For the later-model vans, what do you think is the better engine option? Diesel or gas? As far as the full-size trucks go, diesels have nearly taken over on the 3/4 and 1-ton trucks. Do you see the same thing happening with vans, or are the gas engines still more popular?  

Personally, I would stay with gas.  

Up until recently, I'd totally agree with you. The 6.2 and 6.5 diesels in the GMs were pretty weak. Same with the N.A. Ford diesels. But with the Duramax available in the GMs now (even though it is de-tuned a little) and the Power Stroke in the Ford (although the 6.0 has had some issues) I think it's more of a compelling option than it used to be.  

Diesel all the way! 8000 lb. vehicle shaped like a brick, 20 plus MPG highway, 15-16 MPG towing 6000 lbs. No brainer.  Plus with a slight modification you can burn used cooking oil (usually free).  

Yeah, I'll have to look it up, but Truckin' built up an E-350 with the 6.0 Power Stroke, and they got it up to over 600 lb./ft. Bob Ryder said it got something like 25 or 26 on the freeway. Pretty impressive.  

Yup, It was about 2 years ago. Sweet van, they should made it a 4x4 tho    

Yeah, I've seen some of those "Sportmobile" 4x4 conversions. Those are pretty cool. I think Quigley does a nice job, too. Is yours a 4x4?  

This may just be me, but I love to styling on older vans from the seventies, be it Ford or GM. I also like the styling of VW vans, any of the rear engined air cooled ones. The latest full size just always makes me feel like I might be going with fifteen people to a church picnic. If retro design works in every single other niche in the market, why not with vans?

I think auto makers are really missing a trick by not making their vans really aspirational, emotional purchases a la the Mustang or Mini. Who else here thinks VW should have brought back the Microbus? That was a great design a few years back but they chickened out. Ford, for one, has an amazing design team on its staff right now. Not that you would know it by some of the cars they sell, but these guys have good track records at other companies. Just imagine a new, slightly retro yet totally functional Ford or Chevy full size van. And to answer the question, these vans would have to have diesels. Ford, Chevy and VW all have great diesel engine options....Just a dream.  

One of the coolest, weirdest vans out there was the Corvair Greenbrier. THAT'S what Chevy should bring back. But it'll never happen. Even if you updated it with a water-cooled engine, modern safety features, etc.

Yeah, the new vans are kind of bland. Nissan tried to get all funky with the Quest, but that thing bombed in sales. What will it take to add back some character to full-size vans?  

esanchez:
Yeah, I've seen some of those "Sportmobile" 4x4 conversions. Those are pretty cool. I think Quigley does a nice job, too. Is yours a 4x4?

Yes it is. Hopefully to get a modified "Kelderman" air suspension lift this winter with a set of 33's. If time and $ allow.  

Balboa, you are totaly right, but the auto makers look at the *** statistics too much. They look at the market and say, Na! not enough money to be made with that idea.  

esanchez:
One of the coolest, weirdest vans out there was the Corvair Greenbrier. THAT'S what Chevy should bring back. But it'll never happen. Even if you updated it with a water-cooled engine, modern safety features, etc.

Yeah, the new vans are kind of bland. Nissan tried to get all funky with the Quest, but that thing bombed in sales. What will it take to add back some character to full-size vans?

I believe safety factors are one of the biggest downfalls to an new "Retro" looking van. The nose of the Ford and GM vans had to be extended in the recent past to make them safer in a crash test.

No use having a cool vehicle if you risk your life in it every time you drive it.

Character in full-size vans...  You have to make it yourself. Check out the eVANts coverage over at www.showtrux.com

Auto makers still believe the only people buying vans are contractors, and most of them don't care what their van looks like.  

back in thelate 70's early 80's when vanning and van sales were at its peak.The cars out there were just ugly,they killered the Chevelle and the Novas lookes to make them safer....Yea right.... Ford bloated the Mustang and took away its performance amd Mopars answer was the Cordoba and the K car.........

Some of the best looking vans ever made were made during that time period.Not only did they look good they were affordable to the general public.If you had a GOOD sales man you could speacial order a very nicely equiped van with out an outrageous price tag.........

Now they are making vans ugly and cars good looking.

............Wookee  

Wookee, do you think there are any halfway decent-looking vans on the market right now, in your opinion?  

I think the fords are the best looking new vans out there right now and that sucks because I am a Chevy guy.The new Chevys just look top heavy to me and the Sprinters are just flat out FUGLY.

The new Chevys do look nice with the big wheel/ tire look that is the "hot lick" right now........




............Wookee