You know, I looked through this issue of CR and noticed the ratings of the mercedes. I noticed a number of them on the used car - do not buy list. I also checked on the current vehicles that my wife and I drive.

We have been receiving consumers for about 5 years now, it is a perpetual Christmas present from my in-laws. The point I would like to make, is this: you have to take the ratings with a grain of salt, along with my opinions. I saw that the 98 K1500 chevy I previously owned had some categories marked down that could be explained by my experience. My truck went to the dealer twice for warranty work. The first time was after just a few days, because the alignment was off. First new vehicle I have ever seen needing an alignment from the factory. The second time was for a popping noise in the steering when the outside temperature was cold. The noise was not reproduced by the dealer, I deducted that the noise was probably caused by contraction of the plastic around the steering column.

Where is all this going? Though these were warranty issues, neither issue was a big deal. In the consumer report poll I sent in though, they became a big deal. The issues show up as blemishes against the model and lower the ratings. From my experience with the 98, which I had for 2 years, and my 2000 Silverado that I have now had for two years, I could not be more pleased. These are simply the best vehicles I have owned. Though the 98 did not go out of warranty and the 2000 has another year on the warranty, the problems I experieced have been negligible and acceptable.

On the other hand, my wife and I accepted a 97 Saturn on December 24, 1996. We had ordered it. Of all the vehicles I have owned, it ranks up there as one of my least favorites. Yet it has some of the best ratings. It had at least one recall. It came with a scratched rearview mirror. The engine was too loud. The engine had no balls, though it was the higher output engine. The little clothes hanger that is attached to the rear grab bar, broke without being used. I just noticed it was broken one day. I disliked that car.

Off my point, but somewhat relevant to the subject. If you are looking for a minivan, check out the Mazda MPV. Three things make it stand out above the others: A rear seat that folds into the rear floor board (extremely convenient, Honda has it too); Mid windows that row down (No other vans like it); The price compared to Chrysler, Chevy, etc. The downside, mediocre gas mileage and it is under-powered. One is probably the affected by the other though. The good news is the release of the 200 hp engine. I believe it will do better in comparisons now. It has been a great van so far. My wife likes driving it because the overall dimensions are smaller than say a grand voyageur, but the roominess inside is very similar due to the deep well of the cargo area.

So why didn't mercedes ever make a minivan. They missed the boat there...

Steve