Which car is right for me?

by Diane
(San Antonio, TX, Bexar)

Question: Need help, very confused. This car/van/suv is the main family car. Four of us, 2 growing kids, ages 10 and 12. Both will be 6'1" ish in a few years. We travel at least twice a year, 900+ miles each way. Need smooth ride, safety a must. Don't mind a few techno features. My phone nav is usually better than most, but would appreciate a good built in one. Mom needs comfort and features as main driver. Like smart start key. Not into DVD, we've got plenty of handhelds & lap tops, so yes to outlets of all sorts. We tent camp once a year. Have a dog, not in car much.


Answer: Hi Diane,

I don't work much with vans, so I will not claim to be an expert in this field. I know that Chrysler produces a good minivan in their Town and Country line.

I've also heard good things about the Honda Odyssey as well.

I'd suggest taking a look at a site like CarsDirect. They have pricing and reviews for the Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona and others.

Unfortunately, there are not many manufacturers making vans anymore, so your choices are limited. The ones that are still out there seem to have lots of goodies to offer however.

Hope this helps and maybe we'll be able to get some other visitors advice as well...

EDIT: I just went back and reread your question and saw that it wasn't just a van you were looking for. Sorry, very busy day...

Even after noticing this, it sounds as if a van may still be your best way to go as you'll get much better gas mileage on the long trips, and day to day for that matter, then with an SUV and will have a much better ride in a van than in a car.

It would get a bit crowded with a couple of 6 footers and a dog on a 900 mile trip in a sedan...