Best Minivan for Hauling Kids That Is Comfy and Easy for Short Person to Drive

Updated on February 28, 2011
K.B. asks from Dulles, VA
12 answers

I had a hard time seeing out of SUVs as a short person. Anyone else 5-5'4 find a minivan that is easy to see out of when backing up? I prefer all bucket seats if that is possible or maybe 4 bucket seats and a bench seat in back? No alternative energy ones.
Ideally under 20,000 but I might be dreaming. I could go up to 35000, but I would hate to. I only will buy NEW from a dealership so no sales pitches please. We can't fix anything and like the 5 year warranty.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Well, I can't help with the short thing, but I absolutely ADORE my Toyota Sienna. I don't think you're going to find one new under 20,000 though. In fact, that may be hard to find in any brand. My Sienna has a backup camera that has been really helpful, so that would help you out. To me, after test driving them all and previously owning a Dodge Caravan, the Sienna drives like a comfortable car. Mine also has the 4 bucket seats with the bench back seat. The only brand I can think of that may have a new minivan for under 20,000 is the Kia. I do have friends with Kias, and they like theirs. Unfortunately Hyundai quit making its minivan -why is beyond me. It was very popular!

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S.A.

answers from Madison on

Toyota sienna I say .

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

We have a Toyota Sienna.
I am short. (shorter than you). My Husband is tall.
It is perfect.
Love our minivan.

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J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Sienna again. My parents have one and drives like a dream. I'm 5'2" w/ with lumbar problems and so comfy. NEVER thought I'd endorse a minivan, but love this one.

1 mom found this helpful

D.M.

answers from Denver on

I am 5 feet *5 foot one on a good day* : )

We have a Toyota Sienna and I love it. The seat is very adjustable & I can see fine. We got ours for ~ $20,000 not terribly used and the gas milage is good. There is a bench seat in back and 3 across next row up - though the middle seat is removable. We took it out to make an aisle.

My husband used to have a Dodge Durango and I NEVER felt safe backing up in it.

p.s. We bought from Automotive Avenues. You should have access to them if you have a Credit Union you belong to or can join.

p.p.s. Hyundai stopped making minivan after it bought Kia. If you buy a Kia that isn't too old, you should get Hyundai quality.

GOOD LUCK!

1 mom found this helpful

Y.C.

answers from New York on

I would say a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey are good option. If you need to have easy access to the back seats stay away from Town and Country, I drive some of my daughters friends to their home and they are always having trouble getting in and out and hitting their heads. Also I think the others have a better backing up camera then mine.

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L.F.

answers from Chicago on

I have a Honda Odyssey. I'm not recommending it for you, but I thought I'd mention that my Odyssey has a back up camera. These cameras are included in a lot of cars now. I heard that they might be required on all cars in a few years. I have seen back up camera kits that you can install after market. They aren't very expensive. Whichever van you end up with, you might want to consider getting a back up camera. I'm short too (5'2"), so I can relate.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I have a dodge grand caravan. its great. the quad seats with bench in the back. the seats all do the stow and go option. (huge selling point for us) the drivers seat is adjustable so it can be moved up and down and forwards and backwards so if your shorter you can raise the seat making it easier to see out windows in back etc. we paid I think $32000 for it but bought it the month it came off the assembly line lol. so if you wait till later in the year or actually buy now last years model its still new but a lot less expensive. best vehicle we have ever owned. I have had it almost 6 years and still have no desire to trade it in.

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

We like our Grand Caravan. Seats 7 easily and we can carry our camping gear (plus use the snail on top if necessary). We've had it a while and it doesn't have snazzy things like fold and go seats so my husband usually wrangles them if they need to come out. However, I find it easy to drive and all of the drivers in our household (from my 6'2" stepson to 5'1" me) can all comfortably drive it. Now, ours doesn't have bucket seats except in the front, so that may not be what you want. Maybe you could get a used van and buy bucket seats somewhere to retrofit it?

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J.V.

answers from Chicago on

I'm 5'2. I drive a Odyssey. We bought a fully loaded one (heated mirrors, seats, etc). 2 years old, well within your price range since you are in OK and not in Chicago.

It has a wonderful back-up camera and sensors that go off when you get too close to anything. I was fearful about being able to see, but after driving it for the past year, I would never go back to a regular car.

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K.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I'm 5'3" and I've never had any problems driving my beloved Honda Odyssey. The driver's seat is fully adjustable and the foot pedals are also adjustable. Love it!

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C.W.

answers from Dallas on

I have a Dodge Grand Caravan Sport and love it! I'm 5'3 and hubby is 6'4 and we both can drive it fine. The front seats are bucket and the middle seats are bucket with the bench seat in the back. With all the seats in we still have plenty of room to go to Sam's and stock up and transport everything home with no problems.

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