Ah the GM U-Body. It’s good looking trash, but it’s still trash.

Based on the then-problematic W-Body, it didn’t drive well, lacked a fourth door, had front suspension that got misaligned if you went over a speedbump and ate head gaskets for breakfast, which was a challenge because almost every issue with the powertrain or accessory belt stuff, and there were lots, was an engine-out repair job.

It made the Astro look good, which was not easy. Only the Toyota Van (the HiAce and Previa) were more challenging, and at least they were reliable.

The Caravan, exploding transmission and all, was a better car.

Interestingly, this same chassis got a lot less sexy as the years went on. GM butched it up for the SUV craze with the Montana/Uplander, and the shorty version was the basis for the Aztek.

Cars peaked in the 90s. They will never be this cool again. If you, like me, live in car-dependent North America, you should drive a 90s car, too.

Really any car from before about 2010-2015 is a solid choice if you have to drive.

Just don’t put anything on the dashboard.

God they were trying so hard to save Pontiac some semblance of an identity during those days, despite it being the era with the worst excesses of badge engineering. The cladding and that tiny little “American BMW” grille though… sigh.