Americans bought more than 1 million minivans annually from 1993-2005, and most of those were made by Chrysler. The first to roll off the assembly line in Windsor on Oct. 8, 1983, a blue Plymouth Voyager with wood trim, started the revolution.
The "people mover" is credited with saving then-Chrysler Corp. from the edge of bankruptcy, and it could play a savior role again.
An August market analysis by Kelley Blue Book found used cars continue to depreciate, but minivans appreciated by almost 5 percent -- the highest of any sector.
With no new minivans expected this year, "minivan values should remain strong for the foreseeable future," Flores said.
Also, people are still shopping for minivans, said James Bell, KBB market analyst in Irvine, Calif., and they see only three credible choices: a Chrysler, Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.
Chrysler made the top-selling minivan until last year, when the Odyssey took the top spot. But Chrysler's total minivan sales remain highest.
Chrysler has always been aggressive in improving its minivans to maintain that dominance, said spokesman Rick Deneau.
Notable innovations include Stow 'n Go seats and, more recently, swivel seats.
*Thanks to the Detroit News!
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