2011 Lemon Aid Minivans

From an equipment, versatility and comfort standpoint, minivans offer better value than similarly-equipped mid-size sedans and SUVs. Despite the value proposition minivans represent, the segment, whether because of fashion or demographics, is losing momentum. The Minivan section of Lemon Aid 2004 mentioned 24 different nameplates compared to the seven nameplates covered this year.

Changes in the minivan segment this year include heavily revised vans from Chrysler, and all-new versions of the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest. Though new for 2011, the Toyota Sienna went on sale in the spring of 2010.

The safety record of minivans is generally very good, a function of their height, large size and usually cautious drivers. With the exception of bumper strength on some models, minivans meet almost all passenger car safety standards. Bulky vans with deep-tinted glass can be challenging to park, especially at night. Proximity parking sensors are optional on most vans now, and several makers offer backup cameras as well.

What’s new
Mid-cycle refresh includes new grilles, headlamps, hoods and front fascia at the front; tailgate, fascias and taillamps in the back, and an improved cabin with a new dash, seats and more soft-touch surfaces. Mechanical updates include a new 3.6L "Pentatstar" V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission powertrain, a lower ride-height and reduced drag from the brakes and rear wheel bearings.

Comments
The performance of the new V6 should approximate that of the 4L V6 it replaces, and massively improve acceleration on base models that were powered by a 3.3L V6 last year. Driven before the refresh, the Grand Caravan had precise, nicely-weighted steering, predictable handling, good roadholding and an absorbent ride. The Routan’s suspension handles a bit more precisely than the Chrysler-branded versions of the platform. The interiors are more elegant and constructed from more attractive components than last year. Stow n" Go seating is standard for third-row seats, but is optional for the middle row. Properly equipped, towing capacity is 1633 kg (3600 lbs.). Made in Canada and the United States.

Reliability
Revised model, insufficient data. The air conditioner and electrical circuits were weak points on the previous model. Three year/60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, 5 years/100,000 km on the powertrain. The front bumpers are vulnerable to damage in minor impacts. Purchase of an extended bumper to bumper warranty is recommended, particularly if you opt for a luxury model with lots of power accessories. APA members may be eligible for a discount, check with the Association. Low sales of the Routan may result in a shortage of trim and body parts unique to it.

Pricing
Reasonably priced trim upgrades. Carefully-crafted incentive packages make these vehicles attractive buys despite overall performance that can’t quite match that of the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. Heavy depreciation means that high-spec. models are best bought used. Combined Town & Country and Grand Caravan sales increased 40 percent last year, but Routan sales receded by 30 percent in 2010, to about 1000 units.

Safety
Standard side-curtain airbags on all models. The Grand Caravan/Town & Country was rated Good in the IIHS frontal, side and rear impact tests. Not rated for rollover. Standard ABS and ESC.

What’s new
Fourth generation Odyssey

Comments
The new Odyssey is 20 mm (.8 of an inch) longer, 53 mm (2.08 inches) wider and 11 mm (.43 of an inch) lower than its predecessor. While still looking like an Odyssey, the new van breaks the stylistic pattern set by the second Odyssey in 1999. Despite the drooping belt line for the third window, which some find controversial, the new Odyssey is one of the best looking Hondas in many years. The cabin is fronted by a dashboard housing clear gauges and a myriad of controls that will take a long time to know. Supportive seats and abundant space ensure passenger comfort. Very good fit and finish. Good cargo space. The 3.5L V6, which gathers speed quickly and emits a cultured bark at high revs, mates happily with a responsive five-speed automatic (six-speed on the Touring). Precise steering, a resilient ride, confident handling and strong brakes complete the dynamic picture. The Odyssey is the class-leading van. Properly equipped, maximum towing capacity is 1588 kg (3500 lbs.). Made in the United States.

Reliability
New vehicle, not rated. Previous Odysseys have been reliable. There were some initial quality issues with this Odyssey including windshield wipers (recalled), improperly hung sliding doors and distorted door mirrors. An extended warranty recommended if your van has power sliding doors. Three year/60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, 5 years/100,000 km on the powertrain.

Pricing
EX-L buyers are forced into paying for the rear entertainment system. EX and Touring packages are good value. Good value lease rates. The base Sienna V6 is priced $1090 less than a Honda Odyssey LX and is $30 cheaper to lease (48 months, $0. down) and $60 less to finance (60 months, $0. down). The Sienna XLE V6 with the Limited package is priced $1160 more than an Odyssey Touring and will cost roughly $50 more to lease (48 months, $0. down) and $30 more to finance (60 months, $0. down) than its arch rival. Odyssey sales increased 30 percent last year.

Safety
Standard seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain. The Odyssey was a Top Safety Pick, rated Good in the IIHS frontal, side, rear and rollover tests. Standard ABS and ESC.

What’s new
New 3.5L V6/six-speed automatic transmission powertrain replaces the previous 3.8L/five-speed units. Revised frontal styling featuring Kia's "Tiger mouth" grille motif. Standard ESC and Bluetooth on all trim levels. Package and equipment changes.

Comments
Like all Kias, the Sedona is spun off a Hyundai product, in this case, the large-vehicle platform that underpins the Santa Fe and Veracruz. The van is conventionally attractive, with clean lines and good paint and panel fit. Power stems from a 3.5L V6 that sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is smooth, eager, and delivers a precision snarl at high revs. The six-speed automatic works unobtrusively. An absorbent ride combines with predictable handling and good directional stability. Nicely weighted and geared steering, with a good turning circle. Interior design and fit and finish match the best in this segment. Comfortable seats and plenty of space in all three rows. The sophisticated rear climate control can direct air to the face, feet or both. Properly equipped, the maximum towing capacity is 1587 kg (3500 lbs.). Made in South Korea.

Reliability
Not rated, insufficient data due to limited sales. Five year/100,000 km bumper to bumper warranty.

Pricing
The LX Convenience package is priced to reflect the contents in the package. Overpriced EX and EX Power packages. Aggressively-priced EX Luxury and Navigation options. Monthly lease payments (48 month, $0. down) are higher than for 60 month financing. The base V6 Toyota Sienna is cheaper, and cheaper to lease than a Sedona LX.

Safety
Standard seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags. The Sedona was rated Good in the IIHS frontal, side and rear impact tests. Rollover not tested. Standard ABS and ESC.

What’s new
Nissan returns to the van segment with a Japanese-built entry.

Comments
Nissan gave up on its North American built Quest, replacing it with a spin-off of the Japanese market Elgrand model built on the Renault-Nissan "D" platform shared with the Altima. Overall dimensions are similar to those of a Honda Odyssey. Though a neat enough job, the Quest looks a bit boxy and upright compared with the sleek vans from Toyota and Honda. The cabin is fronted by a big, clear gauge package housed in a dash with Acura-like upward sweeping faux wood accents. The dash centre stack has a plethora of buttons, but is not as daunting as some of the control interfaces on some other vans. Attractive components are carefully assembled to fashion an elegant interior. The first two rows or seats are comfortable and occupants enjoy abundant space. The third seat is small, low, narrow and is hard to get to. Legroom is very disappointing; barely more than that of a Mazda 5. For passenger space, this van is not in the same class as the Grand Caravan, Odyssey, Sedona or Sienna. Cargo space is also smaller than the aforementioned vans as well, and access is hampered by floor-height panels that have to be lifted (with no retaining clips on the back of the third-row seat to secure them) to access the full vertical height of the cargo area. The second and third row seats don’t fold into the floor but do lay flat to create a level cargo bay from the tailgate to the front seats. Power reaches the front wheels via the 3.5L V6-CVT powertrain found in most of Nissan's large vehicles. Made in Japan.

Reliability
Not rated, new model. Three year/60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, 5 year/100,000 km powertrain warranty.

Pricing
The SV and LE trim level upgrades are overpriced but the SL package is good value.

Safety
Standard seat-mounted side and side-curtain airbags. Not crash tested. Standard ABS and ESC.

What’s new
No changes since its mid 2010 release.

Performance
The 3.5L V6 is refined, powerful, economical and well-matched with its six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is smooth enough but is noisier than Toyota V6s used to be. Overall refinement can’t match that of the new Honda Odyssey. The big four delivers acceptable performance; its power deficit compared with the V6 is felt mostly when passing and when heavily laden. Good ride/handling compromise, with the accent on ride comfort. The steering is reasonably precise and better weighted than in the previous Sienna. The cabin is fronted by a visually-calming elegantly-spare dashboard. Clear instruments and logical, easily-manipulated controls make life easy for the driver. The new van abounds with clever storage solutions, including two massive gloveboxes and cargo area storage recesses. The rest of the cabin design is undermined by prosaic fabrics and uninspired colour combinations. Comfortable seats and abundant space in all three rows. Expansive cargo space even with the third seat in place.

Reliability
Not rated, insufficient information on the new model. Recent Toyotas have suffered from faults at launch. Toyota’s extended warranty does not cover the power-sliding doors, so may not be worth taking. Three year/60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, 5 years/100,000 km on the powertrain.

Pricing
The V6 engine option is only $1000 on the base Sienna. Good value LE eight passenger and XLE packages. Overpriced SE eight passenger and Limited trim upgrades. The supplement for all-wheel drive ranges from $2850 on the LE to only $950 on the Limited. The base Sienna V6 is priced $1090 less than a Honda Odyssey LX and is $30 cheaper to lease (48 months, $0. down) and $60 less to finance (60 months, $0. down). The Sienna XLE V6 with the Limited is priced $1160 more than an Odyssey Touring and will cost roughly $50 more to lease (48 months, $0. down) and $30 more to finance (60 months, $0. down) than its arch rival. The new Sienna has been well received as sales increased 60 percent last year.

Safety
Standard seat-mounted front airbags and side-curtains airbags on all models. The Sienna a Top Safety Pick, rated Good in the IIHS frontal, side rear and rollover tests.