Chrysler started the minivan trend back in 1984, and they remain one of our Best Buys today. Though the competition has heated up, we still feel that the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Voyager are two of the best you can buy. They offer all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Chryslers, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.

Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Ford Windstar. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys.

Chrysler gives its Voyager and Town & Country a thorough makeover for 2001. The related Dodge Caravans are also updated on this minivan's basic 1995 design. Though full details weren't available for this report, the press has already seen the '01s, which go on sale this fall.

Highlights begin with slicker styling that adds nearly 2 inches to width and makes standard Voyagers 2.8 inches longer overall. T&Cs and Grand Voyagers are little changed in length. Underneath, the minivan's unibody is claimed to be substantially stiffer and stronger for better crash protection and improved quietness. Also for safety, all models get front seatbelt pretensioners and switch to sensor-monitored dual-stage dashboard airbags that deploy with differing force to match the weight and size of occupants. Front side airbags appear for the first time as standard in some models and optional elsewhere. The suspension features revised geometry and retuned damping.

Voyagers got Chrysler badges during the 2000 model year as part of Plymouth's phase-out, and continue as the more affordable Chrysler models. T&C choices for 2001 haven't been announced, but last year's LX, LXi and top-line Limited price levels should return, all extended-length offerings. A little-changed 2.4-liter 4-cylinder continues for basic Voyagers, while other models divide among three V6s. Last year's 3.0-liter unit has been dropped, but the familiar 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6s are revamped for smoother, quieter operation and more power, the 3.3 gaining 22 for 180 total, the 3.8 adding 35 hp for 215. Newly optional for some T&Cs is the overhead-cam 3.5-liter V6 from Chrysler's 300M sedan, though it makes only 230 hp in the minivan instead of 253 due to differences in intake and exhaust plumbing. All engines again team exclusively with 4-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive continues as an alternative to the normal front drive.

Chrysler scored a minivan first with dual sliding rear side doors. The '01 models add optional power operation, thus belatedly matching a feature offered by most rivals. The power assist can be ordered for both doors or the right door only. One-upping the competition is an available power tailgate, which mimics the power side doors in being operable by either an interior button or from the remote-control keyfob. Other new features include a movable center console with storage and power points that can be used between the front or second-row seats, a rear parcel shelf that folds out to become a three-section open storage box, and a split third-row bench with reclining backrests as an alternative to a one-piece seat.