Why Do people Hate Minivans So Much?

[bettymae1121]

I will never drive a minivan OR a large SUV! At most we'll have two kids (I'm 35 and due with my first so it's a safe bet we'll stop at two, unless my next pregnancy is twins) so we don't need it for our own family, and I'm not buying a gas guzzeler just so I can drive around my kids friends on occasion. I like driving smaller cars, the biggest car I feel comfortable driving is a Nissan Altima (which I hope to buy later this year). That's more than enough for our own family's needs and I'll still be able to drive around one or two of my child(ren)s friends, just not half the soccer tearm!

If a minivan or large SUV works for you, great! Just not what I'm into.

 

[DeaverTex]

Interesting thought. I guess if you a person who tied your self image to the kind of car you drive a mini van would definetly be out, but then I see the words Subaru Forester in your post, and think that you must not really care about your self image all that much. Where I come from, the Forester is just as common with soccer moms as mini-vans are. Maybe where you are its different, but around here if you aren't going for the suburban SAHM or SAHD image you don't drive a mini-van or a Subaru Forester.

Gee... judgmental a bit? Subarus are as common as pigeons in parks around here, and the Forester is probably the most popular model. I certainly see more of them than the Outback, which seems to be number two. We also really LIKE the vehicle, for what it's worth.

We just don't like minivans (for reasons I already said), and the image we've maintained is the image of people who don't drive a minivan. If I tied my self-image to the kind of car I drive, I'd be driving either an M60A1 tank, or a Maserati. Sadly, both would be equally impractical, and possibly equally expensive to own and operate.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I didn't drive until my DD was 7. I am very greatful for the neighbors that gave her a lift to T-ball, brownies, play dates etc when my DH wasn't home.

I'm also thankful that some of these dis postors aren't my neighbors.

 

[pacrosby]

Exactly!!! Why do you care about looking "cool" when you're 30-40-50? I thought we as adults were over that.

I haven't gotten very far but I had to stop here....

So do you wear 'mom jeans'? Have you let yourself go? I mean you are 30 or 40 or 50, right? Who cares, right?

Just kidding, just trying to illustrate a point.

Some people are car people, some people aren't. Some think of them only as a form of transportation. Some think of them as an extension of themselves. I've always LOVED cars. Definately want to drive something that, in mind mind, looks cool. Minivan? Nope. Not cool. In fact, kind of fuddy duddy......if you ask me

 

[luvmy3]

Gee... judgmental a bit? Subarus are as common as pigeons in parks around here, and the Forester is probably the most popular model. I certainly see more of them than the Outback, which seems to be number two. We also really LIKE the vehicle, for what it's worth.

We just don't like minivans (for reasons I already said), and the image we've maintained is the image of people who don't drive a minivan. If I tied my self-image to the kind of car I drive, I'd be driving either an M60A1 tank, or a Maserati. Sadly, both would be equally impractical, and possibly equally expensive to own and operate.

Your the one who brought up the fact that you didn't "have to destroy your self image" by driving a minivan So you can save the "judgmental bit" for someone who didn't respond to exactly what you said

 

[Mickey Fliers]

i am in the anti "loser cruiser" crowd

we have a ford flex, 7 passenger, all wheel drive, way more space than a mini-van, but actually has luxury feature

Um...the Ford Flex looks eerily similar to a mini-van. Actually, I always envision Clark Griswold driving a Flex.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

Geez, getting a bit testy in here isn't it guys??

I wouldn't use the word hate with minivans. I would reserve that word for 'car-trucks' lol
Nissan Quest is the van the original poster mentioned. I like how they aren't affraid to try new things unlike models like the caravan.
I like how my DW 2008 Pathfinder has real 4wd and not awd. Most awd systems are just front wheel drive and then switch to all wheel when slippage is detected. We have snow a good 6 months of the year here and I like the added safety that full time 4wd with hi and lo. Also doesn't hurt that we can use either her truck or mine to tow with as they both tow 6000lbs.
Minivans are a great option for young kids, business's, and I dont see anything wrong with them as long as they aren't too cheap in their materials and feel.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I never thought that I would ever want a mini van because I always thought of old people when I saw them. Well, when I had my third child I changed my mind and went out and bought a Toyota Sienna that was loaded with everything I could ever want in a vehicle. I LOVED it. I drove it for four years and then traded to an SUV.

My van was great when the kids were small, especially with the power sliding doors and infant seats. It was so easy to push that button to open & close the door when your hands were full.

If you asked me if I would buy one today I would say no because my kids are older and I dont like the look of a mini van, but they are great for families with very young children.

 

[Arielle22]

DH and I loved our minivan. It is a 2004 Mazda MPV with 160k miles. We have 2 DDs who are 16 and 18. Usually we drive the girls and their friends one way to an event and another parent drives them the other so the extra room comes in handy. We like to camp and take road trips so it works great for that as well.

I live in an affluent town and see plenty of both minvans and SUVs. Never did I look at one and think the person driving was either cool or uncool. My siblings drive BMWs and a Corvette. While I appreciate their pretty cars, their coolness factor didn't go up when the cars were purchased. I agreee with other posters that talking about being cool sounds very high school.

I do like to shop with my sisters and friends. It is much easier to take my van and fit all four or more of us in it (with room for shopping bags) than to take one SUV or a couple of cars.

DH commutes with the van and has never had a problem with it being sluggish or handling bad. That may be because he is a better driver than others. Likewise after driving it for 7 years, he has never had a problem with it in the snow.

My older DD likes to call my van the white loser crusier. Last summer I went to pick her up from a concert. We parked in the parent's parking (yes that was what the sign said). Lots of kids came out calling their parents because all the SUVs in their dark colors looked alike. DD and her friend had no problem finding our van as it stood out.

Personally, I don't care what others drive and I don't care what people think of my van. It makes us happy so that is all that matters.

 

[pacrosby]

Um...the Ford Flex looks eerily similar to a mini-van. Actually, I always envision Clark Griswold driving a Flex.

HUH?

I'd say it looks similar to a pumped up station wagon with a bit of attitude (especially like the ones with the different colored roof). Mini van? Don't see the resemblance.............at all

 

[disykat]

Years ago, SUV's and minivans looked quite distinct. I think it's getting to the point where most minivans and SUV's look about the same. One is cheaper and gets better gas mileage, so it was an easy choice for me. For me, it's all about being practical.

 

[pacrosby]

I live in an affluent town and see plenty of both minvans and SUVs. Never did I look at one and think the person driving was either cool or uncool. My siblings drive BMWs and a Corvette. While I appreciate their pretty cars, their coolness factor didn't go up when the cars were purchased. I agreee with other posters that talking about being cool sounds very high school.

For me, and probably many others, it's not a matter of the car making the driver 'look cool'. It's about the car itself being 'cool'. Meaning that it's attractive to them. Do you not look for certain kinds of clothing that you believe have just the right look for you? What is the difference? Many people spend an awful lot of time in their cars. What's wrong with buying something that you truly like and feel good in?

We have 4 kids. Right now we have an oversized SUV that seats 7 and a convertible that seats 2. What more can a girl ask for

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Want to pick a mom around here? Look for the SUV and NONE of them can park the darn things!

 

[EmJay2001]

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!

I had to LOL when I read that part. Ha...that is so true. I remember giving my dd's friend a ride home from Karate (her mom and I are actually good friends too!) and she was telling my dd how she "dekes out her dad" at bath time by pretending to wash her hair by getting it wet and then adding a bit of shampoo to make is smell washed. "Score" she said to dd. I had to reminder I am good friends with her mom but I promised not to rat her out .

 

[Acklander]

I haven't gotten very far but I had to stop here....

So do you wear 'mom jeans'? Have you let yourself go? I mean you are 30 or 40 or 50, right? Who cares, right?

Just kidding, just trying to illustrate a point.

Some people are car people, some people aren't. Some think of them only as a form of transportation. Some think of them as an extension of themselves. I've always LOVED cars. Definately want to drive something that, in mind mind, looks cool. Minivan? Nope. Not cool. In fact, kind of fuddy duddy......if you ask me

True, some are car people, for some it's all about the purse, for some it's all about the house, and so on. I think everyone should have something That makes them feel good about themselves. It's when you need everything to feel good about yourself, that you might have gotten lost in the shallow end of the pool.
The occasional thing that makes you feel good - not a big deal.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

HUH?

I'd say it looks similar to a pumped up station wagon with a bit of attitude (especially like the ones with the different colored roof). Mini van? Don't see the resemblance.............at all

You're right. Not necessarily just like a mini-van. All the same attributes, but almost like they couldn't decide what they wanted it to be. Honestly, kind of reminds me of a hearse. But so does the new Odyssey.

I have had sedans, SUV's and am now on my 2nd. Odyssey. The third kid drove me out of the SUV and now with 4, including 3 big boys, it is great to be in a van. My youngest is only 3 and while I currently love my van, I will be ready to move onto something else once we get rid of some of these kids.

And I think any "cool" factor people get out of an SUV vs. a Mini-van is tossed out the window as soon as 4 kids pile out the of the back. So says this hip, skinny jean wearing, marathon running, Katy Perry singing, swim meet tailgating, beach going, doing the best I can mom.

 

[EMom]

I don't begrudge anyone an minivan. Some of my best friends drive them. However.....I would never drive one. Why? They are ugly. Just that simple. I don't connect cars to status or coolness and I'll drive one for 10 years. My car doesn't say anything about me, as far as I'm concerned. But when I was a kid and all the moms drove station wagons, I hated them because they were ugly and swore I would never have one. Minivans replaced station wagons and I felt the same way about them.

If I didn't think they were ugly or didn't care that they were ugly, I MIGHT drive one. But there are plenty of vehicles that don't make me shudder when I beep the remote, so I drove cars for years and then opted for a crossover that seats 7-8. And isn't ugly.

 

[pacrosby]

You're right. Not necessarily just like a mini-van. All the same attributes, but almost like they couldn't decide what they wanted it to be. Honestly, kind of reminds me of a hearse. But so does the new Odyssey.

I have had sedans, SUV's and am now on my 2nd. Odyssey. The third kid drove me out of the SUV and now with 4, including 3 big boys, it is great to be in a van. My youngest is only 3 and while I currently love my van, I will be ready to move onto something else once we get rid of some of these kids.

And I think any "cool" factor people get out of an SUV vs. a Mini-van is tossed out the window as soon as 4 kids pile out the of the back. So says this hip, skinny jean wearing, marathon running, Katy Perry singing, swim meet tailgating, beach going, doing the best I can mom.

Hmmmm...still don't see it LOL

Now the PT Cruiser.............THAT looks like a hearse! Still, I kind of like it because it's different. I hate that fewer and fewer cars have a distinctive stamp anymore. You generally can't tell what something is until you are right on top of it. I miss the old days when you knew what was coming a mile away!

And once more I'll have to argue that people are mistaking what some mean when they say a minivan is not cool. The coolness factor lies in the 'car' itself. It's not a matter of the car 'making' the driver look cool. My 4 kids don't make my car any less cool looking (well, at least not on the outside ).

 

[disykat]

I think there are lots of people who can afford to drive whatever they want.

I think there are also a lot of people who simply prioritize their cars over other things. There are others who prefer to spend less money to keep their money for other things. Their money, their choice.

I think there are also people who might prioritize loving their car over a choice that would make more financial sense for them.

Pretty much like WDW vacations!

I think it's no coincidence that I drive a mini van and stay in value hotels and eat counter service on my rare WDW vacations.

 

[njmom47]

I am on my 2nd minivan and it has served it's purpose, so for that reason I love it. In about 2 or 3 yrs when my financial situation is better, I have every intention of getting myself a cute little SUV. My van does NOT have sluggish pickup at all; my kids have even told me I've embarrassed them when I'm pulling away because my tires squeal, or they tease me with the "ba-wahhh" neck movement because the pickup is so quick.
But again, to each his own.