Best Minivans

2011 Honda Odyssey is the ultimate minivan

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,075 to $43,250) picks up where its predecessor left off, continuing its reign as the best full-size minivan overall. The Odyssey consistently earns raves from critics and piles up accolades, winning minivan comparison tests and earning a spot on various best of lists.

Despite having a V6 as its sole engine offering, the 2011 Odyssey minivan is named the most efficient vehicle in its class by GreenerCars.com. Reviewers say the new Honda minivan delivers an excellent blend of performance, ride quality and interior versatility, and they say it's still the only full-size minivan that's genuinely fun to drive.

2011 Toyota Sienna is the only minivan with available all-wheel drive

Also all-new, the 2011 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570) finishes second to the Honda Odyssey in the eyes of most critics, but it is the only choice for shoppers who want all-wheel drive as no other minivan offers that feature.

As with the Honda Odyssey, Toyota's minivan earns high marks from reviewers such as Edmunds Inside Line, Motor Trend, Edmunds.com and Popular Mechanics. But the Sienna takes a back seat to the best-overall Honda minivan in the details. Reviewers point out that you'll find some lower-grade materials in the passenger cabin, and that the available equipment packages are on the expensive side. In a couple of comparison tests, the Sienna comes in last, but it also wins a few. Still, the Sienna's compliant ride and available four-cylinder base engine make it a good alternative to the Odyssey, and as noted before, if AWD is a consideration, the Sienna is the only game in town.

Improved 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is a solid runner-up

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country (Base MSRP: $30,260 to $39,825) and the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan (Base MSRP: $23,995 to $30,695) have been heavily revised to address the myriad complaints that plagued recent versions. They have a new, single V6 engine, improved suspension tuning and completely redesigned interiors, aiming to counter earlier criticism of interior materials, fit and finish. 

While the new 3.6-liter V6 offers class-leading power, reviewers such as Cars.com point out that the new engine in the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is also noisy, unlike the smoother units that power the Honda Odyssey, for example. While the Odyssey minivan earns consistent raves, the improved 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is right up there in comparison reviews, finishing second to the mighty Honda in a couple of tests. The new interior is more upscale, and in a Cars.com comparison, one of the judges says, "I liked the Honda. I might like this better."

The signature feature in the Chrysler and Dodge minivans is their unique Stow 'n' Go second-row seating. Critics love it; the bucket seats fold flat into the floor, creating a large and easily accessible cargo area, and for 2011, the seats have been reengineered to be more comfortable than their predecessors (though they're still deemed not as comfortable as those found in some rival minivans).

The 2011 Volkswagen Routan (Base MSRP: $26,930 to $43,240) is often overlooked, despite its handsome looks and somewhat upscale details. Never mind the badge on the front grille: the Routan is built right alongside the Chrysler minivans. While it gets the same new engine used in the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the Routan doesn't get the same interior makeover. Reviewers don't have much to say about the VW Routan, possibly since it's so closely related to the Chrysler and Dodge minivans.  One big difference: You can't option the Routan with Stow 'n' Go seats.

2012 Mazda5 is the most compact minivan

While minivans have generally evolved with more features, more interior space and larger footprints, the 2011 Mazda Mazda5 (Base MSRP: $16,878 to $21,265) still adheres to the original formula -- it's still fairly compact. The Mazda5's small, inline four-cylinder engine produces less power than other minivans, but since it's moving a much more compact vehicle, it gets the job done, say reviewers.

Unfortunately, the smaller size doesn't really translate into fuel savings. Overall fuel economy is in the same ballpark as heavier full-size minivans, and the engine can drag a bit under heavy loads. Furthermore, critics say the third row of seats is best left to the kids; it's cramped for adults.  In road testing, the Mazda minivan is judged sporty and fun to drive, plus easy to park. And of course, it costs less than the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna minivans. The Mazda5 is also the only van available with a manual gearbox. Motor Trend magazine calls the little Mazda microvan a good value that "offers a unique and more sensible way to transport people and goods."

Another less expensive minivan is the 2011 Kia Sedona (Base MSRP: $24,595 to $29,195), a full-size minivan that offers most of the features van shoppers want in a package that can cost more than $10,000 less than its most expensive competitors. Reviewers say the Kia Sedona has a comfortable and practical cabin, drama-free drivetrain and handsome looks. Edmunds.com editors say it delivers "more than enough power" and "surprisingly nimble handling" for a minivan. The Sedona's 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty Is another plus.

More ConsumerSearch reviews on minivans

Best minivan overall: 2011 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,075 to $43,250)

Minivan with available all-wheel-drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570)

Small and sporty minivan: 2012 Mazda Mazda5 (Base MSRP: $16,878 to $21,265)

Best minivan value:2011 Kia Sedona (Base MSRP: $24,595 to $29,195)

Most improved: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country (Base MSRP: $30,260 to $39,825) and 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan (Base MSRP: $23,995 to $30,695)

Euro flair, but lacks value: 2011 Volkswagen Routan (Base MSRP: $26,930 to $43,240)