OT: Minivan shopping

[pk500]

To those who have friends with kids. I'm sure there is at least one couple friend who refuses to succumb to buying a minivan. I honestly will never understand their reasoning. Their answer is always "There's no damn way I'm driving a minivan". I do think it has something to do with prestige possibly.

Until you drive one and understand how practical they truly are, you'll never understand. We had a SUV prior to our minivan and I swore up and down I'd never drive one. Now, I can't phathom ever buying another SUV. Crazy how your thinking changes.

Dan:

My wife and I were firmly in that camp until last year. Even with two kids, we said, "F*ck that, we're not going to join Minivan Nation and be geeky suburban parents."

But when our third child was born in February 2005, we had no choice. And after about a week with our Chevy Venture, we said to ourselves, "How the hell did we haul ourselves, our kids and our gear around town and around the country without this thing?"

I'll look like the biggest geek of all time now and don't care. Minivans are the most practical motor vehicles invented since the Jeep for the military back in World War II. They are MUCH more practical than SUVs.

Take care,
PK

[Leebo33]

A lot of SUV drivers are guys holding out, in denial about growing old and thinking SUV still makes them better than the minivan drivers. Minivans have better protections than SUVs so they would take less safe vehicles for their families to feel better about themselves

I'm not in denial about growing old and I certainly don't think I'm any better than anyone else because I bought a certain car. I just figured if I was a going to write a $32k check, I'd get something I liked so I bought a Pilot. Is it really that less safe than an Oddysey? I thought they shared the same frame?

[wco81]

I believe minivans are subject to more safety regulations than SUVs, which are considered trucks.

Also less prone to rollover.

There was a New Yorker article about a year or two ago which supposedly showed how Detroit executives viewed SUV buyers, who had become their cash cow customers.

Wasn't flattering at all. Essentially, they would slap together a design quickly like the Expedition, price it at some exhorbitant premium to the truck chassis from which it came, and then watch with astonished glee as people bought them up.

That is why they will fight any efforts to raise the CAFE standards and have them include SUVs.

[pk500]

A lot of SUV drivers are guys holding out, in denial about growing old and thinking SUV still makes them better than the minivan drivers. Minivans have better protections than SUVs so they would take less safe vehicles for their families to feel better about themselves

I'm not in denial about growing old and I certainly don't think I'm any better than anyone else because I bought a certain car. I just figured if I was a going to write a $32k check, I'd get something I liked so I bought a Pilot. Is it really that less safe than an Oddysey? I thought they shared the same frame?

Yes, the Pilot, Odyssey and Acura MDX SUV all share the same chassis.

Take care,
PK

[MizzouRah]

I can't believe all you foreign buyers!!

We've had a Dodge Grand Caravan for years now and haven't had a lick of problems. Next up is a 2006 Grand Caravan with the stow-n-go seats, and DVD package.

My wife would kill over her van.

[Leebo33]

Wasn't flattering at all. Essentially, they would slap together a design quickly like the Expedition, price it at some exhorbitant premium to the truck chassis from which it came, and then watch with astonished glee as people bought them up.

Oh well. At least we're both happy then. I can't think of a single bad thing to say about my Pilot. We don't put many miles on it since my wife stays at home with the kids so I'll probably have the thing for 15 years.

[pk500]

I can't believe all you foreign buyers!!

We've owned American and Japanese cars. While all have been decent or better, the Japanese vehicles were much more reliable than their American counterparts. Damn near bulletproof.

I don't give a sh*t where something is made or where the dollars are going when I'm spending five figures on a vehicle. I want the best my budget can afford, regardless of the flag flying over it. And right now, the Rising Son builds better vehicles than the Stars and Stripes.

Take care,
PK

[MizzouRah]

I can't believe all you foreign buyers!!

We've owned American and Japanese cars. While all have been decent or better, the Japanese vehicles were much more reliable than their American counterparts. Damn near bulletproof.

I don't give a sh*t where something is made or where the dollars are going when I'm spending five figures on a vehicle. I want the best my budget can afford, regardless of the flag flying over it. And right now, the Rising Son builds better vehicles than the Stars and Stripes.

Take care,
PK

I don't give a sh*t where something is made either, I just find it odd nobody mentioned a Dodge Caravan as it's been one of the best if not the best minivans for years. It's like a pc, some have great luck with X brand and some don't. Heck, I have a 1989 Ford Ranger with 160,000+ miles on it and just replaced the head on it, other than that, it's been a great vehicle.

My wife drives like a typical woman, bat out of hell.. doesn't check fluids, etc... I surprised it still runs so well. lol...

[Danimal]

A lot of SUV drivers are guys holding out, in denial about growing old and thinking SUV still makes them better than the minivan drivers. Minivans have better protections than SUVs so they would take less safe vehicles for their families to feel better about themselves

I'm not in denial about growing old and I certainly don't think I'm any better than anyone else because I bought a certain car. I just figured if I was a going to write a $32k check, I'd get something I liked so I bought a Pilot. Is it really that less safe than an Oddysey? I thought they shared the same frame?

Yes, the Pilot, Odyssey and Acura MDX SUV all share the same chassis.

Take care,
PK

Are you positive? i thought the MDx was different. I tell you I notice that I can corner better in the mini, and since my MDX isn't bad at cornering I was shocked.

[Danimal]

I don't give a sh*t where something is made either, I just find it odd nobody mentioned a Dodge Caravan as it's been one of the best if not the best minivans for years.

I thought the Honda Odyssey was the best mini-van running for the last 6 years from what I've read.

Also the whomever asked, the Odyssey Touring Packge has a 110 volt outlet in the back for hooking up a game system etc to the built in DVD screen. I don't think it would handle a 360, but it might do a PS2

[pk500]

Dan:

I read it on a Honda spec sheet on its Media Relations Web site.

The chassis doesn't solely determine handling characteristics. Center of gravity, struts, shocks, wheel width and material, and tires also play a major role. That could be the case with your Odyssey, especially since it's tricked out.

Take care,
PK

[pk500]

I thought the Honda Odyssey was the best mini-van running for the last 6 years from what I've read.

It all depends on your source. Car and Driver, J.D. Power, Edmunds, Road and Track, and Consumer Reports all have their annual awards.

The Odyssey supplanted the Sienna atop Consumer Reports' list this year. I always trust CR over the specialist mags and Web sites since CR doesn't take advertising.

Take care,
PK

[Danimal]

Dan:

I read it on a Honda spec sheet on its Media Relations Web site.

The chassis doesn't solely determine handling characteristics. Center of gravity, struts, shocks, wheel width and material, and tires also play a major role. That could be the case with your Odyssey, especially since it's tricked out.

Take care,
PK

Well I will believe you more then the salesman who told me it was based on something else, just can't remember what.

[WillHunting]

I don't give a sh*t where something is made either, I just find it odd nobody mentioned a Dodge Caravan as it's been one of the best if not the best minivans for years. It's like a pc, some have great luck with X brand and some don't. Heck, I have a 1989 Ford Ranger with 160,000+ miles on it and just replaced the head on it, other than that, it's been a great vehicle.

My wife drives like a typical woman, bat out of hell.. doesn't check fluids, etc... I surprised it still runs so well. lol...

I test drove a Dodge Caravan.... it was really lacking in power (both acceleration and passing) and I didn't like the seats (especially the 2nd/3rd row, they were very uncomfortable). The fit and finish is pretty bad too and it wasn't that much cheaper than a Honda. The only thing we LOVE about it though is the Stow-and-Go, that is an awesome awesome feature (but that also might have contributed to the uncomfortable 2/3 row seats).

[pk500]

When I test-drove the Caravan, the sides of the driver's seat dug right into my lats, and I'm not a chisled guy. Arguably the most uncomfortable driver's seat in which I've ever plopped my ass.

From then on, I had no interest in the vehicle.

We really like our Chevy Venture. It's sort of under the radar in the minivan derby, overshadowed by the Honda, Toyota and Chrysler offerings. It also succeeded the Chevy Lumina minivan, which may have been the worst mini ever to roll off a Detroit assembly line.

But the Venture is a very solid, functional, reliable vehicle. It doesn't have anywhere near the bells and whistles of a Honda or Toyota, but we don't need those. It runs well, seats shuffle around easily, rides decent, electric right side door -- all fine with us.

Take care,
PK

[MizzouRah]

When I test-drove the Caravan, the sides of the driver's seat dug right into my lats, and I'm not a chisled guy. Arguably the most uncomfortable driver's seat in which I've ever plopped my ass.

From then on, I had no interest in the vehicle.

We really like our Chevy Venture. It's sort of under the radar in the minivan derby, overshadowed by the Honda, Toyota and Chrysler offerings. It also succeeded the Chevy Lumina minivan, which may have been the worst mini ever to roll off a Detroit assembly line.

But the Venture is a very solid, functional, reliable vehicle. It doesn't have anywhere near the bells and whistles of a Honda or Toyota, but we don't need those. It runs well, seats shuffle around easily, rides decent, electric right side door -- all fine with us.

Take care,
PK

You p***y!!

Seriously, I love the seats in the Caravan and on the weekends I use "her" car.

[Inuyasha]

I bought a Quest last year and love it. It's ranked as one of the best in the safety tests so that was a big deal for me. It's a little more pricey but worth it imo.

I test drove the Toyota Sienna but just didnt like it. Maybe the engine wasn't the best for the one I drove, but it felt heavy. The Oddessy I liked but the interior turned me off. The MPV was the cheapest of the bunch but it was too small for my needs. So I went with the Quest and do really like it. Like the pickup it has for the size of the vehicle. Had it for about 8 mo. now and no complaints.

[jondiehl]

Another vote for the Odyssey here. I did all of the shopping this time last year, narrowed it down to the Sienna and Odyssey and ultimately liked Honda's offering better. It felt more like driving a sedan, I liked the economy feature where it cuts from 6 to 3 cylinders when it doesn't need full power, and I liked the exterior styling better. We were coming from a SUV, and I swore to myself in my 20's that I'd never own a minivan, but here I am. They're so damn practical. Even with just 2 kids, the SUV gets small (especially with car seats). Plus, with the fold down/in 3rd row, it made it very easy to load my 50" HDTV last summer in there, and some lumber last weekend to build a workbench in the garage.

I went with the LX w/ leather, DVD, sunroof, etc and almost every other option (just short of touring, which adds the power liftgate, NAV, and a couple other things). The wife loves it, we've taken 5 or 6 long (750-1000mile) road trips with it and the DVD player keeps my 2 and 3 year old boys very happy.

[10spro]

One problem I encountered with the Caravan is the braking system. You have to give yourself more room with the brakes until the van comes to a full stop. Odyssey or Sienna will be my next choice of car for sure.

[Lancer]

In the market for a minivan.

Narrowed it down to

Toyota Sienna - great financing. Reliable history.
Dodge Caravan - cheapest.
Chrysler Pacifica - New Line. test drove this. Awesome ride. But first year. Bought a first year car and had to deal with recalls plus other issues out of my pocket.

Not considering -
Honda Odessy - just did not like.
Nissan Quest - too boxy.

Haven't tried
Kia Sedona
Town and country.

Any advice from you minivan experienced dads much appreciated.

[pk500]

The Toyota, hands down. The only difference between Chrysler products and a bucket of sh*t is the bucket.

[F308GTB]

My condolences that you have to get a minivan. That said, my mother-in-law traded in her Sienna (2008 or 2009?) for a new one in March. She loves the thing, never had issues with her previous one and so far 7000+ miles in on the new one (currently on a cross country road trip), nothing but praise. I find them to handle like boats, but you can't expect sporty handling on a family van. BTW, she always gets the top of the line model, so can't comment about the interior quality of the lower levels.

No way would I touch the Dodge/Chrysler. On your list, I'd start and end with the Toyota.

[greggsand]

All Odyssey all the time!

[pk500]

I agree with James (F308GTB) about a minivan. My wife and I owned one, a Chevy Venture, when our three kids were younger. We said we never would own one again. They're utilitarian but otherwise really sh*tty vehicles. Boxy, ugly, don't drive well, not good in snow or bad weather, not great mileage.

Unless you must have the utility and ease of access of sliding doors, I would buy a three-row SUV every time over a minivan. The Mazda CX-9 is an incredible vehicle.

[Lancer]

Good points everyone.

I've learned in this search that minivans are the bastards of the car industry.

None of them I test drove floored me. Even the sienna was ok. There is no excitement in purchasing any of these vehicles.

I'll look into 3 row SUVs. Any other suggestions?