Of all the vehicles I've driven and tested over the years, the ones that stand out the most to me are the tech-laden, high-performance cars: Audi S5, BMW M6, Dodge Challenger and Nissan GT-R. My wife also gets to experience some of these vehicles either as a driver or passenger, and I'm always curious to hear her opinion or perspective.
So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that of all the cars that have graced our driveway, her favorite so far is the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan I recently tested. While she appreciated the ton of tech toys the Sienna offers -- a dual-view backup camera, split-screen rear entertainment system, Smart Key and power everything -- and the ample interior space and amenities such as second-row Ottoman-style captain's chairs, I was surprised by her favorite feature. A perfect place to store her purse.
I've always been adverse to minivans or, more specifically, the social stigma that comes with driving one. The closest I came to owning one was a 1997 VW Eurovan camper, which I rationalized as not really being a minivan when we purchased it in 2004, as a replacement for a 1976 Westfalia we bought when my daughter (now 12) was first born. And it was one of a long line of VWs I've owned.
While I see the practical side of owning a minivan when you reach a certain point in life -- with kids and the need to haul them and all their stuff and friends -- I just could never picture myself behind the wheel of one. Our family vehicle, a 2008 Honda CR-V LX AWD with a Thule Atlantis 1200 box on top, works just fine, thanks. Even if if fits only five passengers. And my personal 1996 Impala SS has plenty of interior room as well and a huge trunk.
But my wife loves and misses the Sienna, and even asked if we could keep it for longer when the week-long loan ended. And even my daughter chimed in as I drove her to play practice in a 2010 Prius III. "I liked the car we had last week so much better," she sighed.
And she doesn't yet even carry a purse.
By gobryngo
on May 11, 2010
10:09 AM
I completely agree with your wife, Doug. Good purse storage is key. When he's loading up the car before we go somewhere as a family, my husband frequently asks me if I need my purse up front. Of course, I do! I wish all cars had the room to accomodate a purse like minivans can.
By bav926
on May 11, 2010
10:35 AM
Doug I agree with you that, currently, the Sienna is one of the best choices for a family with kids. Not enough details about the vehicle thou in your post, too much about what you owned or drove. And Doug, you test drive cars for Edmunds, but your personal vehicle is a 96 Impala SS? C'mon Doug you can do better, much better.
By seanmcclure
on May 11, 2010
10:52 AM
My wife loves her 2005 Sienna, with the fold out hook on the passenger side, lower part of the consol, where she can put a trash bag or hang her purse, among other non-flattering ammenities that has nothing to do with horse-power or rims and tires. For her the Sienna is her dream car...I don't get it.
By estreka
on May 11, 2010
11:17 AM
That's so weird! Loren was telling me that's why he likes the Sienna, too. ;-P
By ne1butu2
on May 11, 2010
12:18 PM
Your daughter still has some time to turn this around. But if your wife starts pressuring you to get one of these, I think you should consider divorce.
By fuhteng
on May 11, 2010
12:40 PM
+1 bav926. What Doug, you couldn't afford a G8 GT (you know, the car the Impala SS should a have been for the last 30+ years)?
Anyway, I drove a minivan for years (after I wrecked my Dad's Spirit R/T I couldn't really complain) and I actually liked it. It was comfortable, big so I could move all my stuff in it alone, and reliable. I would happily take one now for the family hauler. No, I would not replace my G8 GT with one, but I could certainly see one in the family and I see no issue with me driving it. I think they're better looking and make a lot more sense than those awful CUV things (like the sin-against-nature Crosstour).
By DLu
on May 11, 2010
04:27 PM
Funny ... some people find it puzzling that someone would spend more than $45k on a minivan. I am glad that some people like the (available) gadgets, and find the practicality appealing. I like out Limited AWD just fine (wouldn't go as far as to say I enjoy driving it though), bells and whistles and all.
I personally find it puzzling that someone would spend $50k+ on an SUV that has less cargo space (even a Suburban has less total cargo space than a Sienna), especially considering that the same demographic who would drive minivans in the 80's and 90's are now driving SUV's/crossover things (i.e. they are no more or less "cool"). Wagons are almost making a come-back as people forget the associations that made them such fuddy cars during minivans' heyday. Each to his/her own.
By blueguydotcom
on May 11, 2010
10:59 PM
I'd take a Minivan of a Rav4/CX7/CR-V. The minivan seems better all around than those (especially the CR-V and its sad engine) - space, refinement, power.
Of course I'd take a pickup or a used X3 over the minivan anyday. Pickup has more practical uses and the X3 drums the blazes out of any small SUV (RDX is nice but lousy mileage).
By subytrojan
on May 12, 2010
06:14 PM
Swagger Wagon FTW!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4
By dougnewcomb
on May 12, 2010
06:44 PM
Okay, after watching that I'm selling the Impala and getting one ...