So, about a month ago, my husband and I decided to take the plunge and purchase another vehicle (we used to only have 1). We intended to purchase an SUV, but I told him I would keep an open mind about a van. He always brushed me off, but figured he’d humor me. First, we test drove a Honda Pilot. It was a nice vehicle, but with a 6’4″ husband and 3 kids, we were still going to try to strategically place the infant carrier and no carseats could move around.
We then proceeded to test drive a Honda Odyssey. About 1 minute into the ride, I looked at my husband and started laughing. The seats were so unbelievably comfortable. The van was so roomy, the air conditioning worked great on such a hot day. It was loaded out with navigation (very valuable in our household with as much as we travel) and a backup camera (probably very valuable to me hehe). We decided to test drive the rest of the cars since that is what we set out to do. Later that evening, we discussed it and decided the Odyssey was our most logical choice. My husband decided to swallow his 27 year old pride and we took the plunge. Now, when he drives it, I am constantly reminded at how much he loves it, and “he doesn’t care what people think.” I just laugh in my mind because I never did care, but I never thought in my life I would drive a van either.
Everyone at my husband’s work that owns a Honda Odyssey said it was the best purchase they ever made and they would are so glad they did it. Each and every one of them loves theirs. So, it’s no surprise when Honk survey discovered the love affair between an owner and their minivan.
An overwhelming majority (86.1%) of respondents in the survey reported that they are in love with their minivans and that the vehicle changed their lives. In follow-up interviews, they waxed poetic about sliding doors, fold-down seats, extra space, and how minivans served as a source of stability and convenience in their frantic family life.
Sliding doors were singled out as a key family feature. Parents explained that sliding doors provided vital peace of mind in parking lots, where children can sometimes swing doors open quickly and risk denting a neighboring car. Sliding doors also make loading and unloading cargo and children easy. 87.6% of respondents were amazed at the functionality and felt that minivan made life easier.
The minivan is not for everyone. If you are needing a larger vehicle though, test drive a minivan (I highly recommend the Odyssey) and let me know what you think about them- especially if you are like me where I said I would never, ever purchase one!