Honda - Stream

2001 onwards 

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This family-sized midi-MPV is not well known, but it's a stylish, well equipped and well built seven-seater with an excellent engine that makes it enjoyably lively to drive.

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	Livelier than many rivals
	Seven-seater capacity in a roomy cabin
	Civic-based, so reliable and good to drive
	Rather expensive compared to Scenic, C-Max or Zafira
	Unfamiliar and lacks image
	Parts and servicing are quite costly

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You'll be lucky to find used examples of Stream outside the Honda dealer network, but it's worth checking out. It's a bit of an also-ran in terms of sales volume - a niche model from a manufacturer not known for MPVs - but it's a fine car, with elegantly individual styling and a lively engine.
There's no diesel option for Stream, but the smooth 2.0i VTEC petrol unit pushes out 156bhp, accelerates 0-60mph in 10 seconds, and manages a creditable 33mpg. Like many Honda units, it thrives on revs and can be driven enthusiastically.
Ride and handling will please the driver, too, with fairly firm suspension and not much body roll. Dashboard and driving position are both excellent. The cabin is roomy for five plus luggage, though with seven aboard it's a bit of a squeeze and load space is reduced severely.
Reliability seems above-average so far and used values are holding up well.