Five Macho Minivans For the Average Joe

"Macho" and "minivan" are words that historically have been at odds with one another.

However, there are several family-sized choices that offer some of the same attributes attracting the Y chromosome to vehicles like pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and sporty sedans.

When you require a well-rounded vehicle that can transport your family on vacation as well as make runs to the home improvement store for supplies, no one vehicle fills the bill like a minivan. They may not be glamorous or sexy, but today's family utility wagons are more versatile, energetic, stylish and fuel-efficient than their forebears.

In other words, they aren't your soccer moms' minivans.

Bankrate has assembled a list of five minivans offering a high level of utility, accommodations for up to six and plenty of get-up-and-go. You might argue that at least one of our choices isn't even a minivan, but we like to think outside of the box.

Except for the 2012 Mazda5 and Kia Sedona EX, car prices and specifications are based on 2011 models.

These are minivans even the most macho guy can find at least one reason to love. So man up and read on.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Price: $30,695 Gas mileage: 17 city and 25 highway mpg

Macho factor: Accommodates a 4-by-8 sheet of plywood with the rear hatch closed.

Chrysler created the minivan segment with the 1984 Dodge Caravan, and it still sells more minivans than any other carmaker.

Some mechanical, styling and interior upgrades for 2011 have elevated the Grand Caravan to a level truly competitive with the imports. Its new 3.6-liter V-6 generates 283 horsepower -- the most of any vehicle on our list. A six-speed, driver-shiftable, automatic transmission ushers power to the front wheels.

Three rows of seats can carry up to seven, yet when more cargo space is needed, the Stow 'n Go second- and third-row seats can be folded flat with the cargo floor for 143.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

In addition to standard amenities that include power accessories, power-adjustable pedals, tri-zone climate control and a trip computer, the R/T comes with a sport-tuned suspension, leather seating and an upgraded nine-speaker Infinity audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.

2012 Kia Sedona EX

Price: $29,190 Gas mileage: 18 city and 25 highway mpg

Macho factor: Second-best horsepower, best warranty and bargain-basement car price.

2012 Macho Power Wagon?? - DodgeForum.com

I did but I just recently added the slot mag wheels and the Power Wagon graphics. One day soon, I hope to make it a complete modern replica of the Power Wagons of the late 70s/early 80s with the "Macho" package. I'm sure these companies that make these "wraps" you see on so many vehicles can duplicate the graphics to fit my truck. Below are some pics of a 77, 79, and an 81....I'm really digging the '81 style as I think it might be the easiest to duplicate on my truck, AND it looks alot like how the 2010 and 2011 2500 Power Wagons are done. Why Dodge only makes it available as a 2500 crew cab is a mystery to me.....

Mopar Muscle, Fifty Years: Doge, Plymouth & Chrysler Performance

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