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Minivans With 20+ MPG For 2007 Model Year
by Jenny McLane
The auto industry is producing automobiles of different types to fit the different tastes of car buyers. There are small cars like sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, and convertibles and there are also large vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and minivans. These different types of vehicles are designed to fit the lifestyle of any car buyer.
The minivan, for example, is suited for those who want adequate space inside the vehicle while at the same time, providing the good handling like that of a small car. Currently, there is a small selection of minivans in the U.S. market because of the current trend that people are opting for smaller vehicles because of its fuel efficiency.
But for those who want the versatility and luggage space provided by a minivan, there are models out in the market with good gas mileage. The most fuel efficient minivan in the market among 2007 model year vehicles is the Honda Odyssey with a gas mileage rating of 23 miles per gallon. This minivan's ability to save fuel is due to the fact that it can disable three of its six cylinders when cruising. The Honda Odyssey received high marks from Consumer Reports for its versatility and the ability to handle like a midsize sedan does.
Coming in second is the 2007 Dodge Caravan which can run for 22 miles on one gallon of gasoline. While its V6 engine is designed to reduce fuel consumption, sadly, the noise and vibration is not as refined as the engine used by the Honda Odyssey. Its handling is also in question when turning corners. But aside from cornering, the Dodge Caravan handles fairly well.
Another minivan with good fuel efficiency is the first minivan from Saturn, the Relay. With a 21 miles per gallon rating, this will suit those who are looking for minivans which consume less fuel than most of the competition. But its fuel efficiency is not complemented by its other attributes like stiff and noisy rides and the interior finish is also not at par with the likes of the Honda Odyssey.
The Chevrolet Uplander is another minivan with good gas mileage rating at 21 miles per gallon. But just like its GM cousin, the Saturn Relay, its ride is stiff and noisy and the interior is not as pleasing as you would like. Another GM minivan, the Buick Terraza, boasts of a good fuel efficiency of 21 miles per gallon but just like the Saturn Relay and the Chevrolet Uplander, it fails in the handling and comfort area.
It would seem that these three minivans from General Motors need more than Superchips to make their handling complement their fuel efficiency.
Other fuel efficient minivans are: the 2007 Nissan Quest with 21 miles per gallon; the 2007 Chrysler Town and Country with 21 miles per gallon; and the 2007 Hyundai Entourage with 20 miles per gallon.
About the Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
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