Two years ago we became minivan drivers, after swearing for years that we'd never take that step. If we still lived in the city, we'd never need or want it, but suburban realities are what they are. I would not say we are proud, but I will say these things:
1) carpooling out here in the burbs to our kids' various activities is a lot easier thanks to the extra seating; 2) we (I say we, but my wife's the primary minivan driver) don't mind driving it, and in fact we'll probably get another or continue with this one once our lease is up; 3) despite the poorer gas mileage vs. our other car (a 4d sedan), it's soooooo much better for long trips.
The Sienna I rented a while ago drove pretty much just like a Camry, but with loads of extra space. While I couldn't deal with driving a Camry on a regular basis (or pretty much any other Toyota-- I've never driven one that I've liked except for the Sienna), having that same bland, boring driving experience with loads of space, comfortable second row captain chairs and lots of little places for things, is pretty great. I'd definitely get a Sienna or Odyssey instead of a big SUV -- just a way better, more polished experience all around. Of course, a wagon still beats minivan or SUv.*
*In certain environments and circumstances, there are drivers who need an SUV. Most of us don't.
I've driven my brother in law's Odyssey a time or two and except on very tight cornering, it drives in a manner that is all but indistinguishable from our Honda Accord (except that, for some idiotic reason, he bought an Odyssey with a 4-cylinder engine)*
* People of Earth, Attention: High-end acceleration is a safety feature. The number of times I've avoided a bad accident because I could go from 60-85 quickly far, far outstrip the number of times I've ever needed to brake sharply (let alone actually engage the anti-lock brakes).
When I had a motorcycle, high-end acceleration was one of only three safety tools at my disposal, the others being mid-range acceleration and acceleration from a dead stop.
Two years ago we became minivan drivers, after swearing for years that we'd never take that step. If we still lived in the city, we'd never need or want it, but suburban realities are what they are. I would not say we are proud, but I will say these things:
ReplyDelete1) carpooling out here in the burbs to our kids' various activities is a lot easier thanks to the extra seating;
2) we (I say we, but my wife's the primary minivan driver) don't mind driving it, and in fact we'll probably get another or continue with this one once our lease is up;
3) despite the poorer gas mileage vs. our other car (a 4d sedan), it's soooooo much better for long trips.
The Sienna I rented a while ago drove pretty much just like a Camry, but with loads of extra space. While I couldn't deal with driving a Camry on a regular basis (or pretty much any other Toyota-- I've never driven one that I've liked except for the Sienna), having that same bland, boring driving experience with loads of space, comfortable second row captain chairs and lots of little places for things, is pretty great. I'd definitely get a Sienna or Odyssey instead of a big SUV -- just a way better, more polished experience all around. Of course, a wagon still beats minivan or SUv.*
ReplyDelete*In certain environments and circumstances, there are drivers who need an SUV. Most of us don't.
I love my Odyssey so much that I may continue driving it when my kids are in college.
ReplyDeleteI've driven my brother in law's Odyssey a time or two and except on very tight cornering, it drives in a manner that is all but indistinguishable from our Honda Accord (except that, for some idiotic reason, he bought an Odyssey with a 4-cylinder engine)*
ReplyDelete* People of Earth, Attention: High-end acceleration is a safety feature. The number of times I've avoided a bad accident because I could go from 60-85 quickly far, far outstrip the number of times I've ever needed to brake sharply (let alone actually engage the anti-lock brakes).
Completely agree regarding high-end acceleration being a safety feature. I think people overlook its significance.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had a motorcycle, high-end acceleration was one of only three safety tools at my disposal, the others being mid-range acceleration and acceleration from a dead stop.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, I hate the way they drive. Everything on the steering and suspension is so damned tight. To me, Hondas feel like nervous cars.
ReplyDeleteAnd your helmet and gloves, though I suppose that's stretching the definition of tool (unless you're James Harrison, of course).
ReplyDeleteMy helmet, when I wore it, yes. I was young and stupid. My gloves kept me safe from wind chill, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteYou will probably need to keep it to get your kids, and their stuff to and from college. Honestly, I think I might get one again when the wagon dies.
ReplyDeleteDislike.
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