I hate minivans ...

[Tasty]

Everyone I know that has an Odyssey has been converted from minivan hater to Odyssey lover. People think SUVs have so much room and utility, but like Accumulator said when you really compare feature for feature the minivan would win hands down. However, like the rest of America (or a lot of America) I don't want to be seen in a minivan.

[bshertzer]

Originally Posted by webstrive

great info .. thanks everyone

for me, being more environmentally friendly and having decent performance is a signficant selling point

i can only assume that you wouldnt be interested in an 01 Expedition... fully loaded in very nice shape would you?

[SpoiledMan]

Neither of us wanted a mini-van when we bought the Odyssey in 2000. We were both determined to only drive it when we have to. Our other two cars are '95(98,000 miles) and '98(26,700 miles). The van has almost 90,000 miles. I guess you can tell which one we like the most and drive the most eh? When they make a hybrid, we will take a look at getting a new one and decide between the hybrid and the Touring Odyssey.

[Z K]

I don't think minivans are necessarily bad. The new ones are extremely comfortable with leather, DVD navigation, in car entertainment systems, active noise cancelling, 2/3 zone temperature control, xenon headlights, power everything, and drives like a car. Definitely the way to go on a long road trip when you have a lot of people onboard! SUVs seem rather useless unless you're planning on going off the road or in places with snow/mud.

[AlexRuiz]

I shouldn't be revealing insider stuff, but if you can wait for the new GM "lambda" crossovers they are well worth the wait. Saturn outlook, GMC acadia or buick enclave

[Accumulator]

This thread is similar to the one about selling a Porsche to buy something that'll accommodate a growing family.

On the SUV/minvan thing, I can't help but think that the same low step-up that my older dog appreciates might be a big deal for people with kids. IMO someone with kid-seats/etc. will probably be happier with a minivan-style ride height and big sliding side doors.

[Tasty]

Originally Posted by Accumulator

This thread is similar to the one about selling a Porsche to buy something that'll accommodate a growing family.

On the SUV/minvan thing, I can't help but think that the same low step-up that my older dog appreciates might be a big deal for people with kids. IMO someone with kid-seats/etc. will probably be happier with a minivan-style ride height and big sliding side doors.

Accumulator - That is all true, BUT many people (myself included) don't want to admit it or give in to the minivan. If I really wanted to be practical, and actually if they were priced a little more reasonably, I might trade my CR-V in for an Odyssey.

[MrSelfDestruct]

The new 2007 Montana SV6 has a larger engine... 3.9L 240hp. Just something to think about.

I personally like the Pontiac Torrent, however it's only a 5 seater..

GMC Envoy XL is nice.. smaller than the Yukon (gas mileage)... and you can fit 7 people.

[Accumulator]

Originally Posted by Tasty

..many people (myself included) don't want to admit it or give in to the minivan. If I really wanted to be practical, and actually if they were priced a little more reasonably, I might trade my CR-V in for an Odyssey.

Heh heh, I sure sympathize with anybody who just can't bring themself to get a minivan I possibly argue the sensible-but no fun angle because I have one And I can leave it in the garage when I'm not dog-hauling.

[adjulian]

Since I posted about my Porsche conversion to the Odyssey I feel compelled to reply as well. As Tasty and Accumulator have already posted, feature for feature the mini-van, and in my case the Odyssey, wins hands down.

Is the aversion to the minivan a psychological one or is there a reason associated with the function and practicality of the minivan?

If you think of all the creature comforts that you would want in a crumb catcher, the minivan has them.

For me personally, I was thinking about 5 star crash safety ratings, full side curtain airbags, a great deal of room for my family today and for what my family may look several years down the road, i.e. maybe more kids, ease of use for my misses - hoisting the kids in and out, multiple compartments for all of the kiddie's stuff, improved gas mileage and all around comfort.

Just my $.02 but it looks like you have a nice list of vehicles to consider regardless of which way you go.

[Accumulator]

[quote=adjulian]Is the aversion to the minivan a psychological one or is there a reason associated with the function and practicality of the minivan?

I suspect that *most* people just don't like the boring putz-mobile minivan image Our previous dog-car was a lot *more* grandma-looking, but it drove *nice* and I miss it, the dogs don't though- they prefer the minivan, same as most people would.

I just don't like how it drives, it's sorta an exaggerated example of why I'm not fond of front wheel drive and soft suspensions. FWIW, it bugs my wife almost as much as it bugs me.

If terms like "weight transfer" are meaningless to somebody's commute, then never mind *my* opinions about how such vehicles drive But we have to consciously adjust how we drive, even with the dogs in it.

The rent-a-Suburban came a lot closer to what we're used to and was great in the winter. But not, alas, as practical by a long shot.

[SpoiledMan]

Accumulator, the Odyssey isn't like the "other" mini vans. Take one for a spin one day.