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2008 Minivans - READ ONLY

1261 messages,  Last post on Feb 27, 2008 at 7:47 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan, Hyundai Entourage, Mazda MAZDA5, Kia Sedona, Car Comparisons, Car Buying, Van

#449 of 1261 Re: This is cool.... [ateixeira] by marine2 Oct 10, 2007 (2:20 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 10, 2007 10:16 am) That does look sharp.
#450 of 1261 Re: This is cool.... [dennisctc] by hansienna Oct 10, 2007 (2:39 pm)
Replying to: dennisctc (Oct 10, 2007 4:45 am) YES. I may decide to buy another Toyota if they will eliminate the console between the front seats.
#451 of 1261 Re: This is cool.... [dennisctc] by carcom2 Oct 10, 2007 (5:59 pm)
Replying to: dennisctc (Oct 10, 2007 4:45 am) It does look cool. If I were to get DVD players I actually would prefer them on the back of the headrests - easier on the neck and it doesn't interfere with the view through the rear view mirror.   Fully reclining seats are excellent. Don't know why Chrysler doesn't have it in 2008's. They come in handy when you pull over to a rest area.   Keep this stuff coming on this Toyota. Any idea yet on if it will be in the US?
#452 of 1261 2008 Chrysler minivan by samnoe Oct 15, 2007 (3:15 pm)
Reading all the comments here, makes me more clear what I've said somewhere above. Chrysler did a stupid thing that they did not finish up competing all the way. The new minivan is beautiful, for the most part.   What else would they need? Well, first of all, the 4.0L engine & 6-speed tranny in ALL trim levels - at least optional. (and at least optional on Touring - the best selling version, not just on Limited!)   Second, the seating. Offer 8-passenger seating, the stow 'n' go seats should sit higher and flatter, not as angled, and so should be the 3rd row - like ALL OTHER minivans does, they give you much higher seating position and much more cargo space behind it.   Next, comes the interior quality and some design decisions, as giving oversize a/c vents and lower the temperature controls to an unacceptable position.   A lot of old goddies they used to offer on pre-2003 model years are still missing and haven't came back yet. Like the heated grid at the windshield wipers (many other vans have it - they copied from Chrysler!); illuminated glove box(es); illuminated ignition key ring; illuminated visor mirrors with variable brightness; and some other minor stuff. I also hate the gear selector position. The old column shifter is about 100 times more convenient and easier to use IMO.   I do like the beautiful interior LED lighting (if you haven't seen it yet, go out and give it a look, it's beautiful); I also like that the audio controls on the steering wheel remains the same design as before, in the back of the wheel - I think it's very clever (I hate the oversized steering wheel, though, It should be a little smaller, as on Toyota/Honda vans) - I also like that they changed the trunk opening handle - not "electrical" anymore as it was before. - I also love that you can "override" the power sliding doors. No other minivan does it as good.   I hate that with most options, you must take leather seating and/or DVD entertainment. These 2 options has to be 2 independent options IMO. Not everyone have children, and not everyone wants their children to watch DVD's or TV when traveling.   I love the extra large interior door handles, and the "Grab Pulls" which is very good on the Chrysler - but not good on the Dodge - why did they choose different designs? I like when your fingers can go "thru" - so the tip of your fingers can touch the palm of your hand when pulling/closing the front door. I also like the numerous storage bins on the front doors. And the bigger size exterior mirrors. Replies to this message: marine2 (Oct 17, 2007 3:27 pm) dennisctc (Oct 17, 2007 3:35 pm) bobw3 (Oct 17, 2007 4:29 pm)
#453 of 1261 Which is best? by desperatemom1 Oct 15, 2007 (8:44 pm)
I realize that each minivan has its pros and cons. But as far as quality and best value. Which one does anyone suggest I looked at Honda, Toyota, Kia and Chevrolet Uplander. Please help I am so confused and should I get 2007 or will there be better prices for 2008. When is BEST time to shop for these vans   THANKS A DESPERATE & CONFUSED MOM Replies to this message: thegraduate (Oct 15, 2007 8:52 pm) hansienna (Oct 16, 2007 5:00 pm)
#454 of 1261 Re: Which is best? [desperatemom1] by thegraduate Oct 15, 2007 (8:52 pm)
Replying to: desperatemom1 (Oct 15, 2007 8:44 pm) It depends on what you are looking for.   Honda Odyssey - handles best, most like a sedan. Rides harsher than competitors. Not the cheapest out there either.   Toyota Sienna - rides smooth, doesn't handle nearly as well as the Odyssey. Can be expensive depending on options. Fastest minivan on the market.   Kia Sedona - Major Value here, good 3.8L V6 engine standard on all trim levels, a few cheap touches but overall an excellent contender.   I'd avoid the Uplander. It is an outdated design based on the old Chevrolet Venture van. It is mainly relegated to rental-car lots these days.   Take a look at the Chrysler vans too. They are new for 2008.   Have you gone and actually sat in and tested these vans? You should do so and form your own opinions instead of using others'. My idea of comfort may not be yours.
#455 of 1261 Re: Which is best? [desperatemom1] by hansienna Oct 16, 2007 (5:00 pm)
Replying to: desperatemom1 (Oct 15, 2007 8:44 pm) thegraduate gave EXCELLENT advice to which I would add "Rent one if possible so you can drive it more than the average test drive".   Check each van in bright daylight and also at night. After looking and sitting in all minivans at the Annual Auto Show each year, we narrowed it down to Odyssey, Sienna, and T&C/GC. Two different Honda salesmen gave us the keys and told us to drive the Odyssey. (All others had the salesman go with us.)
#456 of 1261 Re: 2008 Chrysler minivan [samnoe] by marine2 Oct 17, 2007 (3:27 pm)
Replying to: samnoe (Oct 15, 2007 3:15 pm) Second, the seating. Offer 8-passenger seating, the stow 'n' go seats should sit higher and flatter, not as angled, and so should be the 3rd row - like ALL OTHER minivans does, they give you much higher seating position and much more cargo space behind it.   I think the design of the stow-n-go seating is determined mostly by how they have to fit in the storage bins. I would think especially height. Not sure if that would also have to be the reason for the angle of the seat too.   As for 8 passenger seating, not sure how that would work, unless they had a bench seat that went all the way across, which would mean redesigning the storage wells and redesigning one seat to fold over to get in the rear seats. Unless of course they did away with the storage bins. Not sure there is enough demand for eight passenger seating to do all that.   Remember, Chrysler has to be competitive in their pricing and the imports already have over a $3,000. advantage on them in profit, per vehicle. Probably also why you don't get the bigger engine and six speed on all lines. Replies to this message: dennisctc (Oct 17, 2007 3:35 pm) bobw3 (Oct 17, 2007 4:29 pm)
#457 of 1261 Re: 2008 Chrysler minivan [marine2] by dennisctc Oct 17, 2007 (3:35 pm)
Replying to: marine2 (Oct 17, 2007 3:27 pm) I remember Chrysler doing extensive market research for 8 passenger seating and AWD, and the market wasn't there for these items. I also heard the reason for angled seating is a safety issue and keeping passengers in their seats, and kids now slipping under belts? Replies to this message: bobw3 (Oct 17, 2007 4:29 pm)
#458 of 1261 Re: 2008 Chrysler minivan [dennisctc] by bobw3 Oct 17, 2007 (4:29 pm)
Replying to: dennisctc (Oct 17, 2007 3:35 pm) That I doubt. I'm guessing they angle the seats simply because the seats are lower to the floor and without the angle, your knees would be up in the air with zero support.

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