The minivan first became a significant part of the American automotive marketplace in the mid-1980s with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan. For years it reigned as the king of family movers, and for good reason. Most minivans can carry at least seven passengers, and if more space for stuff is needed, seats can be folded flat, folded into the floor, or even removed all together to open up a cargo hold of 100 cubic feet or more.

In subsequent years, however, these people and cargo movers began to fall out of favor as a negative icon of suburban life that helped define the "soccer mom." The minivan segment has been steadily dwindling, pushed out by the ever-popular crossover SUVs sliding in to take its place. After years on the decline, however, the minivan renaissance is upon us, with updates and redesigns found throughout the class.

More Buying Advice 2011 SUV Buying Guides 2010 Minivan Buying Guide Vehicle Class Buying Guides 2011 Best Buys and Recommendeds

There are eight minivans in this segment, up from last year's count of seven. Much has changed in the class for model-year 2011.

2011 News

A lot happened this year. Just about every van gets redesigned or updated for the new model year. One entry, the Nissan Quest, returns all new after skipping model-year 2010.

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and its Dodge Grand Caravan sibling see a number of changes, including freshened styling and a new engine: a 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission is the sole powertrain this year. The 3.3-, 3.8-, and 4.0-liter V6 engines have been discontinued for 2011. The Volkswagen Routan, which shares its basic design with the Chrysler vans, follows suit with updated styling and a new engine.

The Kia Sedona also got a new engine and styling tweaks for 2011. The sole powertrain teams a new 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 250-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic.

Ford expands its Transit Connect commercial van lineup with versions that are capable of running on batteries, compressed natural gas (CNG), or liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

The 2011 Honda Odyssey is redesigned, gaining fresh styling, a wider interior, more power, and significantly improved EPA fuel-economy numbers: from 16/23 city/highway mpg to 18/28.

Toyota's redesigned Sienna is the only van in the class to offer 4-cylinder power. The new 187-horsepower 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission are standard on Base and LE models.