GAS MILEAGE: MINIVANS
		model	city/hwy
		Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager	20/25
		Chevrolet Venture/Oldsmobile Silhouette	19/26
		Toyota Sienna CE	19/24
		Honda Odyssey	18/25
		Ford Windstar	18/24

Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager
Chrysler invented the minivan and the company (now DaimlerChrysler) still sells more of them than anyone else. The entire line got a redesign for 2001. They have good looking styling and more powerful engines. This shorter (15.7 feet) version with a 2.4-liter engine gets the top gas mileage in our list. But many families opt for the longer (16.7 feet) Grand Caravan or the luxury Chrysler Town & Country with three rows of seats and big cargo area (168 cubic feet with the rear seats removed). The smaller one, however, remains an economic choice.

Chevrolet Venture/Oldsmobile Silhouette
General Motors' entries in the van derby are not as stylish nor as smooth-riding as the competition. But at least the price is right on the Chevy Venture. And with the Oldsmobile nameplate being phased out, you are likely to get big discounts on the Olds Silhouette. Standard side air bags are a safety plus. If you mainly use your van for local errands rather than long highway trips, these are reasonable bargain choices.

Toyota Sienna CE
Built from a Toyota Camry mechanical platform, the Sienna shares some of that top-selling sedan's virtues -- smooth power and comfortable ride. In this safety-conscious family category, however, the big attraction for the Sienna is its top crash-test ratings, both from the federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It isn't as stylish or with as much room as some competitors, but for a smooth, safe ride, the Sienna is a strong choice.

Honda Odyssey
The star of the minivan class, Odyssey still prompts waiting lists in some locations. Part of that is hype, but in my opinion, it really is the best minivan. With powerful acceleration and unusually good handling for such a large vehicle, the Odyssey is a pleasure to drive. But its real innovation was designing a third seat that folds flat into the floor to give instant large cargo space. (Most minivan third seats are a hassle for one person to remove alone). Chrysler decided not to match this feature in its redesign, and the Odyssey remains a standout for its fold-down.

Ford Windstar
A strong choice among vans, the Windstar also has top safety ratings (just a notch behind the Sienna). Side air bags are optional. And the Windstar offers another excellent safety feature: a sensor that emits a "ping" if you are about to back into an obstacle. The Windstar also has good handling and its 3.8-liter V6 engine produces plenty of power, although with more noise than the Honda. Windstar is a good minivan with no line, no waiting.

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