ALT-1 Assessing the Future of Minivans
Who says minivans are on their way out? Poppycock! Minivans will always be a part of our automobile inventory. The reason being is that they tend to rate better on gas mileage than your average SUV and handle more like a car. Today's minivan still has the passenger capacity that we generally need as parents or designated drivers, business or otherwise, but has gas mileage more consistent with a mid-sized automobile. In today's gas economy, this is more and more important.
They are usually easier and more graceful for passengers to step into as they are lower to the ground than a pickup or an SUV. This is important for older persons, young children and prominent individuals who wear nice clothing, such as fitted slacks or dresses and don't want to have to stretch up onto a step to be seated. This makes it attractive along with the fact that they normally have excellent safety ratings. As a mom or dad, that is very important.
A good minivan has incredible options in today's auto market. They are generally priced fair and their looks have improved to make them much more desirable to today's auto buyer. There are many types and sizes available which give you some options and they are often available with four door-type entries. This is great when you enter and leave the vehicle many times on a trip.
There are also DVD players and lighting options which are available with certain models along with rear heating and cooling. This is extremely nice for long trips, especially when you have small children.
Today's minivan has great access to the rear of the vehicle. This gives us the ability to carry such things as groceries, shopping goodies, clothing purchases and laundry. It also allows for carrying heavier, larger cargoes such as landscaping needs, lumber and some furniture, as there are many vans which have removable or retractable seating in the rear. What an option!
They have some of the usefulness of a small pickup, the luxury of a car and the seating capacity of a .... well, van. They will always be needed. Even if there is a period where they seem to vanish, the sheer necessity of these versatile vehicles will call them back to the new car show room.
As long as there are families and groups which travel together, there will always be minivans. SUV's certainly have their place, but cannot replace the versatile, dependable and beautiful minivan.
