Minivans: Thoughts and Opinions please

Virgo17

So #3 is on the way in July and DH and I have been pondering the thought of a minivan.  He has a 4-door F-150, which has plenty of room to put three across the back.  I have an Explorer and I just can't see how it will work.  I guess the oldest will have to go in the third row, but I feel like getting them all in and out will be a huge PIA.

So who has one?  Tell me how much you love it.  Who has a mid-sized SUV and is making it work?

2chatter

We have an Enclave and it works, even when we have 5 kids.  As long as the third row kids can buckle themselves....

The usual three - one each in the second row captains chairs (5 year old, 5 point harness, 1 year old, RF) and the third child in the third row (8 yo, booster). 

+ Super quiet, most legroom in midsize SUV class for third row, plenty of space behind third row for double stoller + diaper bag.

joshandpanda

you will never see me driving a minivan.

Ill buy a suburban before a minivan...  

azuremama

We got a minivan because DH was convinced we needed it, but now I love it.  It has doors that open automatically (handy when you're trying to get more than one kid in in a hurry) and is super easy to get the kids in and out of.  It can haul all of our crap around.  It has made my life much easier.

blush64

I wouldn't say minivans look fabulous but I love them. I have two kids and one more due in May and it has been great. We always have room for their sports equipment, for camping gear, extra friends, and as babies it was easy to get them in and out. IT also left enough space so that the kids could be separated when needed.

We are probably buying a new one in June.

jf198400

I have a Toyota Sienna LE, and I LOVE it!  So far only have 2 kids, but we will eventually have more.  It's very comfortable, tons of space!  My BIL calls it "the living room on wheels" haha.  I love the power sliding doors, I don't think any SUV's have that?  And the rear backup camera is great.  I think having 3 kids in an SUV would be a PIA.  Driving a minivan really isn't that bad.  They are family friendly for a reason.

katieh1017

Burp

katieh1017

joshandpanda:

you will never see me driving a minivan.

Ill buy a suburban before a minivan...  

Word.

financialdiva

azuremama:

We got a minivan because DH was convinced we needed it, but now I love it.nbsp; It has doors that open automatically handy when you're trying to get more than one kid in in a hurry and is super easy to get the kids in and out of.nbsp; It cannbsp;haulnbsp;all of our crap around. nbsp;It has made my life much easier.

This! Plus, my Odyssey can actually fit three carseats in the middle row.

mittensonkittens

jf198400:

I have a Toyota Sienna LE, and I LOVE it!  So far only have 2 kids, but we will eventually have more.  It's very comfortable, tons of space!  My BIL calls it "the living room on wheels" haha.  I love the power sliding doors, I don't think any SUV's have that?  And the rear backup camera is great.  I think having 3 kids in an SUV would be a PIA.  Driving a minivan really isn't that bad.  They are family friendly for a reason.

This.  Test drive one.  They have changed since we were kids.

Lena122

We had a Dodge Grand Caravan and a Honda Pilot. The minivan is very convenient. The seats fold into the floor completely which leaves a ton of space for moving large items. The 2nd row bucket seats are easy to move to allow easy access into the third row. I think the 3rd row is more accessible with the bucket seats as opposed to the bench like we have in the Pilot.

Yes there's a stigma attached to a minivan, and no the minivan wasn't my choice, but now that we have it the practicability of it trumps the stigma.

MammaBear81

We went the minivan route for cost, gas mileage, space and convenience.  There is no NEED for a minivan with three kids, but there is no need for an SUV either. Our other two cars are a honda civic and nissan versa which we use most of the time (taking up to tree kids with us).  When we do "family" things, or go on vacation the van has the space to fit all of us and our "stuff".

mylittlesunshine

We have a minivan. 2 chidren and we are thinking about adding a 3 (not soon though).

I love my van. I too swore I would never drive one, but the power doors, extra room and no center consol if I need access to the back is awesome!.

litzo27

I was super sad to give up my very cool sedan last year when the lease was up but after test driving a lot of minivans and SUVs with full-sized third row it was down to Odyssey and Suburban. Got the Odyssey because it's much easier to get into the third row (unless you have captain seats) and better gas mileage. Although I hate driving an uncool car, I love love love the convenience of a minivan. All the space, sliding doors, etc. One downside is that it can't handle icy uphill roads. I'll get snow tires for next winter - that's supposed to make a difference. But this winter was pretty bad for driving it here in Connecticut.

jcath

I had a Chrysler Pacifica with a 3rd row and it did not work with my twins and one teenager - It's pretty hard to get back to the third row with two big car seats in the middle row.  Your toddler would need to be very indepdent about climbing back and strapping in.

We traded it for a mini-van.  Its not my dream car but it works best for my family right now.  Even my teenager likes it.  On the whole, minivans have better fuel economy than the SUVs which was an added plus. 

jamiedsgirl

Two words: Sliding doors.

 I just got a van - totally unnecessary for one kid plus one pregnant mama, but I love it!  I love that I will be able to put a DVD on for DS#1 while sitting in the rear row nursing DS#2.  I can use that area to change diapers as well.  I used to nurse DS#1 in the car all the time and it was such an uncomfortable pain in the butt.  Also, it is great in the winter when we can get coats on/all packed up while sitting in the van without having to open the doors.  I always swore I would never get one, but I love it!  I still have my Infiniti sports sedan for "fun" driving without the toddler, so I guess that helps me feel not so much like a soccer mom. 

Brit's Luna154

katieh1017:

joshandpanda:

you will never see me driving a minivan.

Ill buy a suburban before a minivan...  

Word.

+1

Although I will admit that minivans are very thoughtfully designed and probably the most practical of all cars that hold a ton of kids/stuff. I keep telling H that he should get a minivan, but I want to keep my SUV.

bearfootz

We have a '09 Town & Country.  I never wanted a minivan but for practical purposes, I love it.  I think having the sliding doors, third row seating, storage space, etc. were a huge plus when the twins were babies.  Now that the kids are getting older, my desire to switch to an SUV is growing - especially with all the snow storms this winter!  I'm leery to get an SUV with third row seating until the kids are in booster seats and can buckle themselves as I am short and it seems like a hassle to get into the back.  Plus the vans seem to have more storage left in the back when the 3rd row is in use vs. the suv's so if you're lugging a stroller or anything that is something to consider. 

I will say that we've had a few issues with the T&C that I didn't have with other vehicles - frequent recalls, burns oil, and a few electronic issues.  But if those are cleared up in the current model, I do have to say that it has a lot of bells and whistles such as the backup camera and leather seats that make it appealing. 

MamaDaraChicago

When I found out I was preggo with twins, we needed to trade in our Mercedes ML350 for a Toyota Sienna. We could not find an SUV to fit three car seats plus stroller room. Though I kicked and screamed about it, the Sienna is great and so convenient with plenty of room!

bridetobe920

We have a 2012 Honda Odyssey, and we love it!  We knew it was an investment, so we went with the top of the line model with all of the bells and whistles:

Back up camera with several camera positions

Cool box for drinks

Individual climate control

split screen DVD system

blind spot indicators

rear sensors

auto sliding doors and liftgate in the back

built in GPS

seat position memory (driver 1, driver 2)

power outlets, HDMI connections, etc. (DH has the Wii hooked up in the car, haha!)

In addition to those features, we just love the van itself.  It's comfortable, roomy and clearly built for families.   The middle seat of the middle row pulls forward while the baby/child is still strapped in.  Genius!

 

ThreeGirls726

We recently were having this discussion as well. We ended up with an older Tahoe that has captains chairs.  We only have 2 kids but our oldest can buckle herself so whenever we have a third she can move to the back row.  The one we got was fully loaded so the kids will love the dvd players for long trips.

I love the captains chairs in the middle because it is so easy to walk to the back row.

snicksnack

jamiedsgirl:

Two words: Sliding doors.

 I just got a van - totally unnecessary for one kid plus one pregnant mama, but I love it!  I love that I will be able to put a DVD on for DS#1 while sitting in the rear row nursing DS#2.  I can use that area to change diapers as well.  I used to nurse DS#1 in the car all the time and it was such an uncomfortable pain in the butt.  Also, it is great in the winter when we can get coats on/all packed up while sitting in the van without having to open the doors.  I always swore I would never get one, but I love it!  I still have my Infiniti sports sedan for "fun" driving without the toddler, so I guess that helps me feel not so much like a soccer mom. 

DH wants me to consider getting one because we go away a lot in the summer.  I told him the only way I would consider it is if I could have a car to drive to work LOL. Besides the doors and all one big advantage is they get good gas mileage for their size.  My friend gets as good of gas mileage in her van as I do in my forester, which is quite a bit smaller.

skyejo

I have a GMC Acadia and it's plan fabulous.  It's really easy to get to the third row, there's a ton of store, great features like a backup camera, heated seats and automatically opening trunk.  And I'm so not a van person so the biggest perk for me is that it's not a van

I will say that all the people I know with a van love them but it's nothing I'll ever buy. I just don't like the way they look.

mae0111

skyejo:

I have a GMC Acadia and it's plan fabulous.  It's really easy to get to the third row, there's a ton of store, great features like a backup camera, heated seats and automatically opening trunk.  And I'm so not a van person so the biggest perk for me is that it's not a van

I will say that all the people I know with a van love them but it's nothing I'll ever buy. I just don't like the way they look.

This.  DH had a GMC Sierra 4 door, and I drive a VW Touraeg.  DH was trying to convince me to get rid of my car for an Acadia because he couldn't fit 2 car seats in his car.  Um... well, if you can't fit 2 car seats in your car, GET RID OF YOURS.  So he did.  And he loves the Acadia.  I love it too - it has a ton of room, very comfy to drive and to ride in.  3rd row is very easy to access, and also easy to fold down.

doxgirl

I love my minivan.  It is so much easier loading and unloading kids at daycare. There is so much more room. 

littlestjerry

bridetobe920:

We have a 2012 Honda Odyssey, and we love it!  We knew it was an investment, so we went with the top of the line model with all of the bells and whistles:

Back up camera with several camera positions

Cool box for drinks

Individual climate control

split screen DVD system

blind spot indicators

rear sensors

auto sliding doors and liftgate in the back

built in GPS

seat position memory (driver 1, driver 2)

power outlets, HDMI connections, etc. (DH has the Wii hooked up in the car, haha!)

In addition to those features, we just love the van itself.  It's comfortable, roomy and clearly built for families.   The middle seat of the middle row pulls forward while the baby/child is still strapped in.  Genius!

 

Sounds like a tiny slice of Heaven on wheels. I can't wait to get a minivan and mom-mobile around town!

gingerfamily

I have an Odyssey and love it.  My favorite thing is the automatic sliding doors.  The storage space in the back is amazing.  I have our double stroller + the snap and go in there and can still fit groceries, etc. 

 

Lulobug22

I would love to have a mini van! Dh however said he will never ever ever buy me one. I have a limited edition ford flex. I love it but the third row is hard to access and it eats gas.

repedrick

The majority of our friends all bought big SUVs (Tahoes, Suburbans etc) when they were expecting #3. We bought a minivan mostly because of the gas mileage difference but we still got more interior room too.

After seeing how easy it was for us to get all in and out- all of our friends except 1 have switched to a minivan. They all complained that getting kids in & out of the 3rd row was a PITA compared to our van. Not to mention they were spending a fortune on gas.

 

 

preggersin2011

I don't own a minivan but i figured i can pass along the comments i know. One guy at works swears by his minivan. He has three kids, they all play sports. he says it is the best thing for them since everyone has a different bag plus a friend for carpool. Also, at the grocery store he doesn't have to worry that someone parked too close and he cant get the kids in. Plus, you can have your child stand and change (think beach or swimming) with out you breaking your back. They captain style chairs are nice for older kids because you have physical separation between everyone. Oh and he always has to drive for lunch trips since he can fit 8 adults in the car

thedash

I cannot stand SUV's! I can't picture myself driving one unless we moved north and into the deep woods (which isn't going to happen!). But the gas mileage would kill me right now anyway.

We have one kid with a second on the way and take a six hour road trip to visit family 5-6 times per year with our two dogs. We have an old Nissan Quest that we bought used and it is a lifesaver for those trips. When it dies we will definitely replace it with another minivan, probably a Sienna from our current research.

shouldbworkin

I have an MDX.  I had #2 and #3 in the 2nd row and #1 in the 3rd row up until recently when I moved #3 to a convertible seat and #2 couldn't buckle herself anymore.  If my kids were younger, I would absolutely get a minivan.  I still am tempted at times.  We do like to go on road trips and we drove a minivan to FL this year, which was wonderful.  But, I do still love my SUV for the every day and I love not having a car payment right now.  I feel like needing a minivan is a temporary issue and I can just wait it out a bit.  But, now that #3 will probably rear face for awhile longer than the other two, we may still go for it.  Rear facing convertible seats are a PITA.

Nechie122

EllaHella:

Two pros to a minivan sliding doors and seat configuration.nbsp;
I need neither so I will continue to rock my full size SUV which seats one more than most minivans.
I know a mom with twinsnbsp;that manage to make a Prius work. nbsp;

She probably cares more about the environment that you do.

I do not understand the large car obsession. I just don't. My parents had three kids and always drove sedans so I know I'm not living in a one child bubble.

It's like having a house on wheels and a prime example of American overconsumption.

Nechie122

HilarityEnsued:

Nechie122:

EllaHella:

Two pros to a minivan sliding doors and seat configuration.nbsp;
I need neither so I will continue to rock my full size SUV which seats one more than most minivans.
I know a mom with twinsnbsp;that manage to make a Prius work. nbsp;

She probably cares more about the environment that you do.

I do not understand the large car obsession. I just don't. My parents had three kids and always drove sedans so I know I'm not living in a one child bubble.

It's like having a house on wheels and a prime example of American overconsumption.

Umm...you serious Clark?  Who knew a post about minivans could out a sanctimommy over the flucking environment.  

Minivans are really not a "prime" example of American overconsumption.  

And just because you drive Prius doesn't mean you care more about the environment.  I mean... we could launch into a entire debate about any and all hybrid vehicles and whether they are actually better for the environment.

But FFS with your response.

Ha, I guess the pitchforks are out. I knew my response would be something of a UO.

Flame me all you want, but those Suburbans, Range Rovers and Escalades are ridiculous. No one needs a car that big. They can barely fit into parking spots.

I'm just sayin' I don't get the appeal, is all. Oh, and yes, that I judge. So do lots of people!

MammaBear81

Nechie122:

HilarityEnsued:

Nechie122:

EllaHella:

Two pros to a minivan sliding doors and seat configuration.nbsp; I need neither so I will continue to rock my full size SUV which seats one more than most minivans. I know a mom with twinsnbsp;that manage to make a Prius work. nbsp;

She probably cares more about the environment that you do. I do not understand the large car obsession. I just don't. My parents had three kids and always drove sedans so I know I'm not living in a one child bubble. It's like having a house on wheels and a prime example of American overconsumption.

Umm...you serious Clark?  Who knew a post about minivans could out a sanctimommy over the flucking environment.  

Minivans are really not a "prime" example of American overconsumption.  

And just because you drive Prius doesn't mean you care more about the environment.  I mean... we could launch into a entire debate about any and all hybrid vehicles and whether they are actually better for the environment.

But FFS with your response.

Ha, I guess the pitchforks are out. I knew my response would be something of a UO. Flame me all you want, but those Suburbans, Range Rovers and Escalades are ridiculous. No one needs a car that big. They can barely fit into parking spots. I'm just sayin' I don't get the appeal, is all. Oh, and yes, that I judge. So do lots of people!

Should DH and I take separate Prius' to go everywhere with our family? If not, what environmentally friendly vehicle should I drive?

KathrynMD

A few of my friends (and FIL?) have minivans. The way it normally works is for oldest kids to be in the back row, youngest kids in the 2nd row. Passenger seat is for the other adult or stuff. I only have one kid, so it doesn't really make sense for me, but I can totally see it if you have 2 or more.

MammaBear81

EllaHella:

MammaBear81:

Should DH and I take separate Prius' to go everywhere with our family? If not, what environmentally friendly vehicle should I drive?

Roof rack. 

I think you are exempt from judgement since you have a large family.

Would bungee cord seat belts suffice, or do I need to strap the carseats to the roof rack?

Nechie122

HilarityEnsued:

MammaBear81:

Nechie122:

Ha, I guess the pitchforks are out. I knew my response would be something of a UO.

Flame me all you want, but those Suburbans, Range Rovers and Escalades are ridiculous. No one needs a car that big. They can barely fit into parking spots.

I'm just sayin' I don't get the appeal, is all. Oh, and yes, that I judge. So do lots of people!

Should DH and I take separate Prius' to go everywhere with our family? If not, what environmentally friendly vehicle should I drive?

Amazing... I was waiting for mammabear to show up.  You know, several people actually have a larger family than would fit in a sedan.  And for people that drive frequently, including long trips, it absolutely makes sense to have more room.   

I just people that drive Range Rovers because they are actually a terrible piece of machinery.  They are beautiful, but absolutely sh!tty cars.  And FWIW, they seat the exact same amount of people as a prius.  A 7 series or an S class has more interior room than many SUVS.  Do you judge people that drive large sedans?  

I may disagree with MammaBear about her sanctimony over pacifiers and her libertarian views about social programs but obviously she needs a large car.

I haven't compared the gas mileage of an SUV to a luxury sedan. I'll say that my opinion about this is very much colored from having moved from a northeast city where even HAVING a car was a luxury to a suburb in the South where I just don't think you can even comprehend the large car mania unless you live here. It's frankly absurd. It doesn't snow and the terrain is flat. And yet everyone drives a car bigger than an East Village apartment no matter how many kids they have. Usually they have at least three cars too.

cchill01

jamiedsgirl:

Two words: Sliding doors.

Amen!  I traded my Acura SUV for Odyssey minivan.  The convenience far outweighs any lingering issues I have about my own "coolness."  I will have a minivan until my kids are old enough to get in and out by themselves (including doing their own seatbelts)

MammaBear81

EllaHella:

Perfect!... Oh, wait, I forgot I am being "environmentally irresponsible" for even having more than 2 kids.. which ones should I get rid of so we can fit back into the Prius?  I mean I've put a lot of work into the older ones... but the baby is so darn cute right now... decisions, decisions....

Nechie122

HilarityEnsued:

Nechie122:

I may disagree with MammaBear about her sanctimony over pacifiers and her libertarian views about social programs but obviously she needs a large car.

I haven't compared the gas mileage of an SUV to a luxury sedan. I'll say that my opinion about this is very much colored from having moved from a northeast city where even HAVING a car was a luxury to a suburb in the South where I just don't think you can even comprehend the large car mania unless you live here. It's frankly absurd. It doesn't snow and the terrain is flat. And yet everyone drives a car bigger than an East Village apartment no matter how many kids they have. Usually they have at least three cars too.

hi... I now live in Atlanta. Prior to that I lived in Gramercy Park for 5 years. Your viewpoint is not unique. The most SUV crazed place in the country is New England. And we still haven't gotten into the fact that hybrid cars are not truly better for e environment.  

Look, I hate large cars and I judge them most of all when people take up two spots and inconvenience me. You're not going to convince me otherwise by getting into a debate about the merits of hybrids. And least it snows in New England.

Also, I never said I had a special viewpoint. Plenty of people judge SUV drivers. I'm sorry you're defensive about that.