Entry FeedIn an earlier life, I used to work in automotive advertising. Back then, at 23 years old, I swore that I would never, in a million years, drive a minivan.
Guess what I drive, 10 years later? A Toyota Sienna Minivan. And I love it!
I assumed I would go for one of those fancy SUVs when and if I needed the space, but I really didn't have an extra $15,000 to spend just to say that I wasn't a minivan mom. Plus, when test driving, I fell in love with the van. It drives like a car, and actually is easier to steer and park than my mid-size sedan. I actually parallel-parked in on Bloor Street on a busy Saturday afternoon just after purchase - no problem!
When I announced that we were expected number three, we knew that we would need a new vehicle. Husband's car was 12 years old, and mine was 9. Neither had room for three car seats, and with the province changing the seat belt law... either it was take two cars everywhere or get one that fit the entire family.
Husband shopped for six months before making his decision. We ended up with a 2006 Toyota Sienna LE 8 seater (no AWD or leather seats). All three kids general sit in the second row, though we can put two in the third row easily. Lots of room for hockey and other sports gear - we often travel with the kids bikes right in the van.
I think there are close to 24 cup holders. The first time Husband drove the new van he said that he would buy anything buy a Toyota ever again. And it has been 3 1/2 years, and there is only one thing that we would change about the van.
It needs one of the privacy, noise blocking screens like in the limos between the adults (drivers) up front and the kids. That is the only feature that we wish was an option. Especially yesterday... Please Toyota Engineers - take our advice!