I've got three kids, 1 booster, 1 FF harness, 1 RFing.
I only have 3 TT now in my Freestyle so I'm not terribly concerned about configuration options. Interesting about the CVT on the Quest. We have a CVT Freestyle now, and I like it. However, the trans is acting funny and that is why we are looking. I want to ditch it before it's an dead.
I greatly dislike the T&C and the Caravan. But I haven't been in one with the newer seat design.
My want list is: rear air, power door(s), power lift gate, and Aux in. My Freestyle is loaded so I am really spoiled.
Parenting and posting at the same time, please excuse my typos.
It's more for me a personal preference on the CVT. I like to hear my car change gears...it's a comforting sound to hear. Makes me feel, even in an automatic, I am in control.
I don't like the Chrysler/Dodge/Volkswagon van either...that's just how much I don't like the Quest.
My recommendation is to look at a 2009 or 2010 Honda Odyssey EX-L with RES (Rear-Entertainment System). The car will come with leather, 3 zone automatic climate control, power doors & liftgate (both at the driver side, at the door handles, and key fob), rear-entertainment system with wireless headphones, removable 8th seat w/ slide over middle seat (pushes two captains chairs together and creates a dedicated row to the 3rd row), and a back-up camera integrated into the rear-view mirror. It's the safest minivan on the used & new market (check IIHS and Safercar.gov) compared to the Sienna, Quest, Sedona, and Chrysler variants.
In the end, my opinion is just that...my opinion. Sure, I share it with practically every major automobile reviewer out there that the Odyssey is the best minivan you could buy...just look at the resale values
. However, in the end you need to drive them. See which one you like the best, fits your lifestyle and needs, and what you can get for the budget you are in. I like to work up a list of my top 5 requirements to keep it simple when going out on a test drive. I grade on a scale of 1-5 on how well each car I am looking at scores in those categories. I tally the score, and usually I have a pretty clear winner. It might help you clear the fog of choosing a car.