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Is there a hybrid mini-van available in the US, now or soon? I really would like to purchase a hybrid, but need seating for 7...I know Toyota has the Highlander SUV in a hybrid, but I really don't want a huge SUV...what are the options for 7 seat hybrids?
I currently drive an aging Chevy Astro-gets 'decent' mileage as it is a V-6, but I really want to improve that, and the Astro's starting to fall apart.
Google hybrid mini van and see what you come up with. More and more companies are putting them out, or proposing them for the next roll out year. Highlanders aren't that large, I think Saturn has one too.
I did just google them-it appears it is only available in Japan (the toyota). I also found that there are many people, like me, who are clamoring for a hybrid minivan! I had actually gone to a toyota dealer to rent a car while my van was in the shop (last time, it's there now too) and looked for one. They tried to get me to test a Highlander-I think I would need a stepladder to get in that big thing LOL.
They tried to get me to test a Highlander-I think I would need a stepladder to get in that big thing LOL.
You should try one out, they're really quite small, IMO.
I drive a Honda Pilot, which is a mid-size SUV (and yes, I need something that big ), and the Highlander is even smaller than the Pilot.
We had a Highlander for a week (rental), and personally, we did not like it, but the reason we did not like it might actually be what works for you. We found it was much smaller inside than the Pilot and it drove like a sedan (we actually like the more truck-like ride of the Pilot and the height of the Pilot).
I looked at minivans and ended up getting a Prius because we needed more room (twins on the way). It certainly doesn't seat 7 (could seat 5) but for a family of 4, the Prius will be great. The back seat has a lot of leg room, stroller and other stuff fits in the back, plus you can lay down the seats and haul a lot of junk.
The new diesel technology appears to be a good option too, but I don't know of any diesel minivans. Maybe that'll be coming soon.
It's a '98, purchased in 2005. I just got some bad news from the shop today-fuel pump went, and the head gasket is cracked...it's bad I just had to replace the transmission for $2500 in Dec.
Maybe I will give that HIghlander another look. I have 5 children so I have to seat seven (me, dh and kids)-I drive the 'family' car. I'm actually stunned by the bad news on my van-I was hoping to hold out a couple years until someone did a hybrid mini-van. I've driven, and liked, a friend's Prius, but it would mean taking both dh and mine's car anywhere we went with all of us-which seems kind of wasteful. Ugh-I don't know what to do!
It's a '98, purchased in 2005. I just got some bad news from the shop today-fuel pump went, and the head gasket is cracked...it's bad I just had to replace the transmission for $2500 in Dec.
Maybe I will give that HIghlander another look. I have 5 children so I have to seat seven (me, dh and kids)-I drive the 'family' car. I'm actually stunned by the bad news on my van-I was hoping to hold out a couple years until someone did a hybrid mini-van. I've driven, and liked, a friend's Prius, but it would mean taking both dh and mine's car anywhere we went with all of us-which seems kind of wasteful. Ugh-I don't know what to do!
I love the Prius, and when my Honda is paid off I might look into getting a Prius to drive on the days when I don't need the Honda. They are a good-looking vehicle too .
But your kids are a good reason to get a vehicle that can haul them all. I don't have kids, but I have a lot of pets (3 medium-large dogs, 2 parrots and a cat) and I live in Florida. When we have a hurricane evacuation, I need to get everyone in one vehicle and get out of town (3 adults and 6 animals).
OhMy Sorry your engines died...mine is a 1990! Got it used 2 months ago!!
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), and the Highlander is even smaller than the Pilot.
I just had to replace the transmission for $2500 in Dec. 
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