Ask most people what it is these days small truck looks like that and they could probably provide an accurate description, but in the early days of small truck things are not so clear. The original designs of many automakers varied widely, with some small truck use truck chassis and one rear-wheel drive configuration. It didn’t take automakers long to reach a consensus on the most efficient and effective minivan designs, with most early truck-based minivans lasting only a century. system before being completely overhauled to become more car-like. This Motorweek Retro Review not a new one, but it popped up on my recommended page and I can’t help but wince as I watch these trucks drop and barrel through the slalom.
Toyota It took a few generations to sort out its minivans. The first Toyota van sold in the United States was named the Toyota Van, and it featured unique styling combined with the now-unique mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout. Watching the Van go down the ramp is scary, but changing lanes at high speed seems very dangerous. Its tiny 88-inch wheelbase is nearly 10 inches shorter than the modern Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. The small wheelbase combined with the van’s high ride height ensures a trip over a cone or around a corner at any speed is a treacherous one.
by Chevrolet The then-new Astro was a truck-based rear-wheel-drive truck that had more traditional American full-size truck styling than the other trucks in this test. Its engine configuration required the removal of interior panels to perform some maintenance tasks, and its truck platform affected interior versatility. The Ford Aerostar had a strange unibody structure placed on a traditional frame, allowing it to tow heavy loads, but soon after Ford introduced the unibody Windstar, the Aerostar fell out of favor with consumers.
The Plymouth The Voyager was the only front-wheel-drive minivan in this comparison test, and it introduced and popularized the now-standard minivan formula. Its FWD, front-engine configuration maximizes interior performance and versatility, and its unibody construction allows it to handle like a normal car. When comparing other manufacturers’ minivans to the Voyager, it’s clear to see why Plymouth’s design became the standard for all others to follow.
Seeing these used car reviews always reminds me how spoiled we as modern consumers are. The Toyota Van takes more than 18 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and now the Toyota Sienna hybrid can reach the same milestone 10 seconds faster. The Honda’s motobike The Odyssey can even hit 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, while SUV family haulers like the Tesla Model X and Dodge Durango SRT can hit the same speed in about 3 seconds. Modern family cars are light years better than they used to be and buyers are absolutely spoiled for choice.
