What do you like or dislike the most about the Minivan that you own?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a minivan and was wondering what others liked or didn't like about the minivans they've already purchased.

Answer 1

In the last year I have had 2 minivans:

2006 Honda Odyssey EX
*excellent safety record
*super comfortable and roomy
*seats 8
*6 cd changer
*power sliding doors
*side curtain air bags
*lots of cool little storage areas - drawer under passenger seat, in floor storage in 2nd row
*stow and go 3rd row
*automatic temperature controls
*integrated "conversation mirror" (can easily see backseats without moving rearview mirror)
*Honda reliability
*almost too big - I always felt anxious backing up

The major con for our family was the cost of the Odyssey but the Odyssey did an excellent job of protecting my family in a major side impact accident. After the accident we replaced the Odyssey with:

2006 Kia Sedona EX with power package
*TOP SAFETY RATING (www.informedforlife.org)
*power sliding doors and liftgate
*plastic backs on seats (my kids' feet don't leave marks on the seat backs)
*LATCH anchors and top tethers in all 3 positions in the 3rd row (the Odyssey has LATCH in the two outboard seats and a top tether in the center only)
*side curtain airbags
*excellent warranty
*stow and go 3rd row
*integrated "conversation mirror" (can easily see backseats without moving rearview mirror)
*just the right size for me - I feel very comfortable behind the wheel
*MUCH more affordable than the Odyssey

I love having a minivan. The drive for both of my vans has been very comfortable. Car seats are easy to install, lots of space for travel and space for every day use - potty seat for potty training preschooler, stroller, etc. The space for kids and gear is awesome but my #1 priority is safety - having experienced a serious accident in one of the safest vehicles on the road made me even more convinced of the importance of putting my family in the safest vehicle possible. Thankfully the current top of the safety list (Sedona) is also affordable.

Answer 2

I have a Chrysler Voyager. I hate that thing. I constantly get recall letters for heating and cooling issues. Almost nothing comes standard which means you pay extra for convenience. It dents very easily and doesn't drive well in the wind,rain,snow,or on ice. This thing feels like it's going to tip over on the highway when the wind blows. Just about every thing inside it made of plastic has broken off. The few things I like about it are. It's engine and the fact that it's paid off. I live in a city filled with hills. So it has the power I need to get up the hill without much effort. I don't have anymore payments on it so it's my piece of junk. If you get a minivan make sure your get a grand. The bigger it is the better off you'll be. Small minivans are pointless. Remote doors and an alarm system. There is nothing worse than trying to work minivan doors with your hands full. Minivans are very easy to break into. Just make sure you do your research before you buy. Oh yeah it's a gas hog!

Answer 3

Well I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan which I didn't even want! My husband decided I needed it and went out and bought it. Within 1 month I absolutely loved the thing! Mini-vans are great for women because you don't need all that upper body strength to load and unload! I know it doesn't seem like a big deal but I don't think I ever want to go back to a SUV after having it!

What I like about it specifically is that it is extremely easy to drive. I have a great range of vision with few blind spots. It's powerful enough to move in traffic and avoid accidents. The seatbelts and seats are extremely comfortable and adjust well. It is six years old and still going strong and since there are so many of them out there everyone knows how to fix them and spare parts are cheap! My husband says the oil is easy to change too. It also have 9 inches of clearance so it drives well in snow and bad weather. Mine has built in car seats which are so much better than regular carseats I would never do without them again. I intend to drive it until it dies a very slow painful death! It also cleans up very well.

Answer 4

we've a 2005 ward off Grand Caravan. ultimate element approximately that's the Stow and bypass characteristic. Can setup your lower back area of the van rather much besides you like. Very versatile. Drives great too. No important problems with it yet.

Answer 5

My father in law has a 97 Dodge Caravan, cheap on gas and to maintain. Very reliable. I wish it would come in 5 speed standard like the ones in Europe.
I would buy another one right one, if I needed another car.

Answer 6

Pro - not too big. Easy driving.
Con - drinks gas and not enough storage space.