minivans

mag2point0

I feel like a car related post here convinced me that my next car should be a minivan, so I'm hoping some experts might share their opinons. I'll either get an Odyssey or a Sienna, and I think I know which way I'm leaning. BUT, if anyone could share what they have, how they like it and what kind of problems they've had with it, I'd appreciate it!

Maggie

AngRx

I have a 2008 Odyssey and love it. I cant tell you how many times just the cargo area and space has come in handy in the last 8 months. I have to say that Honda's brakes arent the best. I've had to replace the brakes in all of my Honda's I've owned. No biggie though.  LOVE IT. There is a newer version available that I love the look of.

Traycee1242

I have the Chrysler Town & Country and LOVE it... I looked at the others you mentioned but eventually went with the Town & Country because it is a flex fuel vehicle and takes E85 gas which is 70 cents cheaper a gallon than regular. There are 2 gas stations pretty close that carry E85 so it works perfectly!!!

I also had a Jeep for many years and it has the same "boxy" look... Just felt a little sport-ier... Ive had it a year and absolutely no problems.

Ttimes3

I don't have a mini, yet; but we have started looking. We were both SO anti-minivan, 2 years ago, when we bought the CX-9. Now we are kicking ourselves. With two young children, the functional benefits are undeniable.

We both prefer the new Sienna, but we don't buy new cars. That said, if we decide to buy within the next few months, we'll likely go with a '08-'09 Odyssey, since there seem to be so many to choose from, right now (off lease, etc.).

Brougham7-15-06

I have a 2007 odyssey and I love it. I bought it used Sept 2010 and no issues so far.  We have always owned hondas and never had any issues.  I love all of the space it has, tons of room in the back and how I can slide the middle seats from side to side.

I can't really speak to how a sienna is..we looked at them, and I felt like the odyssey looked nicer.  I am a honda person in general, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy a toyota because of the issues they had..dumb I am sure..but it is how it is.

Mrs.Cooley2bee

I have a 2010 Kia Sedona.  I think it looks almost identical to the Odyssey (I do love the Odyssey) but alot cheaper.  I am sure there are some extras in the Honda that we don't have but I do love our van.  The third row can be configured 3 ways, icluding stowed into the floor.

GL. 

bellevuebride07

I am driving a 2000 Odyssey.  I love it!  I have had problems with the sliding doors in the past but they are working fine now.  We love Honda and also have a Fit.

mag2point0

Ttimes3:

we'll likely go with a '08-'09 Odyssey, since there seem to be so many to choose from, right now (off lease, etc.).

This is what I'm seeing too. But I have reservations because consumer reports (I'm a librarian, I can't buy a car without checking it) says that the siennas are more reliable in general  and specifically the 08 Odysseys are only average. My uncle has an Odyssey (I don't know what year) that he's had to replace 4 transmissions on. It all makes me nervous, but again, there's just more Odysseys out there and so the prices are better.

 

stillwaiting12

I don't own a minivan nor do I have kids yet, but I have driven a sienna a few times as loaners while my Toyota has been in for random reasons. If I were buying a van that is what I would buy. It drove comfortably and has so many nifty features. I have had 4 toyota's and I have nothing but great things to say about the brand.

DinkerJo

We just started looking at minivans last weekend. I thought for sure that I would love the Odyssey since I love my 1999 Accord and haven't had one major problem with it (knock on wood!). I was also considering the Sienna. Well, we went to Carmax and the salesgirl convinced us that in addition to the Odyssey and the Sienna, that we should consider the Town and Country since it is less expensive. I have to say that the Town and Country has much more of a luxury vehicle feel to it than the Odyseey or Sienna. Not to mention it comes with more options at a lower price point.

I know that Hondas and Toyotas generally have a better reputation for being reliable, however, my parents have owed either a Plymouth Voyager or a Chrysler Town and Country since the mini van first came out (maybe 1985?). Sure, some of them have had their problems, but they have always kept their vans at least 10 years and have generally been happy with them.

We're still doing our research and debating on whether to buy used or new, but as of right now, we are leaning toward the Town and Country.

Sorry, for the novel. I just have minivans on the brain!