Congratulations, evolved man or woman. You have chosen to learn more about minivans.

With the recent introductions of new models and technologies, combined with the arrival of the summer road-trip season, we wanted to compare the four newest, best selling, and compelling minivans on the market. We chose two American nameplates and two imported nameplates, and then spent three days driving, evaluating, discussing, and ranking them to help you figure out which dealership sells the model that will best meet your needs.

Briefly, let’s review the minivans we selected for this comparison test:

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
With the addition of Dodge’s slick Stow-‘n-Go seating system for 2005, which folds all of the rear seats into the floor to maximize cargo capacity, the Grand Caravan is once again a contender for best minivan. Add impressive safety scores, appealing design, and relatively low prices, and the Dodge Grand Caravan was a must-have vehicle for this test. The 2005 Chrysler Town & Country is essentially identical.

We tested the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with the Premium Group package (triple-zone automatic climate control, rear sonar park assist, overhead storage bins and rail system, overhead console with trip computer and vehicle information system), a power liftgate, power adjustable pedals, an in-dash CD/DVD changer with rear entertainment screen, tire pressure warning system, and side curtain airbags. The sticker price of our test vehicle was $31,930 including the $680 destination charge.

2005 Honda Odyssey
Redesigned from the rubber to the roof for 2005, the Honda Odyssey has been the choice of consumers and critics for years thanks to stylish design, impressive safety scores, and the increasingly ubiquitous foldaway third-row seat. Now, it’s even better, with more power, more features, and more style.

We tested the top-of-the-line Touring model, but without the optional navigation and DVD entertainment systems. The sticker price of our test vehicle was $35,010 including the $515 destination charge.

2005 Pontiac Montana SV6
General Motors has overhauled its minivan lineup for 2005, and we selected the Pontiac version of its so-called “sport crossover vans” to test against the best. Among the significant changes is a larger front end that is designed both to improve crashworthiness and look more like an SUV to minimize the geek-factor. GM also sells this van as the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, and Saturn Relay.

We tested the front-wheel-drive model (all-wheel-drive is optional) with a Premium Convenience package (power sliding driver’s side door, rear park assist, driver information center, theft deterrent alarm, programmable garage door opener), and seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. Other options included Stabilitrak stability control, traction control, side-impact airbags, remote vehicle starting, 115-volt power outlet, first-aid kit, wireless headphones for the standard DVD entertainment system, brushed silver rooftop luggage rails, and an engine block heater. The sticker price of our test vehicle was $31,825 including the $715 destination charge.

2005 Toyota Sienna
All new for 2004, the Toyota Sienna trumped the old Honda Odyssey thanks to more modern design, a larger and more comfortable interior, and a new luxury trim level with lots of fancy doo-dads. Question is: With a new Honda Odyssey on the market and substantially revised domestic competitors arriving for 2005, can Toyota hang onto the Best Minivan crown?

We tested the priciest Sienna that Toyota has to offer; the XLE Limited with all-wheel-drive. Options on our minivan included the Limited Package #2 (rear DVD entertainment system, two 115-volt power outlets, navigation system with touch screen and back-up camera, JBL Symphony audio system with 10 speakers), carpeted floor mats, and a rear spoiler. The sticker price of our test vehicle was $42,296 including the $540 destination charge.