>  I guess
> the term 'mini-van' must have some sort of legal definition that
> maybe I haven't heard.

Nah, no real definition-- and that's the problem!  For every rule you could
think of there's always at least one exception. When there's no set
criteria, this allows EVERY manufacturer to claim to have "invented" the
mini-van and be telling to truth-- or to put it another way, lying.

Personally, I think it's hard to claim primacy on the mini-van concept when
it's really just a down-scaled variation on an older design-- that of the
van. And invention of the "box on wheels" van principle, that DEFINITELY
belongs to VW.
--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"