Best Minivan for MPG

[Honda100]

Well, if we're cheating (and I am) I use a diesel Hyundai Starex on occasion and frequently get 36 mpg US on the freeway over here. It has 8 seats and looks just like a van except for the 2.6 liter turbo diesel part (big ole hood scoop because the intercooler doesn't fit otherwise).

Anyway, in the US the only van I ever used was a Kia Sedona and it never broke 16 mpg so that's definitely not the winner.

[CAPTAIN CHAOS]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

Nope. Doesn't count if it only seats 5. Anything without a third row of seats is in a different class.

True that a lot of large crossovers these days are minivans under the skin.

The Mazda 5 has a 3rd row?
I was under the impression the 5 was a small 5door and the MPV was the minivan. That was the only reason I brought up the Vue; because the 5 was mentioned earlier.

I'm definately interesed in this thread though as our 3rd boy is due here in a few months and it's only a matter of time before the backseat fighting starts and a way to separate them (3rd row) becomes a necessity.

I'm finding the options for a 7-8 passenger vehicle that is capable of an honest 30mpg hwy (not a rediculiously high goal) are pathetic.

[MetroMPG]

Mazda 5:



http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...71422.4-lg.jpg

Some photos show a center seat in the middle row as well, though it only looks large enough for a child seat.

[mechman600]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Some photos show a center seat in the middle row as well, though it only looks large enough for a child seat.

WOW...those look like actual, normal sized humans in the 3rd row!

[mechman600]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Some photos show a center seat in the middle row as well, though it only looks large enough for a child seat.

WOW...those look like actual, normal sized humans in the 3rd row!

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by mechman600

WOW...those look like actual, normal sized humans in the 3rd row!

Yeah, but it looks like there's room for me in the middle of the second row!

[hondaguy72]

They arent. My kids had a hard time with the third row and cargo space is nonexistant with that row up.

[samwichse]

Ford Introduces 2014 Transit Connect Wagon: Seven-Passenger People Mover, Exceeds 30MPG

[arcosine]

I can just fit the LWB bike in a saturn SW1 wagon, if I remove the glove compartment door, passenger seat, rear seats and plastic trim off the rear hatch.

Does your 98 Odyssey have the 2.2L or 2.3L v-tech I4?

[hondaguy72]

Mine has the 2.3. Either motor offeredi n the gen1 vans is adequate. From the reports i have seen over on the odyssey forum both engines return similar economy. The vtec e setup has an annoying crossover at about 2500 rpms. Luckily the torque converter stall is around that point, so the dead area can be easily overcome with a heavier foot when needed.