25th Oct 2006, 08:26

I'm actually shopping for a mini van for our growing family. Not the kind to typically buy what is generally touted as unreliable by the masses, I'm between a rock and hard place, as it appears that ALL the makes/models of mini vans out there have these same terrible reviews. So trying the pick the "lesser" of all the evils is quite the challenge.

Sadly, I'm leaning toward the T&C, since the tranny troubles appear to be solvable, with the numerous testimonials at http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html, but the A/C issue is still a little troubling. It sounds like the squeak in the front suspension that many are experiencing is due to sway bar linkage, which I feel confident I could deal with.

I half wonder if all the folks who are jumping the fence to another auto maker are just experiencing a case of the grass being greener on the other side. I've looked at the Honda Odyssey, Chevy Venture, etc., etc., and there's plenty of poor reliability reviews for all that I've seen thus far, making the choice (based on reliability) far from clear. Toyota has MAJOR problems with their V6 engine sludging up, and apparently hasn't fixed it for over a decade (about the same amount of time Dodge, Chrysler has had problems with its 4 speed automatic transmission)

Finally, I wish this site would have an option for listing the fuel economy, along with engine size, etc. Only a couple posters list their fuel economy for this vehicle, and from what I've seen, it ranges from 16-24 mpg. Presumably, the 24 mpg corresponds to those with the 3.3L V6, and the 16 to those with the 3.8L V6, which is almost as bad as my '90 Silverado 3/4 ton truck with a 5.7L V8 (14.8-15.5 mpg).

9th May 2007, 22:23

I'm wondering if the last reviewer could tell me what they settled on? I've had the same problem with my research-- no minivan seems to have achieved real greatness. Thanks.