Vehicle Recommendations

I just got the Mercedes GL 550 and I LOVE IT! It's so safe, easy to drive, has plenty of room (an extra 3rd row if needed), and a great back-up camera. It is not cheap, but it all depends on what range of cars/SUVs you are looking for. Lots of people like the Odyssey and the Lexus models too.

Well i know how you feel, with gas $ it's almost impossible to keep driving an SUV, I have an avalanch & it's high to fill up, but I don't go to many places so it's not too bad. I say if you have to drive a lot or know that you'll be having extra riders consider the van thing, they have some really cool ones out now. But if you don't want to yet then DON"T Keep what you have untill you gotta trade, good luck

I drive a Chrysler Pacifica & LOVE it! I feel it's like a cross-hybrid of an SUV, minivan, truck, etc. It has it's own look, but very sleek & woman appropriate. It is well made, VERY safe. It has a back row of seats that folds down. I usually keep the back row down to store the stroller, etc. Can't think of anything negative about it!

Vlora,

Honda Odyssey...a minivan? Oh, hell no! I'm WAY too cool to drive a minivan! I just got an Odyssey...but mine is NOT a minivan. Mine is an SUV. It's a Supermom Utility Vehicle...NOT a minivan. Other people may see minivan, but in my little delusional world it's an SUV! ;-) I love the Odyssey! My daughter loves the "Magic" doors...and so do I. SOOOOO MUCH ROOM! And, it's great to have the doors open and waiting for you when you get there with your hands full! Additionally, it's great that the doors slide rather than open. It makes for easier entry and exit when parked next to someone. You don't have to worry about the door banging into the car next to you! SUVs--SPORT UTILTIY VEHICLES don't have that feature....

There are a number of crossover vehilces with a third row. Honda makes the Pilot...which is more expensive than the Odyssey but not as roomy. GMC makes the Acadia--which is very nice.

Though...I'd recommend the Odyssey--and remember, it's NOT a minivan. It's a SUPERMOM UTILITY VEHICLE!!!! Good luck! Traci

Please check out the new Subaru Tribeca. It seats 7 cause it has a 3rd row. It's in a safety class along with Volvo and Mercedes I believe. Very very safe!!!! You won't be dissapointed. Good gas mileage too. My husband sells Subaru's, so I'm partial, but I can tell you I love my Forester and will never have another brand of car my entire life!!!

Well I have a 10 month old daughter and drive a 4 door Ford Focus and it is not pleasant getting her in and out of there. You probably don't like minivans but let me just say if I could have one with my one child, I WOULD!! Sometimes you just have to look at space. However my father is a Ford salesman, so I was thinking about it and you may want to look into an Expedition or an Expedition XL. The XL is the extra long version of the SUV so it is like a Suburban kind of. The gas mileage wouldn't be great but you only have so many options now a days. Maybe a Hybrid Toyota SUV?? But don't worry about the look of the minivan, I just try to look at space. Good luck!!

L..... LOL.
First, try looking into http://www.edmunds.com and sites like that. They are good at "comparing" cars and will help you see the difference in Safety, Maint. ect.
I drive a Warner Brother's Extended Cab Minivan. I like my van, but I do not have the passion for what I drive like you do. So, I can say this. I will tell you the pros and cons and how I feel about it and you can take some knowledge from that. I'm sure you will get a ton of responses! Pros: When I purchased it. I have a VCR system. I have a Built in Car seat in the seats. It had 1 electric door. The seats were easy to remove if I expected to be putting large things in the back. It seats 7 and has a ton of room in the back to fit lots of things(Extended Cab). I liked the "rear safety warning" it was equipped with, as well as the side and rear airbags.
Cons: People seem to run you off the road if you are a minivan! Not as much as they do when you are in a littler car, but they still do! There are some minivan's out there that are "sportier" you should check into those. Of course, you could always choose the bigger route if you need space and do not want to be seen in a Van. Suburban, Trailblazer, Envoy or Yukon? Have you looked into Wagons? There are some rather sporty ones out there. Then last I would ask.. are you looking for Hybrid? Do you care about being GREEN? Good luck with it. Congrads on getting a new vehicles. Have fun..
HIH.. Jenn
Mama to Bryce~9, Austin~6, Taylor~16 mnths
Step mama to Nich~15, Christian~14

I have a Ford Explorer with third row seats. I put all three of my kids (all in carseats) in the second row and still have the back cargo area for storage. It works well for me.

I didn't want a minivan either. :)

Good Luck in your search.

Well, i just got a new vehicle too, but i only have one kid. I was looking at minivans too,which arent too 'hot'. But the one i did like was the Nissan Quest. Its a mini van but still cool and edgy. If you want to stick to SUV try one with a 3rd row of seats. Mazda has a really nice one. Not sure of its name...i think it may be a crossover. Ford makes a crossover the 'freestyle' with 3rd row, along with some explorers with 3rd rows!
Hope this helps

Hi L.. I am the owner of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Ford Excursion (the biggest vehicle on the road other than commercial vehicles). The difference between the pathfinder and the minivan is 1)gas mileage (check out how much though- I'm honestly not sure that it's going to be a huge amount) 2? space- you'll have alot more in a minivan and be able to take not one person with you but three and 3) realistically- the mini van will make life much easier on you (imagine it's raining at the mall and you are running to the car- instead of you getting soaked as you buckle both kids in, you can all jump into the van and more around freely and not get soaked. Overall though- it's your choice. I love my Excursion for the space HOWEVER I can't stand the cost of gas and really, it's not good for the enviroment. I am in your same shoes- I want to get something smaller (I have three young kids though so it can't be too small) and I know a mini-van would be my best choice but good Lord- I DONT WANT TO BE A SOCCER MOM- I WANT TO BE COOL!!!!! he he. Anyway- also check into some of the smaller SUV's that have third row seats- you'll gain space there- live the Trailblazer.....good luck shopping.

I totally feel you on the minivan thing. Like 10 or 12 years ago, what else would you buy if you had kids? But now there are so many choices. I drive Lincoln Navigator and I used to drive a small Civic. It was hard to get used to it but it is very roomy! I am actually surprised that your husband suggested the minivan thing seeing as though he will be driving it too. I also like the pathfinder. The Toyota Highlander is cool too because it has third row seating but is still compact sord of. Good Luck!

I drive a GMC Envoy XL, which I don't think they make anymore. It has a third row seating and drives so smooth. I was the same way about minivans, but after being in a bunch from familiy and friends, I actually like them now. They are usually alittle wider then other SUV's and that makes getting to the very back alot easier. With my truck, if I have the 2 carseats in the middle, I can't get to the back row. Look around, and compare and drive them. You have to look at the prices to, some minivans are ALOT cheaper then SUV's and you might just be paying for the bells and whistles. Good luck!! Besides you could get that bumper sticker that says-"My other car is a corvette" or something like that!!!

I drive an odyssey and love it. Yes, I know it is not the sportiest thing in the world but it is soooo functional and easy to drive. They definitely had mom in mind with the design. I have friends who couldn't do the minivan thing for similiar reasons to yours. However, larger suv's don't have the conveniences that minivans do. My friends with the SUVs complain that you can't put two carseats in the middle seat because to get into the third row seat you have to flip one of the middle seats for access. Some SUVs have captain chairs in the center but with a car seat in one of them, it is difficult to move around it to get into the back. The minivan gives space to maneuver around the seat and into the back. Also it is at a great height in case you are still lifting your little ones into their seats. SUVs can be taller and create a lifting challenge. Our honda has the doors that open with a push of the remote and that is a life saver if your hands are full. I can't imagine life without my odyssey. As for different makes of minivans, I am partial to the honda. They are so dependable and safe. My husband had an accord that he drove until it had 205k miles on it! We got rid of it because I just wanted something newer. It was still running fine! My brother has five kids and he drives a Nissan Quest. He is happy with that as well but it does not have the same safety stats as the honda. The toyota sienna is also very nice, a real close comparison to the honda. Can you tell I sold cars before I became a mom? If you have any questions about any of the vehicles, let me know! I love talking cars!
J. (____@____.com)

I'm with you,minivans are U G L Y!I agree with Kellie J.,the trailblazers and the likes,ie Explorers,Suburbans,Expedetions,are definitely the way to go-as far as LOOKS and room.However,not only do you have to pay the PRICE for these American made beasts,but they are gas guzzlers-in a huge way!Is there any way you can keep your current SUV and THEN purchase another bigger vehicle for the longer trips/trips with more people?I'm only suggesting keeping your current auto for daily/weekly runs about town.I suggest doing a car search online,look at the prices,the sportiness(the COOL mom look),and definitely the gas milage,since it doesn't seem thats gonna be at a reasonable price any time again.Good Luck ,R.

L. -

I drive a Saturn Relay - Saturn's version of the minivan. I like it a lot. It looks more like an long SUV than a minivan. At least to me it does. I have 3 children - a 4 year old and 2 year old twins. They all fit comfortably in the car with room to spare. Getting them in and out is easy with sliding doors on both sides.

Might be worth checking out. It is pretty affordable and you can get a lot of "extras" for the same price you might pay for a different car.

Just a thought. Good Luck!!

Hi L.. We just got a 2007 honda odyssey. I think it looks ok but I love the room I have now. We also was think about the toyota one but we like the honda better. I like my toyota corolla better but we needed more room. Hope this helps.
C.

Hi L.! I know exactly how you feel. When we had our first child, I was 25 (almost 26) and I vowed that I would NEVER drive a minivan. However, 11 years and 2 more kids later, I drive a Chevy Venture. My kids are 10, 7, & 2 at this time. I went from a Camaro, to a Malibu (sedan) to the Venture. I LOVE my minivan. They aren't the most sporty looking things but..I can haul stuff, I can fit my kids, a friend for each one and my husband in the car with me. When we go on road trips, there is more than enough room for all the stuff they "need" and them to have a little space so they aren't sitting on top of each other. Now, if you are completely opposed to minivans no matter what....one of my best friends drives a Ford Freestyle. It is a cross between a wagon and an SUV. She loves it. She has lots of room for her three kids, it gets good gas mileage and it is classified as an SUV. The Chrysler Pacifica is the same style as the Freestyle. Also, the Chevy Uplander is the newer version of the van I have. It is a cross between a minivan and an SUV as well. It looks more like an SUV.
Just remember that as your twins get older, they will have more activities, more friends to come along and the amount of "stuff" they need on trips won't diminish...it will just become other "stuff"!
So, in the end, you have to choose a car you are comfortable with...just try to think about how "big" that car will feel in about 5 years when you are carting them and their friends to soccer practice, band practice, the pool, the beach, or to family events.
Best of luck in making your decision!
T.

Hi L. ~ I am a STAHM of 4 boys, because of one income we HAD to start with the mini van :( My husband hated it and I hated it!! That was when we went from 2 and a car to 3. When we found out #4 was coming it was time to happily move on. I looked and looked (of course the gas prices weren't like they are now) I decided I wanted a Ford Expedition ~~ LOVE IT!! Only problem.. Not big enough! Okay 2nd problem...Gas is expensive we have $60 a week budgeted (that's for the normal everyday driving..store, church, school, dr., etc.) And like another mom stated LEATHER is a must have with children!!!!!!! Have a blessed day ~ J.

We just got a Toyota Sienna last December, which I was totally against the minivan issue. It gets great gas mileage and has a lot of great perks. My husband drives it primarilly as he works 52 miles away from home. It is very easy to get our son in and out of compared to our former vehicle a Toyota Tundra. Personally, I think the Toyota Sienna is better looking than the Honda Odyssey. Good Luck in your decision!

I wish I knew about this post earlier. Just thought I would give my two cents if you have not bought a car yet. I drive a toyota highlander hybrid. I LOVE IT!! Now not much room between the seats, but if you don't need much storage space there are fold down seats in the back. My 3 1/2 year old loves to sit in his car seat back there. A little bit of a pain getting it in and out, but not too bad. Love the hybrid feature, yet still an SUV. I refuse to go the minivan route!

I am not a fan of minivans. I have a Chevy Tahoe and I love it! I have three rows of seats, plenty of room, and towing capabilities. The second row of seats even accomodates three car seats comfortably.

L.~
I am a proud minivan driver! I know that there is a certain "stigma" attached, but I love mine. We have 4 Boys ranging in age from 10 to 16 months, and it is practical for us. I have a new 07 Grand caravan, and when I am in it I forget that it is a van. It has 2 tone leather seats, a sunroof and a dvd player, I love it. But my point is that Dodge is coming out with a new line for 2008. The minivan that looks like an SUV. The new style does not look at all like a van, it looks more like a durango from the front, but inside is the same. If you can hold off it might be something to think about.

Best of luck to you!
K.

You are not the only one who feels like this as we can all see. It's funny that I looked at this because I'm about to get a mini-van early June. Currently, I drive a Rangerover SUV and it is not made with a third row. I have two children age 3 and age 5 months. It's a great stylish luxury vehicle however, does not have enough room especially if there is an additional rider with my family! I used to say getting a van "no way I'd rather be taken out back and shot" Now that I have major responsibility it seems not a bad idea. In additon, there is no price comparison with gas/maintenance between suv's and van's it seems! I too wish you well with it and myself also. I think a separate "date" car would not be a bad idea to have for when you want to just go around by yourself. That's what I hope to get! Good luck.

Good Morning! Well let me start out by saying...I know exactly how you feel. The vans are very convenient and functional, but don't help you to feel as young anymore. I actually had a van about 3months ago, but traded it because after having it only 1 1/2 years I hated it. I traded it in for a Toyota Highlander with the 3rd row seating. I love it. It's a small SUV so the gas milage is about the same as my van. By the way, I had a Mazda MPV. I don't know what small SUV you have , but I test drove the Escape and CRV and the Highlander is much roomier and the 3rd rowing seating is a bonus. If you don't need the 3rd row seating it folds down flat. It's very functional, just like a van but you feel alot better driving it.

A little about me: I'm 28 years old. I have 2 boys, 5 years and 19 months. They're both in car seats and I still have plenty of room in between them.

Good luck. I hope you find something that you can be happy with everyday.

Sincerely,
S.

Well, I always drove toyota corollas due to their reliability and easy maintainance and repair. (I fix my own). I needed a new car though so my husband and I made a compromise, I got a 1995 Dodge Stratus ES which if you know Dodge's "cab forward" design the thing has an impressive amount of room inside. Also this one has leather so I don't have to worry too much about spills, just wipe right up. Had 60,000 miles and got it for 2900 and looks like new.

L.,
When I traded my VW Cabrio in for a Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 6 years ago I was nearly in tears... really! My daughter was only 6 months, but the convertible had become impractical. I am very practical, so decided to give up on my image and get a vehicle that would accomodate my daughter and future kids. I didn't really care for my van, but only because of the image thing. That is, until we made our first road trip to my in-laws in New York. Oh my gosh... it was so comfortable. I was in love after that!!!! It was so much better than my husband's SUV (Nissan Xterra) because I could move around; sit next to my daugher or husband. After that, I was a proud owner. And this was before they made the stow away seats and other fancy stuff!
I just recently traded my van in (due to age and maintainence associated with age) for a Buick Rendezvous. I have three kids now and always felt bad for the one kid allllll the way in the back of the van alone. My Rendezvous has fold away 3rd row seating, so we can still have passengers. Most of the time it's folded down, giving me lots of cargo room that even my GRAND caravan didn't have. In the meantime, all three of my munchkins are on the 2nd row where I can hear and reach them. No more lonely kid in the back! I love my Rendezvous. The only issue with it is that to get to the 3rd row, you have to fold down a 2nd row seat, which I can't do with 3 carseats. Of course, this isn't a permanent problem. Once my oldest is out of a carseat, I will be able to flip her seat down for easy access to the 3rd row! In the meantime, I only put kids in the 3rd row and I just have them jump over a seat (which amuses them!).
Good luck in your decision!

I am pregnant with my second and currently drive a 1999 Honda Civic (nice 2 door). After getting my son in and out of the back for a couple of months, I discussed with my husband the need to obtain another vehicle. We went back and forth on the SUV/Minivan debate- needless to say we went for the Toyota Sienna and I love it (didn't think I would). My son can almost get into the van himself (he's only 18 months old) and loves having the extra space. Good luck with your decision- the biggest thing- test drive!! You might find our answer then- comfort is more important than looks/image. Good luck!

no offense, but i started to laugh at all the differant responses you got.

so here is my advice.... my uncle used to be the technical director for consumer reports mag... he was in charge of all the testing of the cars for the mag. so my advice would be to get a copy of that mag. and see what fits your needs and concerns the best. we needed something bigger, and that could haul and that we could travel in, so we got a SUV. What ever fits your needs. if you have the luxury of time, use it to your advantage.

I vowed I'd never be a motherly victim of the minivan!!! My husband and I just purchased a Ford Freestlye this past Tue. We were able to find one that seats 7. We love it so far, although haven't had enough time to for problems to arise. It's a car that is considered to be a "crossover." It's not a van, suv or wagon, but rather like a cross between them. It's extremely spacious, smooth ride, decent gas mileage for it's size (better than most suvs). We got the Limited, so we would have leather seats and added features. I figure leather seats are a must with little ones because it's easier to wipe up messed and vomit! The 2007 models come with the curtain air bags on the side for extra safety. We havent had to use the third row seating yet. We've folded the seats down to transport some furniture, and it's terrific for that type of job. I did notice though that it may be slightly difficult to climb to the third row seating, but then again I highly doubt I'd ever be the one to sit there (most likely a child). Umm....all in all we are very satisfied, it's worth looking into.

Hey L.,

We have a now 9mo old, and we also have a small dog that goes everywhere with us and due to car sickness has his own carseat too. So when we found out we were pregnant and both having 2 door coupes, decided to upgrade. We both decided minivans were out of the question. We test drove every SUV out there, and finally decided on one and couldn't be happier. We have the Chevrolet Trailblazer Extended. It's got 3 rows of seats, so the car seats can fit in the middle row, and you've got great space in the back for your strollers and everything else, when you don't need to take anyone else, but if you've got extra passengers the 3rd row flips up very easily and you can tote an extra 2 to 3 people if necessary and you've still got room in the back for baby things. After we decided we needed a 3rd row, we tried every SUV that had one. Most of the ones out there you're either cramped with no leg room or we found our heads were hitting the ceiling or we felt like we were sitting below ground. The one in the Trailblazer is awesome, you've got plenty of leg room and you're level with the rest of the car. There's even seperate air vents for heat and A/C, and cupholders back there lol. It's a little pricy but not nearly as high as most of the larger SUV's out there, but well worth it if you can swing the price, and need the extra room. Good luck in your search...it took us 7 months to finally decide on which one we wanted!! Hope this helps and have a great day!!!