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Which Minivan has easiest seat storage?

90 messages,  Last post on Nov 15, 2007 at 9:12 AM

You are in the Vans & Minivans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna

Messages Page 1 of 9

#1 of 90 Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? by cherron

Oct 19, 2005 (12:09 pm)

It seems like most minivans have some type of "magic" seat option, but which one is the easiest to use? What about 2nd row seats? The Town & Country has the "stow and go," but are the 2nd row seats comfortable? I'm not sure if I want to sacrifice seat comfort, just to stow them into the floor

#2 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [cherron] by jipster

Oct 19, 2005 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: cherron (Oct 19, 2005 12:09 pm)
I can't recall ease of use of the other minivans, but our Mazda MPV 3rd row seat is easy to use. Just pull out the short strap in back and pull on a longer strap to hide it away. Since, the MPV does not have the longer distance between the back of the third row and the rear bumper...I'm guessing one wouldnt have to lean in as much. The MPV 2nd row seats are fairly easy to remove, I think they weigh 40lbs. They are very comforable.
 
GM minis dont have the "magic" seat.

#3 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [jipster] by rorr

Oct 19, 2005 (1:39 pm)

Replying to: jipster (Oct 19, 2005 12:35 pm)
Well, the 3rd row is pretty easy to use in the Odyssey. The only one that I would compare it to for ease of use would be the Sienna. One additional advantage to split 3rd row seats is that individually they are lighter (easier to operate) than a single non-split 3rd row. But I think the ability to flip the 3rd row over for tailgating in the MPV is a neat option that I sometimes wish we had in the Ody.
 
The Ody 2nd row seats aren't so much heavy, as just awkward to remove/install due to their bulk. Fortunately, I've only had the real need to remove them on a couple of occasions.

#4 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [cherron] by hansienna

Oct 19, 2005 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: cherron (Oct 19, 2005 12:09 pm)
Odyssey 60/40 split 3rd row seats were the easiest to fold into the floor, DC minivans 2nd and Sienna took a little more effort than DC. I thought Ody had the most comfortable seats in 2nd row, Ody and Sienna tied for comfort in front and rear seats with DC being the least comfortable...but still comfortable.
     I prefer the 2nd and 3rd row seats of my 02 T&C to the Stow 'N Go for comfort and they are not very hard to remove. My 02 T&C 2nd row seats are much easier to remove and reinstall than the 2nd row in either the Ody or Sienna.

#5 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [hansienna] by aaron_t

Oct 20, 2005 (5:54 am)

Replying to: hansienna (Oct 19, 2005 4:56 pm)
I haven't compared ease or use between the three market leaders, but I love the split folding of our T&C Toruing. It requires three steps: First to fold the back agaisnt the seat bottom. Next to release the latches on the front, and last rotate it into the floor. Also, one can skip step one for tailgate seating.
 
Doesn't someone have a power folding rear seat availible? I know the 2006 Ford Explorer does, why not minivans? I'm sure they are coming.

#6 of 90 Re: Power folding rear seat in a minivan? [aaron_t] by hansienna

Oct 20, 2005 (9:50 pm)

Replying to: aaron_t (Oct 20, 2005 5:54 am)
The 2006 Sienna Limited FWD has a power folding/adjustable 60/40 Split & Stow 3rd row seat included in Pkg # 3.
     The power folding/adjustable 3rd row seat is NOT available in the Limited AWD.

#7 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [aaron_t] by dennisctc

Oct 21, 2005 (4:45 am)

Replying to: aaron_t (Oct 20, 2005 5:54 am)
Doesn't someone have a power folding rear seat availible?
 
I hear that DCX is working on it for T&C.....2nd and 3rd row power folding, for MY 08 though.

#8 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [dennisctc] by dtownfb

Oct 21, 2005 (7:14 am)

Replying to: dennisctc (Oct 21, 2005 4:45 am)
Are we that lazy that we need a power folding rear seat????
 
The Quest has the traditional full length 3rd row seat, but it is very simple to use. Grab strap, push button an dpull the seat toward you. Once it is int he well, lift up on the handle on the bototm of the seat (which is now in front of you) and it collapses into the well. Unfortunately you have to reomove the headrest though.
 
All minvans should have the deep well and disappearing 3rd row seats. Adds to the versatility of the vehicle.

#9 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [dtownfb] by rorr

Oct 21, 2005 (7:29 am)

Replying to: dtownfb (Oct 21, 2005 7:14 am)
"Are we that lazy that we need a power folding rear seat????"
 
What do you think?
 
Actually, I think it's just one part laziness, one part "at least three times in the last decade I've needed to drop the seat at the same time my hands were full, so I really really really need a power folding seat", and a huge dollop of "hey, check-out the cool seats in my new van!".
 
But that's just IMHO......

#10 of 90 Re: Which Minivan has easiest seat storage? [dtownfb] by dennisctc

Oct 22, 2005 (3:33 pm)

Replying to: dtownfb (Oct 21, 2005 7:14 am)
Are we that lazy that we need a power folding rear seat????
 
Well, I have to admit, I thought putting a power hatch on a minivan wasn't too smart, but now I can't imagine not having it. Here in Michigan in the winter, when cars are filthy from dirt and salt, being able to not touch a dirty handle to open and close hatch is FANTASTIC! I bet senior citizen would probably feel same about power folding seats....many SUVs have em already.

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