With the holidays just around the corner, soon millions of us will be travelling out of town to share turkey and holiday trimmings with family and friends far away, so it’s not surprising that on Wednesday, the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, NADAguides.com, announced their top 7 minivan choices for 2009 – just in time for holiday travel.

While it’s true that minivan’s aren’t just for soccer mom’s anymore, that doesn’t mean that women are shying away from them these days, in fact, if my kids were still little, I know I’d want a minivan that came with every option available, and if manufacturers could find a way to include other extra’s such as the kitchen sink and a potty, it would have made my life on the road with kids a lot easier – but enough about me.

 Instead, here are NADAguides top 7 van picks for 2009:

1. 2009 Honda Odyssey

NADAguides says the 2009 Honda Odyssey is “one of the best all-around minivans on the market,” and they like it because it comes with 244-hp V6, seating for up to eight passengers, a smooth ride and “quality fit and finish.” They also note the Odyssey is safe too, with side-curtain airbags for all three rows, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and traction control.

2. 2009 Toyota Sienna

NADAguides says the 2009 Toyota Sienna is quiet on the road and offers a “beautiful ride in a spacious and well-equipped cabin.”  The optional AWD Toyota Sienna also made the list.  NADAguides likes the powerful 266 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, sleek exterior styling and list of optional equipment, including navigation, a back-up camera and rear seat DVD entertainment.

3. 2009 Volkswagen Routan

A Volkswagen and Chrysler pair-up created the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, a seven-passenger minivan with VW-inspired styling.  The Routan made the NADAguides list because they love the amenities, including a power lift gate and two power sliding side doors, rear DVD entertainment with screens for the second and third rows, touch screen navigation and more cup holders than you’ll know what to do with.

4. 2009 Mazda MAZDA5

The smallest van on the list, the 2009 Mazda MAZDA5 still comes with six-passenger seating, a nice size cargo area and second and third-row folding seats. The MAZDA5 also includes such safety features as side-curtain airbags on all three rows.

5. 2009 Chrysler Town and Country

The 2009 Chrysler Town and Country features optional Swivel ‘n Go seating and a Stow ‘n Go system with folding second and third rows, which are great features for people who enjoy or need flexible seating and cargo space. 

6. 2009 Dodge Sprinter

NADAguides also liked the full size 2009 Dodge Sprinter, calling it a “must-have mega people mover.” The 2009 Dodge Sprinter is able to carry up to 12 passengers in a spacious, four-row interior. It also has a great list of safety features, including emergency brake assist, traction control and a rear passenger escape window.

7. 2009 Ford Flex

NADAguides also gives special consideration to the 2009 Ford Flex; a vehicle some would argue is a minivan, while others may instead believe it to be a crossover. While Ford denies it’s a minivan (but used it to replace the Ford Freestar), NADAguides calls it “super cool…an exciting addition to Ford’s line-up.” The Flex offers seating for up to seven and generous cargo room. The 2009 Ford Flex features a glass Vista Roof over all three rows, swing-out side doors and a rear refrigerator for chilling drinks.

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