2012 & 2013 Renault Minivan Reviews & Ratings

With over one hundred years of experience in making highly sought after automobiles, Renault has always known how to produce models that were both popular and high quality. As the surge for minivans began to increase in the 1980s, the company knew that it wanted to join in on the growing market. Over two decades later minivans are still in high demand among families that want more space and the ability to transport more gear. Most models of minivans that have been designed in those years are ... (full review continues below)

With over one hundred years of experience in making highly sought after automobiles, Renault has always known how to produce models that were both popular and high quality. As the surge for minivans began to increase in the 1980s, the company knew that it wanted to join in on the growing market. Over two decades later minivans are still in high demand among families that want more space and the ability to transport more gear. Most models of minivans that have been designed in those years are still in production with newer and better styling and features. The Renault Minivan is no exception.

One of the first MPVs to launch into the Renault minivan line was the Espace. Introduced in 1996, the Espace is a large MPV that is geared for growing and busy families. Though many have said that the Espace was the first MPV, the rumor has been discredited due to a number of other models existing prior to Renault's release. Currently in the fourth generation, the Espace comes in the traditional model and the Grand Espace which offers more leg room in the back due to a longer wheelbase. The fourth generation was slated to last until 2011 with a fifth generation arriving soon after.

A decade after the Espace was released came the introduction of what would become the most popular Renault minivan. The Scenic was launched in late 1996 as a compact MPV based largely on the compact Megane sedan. This smaller MPV that drives much like a car won European Car of the Year in 1997. The company severely underestimated the demand of the Scenic upon release because they ended up manufacturing up to six times more vans daily than they had anticipated. The second and third generations of the Scenic have the option of a Grand Scenic that seats seven. There is also a four wheel drive version of the van that was released known as the RX4. Regardless of which model is selected, there are five trims available of the Scenic and a host of extras to make it as comfortable as one would like. The Scenic is still in production and, given the large demand, will likely not be discontinued any time in the near future.

In 2004 Renault released a mini MPV into their minivan line. The Modus is a Renault minivan that is very much alike to the concept car that has the same name. It was first offered at the Motor Show in Geneva in 2004 and is a version that is a bit taller than the Clio. The Modus shares the same platform as the Clio and was touted as the 'high range alternative'. The goal of the Modus was to provide the same benefits of a Scenic without the size that comes with it. One of the biggest features of the Modus is the rear seats. Sitting on sliding rails, these seats can be moved to a number of positions that will either increase or decrease the amount of space and passengers that can go into the van.