Minivans have unique places in the hearts of most families around the world. They have taken us through school runs and epic road trips while carrying our memories. Their unique space, comfort, and reliability amalgam make it the ultimate family companion. It’s time to take a trip down memory lane by reviewing the 22 iconic minivans that defined eras and helped create cherished memories.
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan, which was launched in 1984, revolutionized family travel. The vehicle came with a 2.2L inline-four engine producing 96 horsepower and didn’t exactly move the world with its 14.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, but it got the job done. The interior, of course, was a game changer, offering three rows of seats and a flat floor for ultimate versatility. Families loved its sliding door, which made loading kids and groceries a breeze.
Toyota Van
The first US minivan from Toyota was put up for sale in 1986, and it had a 2.0L four-cylinder under the hood. It was a boxy, almost cubist design from the corporate studio but functional enough. The interior provided an expansive flat floor, optional cooler boxes, and swiveling captain’s chairs ideal for family road trips. This unit could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 13.5 seconds. It was not fast, but it delivered comfort and reliability to active families.
Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler brought luxury to the minivan segment with the Town & Country. Powered by a 3.3L V6 engine, it reached 60 mph in 10.8 seconds. Designed by Tom Gale, it featured woodgrain paneling that screamed sophistication. Inside, leather seats, wood accents, and premium sound systems made it feel like a first-class lounge. Families embraced its plush comfort and roomy interior.
Mazda MPV
Mazda’s MPV was a minivan with the body of an SUV. It had a 3.0L V6 engine and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds. The interior was spacious, with seven people and fold-flat rear seats. The MPV was one of the first minivans to feature optional all-wheel drive, making it a favorite among adventurous families.
Honda Odyssey
The first-generation Honda Odyssey was designed by Kunimichi Odagaki and introduced innovation in the minivan market. A 2.2L inline-four engine powers it and has 0 to 60 mph in 12.2 seconds. Its car-like handling and rear-hinged swing-out doors made it unique. Inside, it featured versatile seating, including a third row that folded flat into the floor, a feature that families instantly adored.
Honda Odyssey
It was in the 1999 Honda Odyssey where the family minivans’ turn was made. Design for Kunihiko Ichikawa, this second generation of the Odyssey had a 3.5L V6, good for 210 horsepower. It went from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, very impressive for a minivan. Its interior was innovative, with its signature second-row captain’s chairs and a fold-flat third row that provided exceptional cargo versatility. The sliding doors, a first by Honda, were instantly liked by parents juggling car seats and groceries.
Mazda MPV
In the world of minivans, Mazda spiced up its MPV in 1994 with some sportiness. Seiichi Yamauchi designed this minivan powered by a 3.0L V6 engine with a whopping 155 horsepower, making it zoom past from 0 to 60 in just 10.5 seconds. MPV featured a different layout inside due to its rear-wheel drive architecture and available all-wheel drive. So, the minivan quickly became popular with adventurous families. Inside was plush seating for seven and rear seats that folded or could be removed depending on the family’s needs.
Chrysler Town & Country
The minivan received the 2001 Chrysler Town & Country with Trevor Creed’s luxury taste, an offer of 215 hp 3.8L V6.0 to 60 mph at 9.7 seconds. Redefining comfort inside: The interior of this minivan, with leather-trimmed seats and dual-zone climate control, also offers an additional rear-seat entertainment system. It’s not a bad package for a practical family travel minivan.
Nissan Quest
The 1998 Nissan Quest, co-designed with Ford, was a smart, compact minivan with a 3.3L V6 engine that churned out 170 horsepower. Its 0 to 60 mph time of 9.9 seconds made it a competitive option in the segment. Inside, the Quest was all about comfort, offering flexible seating arrangements, sliding rear seats, and plenty of cupholders for road-tripping families. Two tones painted the cabin but still gave that touch of elegance to the family-oriented automobile.
Toyota Sienna
For its 2011 model year, the Toyota Sienna cemented itself as the swagger wagon. From the design hands of Kazuo Mori, it powered a 3.5L V6, delivering 266 horsepower, enough to go from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.9 seconds. The Sienna was designed for the present family. It offered lots of goodies on the interior, such as dual sunroofs, reclining second-row seats with footrests, and wide-screen rear entertainment systems, among others. Whether for soccer practice or cross-country trips, the Sienna impresses.
Kia Sedona
Kia entered the minivan race with the 2004 Sedona from Peter Schreyer design. Its 3.5L V6 has 195 hp, bringing the car up to speed in 10.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Sedona’s interior focused on value, offering soft-touch materials, comfortable seating for seven, and plenty of storage compartments. Its affordability and reliability make it a favorite among budget-conscious families that wish to maintain quality.
Volkswagen Multivan
This 1990 Volkswagen Multivan, or just Vanagon in the States, combines European charm with unmatched versatility. This one was designed in-house by Volkswagen’s team, equipped with a 2.1L flat four producing 95 horsepower. It may have taken 16.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, but that wasn’t the point of the Multivan- it was all about functionality. The interior provided a modular configuration with swiveling captain’s chairs, fold-down tables, and even a bed conversion. Families loved its roomy cabin, perfect for road trips or weekend camping excursions, making it a classic for the ages.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brought the family car into the age of innovation with its first-ever Stow ‘n Go seating system. Ralph Gilles designed it with a 3.8L V6 engine that can produce 197 horsepower and has a 0 to 60 mph run in 9.8 seconds. Inside, the minivan was a haven for families, offering spacious seating, dual-screen rear entertainment, and ample storage solutions. It quickly folded seats into the floor, making it the ultimate choice for families juggling errands, sports gear, and weekend getaways.
Stepwgn Honda
The 2006 Honda Stepwgn was a compact minivan of the right size. Its designer was Kunihiko Ichikawa, and its engine was a 2.0L inline-four good for 150 horsepower. The 0 to 60 mph acceleration time was 10.5 seconds. With its tall design, this vehicle maximized interior space for three rows of seating, offering an enormous cabin with a clever flat-floor layout. The sliding doors and configurable seats made it a hit among urban families who needed practicality and efficiency in tight spaces.
Ford Windstar Ford’s
1996 Windstar was a safe and comfortable ride for families worldwide. It was designed by Jack Telnack and powered by a 3.8L V6 that made 200 horsepower, which could reach 0 to 60 mph in 10.1 seconds. It was designed to seat seven people with captain’s chairs available, along with generous third-row space. Ford continued its safety efforts with the side-impact airbags and ABS, creating a new standard for minivan reliability.
Toyota Alphard
The 2013 Toyota Alphard is a synonym for luxury in the minivan category. Akihiro Yanaka designed it and provided a 3.5L V6 engine for 276 horsepower and reached 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds. The Alphard was flying first class on a private jet with premium leather seats, ambient lighting, and rear reclining captain’s chairs with footrests. Families craving comfort and sophistication found the Alphard, the ultimate travel buddy.
Chrysler Voyager 1997
The 1997 Chrysler Voyager was a family favorite, balancing affordability and utility. Trevor Creed designed this car, which was fitted with a 3.3L V6 generating 158 horsepower. This engine took 11.3 seconds to accelerate the vehicle to 60 mph. The interior of this vehicle was practical, allowing for a modular seating arrangement and plenty of storage space. It was perfect for families running errands each day or preparing for a long road trip.
Kia Carnival
The all-new 2020 Kia Carnival redefined the art of modern minivans in terms of cutting-edge design merged with abundant amenities. Designed by Karim Habib, this minivan was powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 290 horsepower that accelerates 0 to 60 mph within just 7.5 seconds—a good performance for the category. The interior of this beauty was outstanding with its leather-trimmed seats, a dual sunroof and VIP second-row seats featuring reclining leg rests. The high-tech cabin featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, advanced driver-assistance features, and plenty of USB ports to keep devices charged. Families loved it for its spaciousness and comfort, which made road trips a dream.
Mitsubishi Space Wagon
1992 Mitsubishi Space Wagon, also known as Chariot in some markets, was, for its time, a futuristic family hauler. Designed by Hiroshi Fujiwara, it featured a 2.4L inline-four engine that put 136 horsepower and accelerated the vehicle to 60 mph in 11.2 seconds. The interior had the most flexible seating arrangement, with fold-flat seating or configurable options to maximize cargo space. Its large windows and raised roofline gave the cabin a very airy feel, making it a family favorite, given the love of outdoor excursions.
Chrysler Pacifica
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica redefined what a minivan could be and blended practicality well with innovation. By the hand of Ralph Gilles, it came with a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 287 horsepower and could get up to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. The interior of the Pacifica is loaded with amenities such as Stow ‘n Go seating, a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, and a Uconnect Theater system with dual touch screens for rear passengers.
1991 Renault Espace
The Renault Espace was the first European minivan, introduced in 1991. It was styled by Patrick Le Quément and came with a 2.0L inline-four engine that produced 120 horsepower. It took 12.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Espace’s interior was modular with removable seats. Families could easily adapt the cabin according to the needs of the passengers or cargo. The large panoramic windshield and elevated driving position gave it a spaceship-like feel, thus making it a trendsetter for family travel.
Volkswagen Routan
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan brought European styling to American practicality. It was designed by Klaus Bischoff and utilized the Chrysler Town & Country underpinnings. It featured a 3.8L V6 engine that put out 197 horsepower and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. The Routan’s interior boasted upscale materials, a three-row seating configuration, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens. Families loved its smooth ride and refined aesthetics, which helped it stand out in a crowded minivan market.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
