Safest 2002 to 2005 Minivan

[Adib]

Looking for a starting point to research. Thank you!

 

[urchin_grey]

Honda Odyssey
Kia Sedona
Dodge Grand Caravan
Mazda MPV
Mercury Villager
Nissan Quest
Toyota Sienna
Ford Windstar

Those all have great ratings.

 

[Adib]

That's a start!

I'm getting a slight headache with my research ... I care about safety, husband cares about price/mileage. Trying to find something to fit both!

 

[Guest]

Well, the Honda and Toyota are likely to cost a good bit more than the others for comparable years and mileage.

In general, try and get one that's the newest body style. Say it changed in 2003, well get the newer one if possible. Carmakers tend to make fairly sizeable improvements in safety when a new model comes out. Especially in adding things like side airbags and stuff.

 

[urchin_grey]

That's a start!

I'm getting a slight headache with my research ... I care about safety, husband cares about price/mileage. Trying to find something to fit both!

I hear ya. I really wanted the Ody because I believe it had the very best ratings overall (and I believe side curtain airbags as well) but the only ones I could find in my price range were a lot older and had a lot more miles. At least I know that if I ever do get one though, they do hold their value. I wound up getting a 2003 Grand Caravan though and I like it a lot. It doesn't have all the extras or anything, but after driving 15+ year old cars for so long, it was still quite an upgrade for me. One of the things I did make a priority though is a 2nd row bench vs. captains chairs. I just figured it would be easier to have that bigger space on one side. The 3rd row is a lot less roomy but it is possible to get 3-across (just tricky). On the other hand, its likely some kids will 5-step test earlier in those seats than others because they're really made for kids. The seatbelt even fits my 3-foot tall kid if you ignore the fact that his knees don't even bend over the seat (he NEVER rides like that, I just stuck him in it once to keep him still while I installed his seat and was surprised how well he fit LOL).

 

[amyd]

Really the only ones to stay away from in that MY range are the GM ones (Chevy Venture, Pontiac Montana, Oldsmobile Silhoutte). They get quite poor crash ratings. Be cautious of Fords as there were some pretty serious recalls for engine fires around those years too, I believe. There is a fix for the issue, though. Just something to be aware of.

 

[Adib]

My husband is liking the look and prices of the Mazda MVP right now. Any years that are better than others?