Vehicle Debate!

I have a Town and country mini van with AWD. It is my 1st mini van and I never thought I would have one. I was looking for a smaller suv but we couldnt beat the price on the mini van and I love it.

I resisted the minivan for a long time. We have a Toyota Highlander and, like you, finally decided that we needed something bigger because we couldn't fit anyone else in it when family would come to visit. So, we finally broke down and got a Toyota Sienna and I have to admit, I LOVE it! I seriously don't know why I waited so long to get one and why there is such a stigma associated with minivans. It is seriously awesome and I am thrilled with mine. We got a used one that is a special edition and is fully loaded with every possible thing you could think of and still got it for a steal! I would definitely take a serious look at them. I know how it is to really believe you will never drive one (I was in the minivan hater club too, so I know!), but it really is just about the best vehicle you can get for the price as far as space and convenience. Happy shopping!

You can get a minivan with AWD or 4WD. I never wanted a minivan either and then we got one 9 years ago. We have over 230,000 miles on it and I LOVE my minivan. I am actually wanting the Toyota Sienna for my next one. If at all possible I will never go back to a car.

I say go with the minivan. I resisted for a long time because I swore I would never drive one. But, you can't beat the practicality, space, features, and price of the minivans (not to mention the gas money you save over the huge SUV type cars).

I have a Honda Odyssey and really like it (as much as you can like a minivan). It actually will hold 8 passengers. We just took a long car ride (over 13 hours) with 8 people in our van and we all survived!! It does not have AWD or FWD but a relative recently bought a Toyota Siena and it was AWD (they live in Maryland). I believe it will hold 7 passengers. It is a nice van. They have good features for families (navigation system, DVD player).

AWD and 4WD use a lot more fuel than a 2wd. It takes energy to keep all those gears turning and energy to haul around all the weight of that extra metal.

FWD is a lot better in the ice and snow than a RWD. My suggestion would be to get a FWD minivan (1st choice) or crossover. You'll get much better fuel economy and will have lots of room.

I writing now from Southern California where the people are such bad drivers that if two snowflakes land side by side on the road, the CHP requires you to put on chains. But I lived in Arkansas for 18 years and drove a GMC Safari (RWD) without chains on sheet ice and snow and never had an accident. I'm somewhat embarrassed to say this, but its the skill of the driver, more than the drive train of the vehicle that makes a vehicle safe on ice or snow or in other bad weather. For the average driver, considering fuel economy, cost of vehicle and inside space and comfort, the FWD minivan is the best choice.

Good luck to you and yours.

I also love my Toyota Siena! I did not want a minivan because I hated the Dodge Caravans I had to drive at a former job. But my husband convinced me to look at them. I was still reluctant when we bought the Sienna but now I love it! I think it drives more like a car than other minivans. You can get AWD. I've never had trouble driving it on ice and snow. We just rented a 2011 Sienna when we were on vacation with my parents. It easily held two kids in car seats and 4 adults. At one point we had 5 adults and the two kids. There is a lot of luggage space. We had a double stroller, two large suitcases, four carryon size bags, a garment bag, and all the other things you accumulate on a road trip and still had plenty of room. After having the 2011 I wish I could trade in my 2008! There are some features that you can get now-- dual screen DVD, back up camera, lounge type pilot seats. I would definately buy another Sienna!

I wouldnt go with the chevy. just from personal experience I think their cars our inferior. I have a chey malibu and we have been having so many problems with it, from the brakes to the gas gage not working and it is only 6 yrs old

Most minivans have an AWD option that you can upgrade to. It costs a bit more, so you'll have to look into whether the price is competitive once you've added that feature. I LOVE my Honda Odyssey (seats 8 but I store the optional 8th seat in order to give me easy access to the back row), but I really don't understand people's aversions to the minivan. I didn't want to get one - but it had nothing to do with a minivan. It had to do with trading in my wonderful, sporty Mazda 3. Once I realized that was going to have to happen to fit my two kids and 3 dogs (plus a stroller or two and occasionally, luggage), the minivan was the obvious choice for price and space (to say nothing of the convenience!) At least look into it. Each brand drives differently, too, so once you've narrowed it down a bit, give them a test drive. Good luck.

If you can swing the price, I say go with the Chevy. I have a slightly larger family than you and I have a Chevy Suburban, it holds 9...(because we got the bench seat in the front)...but it seats 7 way comfortably! It has tons of room for storage in the back! We also looked at mini-vans but I was not impressed with storage at all!

I also live where we have REAL winters and it is great in the snow!

OK, don't let my husband read this...I was also against the minivan, so we ended up with the GMC Acadia (just like the Chevy Traverse). I love the car, but it's sorta inconvenient with the little ones, and more than once I've almost wished I'd gone for the minivan. Our kids are younger, 3 and infant, so maybe it would be easier with older ones. So, give the minivan a real look more than just a passing one (like I did!).

I have an AWD Sienna and wouldn't trade it for the world. I am in love with my minivan.

I wish someone would give some recommendations for the Chevy Traverse. :) I have 2 kids and we are looking at getting it. I've been wondering too what other people thought of it. I'm not a mini-van type person either and would rather have the SUV. They have loads of features too.. but I can't argue with the gas mileage issue someone brought up. lol I would love to hear what you end up getting K..

i hate my minivan and we have been talking about getting a suburban we looked at the traverse but it still seemed to be to small. Of course with 4 girls and 1 boy we need more space than you. I am from NE also and i know the weather thing is an issue i think 4wd is the best way to go, but it does use more gas before baby #4 came along i had a bravada which is awd and loved it. Some of the newer suvs get better gas milage and some are flexfuel so its up to you. I hate driving my van on icy roads i dont feel that i have the controlo that i had with my previous vehicle

Don't get a van just for the price. We have a Chevy Town & County and it's sucks in the snow and ice. I didn't feel safe in the winter at all. Got stuck twice. I'd like to trade it in for a Traverse. They are pricey, but I would feel safer transporting my little ones it it.

I have researched the cross overs since I want one which will seat 7 also and have the AWD. I like the GMC Arcadia better then the Traverse. They have the back up cameras and feel so much better to set in. It is a step up from the Traverse and just under the enclave. Dodge Journey is a good one for the money but I think it is a tighter fit inside. It is what my daughter in law would like to have.

When I was pregnant with my first I just did not think I could go with a minivan - way to Mom looking for me - I now have two children and wish so badly that I had a minivan. I instead went with a Honda CRV - which is a great vehicle but not enough room a family in my opinion. Unfortunately my husband is the kind of person that keeps a vehicle forever so he keeps reminding me I could have had a minivan. Anywhoo - I say go with the minivan you will love it.

I'm going to give you a different suggestion all together. I do agree with 8kidsdad that it is the skill of the driver. I lived in Tahoe for 5 years and for about 3 weeks in the winter I successfully drove without breaks, just downshifting, e-brake and skillful use of snow burms. No accidents. =)

That said, 4wd or Awd is always nice to have. I relate to that and the whole minivan thing, I just couldn't bring myself to do it either!

We have an almost 2 and almost 4 year old and we had a Toyota Matrix, way to small when the 2nd kid came along. I did a ton of research because although the SUV's 6-8 seaters are larger, most don't have the space you need in the middle row for the kids, or you end up hugging the windshield in the front if you are average to tall.

We ended up getting a certified used Acura MDX and we paid the same price as you would a new Chevy with all the bells and whistles but you are getting a way better vehicle and brand. Acura is a Honda. I love our MDX and I don't think I could ever trade back down. I did find that a bulky convertible didn't fit in the rear but a Britax Marathon and Frontier do so you can move kids to the far back when you need all 7 seats. storage is limited if all seats in use but we usually have the back row folded down and have tons of storage space for the 4 of us. Good luck on your search.

I am currently saving up for the Traverse myself...hoping to get a 2011/2012 model. My husband had to convince me away from a minivan.

I am a BIG researcher when it comes to large purchases. So when I was looking at a mini I've come to find the Honda Odysee was best overall as far as price, safety ratings, +resale, and dependability. If I was still looking at a van, I'd be all over this one.

I was in the same boat a few months ago. My car dies and we NEEDED to get a new vehicle for me. My husband also wanted me to get a mini van but I refused. I don't like the way they look or drive. We started out looking at Chevy trail Blazers. They are very nice and come with the 3rd row seats and AWD or 4X4. We didn't find one at the time with the 3rd row so we started looking at Tahoes. That is what we got. A Chevy Tahoe with 3rd row seats and 4 wheel drive. I LOVE IT!!! There is plenty of room for the kids and their friends and all their sports equipment. My husband ultimatley said, you have to drive it and my kids are going to be in it. You can get what you want. We did buy used so it wasn't as bad as far as price. We financed 15,000. The van he wanted to get was 21,000. Hope this helps.

i have a chevy suburban 2003 model, with leather and captains chairs for the 2nd row and 3rd row bench seat, dvd player, and still have room in the back for luggage and 2 100 lb dogs, i love it ..iit takes like $65 to fill up and i get like 500 miles per tank in town!

If you really like the Traverse then go for it! We own a car dealership actually (nowhere near you!). My best advice is to buy USED! You can get all the features you want but with $4-10K dollars less for just a year older and with very few miles. My girlfriend bought a brand new Mazda just over 3 years ago for around $21K dollars and it's now worth $6K!!!!! Talk about depreciation! : (

We are in the same boat - to mini van or not to mini van! haha. Anyways, we have been looking at the Dodge Durango's. We have found a ton for about $14K w/ anyhwere between 32K miles and 80K miles. Everything so far has been fully loaded, ie DVD, leather, sunroof, 3rd row seating, etc. I wanted a Traverse too b/c of better gas mileage, but we have yet to find one in our price range yet.

Good luck with your hunt!

I love my Ford Freestar. It fits 7 and the rear seat folds into the floor so I don't have to take it out when we load up for a trip. And we take a lot of road trips. I wouldn't buy anything from GM or Chrysler , they already have enough of my money and I didn't get anything for it.

I have a GMC Acadia and LOVE it. It is awesome! We bought it used as to avoid the high cost of a brand-new vehicle. It has everything I ever wanted in a car! Not once did I secretly wish for a mini-van. I don't know how the other person feels it's inconvenient for little ones. ???

We bought a Chevy Traverse a little over a year ago. We LOVE it!! There were days last winter the news was warning about how bad the roads were and had I not heard anything on the news, I honestly don't know if I would have known the roads were bad:) I'm sure the brand new tires had something to do with it too, but I think all my vehicles will have AWD in the future! We have a 2 year old and will have our second next week. I question how easy it will be to get in the 3rd row with 2 car seats in the 2nd row, but we won't need to do that too often. I would recommend the Traverse to everyone - well worth the price!

We just purchased a used minivan (Ford Windstar, which is now the Ford Freestar), and I swore that I would never get one unless I had to. Surprisingly, I enjoy driving it. I did a lot of looking before hand, and really wanted a SUV, but in the end, the van was way more versitale. I haven't had it long enough to know about winter handling, but my brother says they are great on snow and ice because they are heavy. He is a diesel mechanic, and knows a ton about vehicles as well and would take his work for gold! His family is past the need for a mini, but he said if he ever needed to buy one again, he would go right to Chrystler.

We bought a Mazda CX-9, which is a crossover like the Traverse, a month ago and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. My husband has to tow minivans out of our driveway every winter, lol, and before this, had an Acura MDX and just boogied out of the driveway every winter. Andy fyi, love how easy the 3rd row seats move in the CX-9 as compared to the more expensive Acura! I would definitely go and look at each and every car you are interested in and make some comparisons. We looked at Acura again as well as GMC Acadia, Buick, and CX-9. The CX-9 was the least expensive of those I looked at especially since the dealer was willing to deal and had the most features I wanted. Take some real time to drive each as well; this made a huge difference.

Check out the Hyundia Veracruz. You can get the AWD option (works great!) and has seating for 7 passengers. I have the 2007 (currently have 70,000 mi) and love it. Also, the price point is great, the warranty is outstanding, and you can get lots of bells and whistles or none at all. I have the Limited w/AWD and my gas mileage is about 24 hwy and 20 in town - probably not quite as good as some mini-vans but better than an Expedition or Suburban. For 2 kids, I think it would work great because you can put the kids in the middle row and lay the back row down for groceries and strollers. I also own a Honda Odyssey, but haven't driven it in the winter yet so I can't speak to how well it handles on snow.

I live in rural southern MN and we have lots of snow, ice, unplowed roads, school closures, road closures, etc. and I have driven during it all and never put my Veracruz in the ditch once :)

Good luck!

I love my minivan and although it doesn't have AWD, it handles well in ice and snow. It just takes some getting used to. Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever got by without it! I was skeptical to get one, too, but I honestly can't see myself driving anything else!

My soon to be ex-husband's grandparents drive a Ford Freestyle, it's a cross between a minivan and an SUV. Good luck!

Thanks for asking this! We have an Odyssey but it's not great in snow and ice. I finally got the best tires we could and can drive with confidence in the winter but...I still have to use those winter driving skills. The tires made TONS of difference here. Otherwise, if you're still thinkin minivan that AWD Sienna has my vote!! Good luck with you decision. I agree with your hubby and get sticker shock with SUV's.

I wanted a minivan and my husband didn't, so we got a Honda Pilot. It seats eight, we got leather seats and a DVD player. I shopped around til I found one for $10,000. We love it except, and this is a big EXCEPT, it is so hard to get into the back seat. We have two carseats in the middle bench, then a 9 year old in the back, so she has to either climb over a seat from the middle to get to the rear, or she climbs in the back hatch type door. Other than that, it is great!

It sounds like you need some type of crossover with third row seating. I believe the Toyota Highlanders have it now as long as you don't get the Hybrid. We have a Highlander and I absolutely love it...but we have the Hybrid . My neighbor has a Mazda that also has third row seating that looks a little tight but it seems to work well for them...they have 3 little ones with a 4th on the way. I would try driving a Traverse first. I have an Equinox and hate it but the Traverse is a level or 2 up so maybe it's better but mine is a very rough ride. (Company car so stuck with it.) I am also anti minivan.

Rent one for a week or something before you decide. I hated mini-vans, they looked so "momish" but after renting one in CA for a 10 day vacation, I fell in love. I love that my kids have room and they don't slam anyone's door (or their fingers) in any parking lot. I love they can't get their fingers pinched in the windows. We went with leather seats, DVD and sunroof on a Town & Country and haven't had any issues. Another plus is gas mileage. We drive on ice/snow in IL and haven't ever felt nervous about it. Even took it with luggage and strollers and all down to FL to see Mickey...extremely comfortable with the seats that can fold into the floor. The kids had extra legroom and room for cooler and snacks, even extra power outlets to charge my daughters Nintendo DS in the way back seat!

We researched used on carmax and ended up finding the perfect vehicle on autotrader.com. Bought it 1 year old from a woman whose lease was up. I have no regrets!!! Whatever you do...Don't buy TOYOTA!!!

NO! DO NOT GO WITH A TOWN AND COUNTRY MINIVAN!!! The transmission is known to go out about 70-80k mine only made it to 60k then my neice leaned the passenger seat back to relax and the motor on it went out. I was sick and tired of forking out money on that car and realized even though I only had another 2 years left. It was falling apart combined with the safety of it since one of my twins sat directly behind the broken seat. Had I got into a severe enough accident something really bad could have happened. Therefore I traded it in and got me a Honda Pilot (2005). The only thing I have to say negative about that car is the accessability to the third row, but all others I have seen pretty much have the same issue of my understanding but I absolutely love it! I was always the mom that said I will NEVER drive a minivan-then I got one and hated it! Now I am back into my element and love the car! It has close to 80,000 on it now and knock on wood we haven't had any major issues out of it even after getting into a fender bender before making the first payment! Honda's hold their values too and they are dependable as long as you take care of them!

We have the same issue and a minivan was NOT an option for either of us. We have been looking at the Subaru Tribeca. We've found some really great used ones for a decent price and they seat 7. My 2nd choice is the VW Touareg. Hope all these responses help :)

Why do you hate the idea of a minivan. They're extremly practical. They hold 7 or 8 people and lots of junk. They get great gas milage compared to SUV's. As you mentioned, you get a lot for the money. Hubby drives the minivan and loves it. Hubby's best friend had a Ford Explorer and traded it in for a used Honda Oddysey, now they don't need a roof top carrier when they go on vacations.

Love my Traverse!! Totally worth the money :) We have 2 boys and 2 dogs, and are able to get everyone and everything in the Traverse comfortably for weekend trips.

I have an all wheel drive mini van. Even though my last car was a Cadillac STS--I really like the van. It is older, but I never got stuck in tons of snow this year!