Best Minivan for MPG

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by arcosine

I don't like the Iron Duke engine, too over square, EcoTec I4 isn't bad.

That's another possibility. BTW for export markets in Europe the Pontiac Trans Sport was available from the factory with a 5-speed and the Oldsmobile Quad-4 engine.

[vacationtime247]

Yea, the Azteks aren't for everyone. I like 'em. They're similar to the minivan, seats come out, fits the '4X8', their different.
Frank, I think you're right, the less surface area makes a difference.
My friend once owned a Turbo Charged 4 cylinder 5 speed Dodge minivan. It was a late 80's model. Not the most appealing, but I'd think if used right it could get decent mpg.
VT247

[superchow]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

...I'm not sure what a stock Mazda 5 is capable of, ...

My brother in law has a Mazda 5 with the 5 speed automatic. He has gotten right around 30 to 35 mpg at highway speeds. In town around 27. Basically it's a Mazda 3 hatchback platform with a taller shape and minivan sliding doors. Quite capable, considering it's roots.

[arcosine]

The Aztec has the same engine as the Ventura and has the same MPG rating.

[LibbyMetro]

My two cents worth:

As far as bang for the buck goes, a friend of ours had a 1993 caravan AWD with the 3.0L v6, which reportedly got worse fuel mileage than the 4 banger, but she consistently saw around 25 mpg on the highway without even being "eco-footed", She still has the van and i belive its on around 350,000 miles now with one blown headgasket, and 1 tranny rebuild, they definitely dont cost much to buy used anymore, so in my view thats the best van you can get if on a budget, which i always am!

[mechman600]

Mazda 5 seems like a good option with a manual.
OR

Drive it only in reverse to take advantage of an already made boat tail!

[arcosine]

The 4cyl caravan and 6 cyl venture are both rated higher mpg than the transport.

Transports and Ventures suck (poor rating) in the crash test:

Toyota Previa even worse.

Crash ratings: 40 mph off center hit (driver to driver)

Previa 2 broken legs, broken neck and fractured skull.
Venture: 2 broken legs and concussion.
Caravan: 1 broken leg
Windstar: walk away
Sienna: open door and walk away
Odyssey 1999+: walk away

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDQrPnAhSmI

[Varn]

Tony
Come down to forgottonia and take my Windstar. It already has some aero mods. If you want a 5 speed the taurus made a Yamaha powered model would would nearly bolt in. It can get 25-28 as is though.

[arcosine]

Dave, I may take you up on your offer, but leave the van behind, It will take 2 or 3 days to ride there.

[northroad]

I've always wanted one of the 80s Toyota cab over space cruisers



2300lbs with an efi 2.2L and a 5 speed. Unimpressive official mpg numbers though, like 23 highway