4th Place – 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6
After the benefit of comparison, the Pontiac’s deficiencies stand out clearly. The 200-horsepower V6 is underpowered, the automatic transmission no doubt wears orange during deer season, and the stability control system is too sensitive. The interior materials were better than the Dodge, but behind the Honda and Toyota in terms of quality. Worst among the Pontiac Montana SV6’s offenses was its rear seat configuration. The Montana SV6 was the only van in our test without hideaway third-row seats, and featured what felt like the heaviest removable second-row buckets. Our tester included a rear plastic bin that offered some utility, but had to be removed for maximum cargo space. Third-row seats don’t truly fold flat and the second-row seats slide forward, but there isn’t a lot of room for access to the tight third row seat. Overall, the Pontiac Montana SV6 offers an aged platform with a few visual and superficial tweaks in an attempt to bring it up to code. However, in the end, it is undone by its chief nemesis, competition.

3rd Place – 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
As the only van with hideaway second- and third-row seats, the Dodge Grand Caravan may seem like the logical winner for a minivan comparison test. However, package that phenomenal Stow-‘n-Go system into a vehicle with a thrashy engine, sloppy handling, and inferior build quality, and watch that supposed winner fall to mid-pack. The power and handling of the 215-horsepower Grand Caravan marginally bettered the Pontiac Montana SV6, and that’s not saying a lot. Kudos to Dodge for including a smooth, padded cap on the dashboard; those trick seats; and offering a design that, despite its age, still appears somewhat stylish. But demerits go out for vague steering, touchy brakes, tailgate gaps as wide as my finger, and interior plastics that rival a yoga instructor for flexibility.

2nd Place – 2005 Honda Odyssey
If performance and handling were the only criteria by which the best minivan was judged, the Honda Odyssey would be the hands-down winner. With 255 horsepower, the Odyssey beats its closest competitor by 25 ponies, and smokes the Pontiac Montana SV6 by 55 horsepower. Backing up that gusto is a taut suspension that makes driving the Odyssey through corners and on freeway ramps akin to pounding out the twisties in a Honda Accord. And with its aggressive-for-a-minivan styling, this would be the perfect family vehicle for any Andretti or Earnhardt wannabe. Unfortunately, in exchange for performance the Odyssey sacrifices a smooth and quiet ride (likely worsened by our Touring’s run-flat Michelin PAX tires). Perhaps miles of stiffly pounding pavement, combined with an abundance of plastic bits, led to our tester’s tendency to squeak and rattle. Also proving to be a bit annoying to this driver was the Odyssey’s VCM (Variable Cylinder Management), which, in the name of efficiency, shuts down engine cylinders when less power is needed. The system is almost seamless, but had just enough of that regenerative braking feel to make me look for the “ECO” light on the dash. That dash, by the way, was hard plastic, as were all of the panels in the Odyssey. Granted, everything fit well, but some soft-touch or padded surfaces would’ve been nice.

1st Place – 2005 Toyota Sienna
After tabulating the final scores, I awarded the Toyota Sienna a total of 130 points and the Honda Odyssey 128 points. Obviously, I believe these vans are closely matched. But, while the Honda offered admirable engine performance and a surprisingly capable suspension, it fell a bit shy of the Toyota Sienna’s benchmark for overall comfort and functionality. With 230 horses at the driver’s disposal, the Sienna offers plenty of power for all driving conditions, and the entire powertrain operates quietly and seamlessly. Inside, our XLE Limited tester offered soft hides on the seats, which proved to be extremely comfortable in all three rows. Also decorating the interior were plentiful soft and padded plastics, from the dash to the window sills (resting elbows appreciate that bit of cushion). Like the Honda and Dodge Grand Caravan, the Sienna’s third row seat easily folded into the floor, though the Toyota did require a bit more effort than either of the others. While the heavy second row seats must be removed from the van for maximum cargo space, they do spring forward easily to allow generous access to the third row split bench. Like the Honda, but unlike the Dodge and the Pontiac, the sliding side doors include windows that open. Finally, what pushed the Toyota into the winners circle was its compliant ride. The Sienna’s not quite as agile as the Honda, but it is a compliant and predictable hauler that soaks up miles of pavement with ease.