Hey, hotshot! What’s wrong with the minivan anyway?
Look, I’m not afraid to admit it: I have driven a minivan for more than a decade. In fact, we bought our second Chrysler minivan a couple of years ago. And let me tell you: I’ve heard all the jokes. Yeah, I’m less of a man because I drive a minivan. I get it. Ha ha.
Hey, did any of you see Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, driving a Chrysler minivan just like she was Steve McQueen in Bullitt? That was my minivan she was driving, folks!
Anyway, riddle me this, loyal readers: Why does the minivan get such a bad rap? Why did it lose favor to the massive SUV? Why didn’t the minivan ever catch on with the cool crowd?
And if the minivan had sex appeal (and heaven knows, Angelina Jolie tried!), would Chrysler be in the position it’s in now?
If you have a minivan — or have ever driven one — tell us what you liked or didn’t like about it. If you haven’t, tell us why you’re always hatin’ on us minivan drivers!
UPDATE: There was so much interest in this topic that we created an IWitness reader photo album on minivans. Will you share your photos of your favorite minivan? I’ve got one of mine in there now. Call this a counterpoint to our “cool cars” album.
Kurt is the director of social media for the Post-Dispatch, where he has worked since August 2002. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
I spent 8 years in the automotive industry and have driven every vehicle on the market. Tell me this America:
1) What vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon on the interstate, seats 7 adults comfortably (not seating for 4 and 3 cramped jumped seats or someone having to sit on a seatbelt), sits up high so you can see, has a five star crash rating, and rides as smoothly as any luxury car on the road?
Answer:
1) A Chrysler Town and Country Minivan
Chrysler invented the minivan and theirs is still the best today.
With the options that can be added, it more enjoyable to spend time in the van than in most homes.
If cool means not getting any mileage, being cramped in the back with no room for gear, and riding down the highway in a vehicle that rides like a city buss, go ahead and but that big SUV. Consider me smart, not cool.
I’ll see you at the gas station while I drive by getting better mileage with my passengers riding comfortably