2012 & 2013 Van Reviews & Ratings

Van is a term used to describe automobiles that are identical to multipurpose vehicles but typical features include bus like front mounted engines and rear wheel drive. MPVs are sometimes somewhat identical looking to vans but they can have a projected bonnet in front to accommodate the engine but on a van, the same can't be usually found.

History Of Vans - Stout Scarab of 1930s

It's ironic that although not very popular in the United States, the first van was invented in the country and the design was quite outstanding. Stout Scarab, the first van according to most automobile historians, was conceptualized and created between the 1930s and 1940s by Stout Engineering Laboratories in Detroit, Michigan. The first van was not a people mover as most people presume but luxury was the primary target of its creators.

Stout Scarab came with fiberglass body and air suspension, the first in automobiles and with a price tag of $5,000 in the depression era; it was not a people carrier but was a symbol of luxury and elegance. The van was equipped with adjustable seats and a front mounted engine was under consideration but the final product came with a rear mounted one for better utilization of space.

The independent suspension system, adjustable seats, aerodynamic design inspired by aircrafts and tables made it an outstanding product although its design was regarded ugly back then.

From The 1950s

Scarab wasn't a tremendous success and the design, although considered as futuristic and wonder by today's automobile industry, was regarded as 'ugly' back then. Americans never tried coming up with new vans but the European market was amused by the idea of people carriers. However, the significant difference about most European vans is their target audience.

These vans were not focusing on luxury but affordability was a major factor. Volkswagen Type 2 and Fiat 600 Multipla are two good examples of European attempts on van manufacturing. It goes without saying that these vans were quite successful and Japanese manufacturers also, after watching the success of European makers, came up with many van models.

Somehow, the vans were not popular in the United States, the largest automobile market in the world at that point of time and it urged American manufacturers to come up with their own vans that might attract their countrymen. A good example is Ford Econosport, a successful van in the commercial market.

1980s SUVs and Vans

In the US, it was in the 1980s that SUV became a popular mode of family transport and vans became the second most popular mode of family transport ever since. However, many European countries and emerging markets like India and China embraced vans in this era. In the United States, it is estimated that over 500,000 vans are sold each year.

A van is known for its practicality and excellent visibility. With the great customization potential of the interior and better inner space, vans are ideal for long tours and family trips.