Yes Hondas and Toyotas were top rated (I signed up for Consumer Reports on line -- too cold to go out to the library). Dodge Caravan was the worst rated ... maybe that's why so many used one are for sale? The Toyota & Honda mini vans are harder to find and seem to be costing more than Freestar or T&C... My Uncle Marv like his Windstar so much that he bought a second one, and his daughter (my cousin) just loves her Freestar. I really love my Explorer, but the cargo area is just a little too small.

Glad you said something about Serpentini! I totally respect his right to make irritating commercials that I disagree with... but I'm sure there's plenty of people who agree with his views buying cars from him JUST because they agree - he doesn't need my $$!

hey Helen - I LOVE my Toyota Matrix. I bought it used (a 2003 in 2005)- but with less than 10,000 miles on it. It's just the right size for me, Angry Bob, Angry Kosmo (and all of his stuff) and our 90 lb. golden retriever, Angry Sam. It also fits all of our Pennsic stuff - though not with Sam and Kosmo. But they don't get to go to Pennsic, anyway, so it's not a big deal!! We've had no problems with it and have only had to do regular maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, new tires)

I bought it through Metro Toyota, but at the last minute - literally as I was going to sign - they changed the financing options. Luckily Celeste was with me to play hard ball - if you're mild mannered, like me, take someone who can be a hardass - because I think they ALL will try to screw you in the end.