Comments on: Soccer Moms Rejoice! Hybrid Minivan on the Way.

By: ChuckK

ChuckK — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:29:34 +0000

I just turned my 92 Plymouth Grand Voyager in the “Cash for Clunkers” program for a 2010 Prius for my wife to drive. We gave our 2007 Prius to our daughter. So now, I need a replacement van that I can sleep in, tow my 15′ aluminum fishing boat and also gets good gas mileage. I am very excited that Dodge has decided to put a hybrid grand minivan on the market. If the price is reasonable, I will definitely buy one, and I am sure a lot of soccer moms (and dads) will too!

By: ChuckK

ChuckK — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:49:25 +0000

I own a 92 Plymouth Grand Voyager with 214,000 miles on it and still going. This minivan has served me well transporting up to 7 passengers at a time when needed. I also have removed all but the two front seats and used this minivan as a cargo van or for camping and/or towing my small fishing boat. Two people can sleep overnight inside with the back seats removed. I get 26 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. Not bad!!

Soon, I will have to replace this vehicle, and, with higher gas prices dwindling supplies, and a need to reduce carbon emissions, I am very interested in purchasing a similiar minivan, but with better gas mileage! The hybrid minivan seems like the answer! My wife and I have already replaced our mid-sized sedan with a Prius several years ago and love it! A hybrid minivan is next on the shopping list!!!! I am willing to wait a couple of years for one to appear in the USA. I would hope that Dodge/Chrysler can do it first, but, if not, I will consider buying an imported model.

By: Bryce

Bryce — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:35:43 +0000

hmm, that is true anonymous

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:51:52 +0000

Hey Noz. The only parents needing to apologize seem to be yours. Aside from that, 6 to 8 people in the worst minivan get better mileage than a hipster dork in a Prius. Getta life.

By: mochamom100

mochamom100 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:06:01 +0000

Walking your kids everywhere is extremely unrealistic for most Americans, especially those of us who live in the north and endure long winters, lots of snow and ice. If you have a newborn and an older child to take to violin lessons 5 miles away, trekking in the snow is a stupid idea. Driving kids around in a minivan does, in fact, enrich their lives by allowing them to take music classes, learn to ice skate or swim, have a playdate with a friend. Almost every mother I know has to drive their kids around to BRING them to sources of enrichment that simply may not be available at home. Kids can learn plenty at home, but the reality is that kids are active. And they should be! And not all of us live within walking distance of extra curricular activities. Carpooling is VERY eco-friendly and often requires a minivan. Also, moms want safe transport during long winters, so a minivan is the perfect solution.

There’s a campaign to get MORE automakers to make hybrid minivans.
http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/let-s-bring-hybrid-minivans-to-the-suburbs

By: rwcole

rwcole — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:11:24 +0000

As fuel costs increase- buyers will shift to lighter hybrid vehicles..

A small hybrid mini van weighing 3,000 pounds would be the perfect compromise of fuel economy, comfort, and hauling ability.

They don't need to be seven passenger.

A six passenger van (seating three abreast in front in a pinch) would be fine for most people.

By: Philippe

Philippe — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:04:21 +0000

SUV will never be as flexible as a minivan period. With young kids, sliding doors are a bless and cargo area too. You can’t get that from a SUV. So yes, I would really consider buying an American minivan (Chrysler) if they had an hybrid system. My current Sienna is not really fuel efficient city wise (16liters/100kM) and I would love to jump on a hybrid since I a m doing mostly city travel.

By: Bryce

Bryce — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:30:54 +0000

I didn’t say that, I just said WE needed it. You always seem to argue that these vehicles have no use, which I have clearly stated, they have their purposes. Besides, all of my neighbors haul hay and what not, so when they aren’t hauling toys, or boys, they are working.

By: Armand

Armand — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:06:46 +0000

Ummmm...let's see....you're using the example of a scoutmaster hauling 10 canoes on a boy scout trip as an excuse for people who sit in traffic with their SUV's for 2-3 hours a day as being OK? Or a parent having to have that LandRover to drop his or her kid off because it's just absolutely necessary?

LOL.

By: Bryce

Bryce — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:44:43 +0000

Exactly....YOU don't need one, but a boy scout troop hauling 10 canoes and whatever else......they just might. Like I said before, the scoutmasters old Civic just wouldn't cut it. So someone else drove the big SIlverado towing the trailer and everyone else was in a focus, Civic, and an Impala. Trust us, we have been doing this for a long time. (80 year old boy scout troop)

By the way, cell phones being used in cars is illegal in this state now. (California)

Are we qualified to use the Silverado in your eyes now??? lol