Entries Tagged 'van' ↓

The Uplander - Chevrolet’s “Family Sport Van” - was introduced in the 2005 model year. While the Uplander’s styling falls somewhere between minivan and crossover SUV, all wheel drive is not an option on the current model. The 2008 Uplander’s gas mileage ratings of 16 city and 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG) are squarely in line with its competition, both inside and outside of GM. (The Uplander shares its platform with the Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana, and Saturn Relay.)

The 2008 Uplander is fitted with a 3.9 liter V-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower (HP) and 240 foot pounds of torque. E85 FlexFuel capability is optional. The Uplander seats seven with the choice of second-row removable modular bucket seats or removable captain’s chairs. While leather trimmed seats are available for the first and second row, the kids stuck way back in the third row are out of luck.

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The Chrysler Town and Country minivan first hit the street in 1990, as an upmarket cousin to the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. The Town and Country hauls the family in style and achieves highway gas mileage in the low- to mid-twenties for most models (the exception being the E85 fueled vehicles). The luxury minivan has enjoyed sustained popularity throughout its run and was redesigned in 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2008.

2008 Chrysler Town and Country minivans can be equipped with one of three V-6 engines, depending on the model.

• Town and Country LX models are fitted with a 3.3 liter V-6 producing 175 horsepower (HP) and 205 foot pounds of torque.
• Town and Country Touring models are equipped with a 3.8 liter V-6 delivering 197 HP and 230 foot pounds of torque.
• Town and Country Limited models feature a 4.0 liter V-6 pumping out a generous 253 HP and 262 foot pounds of torque.

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Although Honda’s popular Odyssey was first introduced in 1995, it didn’t hit its stride until a 1999 redesign. Over the years, the Odyssey’s solid reputation for quality and good gas mileage ratings have enabled it to become one of the best-selling minivans in America. The EX-L and Touring editions of the 2008 Odyssey deliver 25 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway. The Odyssey went through a significant redesign in 2005 and has just undergone a slight facelift for the 2008 model year.

The 2008 Odyssey features a 241 horsepower (HP), 3.5 liter, 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine in EX-L and Touring trim, and a 244 HP 3.5-Liter, 24-Valve SOHC VTEC V-6 engine in the LX and EX models. The engine in the EX-L and Touring models use Variable Cylinder Management with higher compression (10.5:1 compared to 10.0:1 in the LX and EX).

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First introduced in 1993, the Nissan Quest competes in a highly competitive minivan market. The Quest produces gas mileage ratings in line with its minivan peers, with highway ratings in the mid-twenties. From 1993 through 2002, the Quest was echoed by the nearly identical Mercury Villager.

The Quest was last redesigned in 2007 and is fitted with the same highly respected 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine found in the Maxima and Altima. A spacious interior and distinctive design are hallmarks of the model. Nissan sorely needs a way to differentiate itself from the crowd. A Quest hybrid, based on the powertrain in the Altima Hybrid would be a slam dunk with environmentally- and budget-conscious soccer moms (and dads). Rumor has it that a new Nissan minivan is on the way, but there’s been little word on the possibilities of either a hybrid or high-MPG diesel version.

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Dating all the way back to 1984, the Dodge Caravan is America’s longest running and best-selling mini van. Together with its corporate cousins, the Plymouth Voyager and the Chrysler Town and Country, the Caravan ruled the market for many a year.

Although current Dodge Caravans might not be notable for exceptional gas mileage, the introductory year boasted remarkable mile per gallon figures. While under-powered, the spartan 2.2 liter four-cylinder 1984 manual transmission models were rated at 36 and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. (Fuel efficiency was very much on the nation’s mind in the early eighties.)

Gas mileage took a back seat to comfort early in the Caravan’s run. Today’s considerably more plush 2008 Dodge Caravan offers MPG ratings in low to mid twenties on the highway, and can be equipped with 3.3, 3.8, or 4.0 liter six-cylinder power plants. What about the cup holders, you ask? We’ll have to get back to you on that.

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