Mark my words, I will never be a minivan mom. At least that’s what I say now; I don’t have any children, yet. Maybe my perspective would change after a few, but I doubt it. So, why am I reviewing a minivan? After all, I’m missing one very important piece of the puzzle — kids. Luckily, I have 26 nieces and nephews at my disposal. I choose to temporarily adopt my sister-in-law’s family, the Gearings, filled with a whopping seven children. My tester, the seven-passenger Toyota Sienna CE AWD minivan, is perfect for hauling around all the kids. It’s comfortable and there’s plenty of space for bags, hockey equipment, and jumbo-sized drinks. There’s no denying how practical, functional, and convenient the hauler is when you have a big family. But, I admit, I’m a bit embarrassed behind the wheel of a minivan. The Sienna was given a facelift for 2004 so it does look better than the previous model. What’s new for 2005 is all-wheel-drive on the base model, the CE. It’s a fabulous feature that adds a bit to the price, but it’s worth it, especially in Canadian winters. The AWD version sells for $35,900 — $5,900 more than the seven-passenger CE FWD (front-wheel drive) model. And there are other redeeming features on the CE, like keyless remote entry, dual sliding side doors with child-safety power windows, and foldable exterior mirrors, which make manoeuvring into a tight spot or garage effortless. The high driver’s seat provides great visibility and a fantastic view of the road ahead. And an added bonus: the minivan’s front window is perfectly aligned with the drive-thru window at Tim Horton’s. So you’ll never have to stretch and reach for your coffee or change again. Inside, there are storage compartments everywhere — 14 large-sized cup holders, hefty grocery bag hooks in the passenger and cargo areas, and countless slots for glasses, lipstick, cell phones, or keys. To keep the interior feeling clutter free, there’s even a covered storage compartment in the front door armrest. A bi-level glove box also keeps small items handy in the top compartment; while the lower section can be locked for added security. On the other hand you might see me in a Volvo XC90 SUV has a new and improved all-wheel-drive system. So, this SUV can conquer all road conditions whether you’re driving on a gravel road or a rain-slicked or snow-covered street. Plus, it’s loaded with plenty of safety features, including Side Impact Protection System, side impact airbags, curtain airbags, plus stability and traction-control systems. The inside is luxuriously appointed and the gauges are nicely laid out and easy to find. A standard third row seat makes it easier to haul several passengers. The base XC90 starts at $49,995. And it handles well; it doesn’t feel cumbersome or awkward to drive. Plus, it’s capable of handling whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Photo Credit: dodge.ca
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