Inexpensive Family Hauler for growing family

The Toyota Sienna will likely be a a lot more reliable and long-lasting than the Odyssey, but the Odyssey is a decent choice. If you could find a 2nd gen Sienna 2008-2010, that is the one I would get because they drive really smoothly and quietly. Basically drives like an old Lexus. The Odyssey usually is the van that has more steering feel and is a little more fun, if you can say that about a minivan. They have more road noise.

As a long time owner of the Chrysler Town & Country / Dodge Grand Caravan I have to recommend these for price, durability, and maintenance costs. They are not nearly as reliable as the Sienna or the Odyssey but they are known quantities, and they are way less expensive. They don't drive as smooth as the new Chrysler Pacificas but once they are on the open road they are great vehicles.

It is super easy to find a mechanic who knows these vehicles and the repair costs are reasonable. Yes they need brakes every 2 years, and have occasional (minor) engine issues, but you can get into a leather version for many thousands less than their Japanese counterparts. Replacement parts are cheap, and they can definitely go for 200K miles.

In my opinion you cant beat the stow-n-go seats for ease of reconfiguring the cabin. We would drop one of the seats for big roadtrips and could really stretch out in back.