Minivans: Reviews

Updated March 2012

They're not sexy, but let's face it: There is probably no better family vehicle than a minivan. If you are constantly moving people, pets, and all the related detritus hither and to, these sliding-doored breadboxes beat everything else when it comes to roominess and convenience. And the current crop boasts some truly excellent vehicles.

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May 11th:
Recall recap: Dry pet food, SONIC toothbrushes, BMW 3-Series, plus Chrysler 300s and Dodge Caravans
From: ConsumerSearch

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Best minivan

2012 Honda Odyssey

Base MSRP: $28,225 to $43,675 Learn More

The best-in-class 2012 Honda Odyssey carries over this year with minimal updates after being completely redesigned in 2011. Reviewer consensus is that it's still the minivan to beat; it's powerful, efficient, with good… expandhandling and a comfortable ride. Well-designed, modern infotainment options keep passengers entertained, while flat-folding rear seats and the ability to accept five LATCH child seats add to its versatility. Experts say the 2012 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570) is the top alternative to the Odyssey, and it's the only van that offers all-wheel drive. The Chrysler Town & Country (Base MSRP: $29,995 to $39,300) is another solid runner up. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com editors test all new vehicles and provide clear and detailed summaries of each model.

ConsumerSearch.com: The 2012 Honda Odyssey is essentially identical to the 2011 model year vehicle.

FuelEconomy.gov: The 2012 Honda Odyssey, with the base five-speed automatic, gets 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined, according to official EPA estimates.

SaferCar.gov: In government crash tests, the 2012 Honda Odyssey gets an impressive overall crash protection rating of 5 stars out of 5.

IIHS.org: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Honda Odyssey the highest rating in each testing category.

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Best budget minivan

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

Base MSRP: $20,995 to $29,995 Learn More

Budget minivan shoppers have a solid choice in the Dodge Grand Caravan. It's the cheapest full-size minivan, starting at $20,995. Though the lowest-price examples don't come with as many features as the best-rated… expandminivans, such as the Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,225 to $43,675) and the Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570), the Dodge costs thousands of dollars less while offering similar overall utility. The Kia Sedona (Base MSRP: $24,900 to $29,190) is also cheaper than the top overall models, but it still costs more the Grand Caravan. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com editors include first-hand driving impressions and list the pros and cons of the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.

ConsumerSearch.com: The Dodge Grand Caravan received significant mechanical and cosmetic updates in 2011 and, therefore, carries over unchanged into 2012.

FuelEconomy.gov: The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan gets 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/20 mpg combined, according to official EPA estimates, which trails the best-reviewed minivans overall.

SaferCar.gov: In government crash tests, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan gets an overall crash protection rating of 4 stars out of 5.

IIHS.org: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan as a Top Safety Pick after it conducts its own independent crash tests.

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2012 Mazda Mazda5 Base MSRP: $18,379 to $22,495

3 picks including: Car and Driver, Edmunds.com…

2012 Toyota Sienna Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570

2 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2012 Chrysler Town & Country Base MSRP: $29,995 to $39,300

2 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2012 Kia Sedona Base MSRP: $24,900 to $29,190

1 pick including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…