There's a real struggle going on for supremacy in the minivan world, a battle being
fought largely between Ford and Chrysler, with GM currently bringing up the rear. With each new model year, the opponents exert themselves to the utmost to increase performance, comfort, style and utility value without driving prices beyond
competitive levels.
Chrysler was the first to stake a claim in this field with its 1984 entries. Ford
responded with the rear-drive Aerostar a year later, then followed up with the
Windstar in 1994. A redesigned Chrysler lineup--Chrysler Town & Country, Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan--made their debut last year. GM answered Ford's Aerostar with the rear-drive Chevy Astro and GMC Safari, then introduced the front-drive Chevy APV, Pontiac Trans Sport and Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Import nameplates competing in this arena include the Mazda MPV, Toyota Previa, Nissan Quest--a clone of the Mercury Villager--and the new Honda Odyssey.
Lots of choices.
In general, the domestic offerings are large minivans, offering more cargo space and spread-out room than the imports while being easier to drive and more maneuverable than full-size vans. Last year, Windstar was the cream of the crop. This year, it faces stronger rivals. Does it still match up?