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Minivans vs SUVs (Vans & SUVs Board)

1874 messages,  Last post on Jan 26, 2012 at 8:39 AM

You are in the Vans & Minivans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Caravan, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Sienna, SUV, Van

Messages Page 186 of 188

#1846 of 1874 Re: press request [petras2] by ateixeira

Oct 13, 2010 (9:18 am)

Replying to: petras2 (Oct 13, 2010 7:41 am)
I have one and my favorite feature are the power doors. They take no space and have huge openings, even the dog can just hop in. Much easier access.
 
My only regret is not getting a power hatch (for when you have something heavy in your arms).
 
Also, a good mid-size SUV will have about 70-100 cubic feet capacity.
 
A similarly sized minivan will have 150. So up to double the space.
 
You really have to go to a Suburban to match a minivan, and then you're vehicle is nearly two feet longer.

#1849 of 1874 switched from a minivan? by steve_ HOST

Aug 01, 2011 (6:55 pm)

A Women’s Health magazine reporter is interested in speaking with women on the appeal of SUV’s and Minivans. If you previously owned a minivan and currently own an SUV or other crossover utility vehicle and are interested in speaking with this reporter about why you chose it and what you like about it, please respond to predmunds.com with your name, email address and day time phone number by Wednesday, August 3, 2011.

#1850 of 1874 SoCal shopping? by steve_ HOST

Sep 09, 2011 (4:16 pm)

A reporter is hoping to interview a car shopper in S. California who is using the Internet to do automotive research. Please email predmunds.com by Monday, September 19, 2011 with your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience.

#1851 of 1874 Re: A Civil Comparison [skimmel] by yousaf

Sep 13, 2011 (5:47 pm)

Replying to: skimmel (Jul 24, 2001 5:36 pm)
Well I personally prefer SUVs but I was practically forced to buy a minivan. I just sold my 2007 Acura MDX. SUVs are nice and make you look rich. Midsize SUVs usually have luxurious design but aren't as comfortable as minivans. Their 3rd row seating isn't very practical. If you have over two children or you travel a lot with a large and older family then I recommend a minivan. If you don't travel a lot an you have a small family of three or less then midsize SUVs are fine. Just the space becomes in an issue with midsize SUVs. Now full size SUVs are better but they have terrible fuel consumption. They also usually have very high interest rates and are very expensive. No one really buys them and they have terrible resale value. They also don't have as many features as minivans.
 
    Since I got rid of my X5 I just bought a Honda Odyssey Touring Elite for 43,000 dollars, which is the fully upgraded model. I wasn't so happy selling my MDX but I had to as I have one 15 year old and an 11 year old. I also travel with my cousin and his wife plus his 14 year old son. Our MDX became a headache. My son complained a so much about the third row, so we sold our MDX last week. Then we visited the toyota dealer and checked out the Sienna. Then we went to Honda and I checked the Odyssey out. I sat in the third row and man was it comfortable or what. Very easily can three full size adults fit in the third row. Now then my wife and I debated between Odyssey and Sienna. My wife and I both loved the Odyssey. It is perfect for young children if you have any, even though we don't. I love the space. The Odyssey has some really nice features such as: a cool box, flat fold third row seats, power rear hatch, power sliding doors, ultrawide rear entertainment screen, and what not! I highly recommend the Honda Odyssey 2011. AMAZING MINIVAN!!!

#1852 of 1874 Re: A Civil Comparison [yousaf] by ateixeira

Sep 14, 2011 (9:35 am)

Replying to: yousaf (Sep 13, 2011 5:47 pm)
It was the unselfish thing to do...your passengers will thank you.

#1853 of 1874 Re: A Civil Comparison [yousaf] by lxowner2

Sep 14, 2011 (1:24 pm)

Replying to: yousaf (Sep 13, 2011 5:47 pm)
What made you purchase the Odyssey over the Sienna? I am thinking of going with the Sienna because I like the AWD option.

#1854 of 1874 Re: A Civil Comparison [lxowner2] by sebring95

Oct 15, 2011 (11:52 am)

Replying to: lxowner2 (Sep 14, 2011 1:24 pm)
We came out of an Ody and into a Sienna. We started toward the Sienna because of the AWD and were never happy with the snow/ice performance of the Ody even with Blizzaks. Once I gave the Sienna AWD a good look and balanced the pro's/con's we ended up with a FWD. The system is very basic, drags mpg, and the run-flats are not my cup-o-tea.
 
I personally like everything about the Ody better except for the exterior styling. But given that not much changed in the overall mechanicals I have doubts the new ones are any better in the snow/ice. Ody was the worst FWD I've owned for winter performance so I guess we'll find out how the Sienna does. We drive a lot of very hilly and rarely plowed roads so really we would prefer an SUV. But the compromise of space just doesn't cut it.
 
We looked closely at the Acadia but there is just not enough cargo space if you need the 3rd row, which is the only reason I can imagine buying one of these vehicles. We have several 4x4 vehicles around so we have choices if the weather turns really foul. But it never fails we'll be on a trip and hit some weather coming or going. Nice to know you can actually get home once you get off the highway. We managed with the Ody and Blizzaks but it was not impressive.

#1855 of 1874 Re: A Civil Comparison [lxowner2] by yousaf

Oct 17, 2011 (4:40 pm)

Replying to: lxowner2 (Sep 14, 2011 1:24 pm)
Hmm I purchased an Odyssey and not a Sienna because Sienna does have a nice exterior from the front however the back looks kind of messed up. The Odyssey is actually better exterior. The Honda Odyssey has better interior features and a better interior design unlike the Sienna where everything looks so messed up in the front where all the AC controls are.
 
Somethings I really liked about the Sienna was that it had AWD, it was really spacious much more than Odyssey, it had more trim levels and starting price for leather was cheaper, the front design I love it, and a few other minor things.
 
One kind of dumb thing Toyota did with the AWD models are that they only have 7 seats if you want AWD. If you get standard 2WD then you get 8 seats.
 
Overally I think both vans are very good and spacious epecially after selling an Acura MDX.

Messages Page 186 of 188

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