Mini van dilemma - need some input!

[Daniel Koster]

So, here's my current "Family Wagon":

Technically not a minivan, it's a "crossover". An SUV built off of a minivan base (the odyssey).

Has AWD, sits higher, V6, towing package, seats 8 (2, 3, 3) and so on.

We love it. Maybe a little too much.



I have been a longtime "hater" of minivans. They always look trashed to me. And cheap. And wimpy. And they scream "look at ME I'm a middle-aged family man" in a pathetic way.

Ok...enough hate.






Well, I'll be danged if somebody didn't come along and design a minivan that actually has me reconsidering my hard-nosed stance!!!


2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/grand_caravan/gallery/

You guys have probably seen the commercials for it....has a folding table in the back and the 2nd row of seats swivels around backwards.

This feature alone would solve 90% of the problems we have in our car while on "family trips" (meaning, anything longer than the grocery store....even the library is a "family trip"...:foot: )



So, what do you guys think? Should I bust my pride and get it? Or just stick to the Honda (both get the same gas mileage...the Dodge would be about $70 more per month - for the fully-tricked out version).

If I do get one...I'm going for black. Black is cool. Even a black minivan is "decently cool".




Dan

 

[mymindisamob]

Very cool! Probably the only minivan I'd consider as well.

 

[Noshtero]

Bah a minivan doesn't make the man. My dad got a mini van when we were all kids. I'm the youngest, and moved away 6 years ago, and he's getting a new minivan soon. Loves them. Never has any passengers, just loves minivans.

 

[BRAMEL]

Think of the repair bill on the Dodge......stick with the Honda.

 

[Bigfattyt]

well, I grew up driving full sized vans. Big v-8 engines, high ground clearance. When you take out the bench seats you could fit your motorcycle and threewheeler in the back (back when they still made them. or tow our trailer. only the 4x4 vans were better. Gas milage----not so great. I have always said I would not get a minivan. But they do have great utility for passengers, and better gas mileage.

 

[Fiddleback]

Keep in mind Dan has a veritable litter of children he must tow in whatever vehicle he drives. Though, after seeing him work a bullwhip, I bet those boys behave pretty dang well.....

 

[KellyGlanzer]

I have a 99 Dodge Durango 4x4 and a 2007 Toyota Sienna. The van is my company perk and I drive it every day. On the weekends when the wife has a choice she always grabs the toyota to drive.
I was given the option to select a company vehicle and When I was shopping for minivans the toyota stood out because of the wide wheelbase and extra room inside. it is wider than anything else we drove and the most comfortable ergonomically for me. The mileage on them all was similar but the reputation for reliablity on the Toyota stood out as well.
I have bought three of them now for our shop and they continue to perform most excellant.
I know that Dodge makes a good Van as well but the One Dodge minivan in our shop is the one everybody takes last.

 

[Brian Andrews]

Hey Dan,

I am in Michigan, am the third generation working in the auto industry, and have dealt with many OEM, and suppliers (tier 1, 2 and 3). With all that said, I am not going to trash Dodge. I am just going to give you some things to think about:
- First, don't believe me on any of this. Check it out for yourself too.
- Currently (last years figures), DCX has the second worst recall in the industry (thank you Ford for being #1).
- I am not sure where they rank in warranty, but they have never been near the best.
- If you look at JD Power numbers, be aware that they are usually talking about initially quality. Which may reflect the first couple years of ownership. It doesn't do much for indication of problems at say 70k miles. Try to dig up some QRD (quality, reliability, durability) data. It is more indicative of long term problems.

All that being said, DCX just scares me. You might be able to give me one. Especially with their current ownership status, I don't think their mind is currently on product and quality at all.

If you are planning on leasing and giving it back it might be one thing. If you are planning on buying, I would look elsewhere.

The Honda is cool, you could also consider their mini-van, toyota's mini-van, I really dig the FJ cruiser (but it probably doesn't have enough seating for you). If you are looking to stay in the big 3, GM has their larger cross-over out. The GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Saturn Outlook. All made in Lansing Michigan. Currently IPTV (incidents per thousand vehicles) is looking pretty good on that line-up. Feature-wise it is pretty comparable to the Honda.

Brian

 

[mmmotorcycle]

I'm thinking a Honda will still serve you better. But that's just the practical side of me!

What ever is best for your family!!!

 

[WA Martin]

Are you sure you don't want to wait and get one of the new 2009 Ram pickups when they come out. Supposed to be a true 4 door cab and your boys are young enough that you and them would all fit and their little league gear go in the bed. Does your wife go to the LL games?

 

[J. Rosa]

Well if you can afford it and it suits your needs then the only thing left to do is make sure you can trick it out a little my man. Okay so ya get something for the family. That is not bad on the eyes and doesn't have to turn you into a soccor mom. C'mon BIG PIMP'N!!! You can do something to trick this out Boss!

 

[Tohatchi NM]

You don't need your car to compensate for anything, so go for functionality. That includes gas mileage, upkeep, insurance, passenger space, cargo space, reliability, etc. etc.

Besides, if people feel the need to snicker, they can always drag race vs. the Jag.

 

[lefthandblack]

Dude, seriously, just get a Unimog and make the Family sit in back. They will love it.

 

[Daniel Koster]

no persuasion will be necessary, bro...

4 boys - all "soldiers at heart"

...and firemen (see avatar)...policemen....pilots....jedis....astronauts...

 

[Keith_H]

my family is not van people either, but we love our Honda Odyssey. (2001)
its great!

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

Dan, Dodge gives me the willies. Every now and then they come out with a vehicle that catches my eye... then I get in and fall out of love.

I have to say that Dodge has the crappiest interiors... it's like they hired all the old guys from the '70's. Everthing is plastic and snap-on... everything is flimsy and pops off again. Your boys will have the interior taken apart in a week.

Andy

 

[Daniel Koster]

LOL!!!


They've done their level best on the Honda....


:foot:

 

[VoxHog]

Mini-Vans deliver more family-friendly performance per dollar than any other vehicle... we have a Honda Odyssey. :thumbup: It helps to have a second FUN vehicle somewhere in the garage.

I have two friends that bought Dodge Mini-Vans. One made a mobile that he hangs in his basement out of the transmission that failed... twice. The other has had his in the shop more times than I would be willing to put up with. Our Honda, no problems at all, and we have over 105k on it. As much as I wanted to buy an American Mini-Van, we wanted trouble free driving.

 

[Daniel Koster]

Ok guys - you brought back all the bad memories of my folks Dodge Caravan (from the 90s)....it was AWFUL.



I'm going to stick it out with the Honda.



At least until one of these becomes available....

 

[madborderman07]

2 things dan,

i have a 2005 chrysler town and country and my wife and I absolutely love it, it does not have some of the tricked out options as the 2008 model (ie table, swiveling seats) but does have sto and go seating and about everything else you can ask for, we have traveled from coast to coast with it and hav eno complaints. I do have a truck of my own so I can Maintain my cool status. I would advise against black for the simple reason it is the hardest color to keep clean. GOOD LUCK