Vehicle Types: Mini Vans - SUVs - Pickup Trucks - Vans

Mini-Vans - If you're constantly carting kids or cargo, a minivan may be your best choice.  Most newer models offer an additional 4th door on the driver's side and offer comfortable seating for seven.  Be aware of the different engines available.  I highly recommend you elect to get the largest ( 3.5 & 3.8 liter) engine available in whatever minivan you decide upon.   Positively avoid buying a 4-cylinder Dodge or Chrysler minivan, they're grossly underpowered and incapable of hauling heavy payloads for any distances.  Most minivans are only available with front wheel drive, although Chrysler offers an optional all-wheel-drive system on certain models.  According to Crashtest.com, the Ford Windstar, Toyota Sienna, and '99 - '02 Honda Odyssey are three of the safest vehicles on the road today.  In addition, minivans drive and handle just like a car, with the bonus of better visibility due to a higher center of gravity and an upright driving position.  Don't look for minivans to handle your boat or trailer towing duties, as front wheel drive vehicles have a very limited towing capacity.

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)  - I mentioned in the Station Wagon category how I regard SUVs.  For more information read my review of Keith Bradsher's controversial new book, High and Mighty SUV's: the World's Most Dangerous Vehicles and How They Got That Way (Public Affairs, $28). Although they're designed for off-road usage, 98% of them never leave the road, fortunately for our wildernesses.  If a wagon isn't for you, the car-like SUV's ride and handle significantly better than the rest.  They include the Acura MDX, BMW X-5, Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz ML320, ML430, and AMG-tuned ML55.  

SUVs come in three sizes:

Small: Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Honda CRV, Chevrolet Tracker, and Suzuki Grand Vitara. 

Medium: Acura MDX, Dodge Durango, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Lexus RX300, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Infiniti QX4, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Mercury Mountaineer, Hyundai Sante Fe, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Honda Passport, Isuzu Rodeo, Isuzu Trooper, Isuzu Amigo, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Defender, Mitsubishi Montero, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Mazda Tribute, and Toyota Highlander. 

Large: Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX470, Toyota Sequoia, Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln Blackwood, Ford Expedition, Ford Excursion, Land Rover Range Rover, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, GMC Denali, and Cadillac Escalade.

Pickup Trucks - More new pickup trucks are sold in this country than any other type of vehicle.  The smaller models now offer quad or crew-cab four-door versions, with seating for 5 adults.  Full-size models offer extended cabs with smaller third and fourth doors giving access to the rear seats.  Standard rear-wheel drive versions don't handle well on snow or ice without a substantial amount of weight in the rear of the truck.  When equipped with towing packages with 8- or 10-cylinder engines, these rear-wheel drive vehicles can tow large boats and trailers.  Full-size 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive pickups get about 15 miles per gallon.

Vans - If you transport large amounts of cargo or need room for more than seven adults, a full-size van is your only option.  They're available with and without windows and in payload capacities of over one ton.  Extended vans can seat up to 15 adult passengers.  Towing packages with 8- or 10-cylinder engines will allow these rear-wheel-drive vehicles to tow large boats and trailers.

Hybrids:  Hybrid Power - Hybrid Vehicles - & Shared Platforms are on the next page >

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