2 simple reasons:
1) Minivan drivers are bad drivers. Insurance premiums for a minivan are 50% higher than for a station wagon or SUV of similar cost to repair because they're involved in more accidents. Something about the minivan DNA causes their drivers to be considerably less attentive or skilled behind the wheel.
2) Minivans are mechanically archaic and are designed to wring out the manufacturer's cost. All current models have evolved into large front-wheel drive vehicles with open differentials and use electronic 'traction control' systems which pulse the brakes on the spinning wheels rather than variably apportioning torque to the wheel(s) with grip, as a much more sensible (and only slightly more costly) limited-slip differential would do. This problem is especially noticeable when trying to accelerate out of a turn or when turning while climbing a hill. The poor traction problem is exacerbated by the new 5- and 6-speed transmission which have very short 1st and 2nd gears intended to give the van 'sporty' acceleration, but also multiply the (mis)application of torque in the aforementioned situations. Moreover, most minivans must use archaic rear suspension designs to accommodate the need to flip-&-fold the rear seats, such as twist beam rear axles. The twist beam rear axle may save space, but it was designed in the mid-1930s for the Citroen Traction Avant and really doesn't perform well when cornering under load or when hitting big bumps in the road (the rear wheels will adjust for camber, but not toe, causing the rear end to step out a bit, and the rear will shimmy when crossing railroad tracks). They also have spooky handling dynamics because of all of the glass placed way up high, which raises the center of gravity because glass windows weigh a lot more than steel body panels do.
I'm sure minivans are reasonably sensible vehicles for those who want or need to haul a bunch of stuff and don't really care about how well they handle in bad weather or emergency evasion (or even spirited driving), but they're not good cars by any definition, unless you're using the ability to haul heaps of crap as the standard by which you judge a vehicle. If that's your need, just get a diesel truck - they're really excellent at that and get better mileage too.
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