What is the best looking minivan of all time?

"Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available" (whoistheleader2) 05/18/2020 at 13:32 • Filed to: Minivan

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I was reading Arch Duke Maxyenko’s post and realized just how much I dislike the way the new Toyota Sienna looks.

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But that got me thinking: what is the best looking minivan of all time?

I am of course only familiar with the big and slow vans of North America, desperately trying to escape the stigma they have been saddled with, so I’d be curious to see how MPVs from other markets stack up. Sorry Long Voyager but I’ve got to go with the fourth generation 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey. It doesn’t try too hard yet it is unique and functional all at once. I still love Honda’s styling of this era and that fun chink in the belt line just works.

I will now be booed out of the room, so what is your take on this?

EDIT: And before someone suggests it, the Renault Espace F1 doesn’t count.

For Sweden > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:36

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They’re all good vans

dogisbadob > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:36

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The Fiat Multipla!

smobgirl > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:36

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See, the chink in the belt line to me is just trying too hard. It’s someone calling themself edgy. 

OhCrikeyTheRozzers > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:39

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Ralph Gille s’s Chrysler Pacifica is my personal favorite. Amazing what the right set of wheels will do for a vehicle.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:39

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Ei ther the lumina APV:

Or the 2nd gen caravan

Now, I took the challenge to be “mostly stock”, so those are the best looking stock minivans. BUT! A theoretical toyota previa with a WRC-style paint job like the celica rally cars and some mu dflaps would be up there. The Espace F1 also gets points. And my hypothetical “Trans Sport Grand Sport” is my dream van. Take a pontiac trans sport, put an LS engine in the middle, and paint it like the C4 grand sport. Then you are awaited in Valhalla for when you inevitably go out in a flaming crash and tumble end over end in an old dustbuster van with a V8 in it.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:40

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Oh wait... you said “best”...

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > smobgirl 05/18/2020 at 13:41

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Maybe, but I think it sure looks a whole lot better than the third generation van. It adds some interest and the rest of it isn’t overstyled, at least by modern standards.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/18/2020 at 13:42

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Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/18/2020 at 13:43

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I will allow this.

And a WRC Previa would win outright, hands down, since stock it is a top contender. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > OhCrikeyTheRozzers 05/18/2020 at 13:44

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The Pacifica minivan (not that weird earlier one that is whatever the Venza was) is a good looking van. It is also nicely understated, especially for a modern car.

way2blu does a rev update > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:45

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Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > way2blu does a rev update 05/18/2020 at 13:46

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C H O N K - V A N

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:53

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ranwhenparked > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:54

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Maybe the MK1 Espace, or the current generation Ford Galaxy

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:54

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These round lads

HammerheadFistpunch > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 13:55

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Lightning bolt odyssey is one of the worst.

OG odyssey is one of the best

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:10

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The best looking minivan is always the one with three pedals. Better yet, a 3.2l flat six, three pedals and Fuchs wheels.

I have the one in the top picture, but the one in the bottom picture (Porsche B32) is one of the few vehicles I’d trade mine for.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. 05/18/2020 at 14:13

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The Mazda5 was underrated. The Type 2 is overrated but still fun.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > HammerheadFistpunch 05/18/2020 at 14:14

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Wrong. Oasis is best Honda.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > ranwhenparked 05/18/2020 at 14:16

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Hmm not terrible. Kind of like a more upscale Mazda5.

And the Matra derived mk1 Espace is indeed a boxy boi

RallyWrench > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:18

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Depends on one’s definition of minivan:

ranwhenparked > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:20

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Look how airy cars used to be, before SUV rollover accidents forced increasingly stringent roof crush strength regulations. Other than the still modest C and E pillars, the Espace’s roof looks like its almost hovering over the car. 

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > way2blu does a rev update 05/18/2020 at 14:24

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Needs to be a slammy boi tho

facw > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:27

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Fine, I’ll come in here and stick up for the Previa:

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyWrench 05/18/2020 at 14:31

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Is a minivan.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:44

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Are concepts allowed? Because Oldsmobile once showed this Silhouette OSV and it looks .

I also didn’t hate the Relay.

Arrivederci > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:44

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I always had a soft spot for the Mazda MPV, even could get it as a factory off-road boi:

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:48

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Long K-car Caravan and its ilk.

Tekamul > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:49

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2nd gen Mazda5. The fact that it’s so short that the sliders extend beyond the back top corner of the car when open deserves bonus points.

The lightning bolt Odyssey is not a looker. It appears to be designed by two different teams, 1 for the front half, 1 for the rear half. 

Tekamul > way2blu does a rev update 05/18/2020 at 14:50

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R oasted

shop-teacher > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:51

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Textured Soy Protein > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 14:53

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Can’t believe there’s this many comments and no mention yet of Mitsubishi Delica.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Textured Soy Protein 05/18/2020 at 15:14

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That is indeed one good looking can. Very capable too! And most people lo ve an 80s space wedge.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Arrivederci 05/18/2020 at 15:15

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It is certainly one of the more unique minivans out there. I actually saw a 4wd one once in Georgia where there is no snow to need the extra traction. It was in enviable condition.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/18/2020 at 15:17

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My friend's dad had an Olds Silhouette. In typical GM fashion in ran poorly longer than most cars ran at all, so poorly that I think not a single thing wasn't broken. The only way to close the power door was to slam the brakes in reverse. Not a bad looking van though.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > facw 05/18/2020 at 15:18

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I was waiting for that. It is rare for a van to have such purity in form.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 15:20

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My mom had a Montana for a few years and it was a similar story. The final straw was when one of the sliders  just sort of fell off the car while being opened.

way2blu does a rev update > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 05/18/2020 at 15:21

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Slammed Escalades are truly minivans

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/18/2020 at 15:26

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Hahaha I'm not surprised. The only thing that surprises me is when I see one still on the road.

I do remember the very very brown interior being the very definition of American luxury on the cheap: slippery u n bolstered brown pleather everywhere that wasn’t i ll fitting equally brown plastic . Breathtakingly old fashioned yet surprisingly comfortable if it weren’t for all the rattles. It somehow found new ways to break every day.

A Boy and His Longtail > facw 05/18/2020 at 15:27

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Previa Previa Previa! All hail the greatest of all minivans

Thisismydisplayname > OhCrikeyTheRozzers 05/18/2020 at 15:32

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Agreed, the Pacifica looks best so far.  But it needs to be lowered about 1” and go with 9” wide wheels.  19” or 20” will do.  We have a set of SRT replica 20x9s on our Pacifica and it looks nice, but still needs an 1” drop to close up the gap.  

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 15:32

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Thisismydisplayname > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 15:33

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These look great in the touring trim with the PAX wheels on them.  Very sporting, but not too crazy.  

Jb boin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 15:40

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I like the Espace 5 and i also like the first Espace :

If you count smaller cars, the Kangoo I was also a funny car :

The Partner/Berlingo was also not bad (my mother had a Berlingo and one of my brother still has a Partner).

The obvious C itroën C15 that came with rear seats (C15 Familale) but are unfortunately quite rare (most were 2 seaters work “ vans” ) :

(yes i cheated, the first image is from an early model, before the 5 seats existed but its rad)

And its rival, the Renault Express Break (the 5 seats version) :

—

These Partner and C15 are former Belgian army ; 900€ for the C15s and 1250€ for the Partners :

ps: i wont mention the Ranchero because its too obvious :)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/18/2020 at 15:40

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This Mini van is actually a micro van, not a minivan, but clever pun.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jb boin 05/18/2020 at 15:54

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No, please, mention the Ranchero. I take it you don’t mean this:

I like how you have phrased this. We don’t get those types of small vans based on hatchbacks in the US. The closest thing we have had in recent years is the Transit Connect passenger (technically they were all imported as passenger vans and converted because of the Chicken Tax):

They are very rare in this configuration but I like them. I would happily take any number of small passenger vans like this.

Jb boin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 16:26

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Sorry, i meant Rancho and not Ranchero (was probably having the Canionero in my mind) :

And i forgot to mention the Dacia Dokker (based on the Kangoo, starts at 14100€ here including taxes with 20% VAT, which is 200€ more than a base Fiesta) :

And the Dacia Lodgy (that starts at 10850€ including taxes with 20% VAT) :

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/18/2020 at 17:22

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Kidding. Sorta.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jb boin 05/18/2020 at 17:29

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Europe has a van for e verything and I am somewhat envious. They also have cheap cars and cheap vans, which is not something that there are a lot of here. Sure they cost a fortune to insure and pay taxes on but they have a smaller upfront.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 18:12

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RoW Honda  Odyssey 4th generation 2008-2013

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 05/18/2020 at 18:34

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I was about to say that the American 4th gen was the most boring van Honda has sold here and then I saw rest of the world. It's far too wagony for US tastes but my my that is a sleek minivan. Much like.

QCGoose > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 18:38

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I’ve always thought the 2015+ KIA Sedona is damn good-looking for a van.

Urambo Tauro > OhCrikeyTheRozzers 05/18/2020 at 19:03

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Happy to see the Pacifica already suggested here . It’s a really handsome design.

coqui70 > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 20:22

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Come now ... this is obviously the answer:

RacinBob > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 20:26

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You know I am right.....

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RacinBob 05/18/2020 at 20:29

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There is a good argument to be made there, though I’m not sure it beats the Previa for purity.

kanadanmajava1 > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 20:32

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How about the weirdest minivan, Renault Avantime?

It’s the only minivan that came as a hardtop. But is it even a minivan? It’s built over the Espace platform and the overall shape clearly belongs to a minivan. S omeday I will own one of these...

I know that this one will divide opinions...

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > kanadanmajava1 05/18/2020 at 20:34

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I would say that this is the correct take. The Avantime is the weirdest minivan ever devised and yet also one of the most beautiful, it seems.

404 - User No Longer Available > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 22:56

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Always thought the Chinese Buick GL8 looked nice.

Underpinnings still related to the old U-Body though

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > 404 - User No Longer Available 05/18/2020 at 23:00

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Never heard of that. The old U body is still kicking around overseas? GM platforms never die .

pip bip - choose Corrour > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/19/2020 at 05:44

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Subaru Travis aka Vauxhall/Opel/Holden Zafira.

Svend > pip bip - choose Corrour 05/19/2020 at 07:40

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Zafira VXR, 2.0 237bhp . Yep, a Zafira - VXR. Lol.

Vauxhall Zafira B

Svend > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/19/2020 at 08:00

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Ford Transit Custom Tourneo MS-RT.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > pip bip - choose Corrour 05/19/2020 at 11:24

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I think that looks more like a Travis ty haha. Better set it Zafira and watch it burn haha. Sorry.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Svend 05/19/2020 at 11:28

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I’m not entirely sure that is a minivan or MPV or whatever you want to call them. That looks more like a large commercial van with seats in it.

It doesn’t look too different from this in size . How many rows of seating does it have?

Or even that much different than this for that matter

Svend > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/19/2020 at 15:40

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It is a van with seats essentially. It’s the step down from the Ford Transit you posted.

It's got three rows of seats, eight or nine seats total. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Svend 05/19/2020 at 16:27

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I think the defining characteristic of minivans are car like manners. Does it drive like a commercial van or a car? 

Svend > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/19/2020 at 16:45

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Happens I was in a Transit Custom Tourneo taxi the other day. He loves it and says it is very car like to drive (to him) but wants to update to a newer version.

Ford also does the S-Max which is a non van MPV.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Svend 05/19/2020 at 16:49

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That settles it then, it’s a largish minivan that doesn’t look half bad. I bet it makes a good taxi.

There is actually one of those Nissan NV200 vans in specific New York taxi livery sitting in a mostly unused  lot near me. I wonder how it got this far south? It’s been there for a long time.