We drove mini-vans for years because we had four kids, but once they all started driving themselves around, we got a small SUV. It was good on gas, I liked the four-wheel drive in the snow, it wasn't very comfortable but we lived with it. The biggest problem arose when I had to go to dog shows. I couldn't fit two open crates, two folded crates, an ex-pen, my grooming bag, my suitcase and hanging clothes in the car -- too small. So last fall we got an '03 CT&C. The only thing it doesn't have is stow & go, and I really wish it did, but we'll manage. It does have a DVD player -- I'll probably never use it. The most important thing is the amount of space I now have. I'm really looking forward to the show season this year -- it's going to be a lot easier now!