Minivans: Toyota Sienna

Toyota wins the category no one admits to owning with the 2.7-litre, four-cylinder version of its people-hauler with a 10.4/7.5 city/highway rating, with a year's worth of fuel estimated at $1,911. Available only in the base ($28,000), seven-passenger version, the 187-hp four is great for light-duty work but might strain if loaded to the gunnels. It gives up almost 80 horsepower to the optional 3.5-litre V6, which is rated at a still-frugal 11.5/8.1.

I'd also put the Honda Odyssey, starting at around $30,000 and featuring a 248-hp V6 and with fuel economy of 11.7/7.2, on my short list. The revamped Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town and Country, which even in the $21,000 base models offers the killer 283-hp V6 and six-speed autobox providing 12.2/7.9 fuel economy, is also worth a look.