Minivans - Which is Best?
Of all the minivan choices, which one is best and why?
The minivan has become an iconic symbol of the smart modern busy American family.
Why?
Because minivans are just so darn practical and useful, and do their job better than any other type of vehicle. There is simply no better vehicle that so easily and conveniently hauls infants in car seats, young children on long trips, youth athletes (and their gear), pets, and other family "stuff" than a minivan.
Features such as low step-ups, spacious seating, sliding doors, entertainment systems, and safety features make them a natural choice for family transportation needs. Furthermore, they are a pleasure to drive, are comfortable for passengers, have good performance, and are very safe. It just doesn't get much better.
Which minivans are the best?
The Honda Odyssey has consistently rated higher with reviewers and minivan buyers that any other make or model for years. It is simply the best in its class and keeps getting better each year. The 2011 model has been completely redesigned with new features not available on older models.
The Honda Odyssey has a V6 engine that gets as much as 28 miles per gallon on the highway, which is better than many 4-cylinder competitors.
Base prices on the 2011 Honda Odyssey start at about $28,000 for the LX model and go to $43,250 for the luxurious Touring Elite model, with a number of different models and prices in between. This makes the Odyssey the most expensive of all your minivan choices — for good reasons. You get legendary Honda quality and reliability, low maintenance costs, and high resale/trade values.
Next on our list of great minivans, and very close to Odyssey, is the Toyota Sienna. It has many of the same outstanding characteristics as its Honda cousin at slightly lower prices ($24,460 to $39,970). The Sienna offers an 8-seater version that may actually be a better choice for large and growing families.
The Toyota Sienna offers a smooth quiet comfortable ride, a powerful V6 or perfectly adequate 4-cylinder engine option, 4-wheel drive for families in locations with frequent bad weather, and a whole long list of luxury, comfort, entertainment, and safety features to choose from. Since the Sienna has been redesigned for 2011, do yourself a favor and check it out even if you've previously looked at older models.
What's next on the "best minivan" list?
If you're looking for a good minivan and don't want to pay Honda and Toyota prices, take a look at the Kia Sedona and Mazda Mazda5, both excellent vehicles and great values for the money.
The Kia Sedona minivan may not be quite as fancy as the Honda or Toyota but it has all the essentials, plus a top safety rating and outstanding warranty. Base prices range from about $24,000 to $29,000. The Sedona has a well performing V6 engine, is comfortable, and quiet. It has a wide set of choice in features and options, such as power sliding doors. You can also opt for navigation and DVD entertainment systems.
The Mazda Mazda5 minivan is even less expensive than the Kia Sedona at base prices that range from about $18,510 to $23,240. With the lower price, you receive a smaller minivan but you keep all the essential elements that a smaller family would want. Because it a little smaller, you get a smaller engine and great gas mileage — up to 27 mpg highway. The Mazda5 is easy on the pocketbook. It is also safe with stability and traction control. It gets 5-star and 4-star safety ratings in government crash tests.
Summary
Every family's needs are a little different when it comes to buying a minivan. But the best minivan, overall, regardless of price, continues to be the Honda Odyssey. If price is an issue, look at the Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, or the Mazda Mazda5. You won't go wrong with any of these excellent minivan vehicles.
By the way, if you are interested in leasing, the Honda Odyssey has the highest lease-end residual values of any of the vehicles we've discussed, and therefore makes the best minivan to lease.
Return to LeaseGuide Home