Safest 8-seater options?

[christineka]

I know the honda odyssey is pretty safe. Is the sienna close to the odyssey? Anything else?

[crunchierthanthou]

I believe the Sienna performs pretty well. did you check the ratings?

http://www.safercar.gov/
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

the sienna is actually a better 8 seater in terms of actual seating. The Odyssey's 8th seat isn't all that functional. However, I think the 8 seat option is relatively new to both vans only found in fairly recent MYs.

edit: it looks like 04 and newer for the Sienna and 06 for the Odyssey.

older vans with 8th seat options are the Venture/Montana/clones and you can convert Ford Windstars by purchasing another third row for the center (since the mounting hardware is the same and the center belt is connected to the seat rather than the frame). Although, I'm not sure on the safety ratings of either of those.

[Patriot201]

The new Honda Pilot is also an 8-seater.

I like the built-in shades in the back. Cool. :cool:

The new Pilot has four sets of lower anchors (three sets across the second row and one set in the third row).

[2mykids]

Try www.informedforlife.org and view the ranking lists.
Although the list doesn't tell you what seats 8, but it may help.

[2mykids]

The new Honda Pilot is also an 8-seater.

I like the built-in shades in the back. Cool. :cool:

The new Pilot has four sets of lower anchors (three sets across the second row and one set in the third row).

The 08 Pilot would be an awesome choice if your budget can swing it... I actually dream of driving an 08 Pilot!

[christineka]

What is different in the 08 pilot? I like the looks of all those headrests in the pilot, but I'm afraid we'd have to get a trailer to go anywhere. I'm also looking at the Toyota Sienna. The odyssey I'm told is squishier. But then, I have a radian... I'll check out that site.

[christineka]

Looked at the list. We'll go with either the pilot or the sienna. It will be tough to decide.