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.
This retro-styled electric van turns heads everywhere it goes, owners report constant waves and compliments, but the charm comes with a 220 km winter highway range that makes it strictly a city-and-suburbs machine. The interior space is legitimately massive (three real rows, sliding doors, removable seats), and early buyers who snagged $20k dealer discounts down to $48-55k seem genuinely thrilled. At the original $70k+ sticker it was overpriced; at current pricing it's a quirky but workable trade if you charge at home and rarely road-trip. Skip it if you need genuine long-distance capability. Buy it if you want a joyful family hauler that makes the school run feel like an event.