Do you love your family car? Pls let me know! (fit in, leasing)

[movingnorth2]

We are moving to Westchester from the city and do not own cars but we'll need to buy 2 cars pretty fast. We are both tall and have 2 children (toddler and a newborn). I have no clue what to get and not much time to research... if you love your car I'd love to hear. We are not into luxury/high-end cars just need something practical but comfortable. We need space bc we are both tall. We are also interested in fuel savers. I saw a Toyota Sequoia the other day.. liked the looks but not sure if it's expensive or if it gets good mileage. Fuel prices are getting up there... I think we might lease instead of buying... thanks so much This forum is AAAA++++

[znycgirl]

I'm looking myself (but for something family-capable).

The Honda CRV is directed at families (has a child-viewing mirror, easier to snap in child seats, ect). Great crash test ratings, ect. People who have them love them.

But...I'm tall myself & feel that many cars just don't feel the same as they look on papers....Honda CRV included...just feels small (maybe it's the newer model). Toyota's RAV4 felt a bit better in terms of size...better in engine...but I didn't like the trunk swinging open. "Edmunds" is a good website, get a consumers reports & most importantly...sit in them!

[newtoli]

I have a CRV because I wanted a smaller SUV. The CRV is very roomy to me (then again I've always had a sedan. I really love it, and the gas mileage is decent for a car of it's size. I suggest checking it out.

[EdJones]

Forget about the Sequoia. Those things suck gas like thirsty camels.

With gas prices at $4 right now, I would strongly suggest you buy a small Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla and push the front seats as far as you can so that you can fit.

If you have the $$$, I've test driven the new Camry Hybrid. It feld pretty roomy and I believe the MPG is in the upper 30's although I don't remember exactly.

[movingnorth2]

The CRV looked a little small from the picture... but it's always different once you are inside.. I'll put it on my list. Sounds like the Sequoia is out.. I love big cars but with current gas prices it just doesn't make sense. I'm sure we could fit in most cars pushing seats back but it's low ceiling and general cramped feeling that I don't like... also I'll have 2 kids in the back so the smaller cars might be tough... we are thinking of leasing... any good stories doing it online? sounds like an easy way to shop for best prices. I do most of my other shopping online anyways. tks

[westchester]

the crv and the odessey...........sorry but you must have a carivan trust me you won regret buying a carivan..........

[asitshouldbe]

We have two minivans and a suv. Ford Windstar, Dodge Grand Caravan (with stow and go) and a Yukon. I like the minivans the best, especially when you have kids. There is so much room. My new van, the Dodge, is a really great vehicle, it gets good mileage, has good pick up on the freeway, has automatic side doors, the rear side windows roll down, the rear seats fold into the floor and the back bench flips backwards so when you open the back hatch you have a bench facing outside. Its great for watching sports or fireworks or anything you need an (outdoor) seat for.

[ghguy]

We checked out the CRV and RAV4 and found them to be way too small. My wife had always refused to cave in and buy a van, but after comparing the Toyota Sienna to some SUVs, we found it was just so much roomier and more convenient - not to mention MUCH cheaper. Also, it's a few thousand cheaper than the Odyssey. Definitely the best bargain when compared to other vehicles discussed above.

Dodge Caravan was, I believe, the worst-rated minivan (Consumer Reports). Sienna was #1, Odyssey, #2.

From Consumer Reports (Minivan):

The Sienna is our pick for the second year in a row. Its spacious, quiet, and refined interior is on par with some luxury sedans. And its V6 engine is powerful and fuel efficient. It is also the only minivan available with all-wheel drive. Price: $24,000 to $37,000. The Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, is more agile and, dare we say, fun to drive for a minivan.

[nebound]

Honda Pilot

[bagatelle]

If you don't need a 7 seater, maybe Mazda 5?