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Member forum post::
We need to upgrade to something bigger for our family! We want to buy something that accommodates 7-8 people. I am looking for recommendations for this search. What do you have and are there features you really love with your mini van?
Add power tailgate to that too. I am so bummed when I drive my husband’s pilot and I have to put the tailgate down myself. I am spoiled now. It is nice when you are getting a stroller in and out of the back all the time.
We just got the 2011 Honda Odyssey & are expecting twins in a few weeks (and have a 2.5 year old). We love it!! The new 2011 Odyssey is the only mini van that allows three car seats in the middle row, so no one has to climb in the back (if that is important to you…it was our biggest selling point!). I also second the auto doors & tailgate. We decided to go with the upgraded version to get leather seats, which are much easier to clean. Already our 2.5 year old has made this worthwhile! Another nice thing about the Odyssey is that the entire back row folds up into the floor, so you can have a flat back area for a stroller and lots of other “necessities” if you don’t use the seats. I think other mini vans probably do this too, but can’t remember all the details when we were shopping. You can also fold 60% or 40% of the back row down if you need a seat or two, but want a little extra space for cargo. We also thought the Sienna was very nice & had almost all the same features, but just couldn’t accommodate three car seats in the middle row safely, so we’d have to crawl in the back to buckle in small children (ugg!). Hope this helps…I sound like a car salesman:)
We recently got a 2007 Honda Odyssey (finding used with low mileage and excellent condition not easy, though!!) and we love it! I agree with other posters…Power-sliding doors are a MUST with the kiddos !! I also love the built in sunshades, the heated seats and the fact that I can wipe the leather off easily. Several seat configurations for the middle row which I love.
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From me: I find it very interesting that not one Toyota Sienna recommendation popped up (so far). We have an Odyssey, too. And we’re on the lookout for another. Yep, that’s right. We’re going to become a two mini van family if we can find a used one for the right price. Transporting three kiddos in a Honda Accord just isn’t realistic. The only feature we have from above are the remote sliding doors which are AWESOME.
Even though the Sienna wasn’t mentioned above, I feel this video appropriate to view, especially for us Mommies looking for a little “Me” time: Mommy Like Swagger Wagon
And just maybe this is why my husband is good with another mini van #2: Honda Odyssey Commercial
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
>Payton Manning mini van pep talk-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3UKI0ciMRYThis video cracks me up. Just in case your not feeling the whole mini van thing
>Mommy Do Like Swagger Wagon!!! We have family members who have Odysseys. But we absolutely LOVE our Sienna! We have an 8 passenger and the access to the back is still great! All of our crazy triple strollers have fit in the back. I could go on and on, but will spare you!!! Fun to read about you getting 2 minivans! That sounds like a great idea! Will hubby go for it?
>Angela-It's my husband's idea! When I'm substitute teaching he takes the boys to school and at times has needed to take our oldest with them. He's also wanted to take his bike with him, but couldn't when taking the boys to school. He's realized our second vehicle needs to be larger.
>We love our Honda Odyssey. I second the power doors and wish we had the power tailgate. We have 3 seats across the back and only two in the middle row. I like having just two in the middle. It gives my twins (who are 4) room to walk into the back and climb into their carseats. Now that they can buckle themselves it's easier. We have the younger 2 boys in the middle seats. It has a huge trunk as well which is great!