But people don't buy minivans for handling, right? When it comes to convenience, and first and foremost in this genre of vehicle, convenience translates into configuring and removing seats, the Ford is near the top. While it's possible to fold the third row rearward making a pretty nifty tailgate, that's not going to sell many minivans. Lifting its cantilevered rear seat either up out of the floor well or down into it will, as the process is effortless.

When it comes to configuring and removing rear seats, the Freestar is near the top of the heap with its effortless cantilevered system. Here, Bill Rowe, Freestar Brand Manager, shows the seat's versatility, using the headrests for a foot stool. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The Quest's rear seat just plain isn't. Toyota has chosen to split its Sienna rear seat 60/40, which is best for optimizing passenger and cargo space, with the only negative being the need to drop or raise the rear seats up out of or down into the rear well twice - they're split remember. The Odyssey, having pretty well pioneered the flat folding rear seat, is noticeably heavier and more awkward to perform the same tasks. The Dodge? Well, its seat doesn't fold flat at all; a feature the brand has announced will be included in its next generation minivan.

The middle seats tumble forward with ease, exposing a large opening for climbing into the 3rd row seats. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Where the Freestar truly eclipses all competitors is in headrests. While this may sound like a minor point, Ford's unique design makes it so there's no need to remove the trio of restraints when tumbling the seat into the floor well. This means that there aren't any loose items tucked into a woven side pocket - the Odyssey's method - or more often than not, scooting around on the floor under the seats.