To Minivan or Not to Minivan?

I have long believed that the end of youth is marked by one event: The purchase of a minivan. Now I find myself facing the decision to buy one, and it honestly makes me a little queasy. I know that many women and men drive minivans and it is no different than driving an SUV. If anything, it is more economical and comes with nifty features like captain's chairs and a DVD player. It is all in the perception. Minivans are like Rocky Mountain Oysters. They are great until you realize what they are, and then you throw up in your mouth a little. I admit that  Toyota's Swagger Wagon video has somewhat swayed me, but I still view the minivan section of the car dealership as a place where the carefree single life goes to die.


Alas, I am at a crossroads. Do I make life easier and choose sensibility over style, or do I give in to the stigma of the minivan and buy something smaller or less economical? Only time, and the arrival of my tax return will tell.