The Minivan? The MINI? The Powerful SUV? Help Patch Writer Make Her Decision
She's taken six different vehicles for test drives. Now it's time for van-driving-mom-of-4 Angela Youngblood to get serious about her next ride.
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By now, you've probably fallen in love with Angela Youngblood and her endearing family as they've taken us along on their car-shopping adventure.
As you recall in our launch of the Patch Drives series, Angela is in search of a replacement for her full-size van that's on the fritz. She is looking for something roomy yet stylish; practical yet talked-about.
Here's a recap of her test drives:
- In the Ford Flex, Angela felt edgy.
- In the Honda Odyssey, she felt safe but, well, boring.
- In the Dodge Journey, she and her family felt crowded.
- In the Chevy Suburban, Angela felt powerful and wondered if she was falling in love.
- In the MINI Cooper she was alive and singing along to Blondie — but living in a day-without-kids fantasyland.
- In the Chrysler Town & Country, Angela may have found "the one."
Now it's time to hear from you.
Which vehicle do you think best fits Angela and her family? Are there any other she should try? Any she should try for a second time? What do you think of her reviews? Should she make a purchase?
leslie masters
7:32 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Just got a town and country and i love it! Had a boring odyssey. Would love the mini but the room would compare to my focus with 3 kids. Most people probably don't WANT a minivan, but the space is heaven! Plus stow & go :-)
Mike M.
8:26 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
When you choose the Town & Country, you are
A.). Going with the original minivan
B.) helping our friends in Auburn Hills
C.) getting the most "bang for the buck"... In terms of utility Vs fuel mileage Vs creature comforts
Enjoy!
R Gibson
9:07 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
We are on our 4th T and C now and love it. This generation is the best yet. Father in Law has the Odyssey, BORING!!!!!!!!! Hate It!!!!!. Stow and Go is the best option. If anyone from Chrylser reads this, Sergio is making a huge mistake only selling Dodges going forward. There are way many more T and Cs out there then Caravans.
Philip
12:30 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
We started with Dodge Grand Caravans, then "graduated" to T&Cs. Tell Sergio from me that we want to stay graduated!
Tiffany McGinnis
10:51 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I love our Jeep Commander with its sporty feel, 4 wd, and 7 seats! Only problem--they stopped making it! For her particular situation, I would suggest the suburban.
Stephen Frye
11:27 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Town and Country, for sure, we've had 3 and loved them all. In fact, we may try to turn in lease early to get next year's as it may be last year they make 'em. We have 3 kids and it's only way to travel. Note, I drive a Journey, and I like, and it's great for two kids, or picking up big items, or lots of shopping with one kid, but it couldn't be the family vehicle.
JC Shetterley
11:40 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I've had Town & Country and Grand Caravans once I started having kids. Now that they are grown, I have an SUV. Although I like the SUV, the T&C had much better gas mileage.
Jessica Story
1:04 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
My vote is the Ford Flex, with the optional second row bucket seats!
Monica
5:12 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I love the Dodge Caravan instead of the T and C. Same general architecture, but a little sportier styling accents. ( sportier minivan? Can I say that?) For a 5 person family it's perfect for trips, sporting events and carpooling. And stow and go is one of my most used features. Less than 5 minutes and minimal effort to change the seats, plus an extra storage compartment.