I've had dodge minivans since 1988 some with over 200,000 miles and have never had a transmission issue. Early on many people including quick lube shops thought GM spec trans fluid was an acceptable substitute for the Chrysler fluid, it even said something about it on the early dip sticks but it meant emergency use, to be drained and replaced with ATF4 as soon as possible. I've seen 'bad' Chrysler transmissions fixed with just a proper fluid change and last 10 years longer in the case of a van my father had. Not saying they don't fail, but I'd bet money the Honda Odyssey has more failures through the 2000s and the last 10 years they both are pretty solid. We also use the grand caravan for mail delivery at the post office and they are really beat on without issues. They of course don't make a manual anymore but I didn't think a Prius came in a manual either.
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