I worked at a Chrysler Jeep dealership for many years and I am a huge fan of minivans. I've seen people cry when trading in the first generation caravans/voyagers. They had never had anything like it and the vehicles felt like part of the family.
It boils down to a simple choice. Do you want to ride around in something that drives more like a truck or a car?
I always suggest the minivan. The driving experience, the fuel economy, the safety, the visibility, the functionality, the comfort.
Having a vehicle with sliding doors on both sides instead of doors that open is a top feature when you have children.
Many of my friends have children that are getting older and they are migrating away from vans just for the sake of something new. For example, the Odyssey drivers are switching to Pilots.
