Hansen
First it was the station wagon, now it’s the minivans. We’ve been socially conditioned to think that these massively utilitarian cars are somehow the red-headed stepchild of the automotive world. We think they’re lame, uncool, slow, and made for lame, uncool, and slow parents who have nothing better to do other than to shuttle their kids around. Why buy these completely unattractive loaf of bread on wheels when you can have a much more utilitarian and butch off-roader like a pickup truck or a massive SUV?
Here’s why you shouldn’t buy those lumbering SUVs and pickup trucks: You don’t carry lumber and you don’t off-road. You have minivan needs but you don’t like the minivan stigma. Man/Woman up and buy yourself a minivan. Here are five reasons why you should.
They’re Powerful
We wrote this after we had reviewed the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. This minivan is equipped with a Pentastar V6, the same one that’s found in the Jeep Wrangler that we previously reviewed. The six banger produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That is a TON of power if you really put things into perspective. Will you be beating Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaro’s on a sprint? Hell no! But you’re a bit more grown up than that, and you prefer to discreetly overtake slower cars in a seemingly less capable car, like a minivan.
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The Accommodations
The Pacifica has so much room. When you’re not carrying people, the second row fold INTO THE FLOOR! While the third row folds back providing a pickup truck like space for your Home Depot hauling needs. It even has dual screens so your passengers can relax!
It Respects Adults
This point is similar to point number two, but unlike Crossovers and SUVs, minivans allows you to fit six adults comfortably. Most SUVs don’t even have a third row. If you stretch it, you can probably fit eight adults in the Pacifica if you can tolerate their criticism of how slightly uncomfortable it can be. Just remind them that there’s eight people in the car and that their lone opinions don’t really matter.
It has “Good” Handling
Since minivans ride lower to the ground it handles relatively decently despite what their profile suggests. Crossovers and SUVs ride a bit higher because of their need to provide more ground clearance. This additional off-road utility comes at the cost of poorer handling.
The People Closest To You Will Thank You
Someone had to buy the minivan, and you were brave enough to do it. You didn’t mind the ridiculous stigma. You put your family’s needs in front of your own, and that’s a respectable trait. Because of your unselfish decision making, your colleagues, your friends, and your family will thank you, as they ride in first/business-class levels of comfort, wherever you’re going.
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