This is what I drive. Did not see a minivan as anything worthwhile until my wife and I had our son and daughter. I know this isn't the theme that mk was looking for, but

I wouldn't trade it for the world. It proves it's utility time and again.

1. Auto-Sliding Doors. Huge for getting the kids in and out seamlessly when they were 2 and 4 and we'd return to the van with an armload of stuff.

2. 90GB hard-drive. Have thousands of songs from my existing CD collection and a boatload the kids and I've collected at the Spring and Fall local library book/media sale. 50 cents for Full Moon Fever? You got it!

No need to have your phone linked to the media full time for music.

3. Roof rack. Has carried a small snark sailboat, one or two windsurf boards, a 150+ gal plastic bin full of camping goods, and a weatherproof roof back with overflow camping/vacation supplies.

4. Stow-n-go, carries 4 by sheet goods. No need to borrow a buddies truck , unless you need gravel, to get project supplies. We've got a backyard ice rink and tree-house via the van. For a family of four, anytime we head out of town overnight we typically fold down the back row seats and toss our stuff in. Hugely helpful for ski/snowboard trips. We've now got a system where the boots, helmets, and the rest of the snow gear are in clear plastic tubs that we chuck on top of the folded row, toss in the skis and snowboards, and roll.

5. Tows 3500 lbs. We've had an 1100lb trailerable sailboat and now an outboard boat that weighs similarly. Being able to tow a reasonable amount a several times a year opens up a ton of possibilities.

6. DVD w/video screen. My wife and I didn't want this option, but it was one of those, "hey, it comes with all of the vans dude" situations. The kids know it's off limits for trips less than one hour, but it makes the long trips much easier.