For All Van Kind With plenty of cargo space and luxury features, these minivans are one giant leap for your business.
By Jill Amadio
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Three premium minivans with luxury features that elevate them tomultifunction image-makers for business and weekend transportationare the Buick Terraza All Wheel Drive CXL, Chrysler's Town andCountry Limited and the Honda Odyssey Touring minivan.
Buick's Terraza is a sporty, all-wheel-drive van with amplecargo room--136 cubic feet and a flat floor with the second andthird rows removed, covered removable storage compartments, andleather seating for seven passengers. The second row ofcaptain's chairs has utility tables, and dual power slidingdoors provide easy entry/exit. Also included: one-year OnStarSafe/Sound subscription, remote entry, power door locks andeight-way seats with memory. The Terraza has a 3.5-liter200-horsepower V-6 engine, traction control and automatic levelcontrol. Estimated mpg: 17 city/22 highway. Price: $34,750
Chrysler pioneered large, covered storage areas under the flooras well as seats that fold flat and hide away. The Town and CountryLimited provides all this for seven people, plus overhead storage.Cargo space is 160.7 cubic feet, while the engine is a 3.8-liter205-horsepower V-6. Bluetooth technology connects hands-free cellphones, signal lights flash when sliding doors open, sensors warnof rear obstacles and a stainless steel roof rack adds pizazz.Estimated mpg: 19/26. Price: $35,995
The eight-seater Honda Odyssey Touring minivan, redesigned for2005, is sophisticated, powerful and fuel-efficient. The powertrainis a 3.5-liter 255-horsepower V-6. With a removable second row ofseats and a split third row that folds flat, cargo space measures147.4 cubic feet. Safety features include Stability Assist,traction control, rollover sensors that deploy side curtain airbags and run-flat tires that last up to 125 miles. In-floor binsand a rotating tray provide storage. Power-adjustable pedals,front/rear parking sensors, a power tailgate, and navigation andentertainment systems are standard. Estimated mpg: 20/28. Price:$38,295
Editor and consultant Jill Amadio has been reporting on theautomotive industry for 26 years.
