Over the last few years, car manufacturers have begun concentrating on developing smaller sedans and have started producing fewer family-sized vehicles, meaning there are smaller quantities of new minivan models to choose from today than in the past. For consumers in the market for a used minivan in New Jersey, you are in luck. Many industry experts feel that the most popular vehicles of the genre were produced in 2006 and 2007.

The folks at MSN Autos have recently put together a list of the most sought after minivans on the road today. Topping that list are the 2006 Honda Odyssey, the 2007 Toyota Sienna and the 2007 Nissan Quest.

The ’06 Honda Odyssey, ranked the most popular minivan by the news source, was named Consumer Guide’s 2006 Best Buy, Money Magazine’s 2006 Best Minivan and Kelley Blue Book’s 2006 Best Resale Value.

The Odyssey has a powerful V6 engine, carlike handling and optional eight-passenger seating, according to Edmunds.com. If consumers purchase the EX or the Touring package, they will have access to Honda’s variable cylinder management system, which deactivates three of the six cylinders during cruising to maximize fuel efficiency.

“The [2006] Honda Odyssey is quieter, more spacious and offers even more innovative features than before, including increased seating configurations and unique storage solutions,” says the news source.

In 2007, the Toyota Sienna actually beat out the Honda Odyssey as Consumer Reports’ Top Pick of the Year and was recently named one of their best used cars.

The Sienna received a huge power upgrade in 2007 with the addition of a 266-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that replaced the 3.3 liter 2006 engine, making it the most powerful minivan in its class.

“Whether you’re a new parent, an empty nester or somewhere in between, [the 2007 Sienna] will almost certainly meet your needs,” says Edmunds.

It has a smooth ride, solid gas mileage and excellent safety features. Similar to the Odyssey, the Sienna has eight-passenger seating capacity and excellent handling. All ’07 models that have CD changers are satellite radio compliant.

The Nissan Quest, which finished 5th in MSN Auto’s popularity ratings, received a facelift in 2007 with a complete revamping of the vehicle’s interior.

Nissan expanded the Quest’s storage capacity, improved its center stack design and added a six-disc CD player with MP3 playback and Bluetooth connectivity, the news source reports. They also added a larger glovebox, a newly designed third row seat and revised climate controls.

Even with the new changes to the interior, the most impressive features of the 2007 Nissan Quest may be its handling and power.

“The 2007 Nissan Quest is an enthusiast-oriented option in the minivan category; the van is acquiescent around corners and offers sharp steering,” says Edmunds. “The V6 is eager off the line, accelerating with gusto. Overall, the large Quest feels more agile than its heft suggests.”

The Quest only seats seven, but offers much more interior room than other minivans in its class. It has flat folding seats in both the second and third row making it ideal for family travel.

If you are interested in a used minivan in New Jersey, you should certainly take a look at the 2006 Honda Odyssey, the 2007 Toyota Sienna and the 2007 Nissan Quest. They were all designed and produced during the peak of minivan ingenuity and are fairly priced.