2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Minivan

by Michelle Naranjo

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February 1, 2011

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4 min. Reading Time

AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) are based on 73,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first half of 2011.

Minivans have dual sliding doors and loads of utility space. Many new or refreshed entries in this segment have proven to be popular for consumers desiring the Swiss Army capability of a minivan. The segment is ripe with the latest powertrains, safety, and innovation.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Minivan winner is the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country.

Read on to see the entire list of category candidates and how they scored.

*NOTE: Results for 2010 Model Year Vehicles are Included in the 2011 Model Year Research Because of Availability. Scores Are Shown Where Sample Sizes Allow

#1 Minivan: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

Rank: #1

Score: 1251

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country achieves the highest ranking among Minivans based on owner ratings in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research. This is quite an achievement because its two major competitors – Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are newer. The T&C benefits from a thorough upgrade to its interior for 2011 and the changes worked to put the Chrysler Minivan on top. Over 25% of Town & Country owners want more infotainment technology. Over 20% want more daring styling, better ingress/egress, more safety features and more power. Town & Country handily won over the second place all-new Honda Odyssey.

#2 Minivan: 2011 Honda Odyssey

Rank: #2

Score 1220

The 2011 Honda Odyssey has been a hands-down favorite in the minivan market for years. While it may have surrendered first place to Chrysler’s comeback kid, this year is no different. Interior capacity borders on the physics-defying and entertainment/technology amenities appear purpose-built for busy families. The drivetrain remains untouched, which although does not appear to be an obvious sore spot could perhaps be what facilitated its slight drop on the list.

#3 Minivan: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Rank: #3

Score: 1190

Undeniably a vast improvement over the models that preceded it, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan still has some ground to cover. Storage, seating, and generally kid-appeasing interior options are offered in abundance, and the lone V-6 engine option does a commendable job of hauling it around. Unfortunately, it does so with considerable comment and noticeable road noise has been lodged as a complaint.

#4 Minivan: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Rank: #4

Score: 1183

The 2011 Toyota Sienna’s sporty, family-friend vibe has generally earned it a bulletproof place in the market. A few exterior components were tweaked to keep step with the sleek new wave washing over the competition, but it’s nothing that would alienate proponents of the current styling. Optional accessories are still market-competitive, but the lack of flash accompanying this may have seen it upstaged by the more drastic overhauls.

#5 Minivan: 2011 Kia Sedona

Rank: #5

Score: 1166

It may not match other minivans spec-to-spec, but the 2011 Kia Sedona is widely regarded as good bang for your buck. Practicality more so than luxury seems to be the Sedona’s primary aim, which could have lead it to be somewhat lost in this year’s dazzling jockey for minivan supremacy. Otherwise, standard options, interior comfort, and overall ride quality have retained their oft-understated value.