In a category by itself (plus its twin, the GMC Safari)
Pros:
Towing, power, high clearance, versatility, 8 seat capacity
Cons:
In-town gas mileage, lack of newer bells and whistles
The Bottom Line:
If its features meet your needs, go for it. You'll become a loyal owner, too.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
This is the only minivan that I know of that can tow almost 5000 pounds, have the clearance of a truck, and therefore be a good vehicle both around town and when camping in the National Forests of Arizona.
Around town it gets 15-16 mpg, which goes up to 20 mpg on the highway. It has plenty of power for some of Arizona's steep hills, even when towing. It has not come close to running too warm, even in summer when towing with the A/C on.
I know it's not as sexy as newer, more modern minivans with the dual electric sliding doors and seats that fold into the floor, but it gets the job I need done, and it didn't cost an arm and a leg ($14K for a 2004 with 17500 miles in April 2005).
While it lacks some of the fancy things the $30K minivans offer today, it does at least have 3 12v outlets up front (2 on passenger side) plus one in the rear, along with numerous drink holders and little storage places.
You'll find that the reviewers hate it because it has changed little for years, but the owners are very loyal. That's because there is nothing else that has its combination of features. Try pulling a 4500 lbs 5/8 trailer with any of those car-based minivans.
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