Why Do people Hate Minivans So Much?

[AnnieEMT]

Back in the olden days when all 5 of my kids were younger, I thought it was cool being able to have A) a vehicle, B) one that would hold all 7 of us.
I was never really in a financial position to get too picky about what I drove. We went through several minivans over the course of their growing up years, and I just thank God I was able to get them everyplace they needed to be.
If it had 4 wheels & I could put my kids in it safely, then that was the vehicle for me

I do however my Jeep Wrangler now!

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I am a 40-something mom of 2 little boys (3 and 6 years old). I wear designer clothes and shoes, have a pretty high level professional career, have never once driven my kid to a soccer game (only because he doesn't play soccer, I guess!) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my minivan. It is so comfortable, so easy to put in and take out the carseats, easy for adults to ride in the back seats, easy to fit into parking spots. I know it's not cool and I don't care.

And I don't turn around and deal with the kids or the DVD player or anything else while I'm driving it. If I WERE going to do those things, what about being in an SUV or any other vehicle would make me less likely than to do so in a minivan?

 

[PeterPan09]

Bolded parts may be each individual driver's experience, but it's not right to generalize that all minivan drivers do that. I can't count the number of times I've been cut off or almost hit by a mom, on the cell phone, in her SUV with bumper stickers praising her honor roll kid, cheer kid, soccer kid, or football kid.

If parents who drive SUVs do so because they have a lot of kids to haul, how are they not too occupied with the crew in their car to watch where they're going on the road?

If you don't like minivans because of the way they drive or even if they're ugly, that's one thing, but to make generalizations about the drivers of minivans is just plain irresponsible.

As I said in the part you bolded-drivers paying more attention to something other than the road can happen with any car, but in my experience the odds go WAY up when it's a mini-van. Maybe it's partly the way they handle, I drove a Ford minivan once as a loaner and it was sluggish and unresponsive.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

I don't this "princess" will be transported in other vehicles anyway, out of mommy's sight. And since apples don't fall far from the tree, I'm guessing she won't even have a large circle of friends, so no issues.

Now, I'm off to buy a trendy vehicle, and some bungy cords, to tether my children to the top. I also have to coordinate tonight's carpooling - 4 girls need to be at dance at 5:15, 4 others at 6:30. I need to pick up some kids from play practice (no set end time), and get my ds to basketball practice at 6:30. I'm so lucky to have so many friends to carpool with - they're like family to me!

Yes, because quantity out weighs quality.. though I don't know, maybe that holds true for you. I have one child who I can give myself to. I choose to have her so why would I pass responsibility of taking her places to anyone other than her father and I.

 

[EmJay2001]

Bolded parts may be each individual driver's experience, but it's not right to generalize that all minivan drivers do that. I can't count the number of times I've been cut off or almost hit by a mom, on the cell phone, in her SUV with bumper stickers praising her honor roll kid, cheer kid, soccer kid, or football kid. If parents who drive SUVs do so because they have a lot of kids to haul, how are they not too occupied with the crew in their car to watch where they're going on the road?

If you don't like minivans because of the way they drive or even if they're ugly, that's one thing, but to make generalizations about the drivers of minivans is just plain irresponsible.

This is just so true for around here as well - but not just for mom's but everyone. It was so bad that we now have a law against it. No driving and celling at the same time .

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

As I said in the part you bolded-drivers paying more attention to something other than the road can happen with any car, but in my experience the odds go WAY up when it's a mini-van. Maybe it's partly the way they handle, I drove a Ford minivan once as a loaner and it was sluggish and unresponsive.

This is true where I live just add speeding around 80-85 mph and not using a blinker.

 

[Squirlz]

The CTS-V is a sweet ride. Did you see the episode of Top Gear recently with the CTS-V wagon. Very cool!

Oh yeah! I watched and read everything out there before and during the order/build process. Then we got to watch it being assembled!

 

[luvmy3]

Yes, because quantity out weighs quality.. though I don't know, maybe that holds true for you. I have one child who I can give myself to. I choose to have her so why would I pass responsibility of taking her places to anyone other than her father and I.

I sure hope the DIS is around in 10-12 years so you we can read all your posts then. Things have a way of changing, what you think now when your princess is 2.3 or 4 will not be what you think when she's 12, 13 or 14.

 

[padams]

I sure hope the DIS is around in 10-12 years so you we can read all your posts then. Things have a way of changing, what you think now when your princess is 2.3 or 4 will not be what you think when she's 12, 13 or 14.

The Princess will undoubtedly tell her mom to drop her off a block from school, friends' houses, etc. so the Princess doesn't have to be seen with her uncool mom in the uncool car.

 

[EmJay2001]

I can fit three kids in my back seat. Why I would need/ want to take more than that EVER, I don't know. I'm not big on carpooling and I'm not going to volunteer or request others to take my kid around. It's selfish/safety. No one really needs a minivan.

I do it for MY kids. They have friends that have a nanny and so for playdates and stuff I pick up the kids and bring the both to my house. The mom does not have a problem with this and I rather have the playdate in my house then no playdate at all. So for me I do need a vehicle that will take at least 7.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

Ok, so you do it for your kids. Why can't the nanny bring them in their car? Do you see my point. It's not an actual need. It's so that you can make someone elses life easier and because you want control of the playdate.

I don't want my child in someones car and I don't want the responsibility of someones child in my car either. Unless you have like 5 kids I don't get it.

And if my daughter told me to drop her off a block away next time she would be walking the entire way to her destination. There is no need to accept rudeness for kids, teenagers or not.

I know what i will and will not allow and I stand firm in my beliefs and choices that will not change when she is 12, 13 or 14.

 

[Kitzka]

I have not read the entire theread but for me it's about how it handles more so then how it looks (though that is a factor). we have 1 child and never transport more than she and 2 of her friends. I don't like how SUVs (in any size), crossovers and minivans handle.

i much prefer my sedan.

Lara

 

[Mickeypooh99]

I miss my minivan so much! I loved that thing. It was really nice. The only reason we didn't get another one was because GM stopped making minivans, and we only buy GM. DH works for a GM supplier. If they brounght back the Oldsmobile Sillouhette I would trade in my Acadia and never look back!

I do like my Acadia now. It just took me awhile to get used to it. I love the 8 passenger seating, and the third row is bigger than a lot of SUV 3rd rows.

I do NEED at least 7 passenger seating. I do daycare in my home, and often have to run to school to pick up kids. How else would I fit 4 kids in car seats plus the kids I am picking up from school.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Yes, because quantity out weighs quality.. though I don't know, maybe that holds true for you. I have one child who I can give myself to. I choose to have her so why would I pass responsibility of taking her places to anyone other than her father and I.

We chose to have our children too. We do not expect anyone to take responsibility for them either. Hower, sometimes there are things that do happen that you cannot control. Someone in the hospital, the car is in the shop, illness etc. It is those times that it is nice to have a friend that can help you get your child to an activity etc. Your child shouldn't have to miss out if you can help it.

Also, sometimes kids simply like to go to their activity with their friends. Meaning- they like to ride in the car together so they can chat etc. It is fun for them. You know, like adults like to do. So sometimes one parent will pick up 3 or 4 other kids that are going to the same place. It is part of their social lives. It is good for them to be with their peers and it is also nice to be the parent driving because you get to eavesdrop.


As far as whether or not people look "cool"- I get wanting a car that makes you feel confident etc. Kind of like having a "skinny" outfit. It makes you feel good. I understand that. I don't think it is vain. I think that you have to do what makes you feel the best because then you will be the best.

 

[luvmy3]

Ok, so you do it for your kids. Why can't the nanny bring them in their car? Do you see my point. It's not an actual need. It's so that you can make someone elses life easier and because you want control of the playdate.

I don't want my child in someones car and I don't want the responsibility of someones child in my car either. Unless you have like 5 kids I don't get it.

And if my daughter told me to drop her off a block away next time she would be walking the entire way to her destination. There is no need to accept rudeness for kids, teenagers or not.

I know what i will and will not allow and I stand firm in my beliefs and choices that will not change when she is 12, 13 or 14.

Hhmm, you'll let her walk to her destination but you won't let her sit in her room with her door closed?
Like I said, I hope you are still posting in 10 to 12 years

 

[Chelley00]

No one really needs a minivan.

I have 4 kids, 2 are 6 foot tall teenage boys. For us to go anywhere as a family, we NEED a minivan or something similiar.

 

[HM]

I'm on my second minivan. It will probably be my last one as I won't need as much room in my next car. I want something with better mileage next go around.

Anyhow....the main reasons I love my minivan are the sliding doors....no danger of my kids throwing their door open and dinging the car in the next space, it's easy to get in and out of, and the kids get their own captains chairs...no arguing about being in "my space". Having a VCR (first van) and a DVD player (current van) for long trips is awesome too.

 

[EmJay2001]

Ok, so you do it for your kids. Why can't the nanny bring them in their car? Do you see my point. It's not an actual need. It's so that you can make someone elses life easier and because you want control of the playdate.

I don't want my child in someones car and I don't want the responsibility of someones child in my car either. Unless you have like 5 kids I don't get it.

And if my daughter told me to drop her off a block away next time she would be walking the entire way to her destination. There is no need to accept rudeness for kids, teenagers or not.

I know what i will and will not allow and I stand firm in my beliefs and choices that will not change when she is 12, 13 or 14.

She does not drive. Not all people drive or have a car.

For me it is a need (and technically, do you need a car at all?). I want my kids to be social and if they want playdates, I set them up when I can. It is not because I want control, that is a bit far reaching since you don't know me. I do not know this nanny, she is a stranger to me personally. My kids have playdates at other houses all the time. I am often friends with the mom/dad anyway. With the older, she is almost 11 so I am a bit more free with her.

So no one but you or your DH drives her? What about a bus? or with a grandparent, uncle, close friend?

 

[mjkacmom]

Yes, because quantity out weighs quality.. though I don't know, maybe that holds true for you. I have one child who I can give myself to. I choose to have her so why would I pass responsibility of taking her places to anyone other than her father and I.

Kids love to carpool, and have so much fun! The laughing, the singing, the things they say (because kids tend to forget that a parent is in the vehicle - you learn a lot). Carpools are like mini-playdates. Plus, most kids like to show up places with other kids - there is a different dynamic between the kids, initially, when being dropped off in a group, rather than alone.

As for passing the responsibility, it's a win-win for all involved. Even if I do drive a bit more that WOHM's in our carpools, I don't mind, because I'm still driving less than if I wasn't a part of it, and really, listening to the chatter is kind of neat!

 

[mjkacmom]

We chose to have our children too. We do not expect anyone to take responsibility for them either. Hower, sometimes there are things that do happen that you cannot control. Someone in the hospital, the car is in the shop, illness etc. It is those times that it is nice to have a friend that can help you get your child to an activity etc. Your child shouldn't have to miss out if you can help it.

Also, sometimes kids simply like to go to their activity with their friends. Meaning- they like to ride in the car together so they can chat etc. It is fun for them. You know, like adults like to do. So sometimes one parent will pick up 3 or 4 other kids that are going to the same place. It is part of their social lives. It is good for them to be with their peers and it is also nice to be the parent driving because you get to eavesdrop.

Lol - looks like our kids have similar experiences. Too bad princess will miss out. For example, I've found that kids hate to show up to birthday parties or dances alone. Therefore, we always carpool.