2009 Van

Van

​            When you look at how markets can expand and contract, the van market is a perfect example of it.  Considering that just over ten years ago, the minivan market was one of the biggest segments out there, it’s hard to believe that nearly anyone has noticed how small it is today.  With a huge shift from full-sized vans and 

wagons to the minivans in the late eighties, its hard not to remember how big this segment once was.  But that can also be said about the full-sized van and wagon segments as well.  Until recently, it seem that only a few companies would remain, but with the introduction of the compact van, via the Mazda 5, and the announcement that Nissan would be creating its own full-sized cargo van.  This market seems to be rebounding, somewhat.  Although nothing can tell us of where this market will be within the next decade, all that can be said is that only about three companies may stick it out.

​            Its no surprise that the vehicle, which started the minivan, craze in the late eighties, would be the one to win this award.  But when you look at how many new vans there are each year, its no surprise that when one looks good, only one looks good.  So for this year the winner of the AutoLooks A+ award goes to the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country.  Although its Dodge companion closely follows it, the Town & Country does have its differences.  Considering that the Dodge is the sport version you would think it’s the better of the two.  But looking at the two from the front, you can really see why the Chrysler wins.  From its perfectly flowing front grille, to the nicely sculpted front air vents, the Town & Country really sets the standard yet again.
            Now with a segment like vans, you would expect to see many, bad designs           .  And the winner of this years Rusty, is no stranger to poor designs.  From the box look of the late eighties, to the odd rounded cube of the nineties, the 2009 Ford E-350 has always been a poor looking vehicle.  With a huge front grille, which does not flow at all, to the off looking front lights, everything on the front of this van, has been done wrong.  Although when you consider how poor Ford designs have been over the past twenty years, its no surprise that this van would yet again, displease consumers with its off look. 

Everett J.

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Van Contenders:
 
A+         2008 Chrysler           Town & Country
2nd       2008 Dodge              Caravan
3rd        2009 Peugeot           Blipper Tepee
Rusty    2009 Ford                 E-350