The Japanese brands each come in one size only. Unstretched minis from GM and DaimlerChrysler - represented here by a Chevrolet Venture and a Chrysler Voyager - are closely matched in size. It's a fuzzy category consisting of three shorts and two mediums. Now the supers have become the norm, measuring just over 200 inches bumper to bumper.įor this inquiry we're going back to the original formula: unstretched models, the standard-wheelbase jobs. Who wouldn't love it? Like a lot of good ideas, the minivan was soon supersized - stretched-wheelbase models about a foot longer overall. The original minivan formula, you may recall, was a compact box when compared with full-size family wagons of the time, with more space inside. Beyond reach of the others? That's why we do comparison tests. The new third-generation model again raises the bar. Although the aging versions from Plymouth, Dodge, and Chrysler haven't won a comparison like this in the past few years, they remain the benchmarks by which all minivans are judged. The news for 2001 is the all-new model from DaimlerChrysler, first mover in the category way back in 1984, and still the sales leader. Minivan sales have stayed roughly level at 1.25 million over the past five years, with a bit of an uptick in 1999. Suburban moms no longer flaunt minivans as a fashion item - it's SUVs that strut to the PTA meetings now - but for every journey that stays on-road, we've always thought minis were the better choice: They have more room for people and stuff, they guzzle less fuel, and all-wheel drive is available if you really need it.