How to Choose a Minivan
The Minivan: the ultimate family vehicle. It it’s easy to get in and out, there is plenty of room inside, and today’s minivans have a long list of convenience, entertainment, and technological features. Most models today share the same basic shape, and co
nfiguration, with three rows of seats and sliding doors on each side. The main appeal of minivans is their ability to carry various combinations of people and cargo. They can be configured for a range of needs, from basic, functionally oriented interiors to luxurious cabins with leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and rear DVD entertainment systems. This versatility makes minivans popular with a wide range of buyers, from families to workmen. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for just the right van.
Seating: All minivan models offer seating for seven or eight people, depending on the seating configuration. A seven-passenger model has captain's chairs rather than a bench seat in the second row. The Dodge Caravan has an extremely versatile seating system called Stow ‘n Go, where the seats fold into the floor. They also offer and optional Swivel ‘n’ Go, as system where the middle seats swing around to face the rear and a stowable table.
Gadgets: From Bluetooth capability to dual screen DVD players, minivans have it all. There are endless amounts of cubbies and organizational features too. Check out what each minivan has and how it is laid out. Some people want more of this type of stuff than others.
Access and roominess: Minivans offer a lot of interior room with typically plenty of head room and leg room. They typically have sliding doors on both sides for easier entry and exit. In many models, you can open one or both rear-sliding doors with a button on the key fob or an interior switch. Some models offer power-operated rear doors as well.
Safety features: All new minivans have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats. Most models offer side air bags, antilock brakes, and head-protection bags, typically a side-curtain design that protects people in both the front and second-row seats. Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. You may have to pay extra for some of the other safety technologies, such as traction control or tire pressure monitors. So decide which features you really want.
nfiguration, with three rows of seats and sliding doors on each side. The main appeal of minivans is their ability to carry various combinations of people and cargo. They can be configured for a range of needs, from basic, functionally oriented interiors to luxurious cabins with leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and rear DVD entertainment systems. This versatility makes minivans popular with a wide range of buyers, from families to workmen. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for just the right van.Seating: All minivan models offer seating for seven or eight people, depending on the seating configuration. A seven-passenger model has captain's chairs rather than a bench seat in the second row. The Dodge Caravan has an extremely versatile seating system called Stow ‘n Go, where the seats fold into the floor. They also offer and optional Swivel ‘n’ Go, as system where the middle seats swing around to face the rear and a stowable table.
Gadgets: From Bluetooth capability to dual screen DVD players, minivans have it all. There are endless amounts of cubbies and organizational features too. Check out what each minivan has and how it is laid out. Some people want more of this type of stuff than others.
Access and roominess: Minivans offer a lot of interior room with typically plenty of head room and leg room. They typically have sliding doors on both sides for easier entry and exit. In many models, you can open one or both rear-sliding doors with a button on the key fob or an interior switch. Some models offer power-operated rear doors as well.
Safety features: All new minivans have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats. Most models offer side air bags, antilock brakes, and head-protection bags, typically a side-curtain design that protects people in both the front and second-row seats. Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. You may have to pay extra for some of the other safety technologies, such as traction control or tire pressure monitors. So decide which features you really want.
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