Mini-Van tests

[Ken Robb]

The latest Car and Driver issue compares several family-friendly mini-vans and it provides a nice over-view of some popular choices. There was no specific comment about loading bicycles but I think room for bikes is understood in these vehicles.

[deluz]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

The latest Car and Driver issue compares several family-friendly mini-vans and it provides a nice over-view of some popular choices. There was no specific comment about loading bicycles but I think room for bikes is understood in these vehicles.

We have a 2010 Toyota Sienna, no problem putting bikes inside.
I can fit our tandem in with both wheels on with one of the middle seats removed.
Just wish it had more places to put straps on the side walls.

[p nut]

Yes, I think that’s just assumed given the cavernous space inside. We had a Sienna and I’ve transported many bikes inside. No need for a rack.

I do like the Pacifica with the stow and go middle seats. If I were to get another minivan, that’s probably the one I’d get.

[TiminVA]

Not a minivan, but the Honda Element was the best bike hauler I've ever owned and I've owned several trucks.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by p nut

Yes, I think that’s just assumed given the cavernous space inside. We had a Sienna and I’ve transported many bikes inside. No need for a rack.

I do like the Pacifica with the stow and go middle seats. If I were to get another minivan, that’s probably the one I’d get.

you would be hard pressed to get me into a Chrysler/Dodge product.. we have a Dodge Caravan (2019 I think) for our commute van and, at just under 70k, it is starting to fall apart pretty fast.. the sliding doors work sometimes.. we already had some major issues with the coil packs, etc.. the rear wiper stopped working one day.. I can't imagine this vehicle at 140k.. we put a lot of miles on it since it's a commute vehicle from Petaluma to Alameda every week day, but still..

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by TiminVA

Not a minivan, but the Honda Element was the best bike hauler I've ever owned and I've owned several trucks.

I agree it sure looked like it.. we almost got a used one, but the interior was much less than impressive.. the seats were already broken down/cracked and it was a bit too utilitarian for us (I know it was designed like that, but still..)

But it would be awesome for some kid's first car for sure!

[donevwil]

Originally Posted by fourflys

you would be hard pressed to get me into a Chrysler/Dodge product.. we have a Dodge Caravan (2019 I think) for our commute van and, at just under 70k, it is starting to fall apart pretty fast.. the sliding doors work sometimes.. we already had some major issues with the coil packs, etc.. the rear wiper stopped working one day.. I can't imagine this vehicle at 140k.. we put a lot of miles on it since it's a commute vehicle from Petaluma to Alameda every week day, but still..

Interesting, not questioning your experience at all, but I had a '95 that I sold at 175k after the A/C went out (no other issues). Bought an '01 that I traded in at 187k in '20 (no issues) for a '20 Pacifica that is wonderful.

I did test the Odyssey, Sienna and Kia and felt all three had better build quality and materials, but the Pacifica had much better ergonomics, ample room for my 6' 5" self and by far the most comfortable seats. For those reasons alone it was a no brainer for me.

My wife and I can fit our 62 x 58 and 62 x 62 road bikes inside fastened to a board with fork mount. We've had as many as four road bikes inside (#3 & 4 were smaller and only 3 people) and three MTB's using this same fork mount system.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by donevwil

Interesting, not questioning your experience at all, but I had a '95 that I sold at 175k after the A/C went out (no other issues). Bought an '01 that I traded in at 187k in '20 (no issues) for a '20 Pacifica that is wonderful.

I did test the Odyssey, Sienna and Kia and felt all three had better build quality and materials, but the Pacifica had much better ergonomics, ample room for my 6' 5" self and by far the most comfortable seats. For those reasons alone it was a no brainer for me.

... and I can fit my 62 x 62 and my wife's 62 x 58 inside with only the front wheels removed.

ours could just be that we drive the heck out of it and the doors, etc may get more use than the typical 70k mile vehicle.. we do have regular service done on it since we have to (it's an Enterprise Commute lease and the service is included)

Glad you had/have a better experience.. and you can't beat mini-van for utility, 100% agree with that?

[Sarhog]

I suppose the Ford Transit Connect is not considered a “mini van” in the traditional sense, and it may have been discontinued, not sure…. But, it is a fantastic van for me, serving as a camping van and bike hauler…

I carry them in the van at times, but I shared that photo in a different thread, and apparently I cannot share it twice.

[Seramount]

meh, van, shman...

I can get two road bikes in my RSX hatch with no problem. drop the front wheels, throw a tarp between the bikes and it's good to go.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by fourflys

you would be hard pressed to get me into a Chrysler/Dodge product.. we have a Dodge Caravan (2019 I think) for our commute van and, at just under 70k, it is starting to fall apart pretty fast.. the sliding doors work sometimes.. we already had some major issues with the coil packs, etc.. the rear wiper stopped working one day.. I can't imagine this vehicle at 140k.. we put a lot of miles on it since it's a commute vehicle from Petaluma to Alameda every week day, but still..

My former wife’s 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is running strong at 140K miles. Every system works, no check engine lights or inoperative features. Just normal maintenance & repair parts. If it weren’t for corrosion from salty upstate NY roads, she would keep it indefinitely.

Greg

[Louis]

Originally Posted by Sarhog

I shared that photo in a different thread, and apparently I cannot share it twice.

Just link to the already posted image, and it should show up just fine.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by GregL

My former wife’s 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is running strong at 140K miles. Every system works, no check engine lights or inoperative features. Just normal maintenance & repair parts. If it weren’t for corrosion from salty upstate NY roads, she would keep it indefinitely.

Greg

good to hear.. but, from my experience, I won't be buying a Chrysler product anytime soon.. I have the same issues with GM based on a '99 Blazer I had, it was a complete piece of crap and steered me away from GM products for the foreseeable future (Corvettes aside possibly)..

just too many other options out there that I haven't had/seen issues with.. I know all brands have issues, but you usually go with what you've experienced..

[p nut]

Originally Posted by fourflys

you would be hard pressed to get me into a Chrysler/Dodge product.. we have a Dodge Caravan (2019 I think) for our commute van and, at just under 70k, it is starting to fall apart pretty fast.. the sliding doors work sometimes.. we already had some major issues with the coil packs, etc.. the rear wiper stopped working one day.. I can't imagine this vehicle at 140k.. we put a lot of miles on it since it's a commute vehicle from Petaluma to Alameda every week day, but still..

My neighbor growing up had a 1988 Caravan. I often rode with them to go to school and gone on many Boy Scout camping trips. I think they finally sold it 15 years later for a new Caravan. It had something like 250k miles and still running well.

It’s always a risk buying a mass produced product with a million moving parts. Toyota and Honda’s I’ve owned haven’t been perfect, either

[AngryScientist]

We have three kids and a fairly active lifestyle. I cant imagine a better vehicle than a minivan. hauls bikes and all sorts of other sports equipment without complaint. Even with 2WD, the heavy weight and FWD means it goes well through snow and dirt, unless you really need ground clearance, which we shouldnt be on in a van anyway.

A few years ago we were in CA and on a whim rented a Suburban XL, which I think is the largest SUV you can get, and for convenience and everyday livability, was a downgrade compared to a van.

The other option would be a full sized van, but they dont drive nearly as well for daily driving as a minivan, which drive very similarly to a regular sedan IMO.

Our ODY is getting a little worn out these days, but I've got no complaints and cant imagine driving any other type of vehicle for the family-mobile.