Features to Look for in a Minivan
Minivans are very practical for a family; they have plenty of seats and plenty of room. Minivans have evolved greatly from a basic passenger van to a vehicle with configurable seats, flip down DVD players, new technologies and extra safety precautions. Most vans today have basics like air conditioning and duel sliding doors, but some further excel in to make family travel easier. Here are the most worthwhile features to look for:
Reconfigurable second-row seats
These seats are fore/aft-adjustable, so you can decide how to divide up the legroom between the second and third rows. The Stow 'n Go system for the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country offers covered spaces in the floor to fold the second- and third-row seats into. When not in use, these cubbies can be used for storage.
Traction and stability control
Traction control allows for more confident low-speed maneuvers on slippery roads or in muddy conditions. The system works by intervening when one of the tires begins to spin and lose traction. Brakes are automatically applied and engine power is reduced to that wheel, and smoothly redirected to the wheel(s) that have grip. Stability control goes beyond traction control and helps in higher-speed situations by using sensors to monitor how closely your vehicle's path matches your intended path based on steering, throttle and brake inputs. This system can apply braking forces to individual wheels and/or reduce engine power to prevent dangerous skids. Minivans that have traction control include Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Mazda MPV.
Conversation mirror
This is an overhead convex mirror that works as a parental spyglass. The driver can see what's going on in every seating position in the van. This allows a parent to avoid turning around to look in the back.
Tire-pressure warning system
When tires are not properly inflated, the minivan won't handle as well and ability to steer will be decreased. Under-inflated tires are more susceptible to blowouts and they make the vehicle less fuel efficient. When a minivan has a tire-pressure warning system, you'll be alerted if the tire pressure falls too far below the factory specification. Additionally, some minivans are fitted with run-flat tires, whose stiffer sidewalls allow them to support the vehicle's weight, even after a tire has lost most or all of its pressure. The Mercury Monterey offers a low-cost alternative to run-flats - self-sealing tires. Self-sealing tires have an extra lining coated with a puncture sealant that can permanently seal small punctures from nails and bolts without any human intervention. Minivans with tire-pressure warning systems include Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Adjustable pedals / telescoping steering wheel
For some, it can be difficult to be comfortable and safe behind the wheel because of their size. Adjustable pedals are a big help for those of shorter stature, as they allow you to bring the pedals closer without having to move the entire seat forward. A telescoping steering wheel performs much the same function, but taller adults will find that it allows them to tailor a driving position that works for them. The Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Mercury Monterey all include adjustable pedals. A telescoping steering wheel is found on the Mazda 5.
In-floor storage
An important plus for family driving is organized storage. When it is found in the floor you can simply lift the cover on the cubby and place the items inside. This keeps items from being strewn around or lost, frees up floor space, and makes for a safer riding environment. If you need a large flat space for carrying cargo, simply open the storage cubbies and fold the second- and third-row seats into them. Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan include this.
Reverse-sensing systems/rearview cameras
Sensors alert you with sound when you are getting close to something while backing up. This system uses bumper-mounted sensors that use sonar to locate objects, pets and people from three up to six feet from the vehicle. Audible beeps of varying intensity let the driver know how close he/she is to an object before it's too late. These sensors may help avoid backing over objects, or children, and also aid parallel parking in a tight space. Rearview cameras go one step further. It is a navigation system, and a tiny bumper-mounted camera that will project an image of what's behind you onto the screen when the van is in reverse. Though costly, this is a great feature that can make the vehicle even safer. Minivans with a reverse-sensing system are Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Town & Country, and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Fold-flat third-row seat
Minivans of the past had a heavy third row seat that had to be unhitched and carried to the garage when extra cargo space was needed. Fortunately, most, if not all, manufacturers offer third-row seats that fold neatly into the floor, providing a flat load surface. Many offer a 60/40-split design for their seat, which provides additional flexibility for larger families. Minivans with a single-piece fold-flat third-row seat are Chevrolet Uplander, Mazda 5, Mazda MPV, and Mercury Monterey. Minivans with a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat include Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Side curtain airbags for all three rows
Side curtain airbags protect occupants' heads in the event of a side-impact collision or rollover. They are now common in sedans, but full-length coverage (for all three rows of seating) is a recent development among minivans and large-capacity SUVs. For those looking for maximum safety, this is a must. Minivans that have it are Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Mazda 5, and Mercury Monterey.
The minivan was a wonderful invention, making transportation much easier for an entire family. Today, minivans come loaded with nifty features that make traveling with kids more enjoyable. With so many vans on the market, it can be a daunting task to choose just the right one. A good start is to decide which features are must haves, and which models carry them.
