A bit of a departure this week: minivans. Not exactly at the top of people’s bucket lists, for many they signal an end to driving pleasure and an acknowledgment that tasks such as carrying groceries, taking the kids to hockey practice, and schlepping home supplies around take precedence over random drives in the country with the top down and tearing it up through the corners. You don’t buy a minivan because you want one; you buy it because that’s what you need.

Oh yeah? Today’s breed of these people-movers can be fast, comfortable, powerful, and sometimes more than competent when it comes to handling and braking. Not in the same league as a sports car, agreed, but they can make excellent long-distance tourers, with above-average highway road manners and a comfort level—depending on the trim level—that can rival that of an upscale sedan. Plus, they’re affordable.

Here are three used ones worth looking at.

2005 Honda Odyssey

Pros

• With 255 horsepower on tap, the 3.5-litre V-6 propelling this generation of the Odyssey is arguably the smoothest, most refined and predictable on the market. It also featured an optional variable-cylinder-management system on some models, making it the most fuel-efficient minivan for this year: 12.3 and 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
• An interior storage volume of 4,173 litres gave it one of the roomiest interiors in this segment.
• Stability control became standard equipment. This aids considerably when it comes to ensuring the vehicle stays planted and doesn’t skid out of control. Important when carrying loads/people.
• Above-average highway manners, with surprisingly good handling/braking.
• Thoughtful interior amenities such as a “lazy Susan” storage compartment under the rear floor.
• A high drivability factor.
• Third-row seats that fold easily into the floor.

Cons

• Comparatively high residual value. Good news if you’re a seller, not so good if you’re a buyer. 
• Finicky rear hatchback struts and problematic power side doors. This latter issue is common with all minivans but particularly acute with the Odyssey. The higher the mileage, the worse it gets.
• Premature brake wear and transmission issues are two common complaints.
• Centre-row seats that must be manually removed to open up the inside for storage. They’re heavy and awkward.
• Occasional overheating issues.
• Expect to pay $8,500 to $14,000. 

2008 Kia Sedona

Pros

• Good value for money. Despite being three years newer than the aforementioned Odyssey, it’s actually cheaper and features essentially the same amenities and comfort level.
• Above-average front seats with built-in armrests—comfortable over the long haul.
• Storage nooks and crannies galore, including two glove boxes and a nifty foldaway centre storage tray.
• Optional power-adjustable pedals.
• Unusually low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). This is one of the quieter minivans on the market, with minimal highway/wind noise.

Cons

• Inordinate number of electrical and drive-train glitches. Consumer Reports, for example, gives it one of its worst possible used-car predictions. 
• Again with the wonky power side doors, especially if you use the keyless remote. Advice: buy one with manual side doors.
• Still a little on the thirsty side: 13.2 and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres. 
• Centre-row seats come out easily but are heavy. 
• No telescoping steering.
• Relatively poor resale value: this one dropped precipitously in value almost from the day it was introduced.
• Expect to pay $6,000 to $11,000. 

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Pros

• A newish 283-horsepower, 3.6-litre V-6 engine; a six-speed automatic transmission; and revised suspension finally enabled it to keep up with its rivals.
• Slick “stow and go” centre seats that disappear into the floor are a huge plus. Opening up the interior for big loads was never easier.
• Good value for money.
• A shift lever that’s been relocated to the centre dash is more user-friendly than the previous steering-column arrangement.
• Comparatively better fuel economy: 12.2 and 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres.
• More interior cargo capacity than before—4,071 litres—and you can get a tradesman’s version.

Cons

• Questions about Chrysler reliability linger. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for example, has over 40 complaints officially registered against this vintage of the Grand Caravan, and Consumer Reports gives it its lowest used-car prediction—all this barely three years into its run.
• Transmission problems continue to plague this model.
• Predictably poor resale value. With an under-$20,000 base price when new, three-year-old models lose their appeal, especially if they’re getting close to the end of their warranty.
• Still less cargo capacity than the Odyssey.
• Expect to pay $15,000 to $22,500.