Thanks to the popularity of the body style, there's no shortage of used vans or used mini vans available on the market. If you haven't decided between a new or a used Toyota Sienna, or another brand of van, some additional information may help you in making your selection.

History of Vans

The first vans appeared in the 1950s when Volkswagen launched its Type 2. It was so popular that all major automotive manufacturers in the U.S. copied the VW "bus" and manufactured their own version. These models included the Ford Econoline, the Dodge A100 and the Chevrolet Corvan. During the 1960s and the 1970s the models evolved with new interior and exterior designs and more efficient engines.

In the early 1980s the market was revolutionized with the minivan, a smaller version of the traditional van. The minivan was received enthusiastically by the public since it was a better option for traveling with the family. The precursor to this revolution was the Dodge Caravan, made by Chrysler, which is still under production.

How Can A Van Be Useful For A Family?

The practical aspect of a van is its size. Although the average American family is composed of 3.14 members according to the last census, that doesn't mean that there aren't larger family units in need of more room than that offered by the traditional sedan.

In addition to their appeal to traveling families, vans are also well suited for use by people with disabilities. In the U.S., there are more than 50 million people with some level of disability. Many cannot drive conventional cars, but vans can be adapted to carry wheelchairs and, if outfitted with hand controls, can be operated by a wheel-chair bound individual without the assistance of a caregiver.

Top-Selling Used Vans

Each of the following models is considered to be a top-rated van.

Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey appeared in 1995 and continues to be produced today. Although the first generation of this minivan did not perform well, the Odyssey became one of the best selling minivans in America in 2004 and 2005 and remains a popular choice in this genre of automobile.

Toyota Sienna

In 1998, the Toyota Sienna was launched as a replacement for the Toyota Previa. The first generation was well received due to its fuel efficiency and safety. The second generation appeared in 2004 and continues to be one of the top-selling used vans.

Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Caravan and the Dodge Grand Caravan were introduced in the 1980s and are considered the first modern minivans. They were ranked among the best cars of 1985 by Car & Driver magazine and are still the best-selling minivans in the US. During the 1990's they implemented a series of security measures like integrated child seats, anti-lock brakes and airbags.

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