Minivans: Ratings of Sources
Total of 16 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Best Overall Minivans
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org purchases and tests most new vehicles on the market, conducting extensive closed-track and real-world testing, and factoring in the organization's unique, reader-sourced vehicle reliability information. CR's current test fleet includes the new 2011/2012 minivan models.
5-Star Safety Ratings
by Editors of SaferCar.gov
Our AssessmentThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's official crash-test results are posted on this site. For 2011 all tests have been overhauled and made more stringent and exacting. The 2011 Honda Odyssey is currently the only minivan that has earned the highest overall safety rating (5 stars). The 2011 Toyota Sienna gets a four-star rating overall in front- and all-wheel-drive trims.
Vehicle Ratings
by Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Our AssessmentThe independent Insurance Industry for Highway Safety is funded by insurance companies and conducts its own safety tests using criteria different than that of the federal government. To achieve Top Safety Pick status, a vehicle must get the best score of Good not only in all crash tests but also a separate roof strength test. The 2011 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna minivans are Top Safety Picks.
2011 Most and Least Fuel Efficient Trucks, Vans and SUVs
by Editors of FuelEconomy.gov
Our AssessmentFuelEconomy.gov lists vehicles with the best and worst Environmental Protection Agency-estimated fuel economy. The Honda Odyssey wins the title of most fuel-efficient minivan for 2011, and, just as in 2010, the all-wheel-drive Toyota Sienna gets the worst mileage.
2011 Minivan/Van Buying Guide
by Editors of Edmunds.com
Our AssessmentIn addition to covering every vehicle on the market individually, Edmunds.com lists recommended vehicles in each segment. Two minivans make the cut for 2011: the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. The buyer's guide says these two are neck and neck. The Honda is pricier but offers more features; the Toyota is more comfortable but lacks strong driving dynamics.
2011 Minivan Comparison Test
by Erin Riches
Our AssessmentAvailable features and price are heavily weighted in this compare of new 2011 minivans, while performance counts for far less. The Toyota Sienna is named the winner, though the final scores are close, meaning that all the covered vans are "viable family transportation options."
2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite vs. 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE Comparison Test
by Chris Walton
Our AssessmentEdmunds Inside Line has two separate comparison tests for new minivans this year. In addition to the comprehensive test above, there's also one that pits the range-topping Honda Odyssey Touring Elite against a well-optioned Toyota Sienna XLE. Chris Walton crowns the Odyssey the best here, saying "its boatload of features easily offsets its price disadvantage versus the Toyota Sienna XLE." The Odyssey is also the better driver, in his estimation.
Comparison: 2011 Toyota Sienna SE vs. 2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L vs. 2010 Dodge Caravan SXT
by Jonny Lieberman
Our AssessmentThe 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan wasn't out at the time Motor Trend conducted this showdown, and the 2010 model that's tossed into this comparo is totally outclassed. Regardless, the comparisons between the 2011 Honda Odyssey and 2011 Toyota Sienna are highly relevant. Overall, the Sienna takes first place over the Odyssey. Jonny Lieberman cites the Toyota's "brilliant" driving dynamics and "intelligent" second-row configuration and logistics, saying the Honda has a less-refined driving feel and "goofy" looks. Lieberman also says the Honda's interior falls short of the Toyota's quality cabin.
2011 Chrysler Town & Country vs. Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna -- Comparison Tests
by Michael Austin
Our AssessmentCar and Driver tests four of 2011's high-profile new minivan arrivals. Unlike many other tests, where the Toyota Sienna ranks first or second, it places fourth out of four here. The winner is the 2011 Honda Odyssey, which delivers supreme versatility and is deemed "good for drivers, great for passengers." Second place goes to the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country, which is greatly improved over the prior-year's model.
Ultimate Minivan Shootout
by Patrick Olsen
Our AssessmentCars.com teams with USA Today, "Motor Week" and a suburban family from the Atlanta area to deliver this minivan comparison, which includes all the major players with new-for-2011 entries -- Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan, VW Routan, Chrysler Town & Country, Nissan Quest and Honda Odyssey. The Honda Odyssey is the overall winner here, followed by the Chrysler. The Sienna finishes last out of the field of six.
2011 Automobile Magazine All-Stars
by Editors of Automobile Magazine
Our AssessmentEach year Automobile Magazine rolls out a list of All-Stars, the top award given to editors' favorite cars and trucks. Automobile Magazine says that for families, "the Honda Odyssey is as close as you can get to the perfect minivan" because it "sets class standards for style, utility and, believe it or not, performance."
Minivan Comparison Rematch: 2011 Honda Odyssey vs 2011 Toyota Sienna
by Frank Markus
Our AssessmentIn this real-world comparison test, Frank Markus takes advantage of a holiday-season family visit to put the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna through their people-hauling paces. He takes into account his family members' opinions on each vehicle as he totes adults, kids and stuff through wintry conditions. The Honda Odyssey wins out over the Toyota Sienna thanks to its slightly better interior comfort, a simpler navigation interface, better estimated economy and a better on-road feel.
The Top 10 Cars of 2011: Auto Excellence Awards
by Editors of Popular Mechanics
Our AssessmentPointing out that the minivan is perhaps the most versatile type of vehicle on the road, editors here say the Toyota Sienna actually totes more cargo than the large Toyota Sequoia, a vehicle that gets far worse gas mileage, has less versatile seating and costs far more. Popular Mechanics also loves the 2011 Sienna's updated styling and the fact that it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Top 10 Family Cars of 2011
by Editors of Kelley Blue Book
Our AssessmentKelley Blue Book chooses 10 vehicles its editors consider to be best for families, and the 2011 Honda Odyssey takes the No. 2 spot. Calling it "the gold standard of minivans," editors cite good handling, high comfort and solid entertainment options for kids as the key selling points.
The Best Vehicles By Class: 2011
by Editors of GreenerCars.org
Our AssessmentGreenerCars.org is part of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, an independent nonprofit that publishes annual ratings of cars based on fuel economy and how well they meet low-emissions standards. For 2011, the Honda Odyssey comes out on top of the minivan segment with a Superior ranking.
Minivans vs. Crossover SUVs: Which Is Better for Families?
by Joe Bruzek
Our AssessmentWhile now a couple of years old, this analysis of what type of vehicle is best for families (SUVs or minivans) is still a good summary. Never mind that the vehicles used as examples are 2010 models, the pros and cons discussed all still apply, and the minivan comes out on top.