Minivan

Minivans were simultaneously and independently developed by two key carmakers, Chrysler and Renault. Minivans were specially targeted at the suburban markets. In 1984, the first few minivans came off the assembly line and changed suburban culture forever. Although minivans didn't have huge engines, they did offer safe front wheel drive.Minivan drivers enjoyed being able to reconfigure their back seats to accommodate children, groceries, construction cargo, and more. Many minivan manufacturers tried to buck the U.S. emission standards for small cars by classifying these vans as 'trucks.' Because the minivan was designed ad hoc as a kind of hybrid vehicle, owners often experienced trouble with the transaxles.Minivans lacked the style and grace of earlier station wagons and bigger passenger trucks. That being said, they offered numerous door configurations, customization options, and cargo holding options. They also enjoyed far superior fuel economy to their big station wagon competitors. Later market minivans employed six cylinder engines for more power. This innovation quickly became standard in the industry, and minivan models like the Sienna, Odyssey, and Town & Country became extremely popular.Starting in the late 1990s, minivan sales began to plummet thanks to the advent of the sports utility vehicle (SUV). Suburban families and construction workers alike could transport cargo in style with SUVs. Despite problems like rollover, fuel inefficiencies, and cumbersome size, these trucks easily seduced minivan owners. Of course, loyalists remain to this day, and Chrysler and other manufacturers still market minivans and minivan hybrids.