Across the globe the term Most Reliable Vans has its own unique definition according to each geographical perception and requirement. In US soil Ford E has been the most popular full-sized van for 28 years. The 15 passengers plus hauler featuring class leading towing capacity at GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of up to approx. 10 tonnes (20,000 pounds) has lead the market reaching its height at 79% back in 2007.
As from mid 2009 there are only two models available on van category, Ford USA is sourcing another popular European van to complement the E series. The European Van of the Year 2004, Ford Transit Connect shares the basic C170 platform of older Focus powered by merely 136hp 2L engine with approx. the 4.5 cubic metres (135 cubic feet) hauling capacity.
What will be missing in US though are the Duratorq turbodiesel motors as well as the souped up version of 212hp Connect X-Press sharing Focus RS power plant. Ford Europe has earned the Most Reliable Manufacturer due to both Transit (13 cubic metres) and Transit Connect reputations for their low running costs, durability and reliability out of more than 100,000 fleet vehicles in UK.
Also missing in US market is Nissan Primastar that is also sold as the Renault Trafic (10 cubic metres) and the GM’s Vauxhall/ Opel Vivaro (European Van of the Year 2006). All of these vans above are mostly utilized for commercial purposes with some notable uses for RV conversions, yet for comfortable passengers hauling with sedan like driving people prefers more streamlined appearance instead of boxy styling van that the 4x4 Mercedes G Wagen has adamantly adopted for the last three decades.
There are two models consistently appeared as the top selling MPV as well as having many awards from either automotive magazine, JD Power or Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted awards years after year; Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Both have won numerous spots on Car and Driver's Five Best trucks for the past years, where as the Odyssey is holding the top-rank minivan in the US sales charts.
Crossing the Atlantic into Asia the auto market segment is partially dominated by 'forward control' Mini MPVs (under 4.1 m /160 in long). Certain Japanese regions allow for exempted parking spaces and tax privileges on Micro van or kei car, one of top selling Kei Car is Suzuki Wagon R. The tall Wagon has been designed as to be extraordinary tall to optimize its constrained cabin space with a short bonnet and almost vertical rear end mimicking the boxy shape of earlier Ford E or VW Microbus.
This type of Mini MPV offers excellent driveability on those narrow streets with high commanding visibility, though not particularly happy on highways its fuel consumption is relatively thrifty. On the other hand in some South East Asia market like Indonesia the preference for tall MPV is a prerequisite for flood avoidance driving style, the recent storms in Japan and Philippine are good cases. Beginning from this October to the remaining of the year is the wettest season of all. Is yours reliable as well as suitable for your own daily drive?
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