It's hardly a secret that GM's front drive minivans--Chevrolet Lumina APV, OldsmobileSilhouette and Pontiac Trans Sport--have been a major disappointment to their
manufacturer. Designed to challenge Chrysler's minivan supremacy with their radical
styling, the trio languished as Chrysler and Ford gobbled up the lion's share of the
market.
Instead of accolades, the daring new shapes drew criticism and an unfortunate
nickname--the Dustbusters.
Although GM gave the trio nose jobs, powertrain upgrades and a power-operated sliding
side door along the way, the trio never recovered from the early impressions.
An all-new set of replacements is just around the corner. Due this fall, the new Chevy
Venture, Silhouette and Trans Sport will feature styling that's closer to the minivan
mainstream, as well as a sliding driver-side rear door option, a la Chrysler.