Seats 7

My family has grown to a stage where I need a larger vehicle & its quite a problem. I ask you, which is worse? A minivan or a behemoth? Whatever it is I get will have to seat 7 to meet our needs.

Minivans are ugly and dont always have great safety ratings. They are easy to get in & out of & park and the get decet gas mileage. They are also pretty fairly priced.

Behemoths (think Suburban or a like vehicle) are huge, hard to park and get terrible gas mileage. On the other hand they can be safer (dependant on the make/model) and to me they look nicer.

Note I drive maybe 40-60 miles a week.

If all you drive is 40-60 miles a week, go for the behemoth! You'll be stylin and profilin.

www.vehix.com ! The answer to all your car questionable needs!

Sure behemoths are safer for you, but not for everyone else. Been almost run over by many trying to back up out of a spot.

I'd get a minivan - better gas mileage.

I cant vouch for this car, but it seats 7 and is not huge like a SUV or MPV. I found the specs on another page, but it is 66" high and 186" long.

Subaru B9 Tribeca

Whoa, a whole family, totalling 7 people, and actually doing something together?
MJ, you must share with us your secret!
Congratulations
Oh, btw... why not two cars?

I always heard that bigger is better... hehe

Seriously, I have a Navigator and love it... very roomy and comfy... not as bad on gas as you would think either... safe too... unless of course you are in the other car.

We're more like 2 kids, 2 adults and 2 large dogs, and yes we do hang out together. When we do anything with anyone (no, the dogs dont go everywhere with us) we have to take two cars. I want to be able to go with everyone in one... its easier and more social. Also, I had family come and visit recently and I could not pick everyone up from the airport without getting a sitter. It was a pain.

I do care about the environment so its really hard to make a choice. On one hand I dont drive that much so it seems ok, but the dirty look givers don't know that. Minivans have poor crash test ratings though and I want my family to be safe. Its a hard choice so I'm taking my time deciding. I appreciate everyones thoughts.

That Tribeca looks pretty cool, I'll have to go check one out in person.

I found it for ya Mis..



fen-

I'm going to be facing the "what vehicle to buy for a family" issue in another year or so, as well. For now, our Ford Taurus currently suits myself, my husband, and my two small kids (kindergarten and preschool age) okay. But it's getting to the point that I'd like to be able to accommodate a couple extra people (like when relatives visit) in the vehicle. And we also travel about 700 miles round-trip on a regular basis to visit my family; hence, a larger vehicle to accommodate kids who will no doubt be tall (since my husband is 6'2" and I'm 5'9" and hard to cram into a cramped sedan backseat, as well as all the stuff we have to bring, would be nice.

I hate the idea of driving a minivan... but, I hate the idea of driving a super-size SUV even more. I believe the Chrysler-Dodge minivans are some of the best on the market, both in safety ratings and things like towing ability (you can buy them with a tougher chassis, AFAIK).

I'd really love to buy a Dodge Magnum or Chrysler Pacifica; I think those look like really classy, stylish vehicles with lots of room. These two vehicles remind me a bit of the old station wagons from the 50's and 60's for size and comfort, but with a better-looking exterior. I do believe, however, that they are rather spendy.

(Edit: Oh, and I voted for a minivan in the poll because I think it's probably the best option out there now for people who need a vehicle that seats seven.)

if you do decide to go with an SUV, it's a little known fact that some SUV's are actually available with hybrid engines and can use alternate fuels.

i still recommend a mini van. besides their uncool factor, they are designed specifically for your purpose and are actually safer than people think. the "safety factor" of SUVs is over blown to rationalize the waste of money simply for status. i don't know anyone with an SUV that even offroads of pulls boats around the country side with it but that is unused design feature people are paying for.

fen, that is so wrong. Ugly too!

Misnomer, I got your problem solved . I don't know where you'll find shoes for your dogs though.