Oh yes, we went there: 9 Minivans You’ll Beg To Drive

Okay, maybe not beg, but at least satisfied if circumstances put you in such a position to own a minivan. Today’s automakers are looking to add technology and luxury features to retain minivan owners and maybe, just maybe, lure in those who run after SUVs or Crossover.

Take the Honda Odyssey Touring for example. In there you’ll find a satellite navigation system that operates with voice recognition responding to over 630 commands, a full-color rear view backup camera, a DVD entertainment package system and, of course, leather seating.

According to Stephanie Brinley, senior manager of a market research firm covering the auto industry, while “the minivan market is not dead, sales have slowed, the market has matured, and there’s some shrinkage.”

Still, she says, “it is really the best space for hauling people and stuff.”

Click through for the list of 9 Minivans You’ll Beg to Drive....
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w209w114 - 1/30/2008 4:58:53 PM

0 Boost

The R63 AMG is the one one I'll be begging to drive.

jgf330xi - 1/30/2008 5:08:50 PM

-1 Boost

Why is this even posted???... Old news.. and useless link...

"In there you’ll find a satellite navigation system that operates with voice recognition responding to over 630 commands, a full-color rear view backup camera, a DVD entertainment package system and, of course, leather seating"

That discribes the 2005 Odessey.. nothing "NEW" there in 3 years..

2005 was/is a great vehicle, for long trips with kids.. even sitting in the back watching movies in the garage, a father-son thing...

1970toyotamarc - 1/30/2008 5:26:32 PM

-4 Boost

Uplander, nuff said.

Shredmo - 1/31/2008 9:07:20 AM

+1 Boost

+1, but I'm afraid it won't help.

Porschinator - 1/30/2008 5:46:00 PM

-7 Boost

Really...I mean did they really have to say begging to drive??? Obviously this article was targeted at Soccer Moms and/or Husbands that do not have the balls to tell the Wifie to get an SUV.

Rupert - 1/30/2008 6:06:37 PM

+6 Boost

But what is so much more manly about an SUV? Instead of a spacious practical vehicle, you get a heavier, less spacious, worse handling, slower vehicle...what's manly about that?

pushrod27 - 1/30/2008 7:18:51 PM

-9 Boost

You'd have to be a man to understand. A (properly styled) SUV has a commanding view of the road and an imposing physical presence. Women tend to me more efficient and agile then men anyway.

Big, strong, mean, and hungry are all hallmarks of manliness. for example: Tony Soprano or Avon Barksdale.

henbmw - 1/30/2008 8:31:04 PM

+6 Boost

Well said Rupert!

In the US at least, I find it a direct reflection of the amount of stupidity that fills this country with the abundance of families driving bloating SUV's over a minivan. If you are such a man, you wouldn't be ashamed to buy the better car for your family instead of trying to prove your manliness (idiocy would be more apt) with a unpractical hunk of crap.

t_bone - 1/30/2008 9:12:47 PM

+3 Boost

Dan Gurney and Rod Millen like minivans.

drew630 - 1/30/2008 9:26:02 PM

+4 Boost

Didn't they just list every minivan on the market??

0to60 - 1/31/2008 8:09:29 AM

+2 Boost

Pretty much! So basically they are just saying that we beg to drive minivans... Hmmmm I... disagree

0to60 - 1/31/2008 8:12:39 AM

+1 Boost

I "beg" to differ

0to60 - 1/30/2008 10:10:24 PM

+1 Boost

why cant crossovers just replace minivans!?! why are they still needed????

t_bone - 1/30/2008 11:32:35 PM

+2 Boost

Because crossovers are like sedans for interior room, and many families won't fit in one.

Minivans have more interior room than any SUV. (Possible exception of the Suburban, but I bet it is close)

S4cabriofoxone - 1/31/2008 12:02:08 AM

+2 Boost

Minivans make more sense than crossovers for any family.

I think more people will realize this as we enter the realm of gas at $5/gal.

StickShiftCamry - 1/30/2008 11:22:56 PM

-3 Boost

Toy Sienna 3.5 w/ HID, Laser Cruise, leather, AWD = Very Fast.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/31/2008 12:02:52 AM

+3 Boost

0-60 in 7.7 seconds.

Blistering.

Excuse me for wondering, but what would HID, laser cruiser and leather do to make the car faster?

Rupert - 1/31/2008 12:41:59 PM

+3 Boost

7.7 is pretty fast S4 - you seem to have very high standards for 0-60 times.
Your X5 is only about 1 second faster, it's hardly a long time..

THESCOOTER - 1/31/2008 2:27:35 AM

+1 Boost

Minivans have their place. They are the most efficient vehicle package for the money and offer significant feature content. They are not for me, nor do I believe they belong on this website. Regardless, the segment is not going anywhere. Crossovers get close, but to some people there is NO replacement for sliding doors. I guess that begs the question..."if it has sliders is it a minivan? or can a crossover have sliding doors (ala Ford Explorer America concept)?"

skinny - 1/31/2008 6:14:34 PM

0 Boost

Minivans RULE!! Enuff said!!

c36amg - 2/1/2008 8:03:11 AM

0 Boost

ml, glk, x5, gl...