Honda Car Forum

I would think that you would need at least 6 cyl.anyone have any experience with this, I don't want to buy a 4 cyl and then wish I had the 6 cyl

Very few minivans have 4 cylinders anymore. The only one I can think of is the basic Chrysler and Dodge minivans. A V6 is necessary. Most new minivans have very powerful V6 engines. The 2007 Toyota Sienna has a 3.5 liter V6 that makes 260 hp. Even if you live in a pretty flat area, if you will be loading up your van, you need the extra power.Unless you are talking about a very small minivan (like the Mazda 5) then a V6 is necessary.

Depends more on engine Size, not number of cylinders.2.2 liter, 3.0 liter etc.How many horse power, what kind of torque it develops.

if you live where the land is flat and don't plan on having a big load a 4cyl is ok but not big enought. get a 6cyl. or bigger. [ and don't forget about resale you might not be able to sell it when the time comes ]

4 cylinders is adequate, and will save you money since it will cost less gas to run.6 cylinders is better but again, you will spend an arm and a leg each month for fuel cost.What I use to make my decision was this.1. Will the darn van's engine make it up through the mountain on a full load of passengers or do I have to push it when it sputters halfway.2. Is it an all wheel drive. Then it will be useful during winter.Ultimately you will decide on looks (pretty nice looking vs pretty ugly), handling, features, and price.

Fuel costs? If you have an underpowered 4 banger and have to constantly be flooring it, you will not get that great of gas mileage. Not only that, but the four cylinder will give up the ghost a lot sooner than the six due to all the constant strain put on it. Anything over a compact should have at least five cylinders.

yes you def need a 6 , especialy if its loaded with alot of people. you may get by with a 4 with just a driver, but that would defeat the purpose of a minivan wouldnt it?

NO absolutely not. you need a big healthy V6

Do not buy a 4 cylinder minivan. Don't even think about it. I used to have a 2000 Toyota Sienna with a V6 and sometimes IT didn't have enough power. And that's a V6. Whatever you do do not buy an I4. The V6 will get the job done most of the time unless you want to race or climb mountains with a full load.

No, since minivans are heavy, it is hard for them to accelerate with 4-cyl engines.