Recommend A Car For 6?

I second the H2, just spent time with my dad over the weekend and he got one about 2 months ago, I really liked it, very spacious, a little hard to maneuver in tight spots though. Plus, it looks really cool at night with all the running lights.

 

They did not change models already. THe QX56/Armada is the new BIG DOG from Nissan. This is an entirely new model different from the original Pathfinder.

They also have the fx45/nissan murano but that is small for you.

 

Not all Euro delivery programs are like Volvo's. I know Porsche charges you over $1000 extra. At least, when I was looking at buying a Boxster, that's what they wanted. They don't advertise the Volvo deal, but if you go ask a dealership, they have a large amount of information. Although, some dealerships don't push it because they don't make the same type of money off the sale.

 

Yoshi- When I was growing up, my parents had a great big Dodge van. The thing was outstanding, and would comfortably seat 8 people. Went over 220k miles too. Longer variants exist that seat up to *15!*

I think if you are bored with SUVs, and don't want to namby-pampy around in a minivan, then a REAL VAN would be just about what the doctor ordered.

If you want, they can even be outfited with a kitchen and table and all other custom ilk.



ART355 is building one now to haul his karts around

 

Here is my $.02 on the Honda Odyssey.

We have had one since they came out with the redesigned model in 99. We were one of the first ones in our area to get the new model. We couldn't test drive it. Just sit in the one that was already sold on the showroom floor.

Bottom line -- six months on the waiting list and full MSRP later -- the ~only~ thing we like about it is the magic seat in the back. Folds down when not needed, pops up when you need a seat.

Other than that, my wife and I both dislike: 1) visability STINKS, 2) seat comfort ranks right up there with a church pew (borrowed from an old review of the Lambo Countach), 3) power sliding doors will squish you, your significant others, or your kids!!! (It does not care and it does NOT bounce back after a gentle squeeze! That door hurts if you get in the way while it's closing!!), 4) performance is okay, 5) mileage is okay, 6) cargo space is a bear to haul stuff inside since there are ZERO tie downs inside and stuff goes flying when you put on the brakes. (Make me appreciate the "dog gate / cargo gate" in the Volvos and Subarus. 7) 3rd (magic) seat is not comfortable for my parents when they ride along with us. Our kids have their car seats securely fastened into the captains chairs in the middle row so that puts my folks into the back seat when they join us. They are squished in back there. It's okay for kids back there though. 8) When you stop for gas, since the fuel filler is behind the power door, as soon as you pop the fuel door release, you can not open the driver side slider door. It's locked out until you're done fueling and start the motor. Inconvenient when kiddos have to go pee and you have to crawl over to get them out. (Been there, done that.)

Well.......... someone got me started on the Odyssey. Had to toss in my opinion. I'll never purchase another car on waiting list again that I can't drive first!!

Wow....... I feel better all of a sudden. Thanks for letting me vent.

Cheers -- and good luck.

Mike

 

Mike sorry to hear about your trouble with the Oddyssey. My sister has a 2000 model and I have driven for about 4.5 months at one stint (while she was in Paris, she left the car with me.) I would have to disagree on a few things with you, and give my perspective on the car. The car has 52K miles in the 3 years it has been owned by her. She drove it from Los ANgeles to AZ all the time. I have taken the van from SF to Houston and back. THat was a long trip and allowed me appreciation for the van.

1)Visibility, well its a big car. If you compare with a Sienna, Previa, or Caravan, the visibility is actually very comparable to market standards. Also with theatre style seating it is very good for the 3rd row seaters.

2)My sister has the leather package on the EX, and I felt the seat was very similar to a similarly equipped Honda accord. Sure the seats are not as nice as my Lexus SC, but after driving 12 hour days in the minivan, my back was perfectly fine. So for the price of the car, I think the seats are quite good. IN comparion the seats of the Caravan and Expedition are hideous and uncomfortable.

3)The power sliding doors is a very cool feature. Having no kids on my own, I was enamored by the little gimmick and would use it all the time. Had some college guys from a frat in the car and they all tested out the door, by jumping in while it was closing. THe door would automatically reopen. Maybe your sensor is not working correctly. As much as we tried we were never able to get squished by the doors to our dismay

4)If you say performance is just "ok" then your standards are too high. It is a minivan at the end of the day. The car does burn outs easily. The VTEC kicks in and has great pull. Stop light to stoplight dragging is fun even for a minivan. COmpared to other minivans, it is one of the fastest and most powerful. I remember the reviews when it initally came out, it was the hot rod of minivans.

The original Oddyssey's were lethargic with the Accord's 2.2 L motor, but these new ones are very fast. I find 90-100mph freeway jaunts to be easy with this van, and it loves to rev on freeway onramps. It also has great torque for a manufacturer that is not known for torquey cars.

5) Agree that mileage is midpack. But for a fast/hotrod van, that is expected. I dont expect my single turbo lexus to get me 30mpg, and I am sure most ferrari owners don't complain about gas mileage either. I think there is a tradeoff. THe van gives performance and takes away some of themileage. Though I averaged between 18-22 while I had it, and I have a lead foot.

6) Agree that it needs tie downs, and stuff does roll around. In terms of that stuff and convinience feature nothing beats the Grand Caravan. American vanmakers have thought about everything it seems. THough I would take the reliablity and resale value and low maintenance of a honda van over the dodge van anyday.

7)The third row is plenty of room for my family, then again we have always been used to having smaller cars. I think the room back there is relative and is very comparable to other cars. You should see the first generation Nissan Quest in comparison I think the Honda's third row seat is perfect for people upto 5'8" about 170Lbs.

8)Agree on the stupid fuel filler door, but no car is perfect.

All in all, it has served our family very well, and I would not hesitate to buy another.


Atherd-- a Full SIze Van might be a bit too big. Gets too be too bulky intown at least in my opinion.

udalmia--escalade is good, but he has had a suburban in the past and he ruled that out. i know its not exactly the same car, but expedition/suburban are out so essentially the yukon/escalade/navigator seems to be out of the equation

 

Yoshi, from your choices above Armada seems to be handsdown winner.

I would say Armada or the GX470 are good choices. Travel with quality and style.

As far as the Sienna over Odyssey, I totally understand, as Odyssey has been on market for a few years, and the new Sienna copyed all the stuff and made improvements. Next gen Odyssey I am sure will up the ante. It is all about the game of ones upmanship.

You will find the Pacifica to be on the smaller side, almost Acura MDX like.
As far as the Dodge, I do not like the build quality of the Durango, seems way to cheap to me. If I am paying substantial amount of money, I want to see quality.

Good luck with your choices, keep us updated.