80s & 90s minivans weren’t exactly stylish — but they were SUPER practical
They weren’t in any way a sexy option (unless functionality lights your fire, in which case… you go!), but still, this revolution in soccer mom transportation marked the decline of station wagons (also not hot) as the preferred mode of transportation for families.
With their extra-spacious interiors, enhanced storage options, and better fuel efficiency, 80s & 90s minivans were a versatile and practical alternative to station wagons. Unlike station wagons, this new minivan concept could comfortably seat seven or more passengers, and the seating arrangements could be easily reconfigured to accommodate different needs.
As an additional bonus (and it was a pretty big deal — especially as compulsory infant car seat laws came onto the scene), sliding doors were a unique new feature that made it easier for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle, especially in tight spaces.
The old 80s and 90s minivans had a low profile, compact design and an increasingly tighter turn radius — all of which made it easier to maneuver in crowded areas and a significant advantage over the boxy station wagons and full-size vans of the time.
Minivans also addressed the issue of limited storage space, a common complaint with station wagons. Minivans offered ample storage space, including overhead compartments, under-floor compartments, shopping bag hooks and even built-in vacuum cleaners, all of which were seen as innovative features back then.
Here’s a sampling of magazine advertisements featuring what you’d expect to see in the 80s and 90s American-made minivan market!
Look back at 80s minivans
Dodge-Plymouth Vista minivan: Seated 7 (1984)
It’s a whole new idea in wagons — the looks of a van, the maneuverability and mileage of a front-drive economy sedan, the load-carrying smarts of a station wagon, plus a lot of surprises in an eye-stopper called Vista.
The fun begins with the seats. They incline, recline, lean, split, slide and flip-flop in a seemingly endless variation to handle incredible combinations of people and things.
You get in and out through huge front and rear doors. You load cargo through a high-swinging hatch. And everywhere you look, you’re looking out of a window — a big window.
Ford Aerostar mini-van… the new shape of versatilty (1986)
The all-new Ford Aerostar has the most aerodynamic design of all the mini-vans. It does so many things so well — and looks good doing them.
The Age of Aerostar. It’s a new age of versatility. From aerodynamic shape to built-in storage bins, Aerostar is designed to give maximum flexibility to your lifestyle. It’s the wagon for all reasons, all seasons! Aerostar is fun to drive, easy to maneuver, a pleasure to park. It fits in virtually any garage. And its new technology offers features most mini-vans simply don’t have.
America’s most aerodynamic mini-van. Aerostar’s shape does more for you than look good. The unique wedge design gives it unmatched aerodynamics. These aerodynamics minimize interior wind noise and also contribute to better handling on the road.
The driver’s mini-van. The Aerostar driver has a commanding view of the road ahead-and rides surrounded by luxury and comfort Depending on model and options, you can have: Captains Chairs with power lumbar support. A sun roof. Leather-wrapped sports wheel. An electronic instrument panel that reports information from engine rpm to a door ajar.
DON’T MISS: See the old VW bus: The vintage 1960s & 1970s Volkswagen van
The passengers’ mini-van. In addition to luxurious room, rear riders enjoy the open feel and ventilation of sliding side windows. Optional stereo systems include rear
controls — plus plug-in jacks for headphone listening. Aircraft-type heater/air option has rear ducting for all-passenger comfort that most mini-vans lack.
The ride of quality. Aerostar’s luxury-car wheelbase, the longest of any mini-van, contributes to a smooth ride. Yet its overall length of 175″ is shorter than other mini-vans for tighter turning ratios, convenient parking and garageability. Aerostar is built to Ford high quality standards, and is designed to fit into your versatile lifestyle… beautifully.
Dodge Caravan: The “funnest” 80s minivan from 1986
Seats in, room aplenty for progeny and peers. Seats out, 125 cubic feet’s worth of wide open space.
Stuff it to the gills with dirt bikes, surfboards, skates and skateboards, trinkets and toys, beach blankets and bingo… you’re armed for a day at the most pacific of oceans.
Caravan’s front-wheel drive ready for a wilderness campaign. Suburban excursion. Or urban safari. It’s user-friendly, super roomy and sedan comfy, just for you. The one and only Caravan, by Dodge. It’s the funnest.
Nobody does it better… the 1988 Ford Aerostar
America’s best-selling mini-van
Your first look tells you Aerostar is a superbly versatile mini-van, with a style all its own. Its design is sleek, modern, aerodynamic. The wind works for it, not against it. With luxurious touches throughout and its special options, Ford Aerostar is America’s best-selling minivan.
New Eddie Bauer style
This year there’s a sporty Eddie Bauer model with dual front Captain’s Chairs, special two-tone paint, unique interior appointments, and more. It’s Aerostar with the good looks of the great outdoors!
MORE: Check out these classic 1970s Ford Gran Torino station wagons with wood paneling
Designed to move you
But Aerostar’s success isn’t based only on distinctive looks. Its standard 3.0L V-6 has multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection for easier starting and smooth running. It delivers a spirited 145 horsepower. That’s greater than any Chrysler mini-van. And it’s powerful enough to tow an impressive 4900 lbs.
Living room
Aerostar’s advanced styling gives you loads of useable space. It comfortably seats up to 7 people. Or remove both rear seats, and create 139 ct ft of cargo space. You can even convert Aerostar into a sleeper with the folding seat-bed option. All this in a mini-van that’s a breeze to handle and park, practically anywhere, even inside your garage.
6-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
Covers major powertrain components for 6 years/60,000 miles. Restrictions and deductible apply. Also, participating dealers back their customer-paid work with a free Lifetime Service Guarantee, good for as long as you own your vehicle. Ask to see these limited warranties when you visit your Ford Dealer.
Ford. Best-built American trucks… seven years running
Based on an average of owner-reported problems in a series of surveys of ’81-’87 models designed and built in North America. At Ford, “Quality is Job 1.”
Plymouth Voyager minivan (1988)
VOYAGER: STILL THE ONLY MINIVANS WITH FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE EASY STEP-UP, CAR-LIKE HANDLING AND COMFORT
The Pride’s Inside Plymouth Voyager. That’s why they offer more choices, more value and more protection than any other minivan. Pride gives Voyager excellent fuel economy: 28 EPA est. highway MPG, 21 EPA est. city MPG.
And it gives Grand Voyager 150 cubic feet of carrying space. Pride built Voyager with long-term quality It has the highest customer satisfaction of any minivan, domestic or import: And pride protects you. Only the Plymouth Voyager Series is backed by a 7-year or 70,000-mile Protection Plan. Examine every dimension of Plymouth Voyager and you’ll see why The Pride’s 7/70 Inside.
Chrysler Town and Country – “First luxury minivan” (1989)
It stands to reason that the creators of the first minivan should take the next evolutionary step: the first true luxury minivan.
And it is an impressive step. Seats with an abundance of soft gathered leather. Air conditioning, front and rear. Overhead console with compass and outside temperature readout. Infinity II Sound System. And more. All standard, of course.
MORE: See old Ford Club Wagons from the 60s through the 90s
Dodge Caravan – Vintage minivans from 1989
See some 90s minivans
1991 Chevy Lumina APV minivan
Pontiac Trans Sport minivans (1991)
1990s Mercury Villager minivan (July 1993)
“I’ve got a seriously busy life. I have to make lists or I’ll forget things, like — the kids. Thank heaven for my new Mercury Villager minivan. Villager’s got just the space I need — to take the boys and all their football stuff to practice. And to pick up Genny and her girlfriends from ‘Mini-Jazz Dance.’ And then there’s Rufus the hairiest dog in America. Oh, and last but not least my husband Bill.
“But hey, my Villager is flexible when my schedule isn’t and I can rearrange the seats for almost anything. I can even fold the seats down for a handy tray table feature. Only the Villager could help me handle my busy load and still reward me with a totally comfortable, carlike, quiet ride.
“And since Villager’s the only minivan that meets all passenger car safety requirements and has standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, I feel more comfortable about my family’s safety. So. what’s next on my list? Dinner and a movie… that’s short for burgers on tray tables at the drive-in.”
DON’T MISS: See 24 old car bench seats so comfy, sitting on one felt like you were driving a sofa
Pontiac Trans Sport minivan features (1993)
Vintage 1993 Chrysler Mini-Van mini-seats built-in carseat
Because Chrysler Corporation is The Minivan Company, it should come as no surprise that they offered the world’s first available integrated child seats.
Designed for little ones ages 1-year-old and up, these two seats are easily accessible and have five-point harnesses that are simple to adjust. And when they aren’t in use, they conveniently disappear into a bench seat that comfortably accommodates two adults. Whether you choose a Dodge Caravan or Plymouth Voyager they’re perfect for families.
Chevy Lumina minivan (1995)
Chrysler Town & Country minivan (1995)
Ford Windstar minivans (1995)
FOR A BRIEF MOMENT, WE’D LIKE TO LET FORD WINDSTAR REST ON ITS LAURELS.
“There’s no denying that the Ford Windstar is a spectacular highway cruiser.” – AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE
“The Ford Windstar is the quietest minivan currently rolling.” – DETROIT FREE PRESS
“Windstar may be as close to perfect as any family truckster in production.” – AUTOWEEK
“The Windstar can’t be beat in style, refinement, and quietness.” – NEW YORK TIMES
“With standard ABS, the Windstar is our star stopper.” – ROAD AND TRACK
OKAY, TIME’S UP. NEW FOR 1995. NEW QUAD LEATHER SEATING SURFACES NEW FOLD-DOWN SEAT/BED NEW LOAD-LEVELING AIR SUSPENSION while the experts are busy giving us high praise, we’re busy raising the standard even higher, offering new features for ’95. Further proof that the future belongs to Windstar.
The 1996 Dodge Caravan: Just as original as the original
The New Dodge Caravan: We thought of everything (1996)
34 more cubic feet of nooks, niches, cubbyholes, crannies, conveniences, comforts, cupholders and cargo room.
Where’s all the extra space? Everywhere. It’s the sum total of conversations with some of our 2 million owners about the things they wanted in the new Caravan, and where they wanted them.
MORE: See some huge classic 50s station wagons, with fins & rear-facing back seats
Sound-deadening technology like expandable baffling helps make this the quietest Caravan ever. Room for luggage, room for everything. With our unique Easy Out Roller Seats, removing the two benches is a snap.
Adjustable turning loops make seat belts comfortable for just about everybody. The new Caravan even offers a 12-volt outlet near the rear hatch to plug things into.
You’ll find up to 14 cupholders within each reach. The two in the center console are ingeniously adjustable to hold 20 different sizes. Even Big Gulps, juice boxes, and your favorite cup from home.
The new Grand Caravan offers air conditioning units for the front and rear passengers — powerful enough to cool a 1,500 square foot house.
Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere minivan (ad from 1999)
Some trips are just more magical… Test drive any new Oldsmobile Silhouette and get a $25 blockbuster gift card free.
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