What van has the best CD?
 

I plan to do a little travelling and am looking at vans
(1996-2004 model seem to be in my price range)
Ive been thinking about either an astro or a previa


What van has the best CD?


http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...%2520Astro.JPG

http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:...yotaPrevia.jpg

Remember, it's not just Cd that counts. Cd times A (A=frontal area) is the thing if you want to compare apples to apples.

The GM likely has higher A than the Toyota. So all else being equal (which it's not - the Previa has a 4-cyl and is lighter) ... but just hypothetically, even with the same Cd, the Toyota would have less drag because of its smaller A.

The Previa has the slightly more slippery shape, however, the reliability of those Previas was horrible. If Dodge/Chrysler minivan is not an option for you, then the rear wheel drive GM mini is the way to go... just dont expect the ride to be as nice or the fuel economy to be as good.

Im not set in getting an astro/previa

ive just done more research in the mpg of those two

Island driving?
 

Aloha,will you be driving on one of the islands? Mahalo!

Probably not. I would be in mainland US

I would suggest the Dodge Caravan/ Plymouth Voyager/ Chrysler Town & Country. That's what comes to mind as the the most aero-looking to me.

http://images.automotive.com/stock/3...N/1998/5FW.JPG

In fact, the Town and Country might even be better than the other two since it has an almost solid grille. (tight waterfall pattern)

Although, I'm not sure how these would match up to the Previa, I have seen very very few in my life, and I keep an eye out for them since they are one of my favorites... It might be hard to find a Previa.

Thanks Sean

I have been thinking about those as well.
Ive driven them before and theyre nice.


(btw, ive been following your taurus too, great stuff)

can anyone post a few van cds?

1996 Dodge Caravan Base Minivan
Coefficient of drag: 0.35

1996 CHEVROLET ASTR0 VAN LT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Coefficient of drag 0.40

1996 Toyota Previa DX Minivan
Coefficient of drag: 0.33

Looks like the Previa wins cd wise.

I saw a Pontiac TransSport yesterday and it looks even more aerodynamic than any of tv ones we've mentioned. Almost no front grille and the wiper cowl is flush with the hood and windshield.

transport
 

The Pontiac had Cd 0.30.It was hammered for inefficient interior space utilization,with an enormous expanse across the dash area to the windshield.This might have made for good protection in a front collision.Don't know.I've got some old road test data,I'll dig that out.No one that I know gets very good mpg with their minivan.The electronic display might show great mpg but never shows up with "tank" mileage.I got the old VW to mid-thirties mpg,but I can think of no one that would put up with that kinda technology.

thanks!

i would probably lean towards this one

http://images.automotive.com/stock/3...N/1998/5FW.JPG

The Sprinter has a cD of 0.36
32 MPG in a Dodge Sprinter! - GasSavers.org - Helping You Save at the Pump

That guy is getting 32mpg, on diesel

would be nice but cant afford that sprinter

The Astro is probably the worst vehicle in its class. It's based on a pickup truck, has a thirsty 4.3L V6, and it has horrible aerodynamics. Consumer Reports gives it terrible reliability figures. It's uncomfortable, it's slow, and it handles ponderously. The worst part--even worse than the MPG--is the safety. Take a look at it's crash test...it's unacceptable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLIAV_pRFso

Find yourself a used Sienna or Odyssey; it will be safer, more comfortable, and more efficient. It will be a bit expensive, but you can expect high fuel bills and high hospital bills if you buy the Astro.

Oh, and FYI, the GM front-drive minivans (Venture, Montana/Trans Sport, Silhouette) were also rated Poor in crash testing.

thanks for the info

i like the look of the Sienna and Odyssey but they are expensive

ive seen 2003 grand caravans for the same price as 1998 odysseys

there is a reason...

so far, the reviews for the two have been hardly complimentary

the siennas have a bad engine sludge problem

the odysseys seem to like having their transmission replaced often

*sigh*

How're these?

I'd say go for a mid-late 90's odyssey. My grandpa get's 27mpg out of it with almost 300000 miles on it.

I'd take a '98 Sienna or Odyssey over an '03 Caravan.

One van I forgot to mention is the Mazda MPV. It's a bit smaller than the Sienna, Odyssey, and Caravan. However, it is also lighter with a lower frontal area, so I'd expect better MPG numbers. Also, according to Consumer Reports reliability surveys, the MPV is more reliable than the Chrysler vans.

The MPV is also very affordable. As with many Mazdas, the MPV depreciated rapidly, so it's pretty cheap used. Take a look at this completed eBay listing--an '04 with <90k miles for $5500!

eBay Motors: Mazda : MPV (item 190287775306 end time Feb-24-09 05:36:42 PST)

i need something for long road trips/camping
(something i wouldnt mind sleeping in if it comes down to it)

odyssey has a lot of transmission problems
sienna has oil sludge problems
caravan has a loose belt problem when it hits water

seems like the caravan is easier fixed on the road than the other 2


feel free to chime in

If you could move up one model newer, look at the 2005 Mazda5. A low aero number of Cd 0.29 was specified by a few publications. If you need a 6-seater with reconfigurable capabilities it might work for you. Values at 7K - 9Ks w/ lo-mid 20's mpg.

im looking at the $5000 mark