Faults:

The air conditionning failed in 1999. Minor inconvenience. Easily fixed.

General Comments:

This van is a great kid hauler in town and a terrific and versatile long distance cruiser. It has a great amount of torque allowing it to keep 90mph speed fully loaded (7 persons, plus luggage) in mountain passes, and has excellent gearing making it easy to pass at will.

It is surprisingly adept on dirt roads thanks to its great suspension and ground clearance, making it a great recreational vehicle. Equipped with good tires ("Michelin Agilis" for example) it can tackle snow with great confidence. I have never had to put on chains in 7 years of ski trips in the Cascades Mountains.

The seating configuration allows the entire family to load through the large sliding door, making it easy to tie down babies and then move to the front seats without going back out in the foul weather.

The easy to remove middle seats allow you to load an enormous amount of cargo, making the van almost as utilitarian as a pick-up truck to carry boxes, bags etc..

This van is not pretty to look at, but I have found it to be a most unique and smart vehicle that has no equivalent in North America. I plan on replacing it this year to make sure I can drive a newer one for the next 6 to 8 years.

Faults:

Sure glad I got the extended warrenty. Air conditioner compressor went out x 2 and several computer glitches have occurred.

Interior is literally crumbling away (the plastic around the doors, etc). Don't know why.

Interior fabric on the seats/carpeting has not held up.

Engine is great - no trouble at all.

General Comments:

Great performance on the highway.

Would buy another if the interior has improved any.