I had a succession of small vans a few years ago, starting with a mini van, morris minor, ford escort and fiat citivan and regularly used to sleep in the back of all of them. Short on comfort and length to be honest (especially if you're over 5'7'' (I'm not) but brilliant for parking up anywhere, specially on climbing trips. I did get into a rut of sleeping in the back when I found myself living 200 miles from my workplace and that wasn't so much fun. But in general I think they're good, useful and cheap. All depends on how much sapce and comfort you need.
I'd like a camper van now and would have to call it Beethoven - as in Camper Van Beethoven
Always thought that was a great name for a band.