New GM minivans

Does anybody hate the front end of these minivans? I think that they're the ugliest things that GM has even designed. Those small boxy headlights? Come on. At least do headlights that look similar to the G6. And did anybody read the performance stats on them? 0-60 in 10.6 seconds, while the new Odessey goes to 60 in mid 7s. Does anybody else see a problem here?

10.6? theres no way! how can the new vans be slower than the old vans? or are they?

Yes personally I find the North American have trouble seeing any sport in minivans (Freestar, Grand Caravan, GMs are all below Toyota, Honda, and Nissan in performance)...but then again if you want speed, buy a car... In terms of looks, GM had to try something revolutionary, the venture ect looked even more plain as the years went on...in my eyes, it wasn't too successful

GM vans really do suck. I drove a chevy venture once(dont ask why)... it was a joke. the engine sucks, the steering sucks and get this, the second row has only 1 ajustable headrest. the other 2 cannot be moved, WTF! how much extra could it cost for 2 a more headrests? Also, they only have 1 power sliding door. plus the AC vents in the back are behind the passengers' heads. dont know about u but when im hot i want the air to blow on my face. but thats just me...

I strongly believe that the days of US dominance of the minivan market is over. GM has never made a good one, and Chrysler/Dodge is falling behind. Just like America can't make a decent family sedan compared to the Japanese (except maybe the 300), they can no longer make a minivan. Honda and Toyota should gain more and more control this market. The only advantage the US has right now is price, which is diminishing fast.

BTW. If your buying a minivan, I sincerely hope you arn't worried about performance stats... Really what matters in minivans is options and space.

I strongly believe that the days of US dominance of the minivan market is over. GM has never made a good one, and Chrysler/Dodge is falling behind. Just like America can't make a decent family sedan compared to the Japanese (except maybe the 300), they can no longer make a minivan. Honda and Toyota should gain more and more control this market. The only advantage the US has right now is price, which is diminishing fast.

Can't say I agree with that. I don't see anything that great about Japanese vans. While at the auto show in LA the only van I would even consider buying is still the Chrysler Town & Country. Style, comfort, and convenience features are all there and at a decent price.

the only GM van that is decent is the astro/safari. Those 4.3s are good motors and it's nice having awd. My uncle sold theres with 230,000 miles......my parents got rid of theres at 202,0000 miles still running strong.

Can't say I agree with that. I don't see anything that great about Japanese vans. While at the auto show in LA the only van I would even consider buying is still the Chrysler Town & Country. Style, comfort, and convenience features are all there and at a decent price.
I suppose the Japanese vans bring Japanese reliability and the JDM 2004 Honda Oddysey is a pretty spunky looking thing.


Everybody knows that Minivans is a game Owned by Europe, we invented it (FIAT Multipla in 1956) and then took the idea mainstream first (Renault Espace in 1984, just before the Dodge Caravan). Concequently the Renault Espace IV is the best MPV on the planet (Style, first class luxury and good performance), the Citroen C8/Peugeot 807/Lancia Phedra/Fiat Ulysse are all well ahead of the competition from the US and Japan as well as the Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan/SEAT Alhambra (Dodgy quality aside, not as bad as a Venture mind you), Opel Zafira is extremely clever as well.


Those new Merc MPV's coming out should be good as well.....

I don't see anything that great about Japanese vans.
The new oddessey, gets like 27-28 mpg, it has pretty good performance, which is probably not the most important for a minivan shopper, plus reliability that can't be matched by gm. As for Dodge/Chrysler, I think that it's just time for them to redesign the current model, because it's been here for a while now, and it's kind of getting old. Unless they mess up big time, they will be back in the market strong when they redisign their van.

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/pic/uplander/model_home.jpg

Its the ugliest minivan ive ever seen :eek: