aren’t so mini, of course. But a new, smaller breed is afoot. You can see it today as the right-sized Mazda 5 and drive it soon in the form of the Ford Focus-based C-Max.
1. 2011 Toyota Sienna: An all-new Sienna went on sale in February 2010 with fresh styling, updated features, and first-time availability of a four-cylinder engine. Exterior dimensions are unchanged from the 2004-2010 generation but the cabin feels more spacious and is available with ottoman-style reclining second-row seats and a 16.4-inch widescreen rear entertainment system. The 266-horsepower V-6 is a better choice than the base 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine, but any 2011 Sienna tackles the on a smartly tuned new suspension. This Toyota also remains the only minivan to offer the any-weather traction advantages of all-wheel-drive as an alternative to standard front-wheel drive. Base price range: $25,060-$40,570.
2. 2010 Honda Odyssey: A fully redesigned Odyssey hits showrooms in autumn 2010 as a 2011 model. It’ll be visually distinguished from other minivans by a new body with a zig-zag rear window-sill line. But the 2011 model will retain the sporty slant that makes the 2010 Odyssey an attractive choice for drivers who recognize adept steering and handling. The 2010 Odyssey seats eight and has a well-honed V-6 that can save fuel by idling two or three cylinders during low-demand cruising. It’s a bit noisy on the road, and too many dashboard buttons are drawbacks, but this Honda excels as a people mover with personality. Base price range: $27,515-$41,465.
3. 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan: Another family favorite that awaits a major revamp for model-year 2011. Expect freshened styling and a version of Chrysler’s promising 280-horsepower Pentastar V-6. Meanwhile, the 2010 Grand Caravan is a high-value package distinguished by two unique and attractive seating arrangements. Standard is the Stow ’n Go system in which the second-row buckets fold neatly into the floor, eliminating need to remove them when you need more cargo space. The optional Swivel ’n Go spins those seats to face the third row and erects between them a game/snack table. Avoid the weak 3.3-liter V-6 and go for the stronger 3.8- or 4.0-liter V-6s to complement this comfortable, quiet, and well-designed minivan. Base price range: $23,995-$27,300.