[net.auto] Mini-Vans

wm@tekchips.UUCP (Wm Leler) (08/10/85)

I recently read a newpaper article about the new Nissan
mini-van, and they mentioned several other mini-vans, including
one they called the "Honda Shuttle".  Now, I didn't know
that Honda made a mini-van.  My local dealer denied it,
and tried to sell me a Civic wagon instead.  Does anyone
know anything about this?  I know Honda makes pick-up's in
Japan, but doesn't import them -- is this a similar case?

Concerning mini-vans in general, which one is the best?
Any good / bad experiences?  So far, the Dodge Caravan /
Plymouth Voyager looks about right, but I tend to shy away
from American cars.  Any others on the horizon I should
keep my eyes open for?

Wm Leler

sutter@osu-eddie.UUCP (Bob Sutterfield) (08/13/85)

>                                  ...but I tend to shy away
> from American cars.  Any others on the horizon I should
> keep my eyes open for?
> 
> Wm Leler

While we were shopping for our new Subaru, the dealer looked at the Brat
(Subaru's micro-pickup) and mentioned that, in his opinion, Subaru of
America ought to discontinue importing the (not a precise quotation)
"overpriced, underpractical rich boy's toy" and start importing Subaru of
Japan's mini-van.  He described it as a great seller in Japan that would
give the Caravan a run for your money.  If it were as much better than the
Caravan as the average Subaru is than the average Plymouth, he may be right.
Especially if it came with 4wd like the rest of the line.  He offered no
clues as to whether importation was in the stars (get it, nudge nudge??).
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fritz@phri.UUCP (Dave Fritzinger) (08/13/85)

> I recently read a newpaper article about the new Nissan
> mini-van, and they mentioned several other mini-vans, including
> one they called the "Honda Shuttle".  

I believe that the Honda Civic station wagon is called the "Shuttle" in
Europe, or at least in England.
-- 
Dave Fritzinger, Public Health Research Institute, NY,NY
{allegra!phri!fritz}

"I think. I think I am. Therefore, I am,...I think."

					Moody Blues

slerner@sesame.UUCP (Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner) (08/15/85)

[chomp! the line-eater hits!]
> 
> Concerning mini-vans in general, which one is the best?
> Any good / bad experiences?  So far, the Dodge Caravan /
> Plymouth Voyager looks about right, but I tend to shy away
> from American cars.  Any others on the horizon I should
> keep my eyes open for?
> 
> Wm Leler

My Volvo dealer tells me that they will be coming out with one
soon, but he has no real info.  [for whatever its worth]

BTW: These mini-vans are *not* covered by the useual vehical
safty regs, since they are classed as a multi-purpose vehicle.
This means that headrests, beams in the door, roof integrety in
rollover, etc etc are put in only if the maker wants to.  After
some flack in consumer reports about one model (forget which) not
having head-rests, I wonder how may will only put in those safety
features that are visible, while body/roof integrety will be left
out (after all, is costs more money to build it strong enough not
to fold up on you in an accident!)


-- 
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Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner

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