The Mommy Car

**cactus** · 05-19-2012, 07:45 PM

Anyone else have any thoughts about the Mazda 5? Both my husband and I really liked it and our budget does too. We are pretty much down to deciding between that one and the Honda CRV. Both have their pros and cons. Do any Mazda 5 owners want to weigh in with what they like and don't like about the car?

**karlatta** · 05-19-2012, 08:59 PM

I really like the Mazda5. It was one of the top runners for my DH when we were buying him a new car. I know a lot of people that have and love it. Ultimately, we decided that there wasn't enough cargo room when all of the seats were in use and we ended up with a Pilot instead. We also decided we wanted room for 8 passengers, since we have 4 children.

**cactus** · 05-20-2012, 05:47 AM

Thanks, karlatta. We have 1 kid, one coming soon, and a dog who would occasionally ride in the back -- the 3rd row is a HUGE bonus, but I can only see us using it infrequently for grandparents who are visiting...none of our family lives in town so for the most part it's just us. I like that the interior layout feels so spacious but that it drives like a small car and is efficient, easy to park, etc.

**daphne** · 05-20-2012, 05:57 AM

karlatta How do your kids get in & out of the back row? We have a Pilot & I love it. I'm due w/#3, though, and DH thinks that an Ody would be better. Do you feel like you still have enough "trunk" space?

**bensgirl1222** · 05-20-2012, 07:52 AM

I have a Toyota Sequoia and currently have 3 across in the same row. I've been thinking of putting up my 3rd row and putting ODS back there to separate the boys (since they constantly fight and pick on one another.

Karla- how do you get back there to buckle your kids in? ODS can buckle himself for the most part but sometimes needs help after we are already in the truck!

**karlatta** · 05-20-2012, 09:46 AM

Daphne - I drive a Sienna and my husband drives a Pilot, and my Sienna is hands-down better for 3 or more children. More cargo space, easier to get the kids in and out of, and more ability to split the kids up once they get to that "picking on each other" stage. We did have an SUV with 3 kids, and we had to sit them all across the middle row, and it was okay, but once I got my van, I was in love. When we are in the Pilot, we don't have room for a stroller, and I feel like my diaper bag is in the way, and stuff like that (but keep in mind we have to use the 3rd row). The Pilot is great for us as a secondary car, when mine is in the shop or whatever, but I would be unhappy using it on a day-to-day basis with my kids.

Jess - When we're in the Pilot, the two oldest ride in the 3rd row in boosters. They get in through the trunk and I kind of get in the trunk myself and reach over the backs of the seats to get them buckled. It helps that I'm tall.

**daphne** · 05-20-2012, 11:19 AM

karlatta Thank you for your reply! I love my Pilot, so I'm reluctant to give it up, but it does seem like the van is the way to go!

**petdoc08** · 08-31-2012, 09:55 AM

Does any here drive a new model Nissan Quest? I'm trying to decide between the utilitarian Sienna or the 'sexy' (for a minivan) Quest. My logical mom brain says the Sienna would be nice for the 8 seats and more cubic feet when hauling stuff. But I really really like the Quest and the cabin is just so much nicer. We have a Quest right now but it is pushing 200k miles so it needs to go.

**steviem** · 09-05-2012, 12:05 PM

Petdoc: We were in the market for a minivan and while I don't have experience with the Nissan Quest, I can say that the Toyota Sienna is super nice and very spacious and the interior seemed rather luxurious.

We actually narrowed our choice down to a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey. We ultimately went with the Odyssey- actually, we just got it yesterday! DH made the final decision as I thought the Sienna and Odyssey were equally nice. Granted, I've only had a minivan for one day but my gosh..... I have no idea how we all squeezed into my SUV (one bench seat in back with 3 kids/carseats). I think I am really going to enjoy having the space and those automatic sliding doors...... I am in love! (I still can't get over the fact that I am driving a minivan.... I swore I never would but they really are ideal for families.)

**petdoc08** · 09-05-2012, 01:38 PM

We ended up with the Nissan. They had the lowest price with the best financing. So far, I love it. I wish it had a tiny bit more leg room for the rear bench but all in all it is a great van. The cabin is pretty darn amazing for a minivan.