My first choice would be a wagon before getting a van. But I definitely would not mind driving one. Hell, I've even borrowed my parents 05 Sienna van and let them use my car (automatic at the time) for a trip with 5 other people. The seating is definitely more comfortable than a car but the middle row seemed a bit low because I couldn't really get my legs on the cushion or extend them in a comfortable seating position. I don't know about the back seat though - I didn't sit back there.
I've driven a 2005 Sienna and a 2000 Honda Odyssey and must say they are quite nice. I've driven a 1998 Dodge Caravan with a 2.4l and that was well...quite an experience on the freeway.
As for SUVs...I don't know. I haven't driven one. I've driven a few Chevy S-10s and 2500 pickups and I mus say that I prefer the van to a SUV if they are based on those trucks. I driven an International 7300 at work which is the base for the International CXT truck, I would not want that as a personal vehicle if I have to get in and out of it several times a day. The suspension is really stiff too. Not to mention that thing gets 8 MPG diesel. Then again, the weight with no cargo is in excess of 14000lbs.
im thinking Odyssey with MDX internals (to make it a 3.7 liter) and custom turbo. and of course a mild drop, lightweight wide 19's with sticky tires, and a beefy rear sway bar. perhaps a 6MT conversion w/ LSD. wheeee!
other people: LOL look at that ricer minivan!
me: *DC to 2nd and floor it*
other people: daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn!
I'd never buy or drive a van - but I do realize once I start my own family I'll end up having to get an SUV. I'm thinking I'd go for an auto as well, just for convenience. That way I would have one manual sports coupe for fun, and an SUV for everything else.
It's also funny how the first poster mentioned that all Asians are destined to drive Honda Odyssey, because I got two Chinese guys at work, and they both drive Odyssey's...
Honestly, I wouldn't mind something like the Ford S-max they got in Europe. Pretty nice for a van ... turbocharged Focus ST engine in it, can be modded cheap, looks alright for a van, manual ...
VTECaddict wrote:im thinking Odyssey with MDX internals (to make it a 3.7 liter) and custom turbo. and of course a mild drop, lightweight wide 19's with sticky tires, and a beefy rear sway bar. perhaps a 6MT conversion w/ LSD. wheeee!
other people: LOL look at that ricer minivan!
me: *DC to 2nd and floor it*
other people: daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn!
Last time I went to the Mazda Rev It Up event, they had an MPV for test driving around the autox course. It was a slushy but I figure I might as well get a little crazy with it and see what it can do. I went to about 35 mph, dive on the brake, hard left as I released. I think I was doing about 25 through the turn and the body listed about 10 degrees. But the steering was still accurate, more so than any Ford Explorers I've driven. It was an agile vehicle. I couldn't squeal the tires on it if I tried.
If I ever need to get a van, I hope it would be a longer and wider version of the xB or FiT. I'd like the Mazda5 more if it has a lower floor inside. No way will I ever drive an SUV. I don't like the unnecessarily big tires and the high ground cleareance.
a small video about the two Odysseys that Honda of Alabama put into the One Lap of America race last year. They won 40 something overall and 2nd and 3rd in class (behind a Grand Cherokee SRT-8 ).
I've already driven a few vans. Listing some off the top of my head-
'92 Voyager
'96-98 Caravan
'02 Oddysey
The Oddysey is actually very nice for a minivan. It handles and feels more like a large sedan than a big van. Steering feel and response is good. Most likely due to the Honda touch.
Example of steering feel that I dislike- I hated driving the Trailblazer my family rented while we were visiting the east coast. V-8 but sluggish acceleration. You really had to step on the throttle to get it going. The steering was horrible too- felt like the wheel was completely separated from the road. Much like driving with a videogame wheel.
Anyway, if anyone here is or will be in the market for a minivan, the Oddysey gets my personal recommendation.
VTECaddict wrote:a small video about the two Odysseys that Honda of Alabama put into the One Lap of America race last year. They won 40 something overall and 2nd and 3rd in class (behind a Grand Cherokee SRT-8 ).
Thought they should've did a 5/6 speed manual swap
