Question for All You Minivan Drivers!

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and opinions regarding various minivan models as one user seeks advice on choosing between them. The discussion includes personal anecdotes about specific models, features, and preferences, as well as comparisons among different brands.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, is considering the Hyundai Entourage, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Honda Odyssey, seeking opinions on these models.
  • Another participant mentions they drive a full-size van but has heard positive feedback about the Honda Odyssey.
  • Several users note that they or their family members love the Honda Odyssey, citing its recent award for best minivan.
  • One participant shares their experience with the Toyota Sienna, highlighting its spaciousness and cargo capacity, especially for families with multiple children.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with their 2008 Honda Odyssey, mentioning a desire for a remote powered trunk feature found in other models.
  • A participant discusses their positive experience with the Town & Country, emphasizing features like stowaway seats and dual air conditioning.
  • One user mentions that they have noticed an increase in Honda Odysseys in their area, linking it to popular culture references.
  • Another participant shares their love for their Ford Freestar, highlighting its capacity and fuel efficiency, despite it not being one of the top picks.
  • One participant describes their experience with the Honda Odyssey, mentioning features like Bluetooth and a DVD player, and expresses a preference for it over the Dodge Grand Caravan.
  • Another user recounts their experience with a Toyota Sienna, praising its comfort and functionality for family trips.
  • One participant shares their challenges with parking their Odyssey but appreciates its features that meet their family's needs.
  • Another user mentions their positive experience with a KIA Sedona, suggesting it as an option worth considering.
  • A participant shares their long-term satisfaction with a Dodge Grand Caravan, noting its reliability and capacity for transporting passengers.
  • One user highlights specific features they prioritized when purchasing their Chrysler Town & Country, such as adjustable pedals and ample interior space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the best minivan choice, with some expressing strong preferences for the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, while others advocate for the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. No clear consensus emerges.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences based on their family needs, vehicle features, and individual driving experiences. The discussion reflects a variety of opinions without implying any official recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and families considering purchasing a minivan may find the shared experiences and insights helpful in their decision-making process.

Definitely check out Consumer Reports. While some of the vans you mentioned can be purchased at a lower price, they may cost you more overall because of maintenance issues.

My last two minivans were Fords. However, they no longer make them. We actually purchased them because of great deals because a family member works for Ford.

In February of this year, my six year old Ford minivan was totalled in an accident. I did quite a bit of research and got down to the Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna. They both were rated great, had great leg room for all seats and drove great. We ended up going with the Odyssey for a couple of reasons. First of all the Odyssey actually has a little better rating with the National Highway of Safety for rear end collisions, which are the most common form of accidents. Also, I like the access to the rear seating much better in the Odyssey. With the Toyota, you have to basically fold the middle seat forward. With the Odyssey, you just pull the seat forward.

One other side note about the Odyssey. One month after purchasing it, we had a really bad hail storm. It was so bad, most of the homes in our neighborhood are getting new roofs courtesy of our insurance companies. However, the hail did not cause dents in the van. I am not sure why, or if we would have the same results in another storm. I was just very relieved it did not dent my new car.
 
cathyskitchen said:
Hey - you just got a Vibe? I just got one over the weekend (a 2009 - there were no 2008's left anywhere!). I had to trade in my Chevy Uplander minivan since it was a lease and I was at 47,800 miles on it (limit was 48,000!!). I had to get another GM vehicle since it was part of the 'pull ahead' program (they paid 2 of our lease payments and let us get out early instead of paying the mileage penalty), so we chose the Vibe b/c of the fuel efficiency and mileage. I love my new "little" car! After driving a minivan for 7 years, it really feels weird, but now I don't have to worry about denting my fender anymore - those minivans are so huge and so hard to maneuver!!

To the OP - I have heard great things about the Honda Odyssey, too - never got one b/c my dad worked at a Chevy dealership, so I always had Chevys. He's now at a Lexus dealership, and I would have LOVED to get a Lexus, but it wasn't in the cards. Maybe next time - that'll be my "dream" car! ;) Good luck and happy shopping! :D
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Actually, we got our Vibe in 2003, when I was very pregnant with DD #1. I especially loved how much easier to get into it was, compared to a closer to the ground seda, or having to climb up into a van or SUV (we were house hunting and in and out of our realtors SUV alot!).

We still love our Vibe though!! It was my main car until we had 3 kids, and I would have almost kept it as my car, except that my DH's ancients geo prism was on it's way out, so now he has it work work, and I got my Sienna. Which I LOVE LOVE LOVE (for a mini-van). BTW, the access to the 3rd row is pretty easy on ours (8 passenger). I would definately strongly consider the benefits of a 8 vs 7 passenger van before deciding on a brand. I know with 2 kids it's not a big deal, but with 3, I love having them all in the row right behind me. Oh, and the automatic door on the passenger side is standard.

Anyway, just adding another 2c as I was replying again!!
 
I agree about the 8 passenger. The Odyssey and Sienna both offer it. It comes in very handy when you start carrying extra kids!
 
We are considering a minivan when my lease is up on the trailblazer in May 2009. My husband will not fully agree though b/c he vowed to never drive a van! I think with two kids it makes sense to go with something with lots of room.

If I do not get a van, we are getting either a Malibu or Impala. With gas prices I need something with better mileage than a SUV.
 
I have a Sienna too. I absolutely love it. It is a 7 passenger...easy access to the back seats and the back seats come out really easy. Mine is a 2001 and has 130,000 miles on it. It still runs really quiet and gets good gas mileage.

My husband used to work at car lots as a salesman. He says the best vehicles are Toyotas, Hondas and Chevy or Gm products. He has a lot of bad things to say about others...remember, you get what you pay for. A cheaper vehicle is not always a better deal...it won't last as long, has to be worked on more, etc. Toyotas rarely have to be worked on and they last forever.

Many years from now when I have to get a new van it will be a Toyota. The only differences I will choose from my current one is...8 passenger, stow away seating, DVD player.

If you wait a month or two you will get a better deal because the 09s will come out.
 
Toyota and Honda will have the best resale value years down the road. They are also the most reliable in terms of repairs. Hyundai will have the worst resale value. You may want to also check out Consumer Reports.
 
I have no clue how these drive as I have never driven any of them. But my mom and neighbor have the newer dodge mini vans and they LOVE them! I also would recommend dodge because when you buy a new vehicle with them it has a lifetime powertrain warranty.
 
I drive a 2004 Chevrolet Venture that has 8 seats! It's very handy with 5 kids. I wish I had more space in the trunk but the back seat does collapse when I have bigger loads and no kids to carry. We got a good deal on this.
$9950 at a used dealership.

Debbie :D
 
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