Chevrolet

Small family fans were only a blip on the auto industry’s radar in the mid 1980’s. And, as consumers, we were just trying to figure out specifically what they were.  Genetic analysis revealed they were part bus, part contractor and part limousine.  They retained strong echoes of a work ethic attributed by the full sized vans from which they descended.

But everyone wants to know, “which was the best?” Good question.  Since Chrysler Corporation introduced the minivan concept with the debut of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1983, it became one of the hottest segments in the market. Understandably reluctant to let Chrysler reap all the minivan manna, Chevrolet and Ford jumped into the fray with models of their own, the Astro and the Aerostar.  Meanwhile, Toyota saw the easing of the Japanese import restrictions as an opportunity to bring in their small hauler it sold in its homeland for years naming it perhaps not imaginatively but certainly descriptively the Toyota Van.  So.  What is your van choice? Comment below.

3 Responses to 1986 Mini Van Comparison Test Drive

1. John Matthews says:

   March 12, 2016 at 2:14 am

   Aerostar hands down. Can haul & tow things like the Astro can, but is a bit more comfortable like the Caravan/Voyager while still having its own distinct styling like the Toyota Van (you can recognize it a mile away)…it’s like a compromise of all 3! Also has the longest wheelbase & is the most aerodynamic of the the 4 vans in this comparison. How do I know all of this information? I OWN ONE!

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2. Pingback: » 1987 Nissan Van GXE vs Mitsubishi Wagon LS Comparison Test Drive

3. William says:

   May 20, 2022 at 12:18 pm

   Hi,
   Can you help me find the van comparison test published to popular science or popular mechanics in the 80s. The vans tester were the Chrysler, Toyota and VW Vanagon.

   I had the paper copy and my dad threw it away in the early 90s and I’ve never been able to find it online or a physical print of it.

   Would love to see that van comparison again. It was the Vanagon that I loved the most in that comparison.

   Reply