The Grand Caravan is the budget minivan that invented Stow-n-Go seating and still undercuts the Odyssey by thousands, but the 2008-2020 models have a transmission problem so predictable owners call them 'ticking time bombs.' The pump fails before 100k miles, the replacement costs $4,000-$7,000, and you're suddenly underwater on a van that was supposed to save you money. Buy a 1996-2007 model with the 3.3L V6 if you want the space without the drama, or skip straight to the Honda if you can't afford to gamble on a $6,000 repair bill two years in.
The Toyota Sienna is the only hybrid minivan on the market, delivering exceptional fuel economy (32-38 mpg real-world) and available AWD. Current-generation models (2021+) are hybrid-only with strong reliability early indicators, though the powertrain feels sluggish compared to V6 competitors. Pricing is inflated across new and used markets, $25k for 142k-mile examples reflects market dysfunction, not value. Best for: families prioritizing fuel savings and long-term ownership over cargo flexibility or spirited driving.