Top 5 Minivans For 2008

2008 Honda Odyssey

What we think
Room for eight, a powerful V-6 and a versatile cargo space with a removable second row of seats and a third row that folds flat into the floor, this minivan has it all. The interior feels more high quality than those of its rivals, and an excellent performance in crash tests earned the Odyssey a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

At a glance
MSRP: $25,860
Engine and drivetrain: V-6 engine produces 244 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic transmission
MPG: 16 city/23 highway
2008 Chrysler Town and Country

What we think
Coming in at a close second to the Odyssey, the Chrysler Town and Country has swiveling second row seating and a storable table, letting the five rear occupants play games or eat on the road. The base 3.3-liter engine gets the job done, but we’d recommend the optional 4.0-liter to really zip around town.

At a glance
MSRP: $23,595
Engine and drivetrain: 3.3-liter V-6 with 4-speed automatic transmission; 175 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque
MPG: 17 city/24 highway 2008 Toyota Sienna

What we think
The interior, dedicated to storage spaces, convenient clothes and bag hooks and 10 cup holders, can seat seven or an optional eight. Trimmings and model types can bump the price to over $40,000, but the Sienna offers gadgets like a power-folding third row of seats that add even more convenience to your daily commute. Oh, and its 266 horsepower actually makes it fun to drive.

At a glance
MSRP: $24,340
Engine and drivetrain: 3.5-liter V-6 producing 266 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque; front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive with a 5-speed transmission
MPG: 17 city/23 highway 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

What we think
Like its GM companion, the Town and Country, the Dodge Grand Caravan also has swiveling middle seats, increasing usability within the cabin. The exterior design is slightly more aggressive than the others’ and its starting price is lower than all except the Kia, potentially swaying buyers over to the Dodge.

At a glance
MSRP: $22,700
Engine and drivetrain: 3.3-liter V-6 engine with 175 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed transmission and front-wheel drive
MPG: 17 city/24 highway 2008 Kia Sedona

What we think
The Kia may be the budget option of the group, but it hardly sacrifices anything for the price. Its five-star safety ratings, removable second row of seats, fold flat third row and an array of standard features give it an in with the competition. And, unlike the others, the price stays within reason, even if you opt for that 660-watt surround sound audio system. Gotta drown out the whining somehow.

At a glance
MSRP: $21,420
Engine and drivetrain: 3.8-liter V-6 DOHC engine with 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic
MPG: 16 city/23 highway