American-made minivans--buy one or go with something else?

[Anonymous]

My FIL (and therefore DH) insists that we get an "American" car. Foreign is not an option--even if it's the Honda that rolled off the Indiana assembly plant. (I've argued myself hoarse, but you can't win a logic-based argument with illogical people.) I want to get a minivan, and I've seen so many posts about moms loving their Odysseys and Siennas and even Kias. Anyone out there own a Town and Country or Grand Caravan that they would advocate? The reviews make them seem so unreliable and bad. Should I forgo my minivan dream (with its sliding doors for my 2 rowdy kids and their friends) and get one of the plethora of "American" SUVs?

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who loves her Town and Country.

There's no way to get around DH? Lifetime cost of ownership stats? Safety stats? Stranded on the highway and picked up by psycho stats?

Will he at least agree to all repair and car rental costs?

[Anonymous]

I really wanted a Honda minivan, but my husband and I decided on a used Chrysler Town and Country and I'm glad we did. It was a lot cheaper and we've been very happy with it. If you go used, I would get an extended warranty just in case. Personally, I just can't see spending thousands more for a Honda or Toyota. Compare prices/features to make sure you're getting what you want and then drive it until the wheels fall off. I don't understand folks who insist on driving a new vehicle every year or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My FIL (and therefore DH) insists that we get an "American" car. Foreign is not an option--even if it's the Honda that rolled off the Indiana assembly plant. (I've argued myself hoarse, but you can't win a logic-based argument with illogical people.) I want to get a minivan, and I've seen so many posts about moms loving their Odysseys and Siennas and even Kias. Anyone out there own a Town and Country or Grand Caravan that they would advocate? The reviews make them seem so unreliable and bad. Should I forgo my minivan dream (with its sliding doors for my 2 rowdy kids and their friends) and get one of the plethora of "American" SUVs?

Even the "American" car are filled with components from Mexico, Canada, and the like. So maybe it's a continental thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My FIL (and therefore DH) insists that we get an "American" car. Foreign is not an option--even if it's the Honda that rolled off the Indiana assembly plant. (I've argued myself hoarse, but you can't win a logic-based argument with illogical people.) I want to get a minivan, and I've seen so many posts about moms loving their Odysseys and Siennas and even Kias. Anyone out there own a Town and Country or Grand Caravan that they would advocate? The reviews make them seem so unreliable and bad. Should I forgo my minivan dream (with its sliding doors for my 2 rowdy kids and their friends) and get one of the plethora of "American" SUVs?

I find it creepy that FIL is dictating what kind of car you buy. I find it maddening that your DH sides with his dad over what his wife wants.

[Anonymous]

There is nothing less sexy than an American mini-van. Go for a new Cadillac SUV or a Chevy Tahoe or Suburban! And if he complains buy a motorboat to pull behind it.

[Anonymous]

We have a Sienna, but I see a ton of Town and Countrys around here. I don't like the body style personally, but they seem to have a big following. I see fewer Grand Caravans.

I would definitely go with a minivan over an SUV, American or not. Better gas mileage, sliding doors, often a better more accessible third row ... But I don't have the minivan prejudice -- I love my "swagger wagon."

[Anonymous]

My grandma has a town and country.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in a household that drove American cars - pontiac, buick, ford, chevrolet. All of them were POS's, and one of them (the buick) just about killed me - literally - when the brakes continued to fail on me. One time, I was driving on a major highway, coming to stopped traffic, and I had to pump the brakes numerous times to get the car to stop. The second time, the brakes failed again as I was coming to a stoplight at a major intersection, I threw the car into neutral and back into drive, it finally stopped. My father wouldn't believe me, so he took the car to work the next day and came home just about white as a ghost later that night. Anyways, I digress. Nothing but problems problems problems, and I'm forever scarred by the inadequate quality of american cars. I've owned a Honda for 11 years now and have had no problems. I will always go with Honda.

[Anonymous]

We have a 10 year old Sienna that we bought new and have had no problems with. My friends with American-made vans can't come close to saying that.

[Anonymous]

Another Town & Country advocate here. We have one (got it used, it's a 2005) and it really has never had any problems. Well, the thing that opens one of the doors automatically broke down, but other than that it works great. A friend of ours who is a mechanic took a look at the engine and was impressed. It's really comfortable for long trips. And the stow and go seats are really convenient.

HTH

[Anonymous]

American minivans suck, hondas make the best ones, check out consumer reports

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:American minivans suck, hondas make the best ones, check out consumer reports

agreed!! Honda or Toyota!!

[Anonymous]

Town & Country fan here

[Anonymous]

Is this going to be your car, or your husband's car? Whoever will be the primary driver should get a majority vote. I'm guessing FIL is not paying for it, right? Then he should STFU. BTW, we have a Sienna and a Highlander. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Sienna is the most 'American' car out there, not only assembled in the US but also using US made parts. Not that it was a consideration for us - I'm all for global competition. We focused on safety and reliability. Good luck, OP!