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Article Comments: 2006 Minivans Comparison Test

49 messages,  Last post on Dec 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest, Van

#30 of 49 Re: Why test the 06 model? [ew3074] by cpsdarren Nov 19, 2006 (7:22 pm)
Replying to: ew3074 (Nov 15, 2006 3:05 pm) "Yeah! I think for a family van comparison test, reliability is one of the most important things."   If only there were statistically sound comparative numbers that showed significant differences in quantity, cost and severity of reliability issues among these models.   For a family van, I think safety is an important thing, too. Kudos to Kia for making stability control and dynamic head restraints standard, even on the base trim. Kudos to Honda for stability control and rollover-sensing side curtain airbags standard on all trims.
#31 of 49 Re: Why Mention Sticker Prices? [goatrope] by samtheman1 Nov 20, 2006 (6:37 am)
Replying to: goatrope (Nov 18, 2006 7:42 pm) I did look closely to see difference between Hyundai Entourage and Kia Sedona. Most obvious difference was price! I got a new Kia Sedona LX for $17,550 ($4000 in rebates) and couldn't get an Entourage for under $20K.   Glad to see Edmunds liked the Sedona so much and at the prices the are going for, they are best value in minivan market right now. Ody, Sienna and T&C don't even come close.
#32 of 49 I don't understand the Top 10 Features page by aaron_t Nov 20, 2006 (1:34 pm)
Is the S/o based on the model or the trim level?   Also, why is fold flat 2nd row seating now a top 10 feature and telescoping wheel is (when adjustable pedels accomplishes the same thing)? Replies to this message: alpha01 (Nov 21, 2006 7:18 am)
#33 of 49 Re: I don't understand the Top 10 Features page [aaron_t] by alpha01 Nov 21, 2006 (7:18 am)
Replying to: aaron_t (Nov 20, 2006 1:34 pm) It seems that S/O is based on the model line and NOT the trim level, if the Sienna's list is indicative.   ~alpha
#34 of 49 Subjective Score Bias by geo Nov 23, 2006 (11:35 am)
It is hard to look at the rankings and justify places determined in large part by subjective scores. The Honda and Toyota would be the vehicles to buy, based upon history, if prices were equal. Kia obviously has recognized this and managed to build a very good van which provides enough value to compete. If the Sedona has quality anywhere near the Japanese (seems to be so) it is a great deal. geolehman. Replies to this message: hansienna (Nov 25, 2006 5:37 am) cpsdarren (Nov 25, 2006 10:32 am) albertx46 (Dec 12, 2006 2:25 am) and 1 more...
#35 of 49 Re: Subjective Score Bias [geo] by hansienna Nov 25, 2006 (5:37 am)
Replying to: geo (Nov 23, 2006 11:35 am) BUT prices are not equal which is why the Odyssey and Sienna are consistently outsold by DaimlerChrysler. VALUE is still important to many people.      I wanted to like the Kia Sedona because of the low price, long list of standard equipment, powerful engine, and decent EPA gas mileage ratings up drastically from the atrocious 15 City 20 Highway of the 2002 Kia Sedona. I was very disappointed when the quality of material in the seats and carpet of the 2006 Sedona EX was pathetic.      The Odyssey with leather IS THE MOST luxurious while the fake wood in the Sienna dash turns me off. The DaimlerChrysler minivans have a cheap looking interior but they have many desireable, consumer friendly features at a low price. Replies to this message: cpsdarren (Nov 25, 2006 10:32 am) albertx46 (Dec 12, 2006 2:25 am) rorr (Dec 12, 2006 5:58 am)
#36 of 49 Re: Subjective Score Bias [hansienna] by cpsdarren Nov 25, 2006 (10:32 am)
Replying to: hansienna (Nov 25, 2006 5:37 am) "The Odyssey with leather IS THE MOST luxurious while the fake wood in the Sienna dash turns me off. "   I have an Odyssey with leather. It looks nice, but I think the leather quality is mediocre. We had some flaking spots after only a few months.   The Sienna LE is nice because it doesn't have that cheesy fake wood trim and it also has the handier fold down tray in front. Overall, I thought the Sienna LE had the best quality interior. Replies to this message: albertx46 (Dec 12, 2006 2:25 am) rorr (Dec 12, 2006 5:58 am)
#37 of 49 Review by famof3kids Nov 28, 2006 (10:49 am)
I think this just goes to prove that you should never trust 'one' source for information. If your looking for a van, and read the comparision review of the top models, you should look elsewhere for other like comparisions of the same models. You also have to be careful to ensure that the comparison is 'apples to apples'. In other words, make sure they are like models. The other thing to watch out for is the availability of options. Only trust the manufacturer website for such information.   You know what you like, how you like it, and what you are looking for in a vehicle. It's different for everyone and manufacturers are usually going to provide a vehicle that will completely satisfy one group of folks. Some people like vehicles as an appliance, some like them as an artistic statement, some like them as an extension of themselves, etc. Everyone can never be completely satisfied with one certain make/model. But, we can all probably agree that they should serve us with minimal interruption, serve our 'comfort' needs, deliver us safely, and have acceptable performance.     Mark 04 Nissan Quest SE Replies to this message: isartam (Dec 03, 2006 5:06 pm)
#38 of 49 Re: Review [famof3kids] by isartam Dec 03, 2006 (5:06 pm)
Replying to: famof3kids (Nov 28, 2006 10:49 am) I think it's important to remember that when you read a car review it's like reading a movie review. You're looking for opinion. And like movie critics, car reviewers come into a review with different viewpoints and biases. They should try to set them aside as much as possible and rate the vehicle on its intended purposes, but at the very least, they should be honest about their biases. And it's also the reader's duty to evaluate the review against the writer's preferences. That said, like the man said, it's best to get as many different opinions as possible. Try here.
#39 of 49 Re: Subjective Score Bias [cpsdarren] by albertx46 Dec 12, 2006 (2:25 am)
Replying to: cpsdarren (Nov 25, 2006 10:32 am) I've ridden on a relative's Sienna. The lthr feels smooth. It's LE with lthr, which I think the best model for no fake wood on the center console. Replies to this message: rorr (Dec 12, 2006 5:58 am)

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