So the wife says... (after some test drives)

[sasilverbullet]

We just get done test driving three minivans/SUV, she says, "I want something that big on the inside, but small on the outside".

Yes, she really said that! We laughed for hours after she realized what she was asking for...

We test drove, in this order:
2012 Mazda 5
2014 Buick Enclave
2012 Honda Odyssey

She hated the cargo space on the Mazda 5. I was pretty impressed with it's peppiness at only 157hp. I didn't like the road noise.

She loved the way the Enclave drove, and the "inside" size. I hated the very long travel of the gas pedal. Seems like I pushed three inches before anything happened when trying to accelerate, that drives me nuts!

The Honda was a Touring model. She loved all the bells and whistles and the "inside" size, she hated the boxy look. I loved the Honda the best. I'm going to try and get her to look at a 2015 and see if she likes the look better.

Later in the evening she saw a Dodge commercial, now she wants me to check out what Dodge has to offer. I don't, from what I've read here and other places they're pieces of maintenance nightmares.

So what do you guys think? Suggestions?

 

[4wd]

Well - I'd say you don't want a Yeti cooler - they are opposite of that.

 

[Kira]

I see the OP already owns Honda products. Is the household generally happy with Honda performance and support?

My brother has an Odyssey Touring and loves it. I must say I love it too.

STEER CLEAR of Chrysler products. (note the clever driving metaphor)

 

[RooflessVW]

 

[Virtus_Probi]

Originally Posted By: rooflessVW



Meets the big inside/small outside criterion, but that's about as boxy as you can get!!!
;^)

 

[4wd]

Chrysler has been married more than Liz Taylor ... Go figure how to run a business like that ...
But, RAM trucks are certainly better ...

 

[HerrStig]

Buy a big one and then complain about gas prices.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

How is a Traverse/Enclave/Acadia small on the outside? Those things are massive. And impossible to see out of.

 

[drtyler]

Better than what? Walking?

Originally Posted By: 4WD
Chrysler has been married more than Liz Taylor ... Go figure how to run a business like that ...
But, RAM trucks are certainly better ...

 

[4wd]

SA

 

[d00df00d]

Throw a roof rack and cargo carrier on the Mazda 5. That's as "big on the inside, small on the outside" as it gets. It'll have the footprint of a small-ish sedan with the capacity of an Odyssey or very large SUV.

 

[JC1]

Odyssey is know for the VCM issues. How long do you keep your vehicle's for? The touring model will have all the bells and whistles and more gizmos to break the longer you keep it.

I switched from a Sienna to a grand caravan last year and im liking it. The stow n go is handy and you don't have to remove any seats.

Some people have bad luck with caravans, bur others have them and have minor issues.

You sound like a honda family (I used to be), but I made a switch at least on the minivan side.

 

[Bgallagher]

I would go with the Buick. They corrected a lot of the issues the older 3.6s had and given the cavernous interior and quality of the vehicle that is where I would lean. Once my Equinox dies I think we are going to go for that or the GMC.

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: sasilverbullet

Later in the evening she saw a Dodge commercial, now she wants me to check out what Dodge has to offer. I don't, from what I've read here and other places they're pieces of maintenance nightmares.

So what do you guys think? Suggestions?


Smart Man. Mopar (Dodge, Chrysler, Ram) = junk and best to stay far away.

 

[BrocLuno]

Who's offering the best bumper to bumper warranty ...

 

[delirious]

The buick enclave doesn't really look small on the outside in my opinion. I think it looks good though.

Our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been spectacular and has made me surprised on the quality. Having two older WJs with inline 6s it is night and day in power. Smooth shifting and great ride quality. The cargo space is lacking compared to the WJs in the driveway but it is a sweet ride.

I was also shocked how much room there is in the engine bay. I think there is generally more space in there than my grand cherokees with the inline 6. Though I'm sure probably not as easy to work on.

I am not one to advocate chrysler products as they tend to nickel and dime you and for some reason they are just rust buckets. But for me, it seems Jeep got 2014 Grand Cherokee right and is really good in all weather.

Two other SUVs that I really like are the Mazda CX-5s and the VW Touaregs.

 

[SEMI_287]

Check out the Chrysler 300. Even with the Pentastar V6 they're quick and fuel efficient. Comfy great riding vehicles.

 

[SatinSilver]

You can get a brand new Caravan with the nice pentastar for around $19k. A very slightly used Chrysler 200 can be had for a great price because of the instant depreciation.

 

[donnyj08]

Hyundai Tucson? Kia? There are other midsize suvs on the market with a better warranty and very reliable. Keep looking!

 

[TinyVoices]

Go drive the Mazda 5 again. Aweosme car and it is huge inside for the outer dimensions. It'll feel small compared to the Odyssey which she will like.