Practical and solid value doesn't always equal sales. Just ask the handful of remaining minivan makers, who continue to pump out some of the best ways to move a lot of people and all of their stuff. But while the field is reduced to the Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler's Pacifica and Voyager twins, those few who stick around might be finding that their patience has paid off. Sales, it seems, are starting to make a recovery.
The Kia Carnival, which was heavily refreshed last year and gained a hybrid model, has seen its sales soar. Last month was the best April ever for the model, up 79 percent. Sales for the year are up 67 percent. At Honda, the Odyssey is up 32 percent for its best April sales in nine years. Full-year sales are up 28.6 percent. At Toyota, Sienna sales climbed 73.5 percent in April and are up 46.6 percent for the year so far. That puts the Sienna ahead of the Highlander last month.
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