Remember when the minivan craze started in the early to mid-1980s? I remember it because my parents bought one of those in 1988 – just two years after it was brand new. And when I got my driver’s license, that wonderful vehicle became mine and stayed mine for several years.
But there’s a new craze going around and many former minivan lovers are taking note. If you’ve heard of the Ford Flex, you probably know what I’m talking about.
But Ford isn’t touting this as an alternative to the minivan. In fact, marketers seem to be going out of their way to separate it from its minivan cousin. They use words like “car-based vehicle” and other vague terms for those who have been scared away from the “family feeling” of driving a minivan. Actually, one of the only things that distinguish it from an actual minivan is a sliding door on the side.
But that doesn’t mean the Ford Flex is a bad vehicle. In fact, it’s one of the better Ford cars on the market if you want something that can hold a lot of passengers (up to 7) while still maintaining a sportier feel.
Whether you were ever a fan of minivans or if you’ve just despised them, the Ford Flex is designed to fit your tastes. Check one out today and make the choice for yourself.
If you just answered “not me” to that question, then join the crowd. According to the Ford Motor Company, minivan sales are at their lowest point since 1985. Could that have something to do with the rising gas prices? I would guess that’s part of the problem, because truck sales are also down.
But this story hits close to home for me. According to George Pipas, a sales analyst for Ford vehicles, minivans were “America’s family car” during the 1980s. I can attest to that fact. The first vehicle that my dad handed down to me was a minivan. I loved that thing, too.
It was a dark blue color with a couple of silver stripes that went around it. My folks bought it in 1988 when it was two years old. I didn’t get it until 1993, just before my senior year in high school. I learned how to do everything in that van. I learned how to drive in that minivan. I went on several road trips in that van. I even went away to college in South Carolina with that minivan.
When I received it, I named her Abby. She became my best friend. I kept her for four years until it was time to let her go. That was a sad day, too. My friends and I took pictures inside the van and had a ceremony before selling it. I still miss it.
Luckily, sales analysts feel the sales will rebound in 2009 when consumer confidence hopefully increases. If you have a chance, I suggest getting a minivan for your family. The memories you’ll make will be priceless!
