Auto News 5

Do you have your original copy of Automobile Magazine's first (April 1986) issue on hand? Good. Take a look at the cover. No, no, the back cover. That's right: a Chrysler minivan. It was also included in our first list of All-Stars, made our "20 greatest cars" list, and has maintained a regular presence in our Four Seasons fleet. It's safe to say, then, that our staffers - especially those who have been around for a while - have a soft spot for what may very well be Chrysler's greatest contribution to the auto industry. But some ten months into our latest go-around, this time with a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, we're starting to feel the design's age.

My experience with the Sedona was rather limited - just an early morning drive from the airport during which I was more concerned with getting feeling back in my fingers than vehicle dynamics (it was -20 degrees with the wind chill). Still, I was pleasantly surprised when I got in the front seat and saw a modern, nicely turned dash staring back at me. It's a definite step up from what's in our Town & Country, which costs about $10,000 more, and it makes the whole minivan experience a bit less depressing. Just as with the Chrysler van, I was incredibly surprised by the Kia's acceleration. Having spent more time behind the wheel of large SUVs, it's something of a novelty to step on the gas of a big boat and feel it lurch forward with such energy.