Minivans - Domestic or Foreign

lumbar · March 2005

MPV's are heavily discounted and you can probably find an '05 LX for around 20-21K now--likely less as the months go by. Not sure if there are any '04s still around. AFAIK, you can get an '05 Caravan SE for thousands less new--as stated 18K and under.

Just curious if you've considered a (non-minivan) Honda Element. They tote significant others, gear and dogs well, although I'm not sure if they pass the "bike-inside" test.

dulnev · March 2005

You can't do better than Mazda MPV, if you'd like a small minivan. I had a 2002 MPV ES and we were VERY happy with it. That is until we needed a lot more space and had to get an Odyssey.

rueger · March 2005

Hey,
I currently have a '93 GMC Safari that we have had from NEW. Time to get another Van! Still have the need for at least(7) passenger vehicle.
What else is out there that can give me seating for (7)...roomy? Not paying more then $28,000.00?
Thanks!
Tom

hansienna · March 2005

Odyssey LX or EX and Sienna CE or LE can each be had with seating for 7 or 8 and cost less than $28,000 if you do not get carried away with extras like leather, NAV, etc.
Grand Caravan, Town & Country also have good seating comfort for 7 total and also can be purchased for less than $28,000 NEW.
For me, there are no other minivans with comfortable seating for adults in the 3rd row.

dennisctc · March 2005

Posting a review from another source??? He Drove/She Drove from the Detroit News on the "new" Saturn Relay.

http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?id=19197

97xpresso · March 2005

Get ready to be slapped by a wet noodle!

mrblonde49 · March 2005

Never really looked at pictures or the GM "fold flat" rear seats before. What a god-awful design! Eats up a lot of space...

dennisctc · March 2005

God-awful BUT Cheap!!! requires no investment in a new unibody chasis, engineering time, etc... just like it takes no effort for GM to keep using same old V6 and 4 spd auto. And then they wonder why they keep losing market share!!!!!

Now, If I ran GM

craigmri · March 2005

If I may come to GM's defense. I just got a new company car(2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GT) and the GM 3.8 engine is fantastic. This engine dates way back and is called "Series III" This thing has excellent power, torque and achieves really great gas mileage.

Craig
'04 Kia Sedona
'05 Pontiac Grand Prix

dennisctc · April 2005

Must be nice!!!! GP GT with larger engine as company car!!! I have a POC 2003 Ford Taurus.....worst car I've ever had - PERIOD. 45,000 miles.....starter died at 20k, AC blower fan at 28k, AC Compressor soon after, handles like crap!!!! I'm just glad its not mine!!!

mrblonde49 · April 2005

I had the 3.8 in my last car (Olds Intrigue). Great engine, just about bulletproof

asafonov · April 2005

The time is approaching for us when the juniors are ready to fight it out if their car seats are next to one another in the back of a sedan/wagon. That, and frequent visits from extended family and friends. SO, minivan time - I looked on and off last year, but was not ready to buy.

Choices so far (max cost of about $20,000 OTD but would like to pay as little as possible, subject to safety and reliability constraints.) In no particular order:

- New 05 MPV LX
- Used 04 MPV LX
- 01/02 Villager or Quest
- 01-03 Sienna
- 01-03 Ody

I know this has been discussed already but appreciate feedback on the best bargain in this price range.

hansienna · April 2005

My first choice of listed minivans would be NEW 2005 MPV LX.

You should also look at a new 2005 Sedona LX and Caravan SXT which could be had for about $20,000 OTD with rebates and discounts. You could get a nice used 2005 GC SE for considerably less than $20,000 OTD and still have 6 years and 50,000 miles remaining on the factory powertrain warranty.
If you like the 05 MPV LX the best, you will have the satisfaction of looking at all viable options and know you made the right decision.

nymom · April 2005

Hello,
I am new to posting but have been reading many of the posts here. I currently own a jeep grand cherokee. I have two(4&1) children now but am planning a third and looking for a vehicle that will be comfortable for my whole family. The jeep really doesn't have room for the kids we have now. I would like something with AWD or 4WD. The reason for that is I live in northern new york where we get a lot of snow. Would really like a minivan but am concerned about how it will perform in the snow. I am a short person(5ft 3) and feel overwhelmed by the large SUV's. If anyone has experience in the snow with a minivan any comments would be appreciated.
I have been researching the toyota sienna AWD but do not understand why you can not get the 8 passenger in the AWD. I would like a vehicle where i can have all three kids right behind me. I can not seem to find that many AWD vehicles with that option within my price range. (about $30,000). Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Alison

badgerfan · April 2005

Just my opinion, but putting three kids immediately next to each other is asking for problems, no matter what the vehicle.

We had problems enough with our two children even separated by the middle seat in tha back seat of a sedan. Our kids were good kids, but sibling rivalry and teasing each other is just a fact of life. They do eventually grow out of this and can peaceably sit next to each other, maybe in their late teens!

You would be much better off putting each child in their own individual captains chair in the second row and the oldest one in the third row, or when they get a bit bigger in the front passenger seat.

Kirstie_H · April 2005

I second your comments! The ability to cross the invisible line with one's hand, foot, hair or breath into another child's space seems to create problems. I can attest to the fact that they do NOT grow out of it by age 15.5

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

masterpaul1 · April 2005

I third that. Our 7 and 2 yrs. old sit in the two captain chairs in the second row. We have to constantly tell them to keep their hands and feet on their side of the van.

nymom · April 2005

Thank you for your comments, i am just worried that my oldest will not like being by himself in the backseat. He actually enjoys being next to his little brother. I am sure that will change as they get older. What do you do when you are traveling. Isn't easier if you are in the passenger seat and your child needs something to be able to turn around and help them without having to undo your seat belt. my son is always droping something and i need to get it. If he is way in the back we will have to pull over everytime.
Also does anyone have experience with the AWD minivans in the snow? Very important for snow country.
Thank you
Alison

badgerfan · April 2005

Well, you being in Upstate NY, particularly if you get the lake effect snow like Buffalo, probably get a lot more snow that in SE Wisconsin but we have gotten by with a front wheel drive minivan for 20 years without snow tires but live in urban area where they plow and salt like crazy.

I think you could probably get by just fine with a front wheel drive minivan and good snow tires.

Remember AWD may help you get going better, but it does not help you stop any better in slippery conditions.

And regarding your older son sitting next to his little brother, trust me it will change, and sooner than you think, and at that point, the farther appart they are the better when in the vehicle!

masterpaul1 · April 2005

We really don't take trips longer than an hour or so. Our 10 and 8 yrs old son and daughter don't mind sitting in the back of the van. As a matter of fact, I believe they enjoy it, since they don't have to be bothered by their little brother or sister. As far as things being dropped on the floor, it stays there until we get to where we are going. (Both of our little ones have learned how to hold on to their stuff very well while traveling.) It is easier to get to our children in the second row when compared to the third row. But for me it can be a stretch from the front seat to the second row. So I would still have to take my seat belt off. The one thing that I have learned as being the driver in any vechicle, is to keep my eyes on the road and that is the first and most important thing to me. My Wife on the other hand might feel otherwise.

rorr · April 2005

"Both of our little ones have learned how to hold on to their stuff very well while traveling."

I'll second that. And once our 3 and 5 year olds figured out that Mom was not playing "fetch" anymore (and there were still PLENTY of other colors in the box), then it was no big deal anymore. Besides, with the amount of juice being consumed, everyone knows that it's not really that long until the next stop anyway....

sv651 · April 2005

Simple question: If a resident of a no sales tax state purchases a car in a state w/ a sales tax, do they still have to pay the sales tax? Thanks! (Reason I ask is many websites selling other products don't charge a sales tax if they're shipping to a no sales tax state.)

rorr · April 2005

No, sales tax would be charged based on the state the vehicle is registered in. Let the dealer know ahead of time; they should know how to handle sales (and sales tax) for out of state customers.

jipster · April 2005

The new car show opened in Louisville today. I promised Hansienna a review/comparison of the top minivans....so here it is Hans (the rest of ya can read it too)
Well, first off...let's talk about atmosphere.Breathtaking....ahh...new cars under one humongous roof as far as the eye could see. I quickly learned not to walk to close to the vendors, who were looking to catch your eye to sell you anything from gutter guards to at home oil changes."Would you like a chance to win a free trip to the destination of your choice?" "No thanks babe...have my own private jet" Also, to many green beans or green peas(whatever you guys in the business call them)that didn't know much about the vans. Three struggled with getting the stowable/fold flat seats up or down.
So, based on appearance, style, comfort, layout, fit and finish, quality ease of use and intangables...I rated as follows.
1) Honda Ody-though they had two models both were the high end trim levels(i.e Touring $38,000).Everything about it was first class. I especially made note of seat comfort and steering wheel ease of use as I have read some people have had problems with this. In the 4 minutes I sat in the drivers seat it felt pretty comfortable to me.Easy to reach steering wheel. Fit and finish very good.Very roomy and comfortable.Borrowed many styling cues from my MPV...so doesn't look like a Rainbow bread truck anymore. I liked the rubber tray mat in the rear storage area.

2) Mazda MPV- They had the exact same model and color that I bought 8 months ago...the LX in Cosmic Sand.Truely an out of this world beautiful vehicle.
Quality and fit and finish topnotch. Seating not as plush as Ody...more firm...but still very comfortable. Sportiest and most stylish of all the vans. Excellent visibility.
They need to redesign that gear shift though and put the wiper control shaft on the other side of the wheel. Otherwise controls and layout excellent.Fold flat rear seat easy to use. I feel the best value on the market.

3) Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna tied- For some reason the Quest looks a lot nicer and was more comfortable than I remember, and the Sienna not quite as nice and comfortable as I remember. I like the style of the Quest, seat firm but comfortable. I do like the center console so many people say they do not.The Quest was shown in the base model S, while the Sienna was shown in the LE and the XLE. Sienna very comfortable, quality apparent throughout. If 2005 quality and reliability of the Quest has improved over the poor showing of the 2004...then a definite contender.

4)Chrysler Town&Country and Dodge Grand Caravan- Honestly...not as stylish or comfortable as I was hoping.Looked at the SXT for $32,000. Very nice overall, did not see any problem with fit or finish.Quality comparable. Liked the stow and go seating...very roomy. Paid paticular attention to second row seat comfort. It was a very firm seat(leather)though was not uncomfortable.Drivers and passenger seats were very comfortable. Interior just a bit bland for my tastes.

5) The Bunch from G.M. Nice. I kinda like the SUV/minivan look. Not as comfortable or as well laid out as others. Quality and fit and finish falls a bit short. The removable 3rd row and rear seating must be difficult to remove...as I asked a salesman how it work...he said"ya just pull it out"

6) Dodge Caravan SE 4cyl....bench seating and materials looked as if they pulled them out of old Holiday Inn motels.

7) Ford Freestar Limited-I kept looking at the sticker to make sure they didn't put it on the wrong car. $32,000 for this??? Am I on Candid Camera? It just seemed plain and not all that comfortable. Exterior styling pretty good. Interior was just plain and simple looking.I really didn't spend much time in it as I was not very impressed.
*******Sorry Kia Sedona, if you were there I didn't see you*********

Well, there you have it Hans/guys. These picks I have made are based on my own personal preferences. Are no way a reflection of your judgement/taste... or lack thereof. Good luck and happy hunting shoppers!

vintastic · April 2005

I've been reading car magazine and websites and they all say that the Mazda MPV has a Ford Duratec V-6 200 hp. I recently went to the NY Auto Show and asked this question to the Corporate Mazda Salesperson. He stated Ford makes the Engine Block which is then sent to Japan and incorporated with Mazda parts.
Can anyone confirm this?
I know that Mazda is partly owned by Ford but I've had bad experiences with having a Ford, which is why I'm hesistant. I've always had Honda's and I've had great reliability and performance. At the same time, I don't want a monster minvan cause they handle alot different than a car would. What sells me to the Mazda MPV is the car-like drive, the warranty with the road side assistance, and the price incentives. I just want to know if anyone has had any reliability or long term problems with the 2004-2005 Mazda MPVs? Thanks.

jipster · April 2005

It's my understanding that Ford makes the engine...it's sent to Japan for assembly and is modified/tweaked to Mazda standards. So, I really think the salesperson saying it is incorporated with Mazda parts is quite a stretch.
The Ford Duratec 3.0 is suppose to be one of the best and most reliable Ford engines.Not as smooth or quiet as some of the other makes but does a very good job in my opinion.I've had my 2004 for 9 months. Had the rear hatch adjusted to eliminate some wind noise. Otherwise very satisfied.

hansienna · April 2005

Excellent Review but apparently there was a better variety of minivans at the Salt Lake City Auto Show that I drove over to see.
The Odysseys were the only minivans that had electrical power so the seats would move and there was an EX cloth and another Ody with leather (I do not recall if it was EX-L-Nav-Res or Touring).
I did not see a KIA Sedona at the SLC auto show either.

Here are the comments that Edmunds has concerning the Mazda MPV:

"Pros Manageable size, lots of interior storage, decidedly unminivan looks, roll-down windows in the sliding doors.
Cons Lacks the features, passenger/cargo space and power found in its competitors, noisy engine, clunky transmission."

jipster · April 2005

Yeah, they disconnected all the batteries in the cars at the Louisville auto show. I was interested in playing with the Ody lumbar support some to see what all the fuss was about with the seats being called uncomforable and painful for some. As well as some of the other gadgets and power sliding doors. Next time I'll bring a box cutter to cut off the electrical tape ,and a wrench ,and hook them suckers back up.
I agree with the lack of features on the MPV. For those who are wanting all the gadgets/features/options of the Ody and others...may not be to interested in the MPV. The MPV comes in 2 models..the LX and the EX.4 major packages are available with about 8 different features. But, we didn't need nor desire a lot of the popular features. DVD ???Look out the window kids...it's called scenery. Navigation??? Getting a printout from Mapquest is easier.Would disagree with Edmunds assesment of noisy engine. It's noisier under heavy throttle than competiton, but not noisy Clunky transmission....that was probably before the TCM reflash. Mine shifts smooth as butter.
It was hard to get a good look at some vehicles at the car show as it was fairly crowded and there were so many salesmen looking for a sale.But, to be able to compare all the minivans side by side in the same day was worth some of the hassle.

hansienna · April 2005

A Caravan SXT has MSRP $22 ,840 (delivered) vs MPV LX MSRP $23,500 (delivered) with TMV $18,554 on Caravan vs $19,621 of MPV. These 2 are very closely priced with the Caravan having a lower price.
Caravan has 180 HP @ 5000 RPM vs MPV 200 @ 6200 RPM.
Caravan has 210 Lb-ft @ 4000 RPM vs MPV 200 Lb-ft @ 3000 RPM.
Caravan EPA 19/26 vs MPV 18/25
Caravan cargo 15.3 cu ft vs MPV 17.2 cu ft
Caravan Maximum cargo 147 cu ft vs MPV 127 cu ft
Caravan 189.1 inches long vs MPV 189.5 inches
Caravan 4057 lbs vs MPV 3722 lbs.

Post 597 has Edmund's comments on MPV so here are Edmund's comments on the Caravan (not to confuse with GC):
"Pros Surprisingly agile handling, quiet ride in V6 models, low price.
Cons Some cheap interior bits, reliability record not as strong as some competitors', limited availability of major safety features."

Why does the heavier Caravan SXT get better gas mileage with a 4 speed AT while the MPV has a 5 speed AT?

Would be nice to combine the best features of the 2: Magic Seat of MPV LX and separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger of Caravan SXT.

jipster · April 2005

I have the SXT at $24,700 (delivered) and the MPV $23,800(delivered)per Consumer Guide Car Magazine.
I think the SE I saw at the car show listed for a little over $19,000.Don't recall seeing the SXT. Dodge did have around 3 or 4 Caravans and Dodge Caravans though.
The MPV LX also has antilock 4- wheel disc brakes and steering wheel radio controls standard to the SXT which has heated mirrors and the dual zone manual
climate controls(opening and closing a vent by hand?) which the MPV does not have standard. The MPV also comes with a 4year/48k mile warranty with roadside assistance(if ever needed) to the 3 year warranty of the Dodge.
Other publications testing the mpg of the MPV have gotten better mileage than EPA. Most people who own Honda Odys report nothing near EPA on mpg....go figure? Consumer Guide does have the Caravan as a Best Buy.
A good comparison though in two vans similar in price and features.

hansienna · April 2005

Manual dual zone indicates the desired relative temperature is set by a slider control as contrasted to Automatic Dual Zone where a desired temperature (such as 70 F for driver and 66 F for passenger) is set by setting the exact temperature with push buttons. The Automatic system then adds the amount of heat from the heater to compensate for the cold air produced by the air conditioning system to maintain the set temperature. In Manual system, the amount of heated vs cooled air remains at the mixture set by the slider controls rather than automatically adding heated air in the amount needed to maintain the set temperature.
With manual dual zone (or manual triple zone as in my 2002 T&C LX), the HVAC does not automatically cycle the heater to maintain a set temperature.
In my 2002 T&C LX, the cooled air from the rear blower enters from 4 vents in the ceiling but when the temperature slider is moved to hot, the heated air comes from vents in front of the right rear wheel well. If the slider is for no heat, the air comes from the ceiling vents when the rear blower is turned on even if the A/C is not turned on.

mrblonde49 · April 2005

Dodge has 7/70 powertrain warranty, too

w2323 · April 2005

The quest was totally redesigned recently, it used to have this really old van look to it now looks great. The Mazda MPV will be put to pasture later this year for what I think is called a Mazda 5 or some other number. I think the MPV brand was tarnished somewhat. Low power noisey and other problems that I have seen in the forums.

My brother had one (MPV) and at around 20k it needed the engine replaced. Under warranty but pain in butt. Dealership was trying to lie to him about it. Granted you have one and its probally been fine.

bluewolf · April 2005

I've pretty much narrowed it to these two vans. I don't want to spend much over $20k and with current incentives that's realistic with these two. Caravan has 0% apr for 60 mos and $1k back... MPV gets $3k back if I get my own financing, or $4k back if I use Mazda Credit's higher rate.

I've always like the MPV. It's as close to 'cool' as a minivan can get IMO, and more fun to drive than the Dodge. I know a couple very happy MPV owners, but nobody with a Caravan. I'm a bit hesitant to get into another Chrysler product to be honest.

Also like the fold flat rear seat of the MPV. Caravan SXT doesn't have that.

Anything else about the Caravan that may sway my decision back that way?

Thanks.

marine2 · April 2005

Caravan has 0% apr for 60 mos and $1k back...

I know a couple very happy MPV owners, but nobody with a Caravan. I'm a bit hesitant to get into another Chrysler product to be honest.

Also like the fold flat rear seat of the MPV. Caravan SXT doesn't have that.

First of all, I got 0% financing and over $2,500 off on my 2005 Dodge GC.

Second of all, the rear seat not only folds flat in the Dodge GC SXT, it also reverses to face out if you want to sit on the tailgate.

Thirdly, Here is one person who loves his new Dodge van with stow-n-go seats. You have more storage space than any van on the market and with one seat stowed, it is the fastest van to get kids in and out of. With the ability to fold flat the middle seats, you'll never be caught short having to go home and taking the seats out to load something you bought while you were out and not expecting to buy or carry. Your always ready no matter what comes up. Finally, you'll never have to leave a bunch of stuff laying on the floor or seats, cluttering up your van. You can stow it all and your van will always look neat.

charlotte7 · April 2005

The MPV is actually not going away this year. I believe that it is getting a total redesign in the next couple of years, though.

Mazda is introducing the Mazda5 this summer, but it's like a mini-minivan, not a fullsize replacement for the MPV. The 5 is what they are calling a "space wagon" in Europe.

jipster · April 2005

This is only a one van sample...but my sisters 1998 Grand Caravan engine blew up on their way to Florida last week. They had recently made several 1000's $ in repairs. Bought themselves a big ol Dodge Durango.
Sounds to me you've pretty much made up your mine to go with the MPV. I have a 2004 MPV LX and it is the perfect minivan for our family of 4. We have all the room we need, and then some when we want to take the grandparents somewhere....or go on a trip. The styling of interior and exterior, and overall quality is ahead of that of the Caravan and Grand Caravan in my opinion. The rear seat of the MPV also reverses out to tailgate.
If you are like marine2 and do a lot of stowing and going...the Dodge Caravan may be a better choice.

mrblonde49 · April 2005

marine2 - he was talking about the regular Caravan, not the Grand Caravan. No Stow and Go available on those.

Bluewolf - My guess is that you could get a similarly equipped Caravan for less. but you'd give up the fold flat 3rd seat

And though you're concerned about buying a Chrysler product, in the current 2005 Consumer Report Auto issue, the Caravan has average reliability, while the MPV rates as poor - looks like a transmission problem is the culprit of you read through it (half black circle for 2004 models)

jipster · April 2005

The MPV "transmission problem" was a programming glitch in some of the 2003-early 2004 models. Easily corrected with reflashing the transmission control module.Nothing like the problems Chrysler has had with their transmissions...or Honda for that matter.Up until the 2005 issue of Consumer Reports the MPV had the highest reliability rating of ALL minivans(per Consumer Reports)

mrblonde49 · April 2005

I'm just posting facts.

From the 2005 Consumer Reports MPV report:
Reliability has declined, so we can't recommend the MPV.
Predicted Reliability: poor

dennisctc · April 2005

I know a couple very happy MPV owners, but nobody with a Caravan.

Having had 2 Caravans as company vehicles...each with over 70k miles and no major issues (and I never baby my company vehicles!!)....I was HAPPY enough to buy one as my own personal Minivan..a GC SXT with "Stow n Go", tow package, sunroof, power hatch/doors......I'm Very Happy.

Ohh and with rebates, financing and a good friend's DCX employee discount...out the door for $19,000

Personally, I like the looks of the MPV etc....but a short wheelbase minvan is too mini for me.

jipster · April 2005

No doubt about it dennisctc. People buy what they are familiar and comfortable with. My sister blew her engine in her Grand Caravan...didn't stop her from buying another Dodge(Durango). So, overall she is still comfortable with Dodge products...which are reasonable priced. You can get a very well loaded Caravan, MPV or Sedona for around $20,000 out the door. Use that extra 5 grand to invest in oil futures.

jipster · April 2005

"I'm just posting facts"

Seems you are posting the "facts" only when it is convienent for you to do so.You have several posts(CT&C,D.G.C post #511 and Minivan shopping post #415) which you speak of Consumer Report being biased. And now you are quoting from C.R as if it were gospel. If Consumer Reports is biased as you say...why are you quoting them???
Knowing the facts goes a long way in determining the predicted reliability of a vehicile.(specifically that the transmission "issue" of the MPV has been resolved at production and has not affected any vehicles post March 2004) C.R did not take this into consideration. Bookmark this post...I'll bet you dimes to doughnuts the 2006 Consumer Report Car Review has the 2005 MPV as one of the most reliable AND highly recommended.(in the reincarnated form of the new Mazda 5)

mrblonde49 · April 2005

Seems you are posting the "facts" only when it is convienent for you to do so.You have several posts(CT&C,D.G.C post #511 and Minivan shopping post #415) which you speak of Consumer Report being biased. And now you are quoting from C.R as if it were gospel. If Consumer Reports is biased as you say...why are you quoting them??? "

In those posts, I mentioned a possible Honda bias, as shown by them listing the Brand new Odyssey as reliable, while listing vehicles that were relased half a year earlier as "NEW".

What does that have to do with what we are discussing? The Caravan short wheelbase and MPV have been out for years...

The original poster was comparing the base Caravan and the MPV, and specifically mentioned being leery of buying Chrysler based on reliability. I simply stated what the most commonly used source for auto reliability (CR) had to say in their latest issue regarding this subject.

If you take this as some sort of affront to you or you van, in that you'd go so far as to look up old posts of mine to try to prove some sort of contridiction, I guess that's your own issue...

Sylvia · April 2005

Everyone has a different experience and each experience is valid. People are entitled to their opinions. Agree to disagree and move on. If you don't like what someone has to say - read on.

southernese · April 2005

We are considering a 2005 Toyota Sienna LE. We have had a 4 wheel drive Jeep Grand Cherokee for 8 years. It is a rear wheel drive vehicle but can be put into 4 wheel drive when needed. We have used this feature for snow and ice mainly, altho' it has been handy to go across a field at a concert once or twice

We assumed we would need to get the AWD on the van but the salesman that we have talked to insisted that we really didn't need anything more than the front wheel drive on this van for snow and ice.

I have a front wheel drive car that is very good in snow and ice. But I have always felt like the four wheel drive was more reliable. However, I really HATE the feel of the Jeep 4 wheel drive driving if there is no snow on the ground.

My question is basically this: Do you think that the Front Wheel Drive in the Toyota Sienna is as good for getting thru snow and ice as the All Wheel Drive would be. We live in Tennessee so we don't have much snow, but we also have very little snow removal by the city when we do have snow.

Any help or information would be appreciated.

jipster · April 2005

All Wheel Drive is made for ice, snow, mud...slippery conditions. So no, FWD is not as good in snow and ice as AWD. Since you live in an area where you get little snow...traction control (helps limit tire slip in acceleration on slippery surfaces) would be about all you would need...if needed at all.
Just about all vehicles manufactured now come with front wheel drive. Front wheel drive is standard on just about all cars...it isn't considered an option.
FWD Sienna LE should do fine in limited amount of snow Tennessee gets. But,if peace of mind is important and money isnt a real issue....go for the AWD.May help....won't hurt.

marine2 · April 2005

Just about all vehicles manufactured now come with front wheel drive. Front wheel drive is standard on just about all cars...it isn't considered an option.

That is beginning to change. The Ford LTD is and has been front wheel drive. Chrysler is planning to come out with a line of rear wheel cars and although GM has postponed theirs a couple of years, they are too.

cars.com: 2005 Chrysler Buying Guide | Chrysler Prices... A new rear-wheel-drive 300 sedan went on sale as a 2005 model and ... Such sharing could escalate in the wake of Chrysler's new rear-drive models. ...
www.cars.com/go/crp/makes.jsp?year=2005& make=Chrysler&full=y&aff=national - 47k - Cached - Similar pages

GM pulls plug on '08 line of cars - 03/21/05... GM's new rear-wheel drive passenger cars by at least a year, Phillippi said. ... "The Chrysler 300C is a watershed car like the 1986 Ford Taurus," said ...
www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/ 0503/21/A01-123402.htm - 32k - Cached - Similar pages

hansienna · May 2005

NOT a good deal. Pay a little more and get a NEW Sedona for less than twice the amount quoted. There are big rebates and discounts on almost every new vehicle these days.

bluewolf · May 2005

Drove the MPV, it was okay. Noisy engine was kindof a bummer. It has enough room for us, but after researching crash tests from NHTSA & IIHS the MPV is pretty weak in side impact and doesn't offer side curtain airbags at all.

I hate the way Dodge makes you *pay* for safety features - ABS is extra, side airbags is extra, gimme a break. That's one thing the european car makers are cool about. Even the base model VW has all the safety features and is loaded with airbags & ABS.

Having looked at safety ratings, if I go with a van, it'll likely be the Nissan Quest.

Minivans - Domestic or Foreign

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