Despite the successes, the future growth of the minivan segment remains uncertain as it approaches its 17th anniversary. Competition from marketedly hipper SUVs is fierce. Sometimes it's a case of being in denial. It's difficult to pinpoint when it happened, but somewhere along the line minivans became a symbol for bland suburban living. The minivan holds little allure for those who consider their vehicle an expression of themselves.
Men can be equally sensitive.
Automakers have tried to polish the minivan's image. General Motors Corp. changed the name of its Pontiac Transport minivan to Montana, gave it a more macho look and filled TV ads with horse-rustling cowboys. The company has also traditionally loaded its Windstar engineering team with mothers. It would be just too painful. I was boring and had absolutely no sex appeal.