Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as a family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended picks are the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Entourage and Nissan Quest.

Sources say 2007 is the last year for Freestar. Mercury's Monterey is already out of production. Both minivans have been poor sellers since their 2003 debut. In their place come Ford and Lincoln "people movers" built on the Volvo-based D3 platform of the Five Hundred/Mercury Montego sedans and Ford Freestyle crossover. The likely pattern is the recent Fairlane concept, so look for boxy styling with a lower and wider stance than the minivan norm. Three-row seating should be standard. A 4.4-liter V8 is rumored. The Ford version is tipped to start production in early '08 as a 2009 model aimed at 100,000 yearly sales. Lincoln's people mover will also bow as a 2009 model, but is planned for only some 25,000 yearly sales.