This whole business about minivans not being manly is ridiculous. I can haul 6 additional people in relative comfort, I can roll the seats out and put my lawn tractor in it, or a load of lumber, or a snowblower, and keep it all out of the rain and snow.
My gas mileage has been consistent over 7 years of ownership in a mix of 60% suburban/40% freeway driving: 19-20 in the MN winter, 22-23 in the summer. It has surprising merging and passing power, especially with the addition of a permanent air filt
I appreciate the step-in height (bad knees), and I like the upright seating position for long trips better than reclining.
