So I'm new to this parenting thing, do I have to get a minivan/suv?

[Ceece]

I carted my kids around in a Taurus and then a Civic. A bunch of their friends too for that matter. No minivan or SUV required.

[Stijl Council]

It also kind of depends on where you live. I'd hate to have to parallel park with a minivan or an SUV on a regular basis! I often find myself wishing I had something like a Smart car when I'm trying to find parking in a crowded neighborhood, and my car is not big at all.

OTOH, I remember when I first learned to drive, and I'd go back and forth between Athens and Atlanta in a little compact, with tons of SUVs and trucks whipping around. It was a little intimidating! I don't think I'll ever drive an SUV/van, but I wouldn't argue with someone who feels more comfortable doing so.

[metoo1950]

My kids are grown, with the first two we had a Cutlass Supreme, and then later we got a Volvo 760 stationwagon, that we kept for ten years. We didn't have two cars until my husband was given a company car, when my daughter started nursery school. Now we are emptynesters, and I drive a Mazda C-X 9 that I really wish I had had when the kids were young. Easy to park, can seat 7, lots of storage room, and a back up camera as well as GPS. Pretty good milage, and has earned its keep by hauling lots of DIY stuff. But they weren't made back then. My husband drives a BMW Z-4. It's lots of fun, but no place for babyseats. He couldn't get by with it now, even with no kids at home if I didn't have the Mazda. I think a car choice depends on your lifestyle, and how many people you really have to transport regularly.