by rmellace

Created on: October 21, 2010

It's such a shame to say it but, really, "uncool" is the label for someone who drives a mini-van in the world of Today.  I feel this is mainly due to the style, specs and feel of the current mini-vans.  Really, when you size today's mini-vans up against their Ghost's of the Past, it makes one shed a tear.  Where did the "cool" go in these automobiles?

Although not labeled it, there were existent "Mini-Vans" during the 30's, 40's and 50's.  However, it was not visually recognized until the Volkswagen type 2 came about in the 50's.  This "Cargo Van" was the great-granddaddy of Mini-vans.  This led rise to the Volkswagen Bus of the 1970's; which was Absolute Cool Incarnate.  Not only was it visually appealing but, all the hip kids seemed to pile into these spacious vans to tour the country.  These were a symbol of style and appeal.  Some still try to resurrect this "Awesome Machine" and, I've seen a few driving on today's highways.  Goes to say alot when people still want it today.

To continue, The mini-van of the 80's had a distinct look.  They had a cargo-van feel to them which included lovely carpeting and, some, even had window shades and dinner trays.  The mini-van of those days seemed like a smaller version of a motor-home.  I remember being in one that had lights built in on the side and floor to light your footsteps through the van.  Because, yes, there was just that much room in it.  You could do a sort-of "hunch-walk" from front to back.  I was, personally, found of the Plymouth Voyager and find my heart melting a little when I see one driving along the road.  The more I grow and begin to shop for cars, the more I realize that the specs and mileage wasn't the greatest for these Mini-Vans.  However, they were still an up and coming title.  Why would it have been?  And the style alone was enough to put a smile on many faces.

Today, however, they are just consumeristic pieces of junk that still haven't seemed to fix the mileage aspect.  I mean, they've had over 20 years to fix it, what's going on?  So, from knowing the mileage alone, it gets the thumbs down and the scoff.  Then it's off to the ever expanding entertainment aspect of the car.  Some have dual screen tv's which, is an ugly reminder of how wired this nation is to the television.  Shouldn't they be putting more effort into the specs of the actual car?  Like the style?  Because, the last sad element, is the style.  It is ridiculously uneventful.  Most of the mini-vans out there are shaped like an insect.  Like a big, ugly bug.  They have no discerning characteristics; no voice.  Essentially, they are not even a "Blah."  They are a "Blech".

Really, with the current economy, it's better off suggesting that someone looking into a Mini-van purchase should reconsider and go the route of an SUV.  It's bigger, looks better and has the same mileage.

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