Top 2011 Minivans for Moms on the Go

Minivan-driving moms already know that it is virtually impossible to beat the cargo capacity and ease of access that these larger vehicles offer. When dealing with multiple youngsters in car seats, these automobiles shine. Here are the top minivans for 2011 that every mom should know about.

Best 2011 Minivan Based on Price and Green Driving Behavior: Mazda 5

While Bankrate might not have a thunderous reputation with respect to automotive inner workings, it is a trusted resource for fiscally-sound decision making. Not surprisingly, it gave the Mazda 5 a nod, and why not? Starting at about $18,500, this minivan has enough standard features to make mom and her passengers feel comfy.

There are the cruise control, antilock brakes, side-curtain airbags, CD player and of course the newly remodeled sleek exterior, which gives the Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan a run for the money. Then again, the Mazda 5 is notably more diminutive in its appearance than other minivans, which may cause some moms to shy away from what wagging tongues call the "terrier of minivans." Of course, with 22 city miles per gallon -- and 28 highway miles -- this terrier has a notable bark at the gas pump.

When Size Matters: Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey

Edmunds had a difficult time deciding which put its best tire forward: Toyota or Honda. The automotive experts ended the grudge match by giving both minivans top billing. Noting that both automobiles excelled in delivering quiet riding capabilities and copious creature comforts, as well as comparable gas mileage measurements, Edmunds concluded that the final buying decision would most likely come down to personal style preferences.

With respect to price, the Honda Odyssey starts at $27,800, while the 2011 Toyota Sienna starts at $24,560. The price difference is not sufficient to have one model outshine the other, but if finances are a sticking point, the less costly Toyota does pull ahead in the final analysis. If you must parse the choices down even further, note that Bankrate gave the Toyota Sienna the nod for being the best-performing minivan of 2011.

What about Others?

While the Mazda 5, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are the buzz of 2011, there are numerous other models that go by the wayside. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety only tested the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna in all disciplines, while the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Volkswagen Routan, Kia Sedona and Nissan Quest did not get rollover-tested. Even so, they received good marks for front- and side crashes.

Sources

Bankrate: "The best minivans for you in 2011"

Edmunds: "2011 Minivan Buying Guide: Top Recommended Minivans"

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: "Overall crashworthiness evaluations - Minivans"