[Frost__2001]

(05-20-2010, 09:40 PM)Drivesthebeast Wrote: Hi everybody,

I found out in the last week that I'm going to be a father for the 2nd time, and my new son or daughter arrives sometime in January 2011. My wife and I are of course very excited, as ar my parents, and my mother-in-law about being grandparents again.

When we told my parents and everybody about the baby coming, my parents suggested to me that the Escape I have right now, probably isn't going to be large enough anymore to carry us, a toddler, a baby, the dog, and all of our stuff if we are going on any kind of trip outside of town.

So, I've started trying to figure out what'd work. I DON'T want any kind of Japanese or Korean vehicles for starters, and I don't think I need something as gargantuan as a Suburban or an Excursion either. Most wagons are out too, as only a few will have seating for more than 4-5 people, which would be the same as the Escape we have now. I'm thinking that vehicles like the Ford Flex, Ford Expedition, Ford Explorer (7-pass variant), Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon or Envoy XL, and the Dodge Journey are all a good bunch to start with.

I'm not into minivans, so I think I will make the effort to look at the vehicles I already mentioned. Just wondering if there's anything else worth looking at that might work?

L8tz!

If Safety is a huge concern for you, then I'd highly recommend the Volvo XC90, as you can get them in either 5 or 7 passenger set up, plus there is already a built in child seat in them, for when your kids grow into a booster seat, and the rear seat fold flat into the floor. Also if your looking for a wagon the 2002-2010+ V50 & XC70's do / did come with a 7 seat configeration, and also they have some interesting features that include a pet pen and belts for dogs riding in the back of the wagons when the seats are folded flat. Not to mention both cars have crap loads of safety features and interesting options like Nav, or rear seat dvd.

If price is not really and option and you are looking for something different there is the R class from mercedes, other then the panoramic roof, and diesel option and either 6 or 7 passenger set up in them is nice, as all the seats are comfortable. Also if you are looking for Diesel the GL class is a nice option as well.

as for smaller, I'd recommend thje Mazda5 but keep in mind the rear seats when in use are very tight for adults.