1972 Ford Carousel (photo courtesy: forum.chryslerminivan.net)
Josh writes:
What is the deal with minivans? I was thinking the other day that as an outdoor person, minivan's are perfect. They have lots of room for people and gear, AWD (in some cases), lots of roof space, and better MPG's than an SUV. But apparently I can't own one because they're not cool. I could get a wagon though. Isn't a minivan just a super-sized wagon?
Will minivans ever be cool to own?
Sajeev answers:
What's the deal with minivans? From public perception, CUV popularity, fleet usage, etc. the "uncool minivan" is indeed a sad reality. But there is plenty to love here on TTAC, from the Farago era to something brilliantly Baruthian. My second favorite rental vehicle was the 3.6L Pentastar Caravan: it was quick and comfortable with chassis/suspension/steering components ready to play. No surprise, my fav rental was a white 2011 Crown Vic. But I digress…
Isn't a minivan just a super-sized wagon? Not really, even if they (kinda) ended the station wagon era. Uncool minivans are a radical rethink: eschewing the traditional notions of the family wagon and the creepster's van with the adoption of a modern front-wheel drive layout (Aerostar and Astro notwithstanding) for maximum utilization of a traditional two box design, while adding the styling of a family sedan/wagon for curb appeal. Supposedly the Chrysler minivan's early concepts were lifted from Ford's work in the early 1970s: possible since Lee Iacocca famously left FoMoCo after butting heads with Henry II far too many times, and took some design staffers with him…though that's the subject of some controversy.
Will minivans ever be cool to own? Keep in mind the Minivan was and remains an enlightened design: that will attract people. Just like so many Pistonheads go nuts over vintage wagons these days (especially with wheels you'd expect on a restomod '69 Camaro), the uncool minivan will come back to win our hearts.
Until then, who gives a crap what people think? Go buy one and brush off the haters, no matter what they say!
Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.
The post Piston Slap: Why So Uncool Minivan? appeared first on The Truth About Cars.
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