The big three of minivans: The Dodge Caravan and it’s offshoots, the Ford Aerostar, and the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari. Which one did you get stuck riding around in? By sheer mercy, I didn’t…but everybody else’s parents had one. Chrysler minivans were everywhere and Aerostars slathered in Eddie Bauer trim were almost as omnipresent as Explorers were. The Astro and Safari were viewed as old-school and too trucklike for most families that I knew. And for yours truly, that’s probably why I like them the best. You got all the benefits of a Chevy Blazer, but in the form of a rolling loaf of bread that didn’t look too yuppie or too wagon-like. But let’s be clear: stock, an Astro isn’t much to crow about. GM did not go out of their way to tart up the M-van whatsoever, so there is room to grow. Since the van ceased production in 2005, there is no reason why anyone should be scared to modify one to suit their needs. We’ve seen V8 swaps and some lowriders done up, but what about a useful, mildly lifted unit that does daily duty? Consider this some food for thought if you’re contemplating the need of a people-mover in your driveway.
