In late 1983, Chrysler introduced the first minivan, forever changing the way American families traveled. The car became a household favorite and, according to Business Insider, minivan sales peaked at 1.4 million in 2000.
However, hard times came for minivans. The car became the butt of many jokes and was deemed “uncool” when newer and sleeker crossover SUVs took over the market.
But minivans are on the road to a comeback and selling today for about 8% above sticker price while cars, trucks and SUVs sold for sticker price, according to a new report from Cox Automotive.
It seems that what attracted buyers to minivans in the first place — higher seats, sliding doors and bigger cargo space — are the same reasons behind the latest surge.
“For families, there are still few better vehicle choices than a minivan,” Matt Degen, a senior editor at Kelley Blue Book, said to CNN Business. “They’re just easier.”
Technology is another selling point for minivans; with video screens for backseat passengers and a variety of other entertainment features built in, the tech inside the ultimate family ride has come a long way since 2000.
Even the notion that minivans are “uncool” is changing. Where minivan cache may have previously deterred buyers, revamped designs from Toyota, Chrysler and Kia have put exciting new body styles into the marketplace.
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