2006 Minivan Buying Guide
by Martha Hindes
There
are vehicles that can roar. There are vehicles that can haul.
There are ones that are trendy and some that are plain. But only
one fits perfectly into what we might call the comfort zone.
What
else could categorize the minivan? It does so many things so well.
It can take a crowd of unruly preschoolers and pacify tantrums
with a cartoon on a drop-down DVD. It can haul enough groceries
for a family reunion feast. And in deft designing hands, it can
sport more talent and style than some disparaging counterparts
that usually wear "utility" in their names.
For
sheer multi-talented use, there's nothing that approaches its
purpose. Side doors slide open with the blip of a button. Floors
are set low at approachable levels for real world loading. Drop-down
trays between front seats give quick walk-through access. Someone
must have been thinking clearly when envisioning how many ways
it could serve.
As
with other automotive segments, minivans were bound to evolve
beyond the tried and true classic. And they have. Some have grown
larger, others smaller. Some remain subdued, but others have edgy
looks. All seem to have discovered a myriad of ways to add surprising
elements that make one a pleasure to own. In true comfy fuzzy-slipper
style, they define what multi-talented is all about. Read on...
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