There’s a Subaru in my neighborhood that has a sticker that roughly says “Real girls drive stick shifts”. Of course I looked inside, and it’s an automatic.
I’ve never understood this sort of sentiment. Then again, I don’t give a crap about what others think about me or the vehicle I drive. I buy what strikes my mood, or whatever is most useful for any stage of life. I’ve owned a roadster, a minivan, and numerous station wagons. Anybody who doesn’t like what I’m driving can go pound sand.
This sticker isnt judging what you’re driving, it’s a reflection of the owners dissatisfaction driving something they really don’t like as a compromise for their life choices. No different than those “my other car is a ______” bumper stickers.
Technically my first car was the old family minivan, so I’d have to add “again” to that sticker. But yeah, one part of my reason for not desiring to have kids anytime soon is the vehicular compromises of it.
Many of these “compromises ” are marketing myths generated by auto companies and advertisers to get anxious new parents to buy new cars. Ignore these trends. You don’t need a practical car to be a good parent. Even the most enthusiastic vehicle has at least one passenger seat and space for a diaper bag Drive what you want. Strap the little curtain-climber inside using a safety seat and go for a drive. They’ll love it
“And I too may not be able to hold to it much longer…“
Very likely, because it sometimes seems like we’re about to the point where mere mortals in the U.S. have but two vehicular choices: Crossover, or truck.
Exactly, you realize there is way more to life than whatever car you drive. And if you plan it right or work a little harder it’s even possible to have more than one vehicle, imagine that! Given a choice I think I’d rather make do without any car whatsoever than make do without the kids, not a hard decision at all. You can always get another car, at some point it gets harder to make or enjoy having the kids.
I doubt the guy is dissatisfied with his choice of vehicle or life at all, he’s (or she’s) likely noting the irony of the statement they once made and now realize that perhaps their life is so much better than it was and that having ever worried about the vehicle they are driving is so completely irrelevant to their happiness that they decided to share the sentiment with everyone.
This is what I’m thinking as well. The fact they’re making humor of it indicates they’re not bitter about, but rather embracing of, their choice in vehicle. And a modern Odyssey is far from a penalty box to boot.
Or me in the ‘80s, when built-in cellular car phones appeared, I remember saying, “There are two places I NEVER want to have a phone. My bathroom, and my car.”
Little did I know I’d end up having one within reach 24/7…and paired with my “watch” when I’m not carrying it.
When I bought my wife the ’03 Town & Country way back then, I thought it was a great looking vehicle. The thin chrome on the bottom of the grille, the sand color, the tasteful details inside, the standard window tint.
The fact that it was very comfy and practical and could carry everyone and everything was a bonus. Even ended up being very reliable and got good mileage.
But half the reason I got it was looks. ChryCo made good looking vehicles for awhile there.
I get it: who wants to look like a soccer mom? That’s why they stopped driving minivans. Instead, they all drive the new soccer mom car, a CUV. Nothing like separating from the herd!
As parents of four children… now all out of the house, supporting themselves and growing their families… we had a string of five minivans from 1992 into 2013. These were a Villager, a Windstar, and three Odysseys. We no longer need them, but nothing works better for a family by the time child #3 arrives.
What amazes me is that, despite the reality that the crossover is the current “mommy wagon” with the same use that the minivan had at its height, it doesn’t get the stigma. And the minivan can’t lose it.
And I love my Sedona. To the point that I’m cheering the Kia Tigers in the Korean Baseball Organization. Well, I need something until American baseball gets restarted.
I went through two minivans almost twenty years of driving. My first was a short wheelbase lightly optioned V6 Caravan, the second a fully loaded Chrysler Town and Country. We also had a new Honda Civic SI, plus I had my Harley Sportster. I was never embarrassed about driving those mini vans. They were extremely useful and comfortable, and with three kids the space was appreciated. I drove the wheels off that thing on many long road trips. For carrying passengers I think the minivan is better than a SUV. I’ve been a car enthusiast since I was a kid, but I never let the choice of a vehicle define me.
There’s a Subaru in my neighborhood that has a sticker that roughly says “Real girls drive stick shifts”. Of course I looked inside, and it’s an automatic.
“You got it…”
I’ve never understood this sort of sentiment. Then again, I don’t give a crap about what others think about me or the vehicle I drive. I buy what strikes my mood, or whatever is most useful for any stage of life. I’ve owned a roadster, a minivan, and numerous station wagons. Anybody who doesn’t like what I’m driving can go pound sand.
This sticker isnt judging what you’re driving, it’s a reflection of the owners dissatisfaction driving something they really don’t like as a compromise for their life choices. No different than those “my other car is a ______” bumper stickers.
Technically my first car was the old family minivan, so I’d have to add “again” to that sticker. But yeah, one part of my reason for not desiring to have kids anytime soon is the vehicular compromises of it.
Many of these “compromises ” are marketing myths generated by auto companies and advertisers to get anxious new parents to buy new cars. Ignore these trends. You don’t need a practical car to be a good parent. Even the most enthusiastic vehicle has at least one passenger seat and space for a diaper bag Drive what you want. Strap the little curtain-climber inside using a safety seat and go for a drive. They’ll love it
Peer pressure stemmed from it too. My Mom to this day says she was shamed into getting a minivan by PTA moms and family members.
Change “minivan” to “crossover” and you’ll have my attitude toward my future personal transport. And I too may not be able to hold to it much longer…
I’ve always been fine with driving minivans though and several times considered buying one. They’re too practical and unpretentious not to like.
I’ve said it before: minivans are the sensible shoes of personal vehicle transportation.
“And I too may not be able to hold to it much longer…“
Very likely, because it sometimes seems like we’re about to the point where mere mortals in the U.S. have but two vehicular choices: Crossover, or truck.
Such selfish pursuits kind of go away when you get married and have kids, make runs to Costco and fix up your house.
Exactly, you realize there is way more to life than whatever car you drive. And if you plan it right or work a little harder it’s even possible to have more than one vehicle, imagine that! Given a choice I think I’d rather make do without any car whatsoever than make do without the kids, not a hard decision at all. You can always get another car, at some point it gets harder to make or enjoy having the kids.
I doubt the guy is dissatisfied with his choice of vehicle or life at all, he’s (or she’s) likely noting the irony of the statement they once made and now realize that perhaps their life is so much better than it was and that having ever worried about the vehicle they are driving is so completely irrelevant to their happiness that they decided to share the sentiment with everyone.
Good for him/her.
This is what I’m thinking as well. The fact they’re making humor of it indicates they’re not bitter about, but rather embracing of, their choice in vehicle. And a modern Odyssey is far from a penalty box to boot.
+1.
Reminds me of the saying in the 60’s, “Never trust anyone over 30.”
Or me in the ‘80s, when built-in cellular car phones appeared, I remember saying, “There are two places I NEVER want to have a phone. My bathroom, and my car.”
Little did I know I’d end up having one within reach 24/7…and paired with my “watch” when I’m not carrying it.
When I bought my wife the ’03 Town & Country way back then, I thought it was a great looking vehicle. The thin chrome on the bottom of the grille, the sand color, the tasteful details inside, the standard window tint.
The fact that it was very comfy and practical and could carry everyone and everything was a bonus. Even ended up being very reliable and got good mileage.
But half the reason I got it was looks. ChryCo made good looking vehicles for awhile there.
I get it: who wants to look like a soccer mom? That’s why they stopped driving minivans. Instead, they all drive the new soccer mom car, a CUV. Nothing like separating from the herd!
As parents of four children… now all out of the house, supporting themselves and growing their families… we had a string of five minivans from 1992 into 2013. These were a Villager, a Windstar, and three Odysseys. We no longer need them, but nothing works better for a family by the time child #3 arrives.
What amazes me is that, despite the reality that the crossover is the current “mommy wagon” with the same use that the minivan had at its height, it doesn’t get the stigma. And the minivan can’t lose it.
And I love my Sedona. To the point that I’m cheering the Kia Tigers in the Korean Baseball Organization. Well, I need something until American baseball gets restarted.
I went through two minivans almost twenty years of driving. My first was a short wheelbase lightly optioned V6 Caravan, the second a fully loaded Chrysler Town and Country. We also had a new Honda Civic SI, plus I had my Harley Sportster. I was never embarrassed about driving those mini vans. They were extremely useful and comfortable, and with three kids the space was appreciated. I drove the wheels off that thing on many long road trips. For carrying passengers I think the minivan is better than a SUV. I’ve been a car enthusiast since I was a kid, but I never let the choice of a vehicle define me.
I like it, and I get what he/she’s saying. My personal favorite, on a Grand Caravan, was “I used to be cool once”
I’m a little amazed that nobody has come right out and said that this sticker is on – – – a minivan.
I love it!
I couldn’t tell for sure that it was an Odyssey.
And I have to wonder if it has the air-filled electric motor mounts Honda used on some Odyssey models.
Yes, this is the original (uncropped and unedited) photo below. It is sometimes hard to tell:
The Oldsmobile of minivans!