We're planning to rent a car at the Vegas airport next week to drive through Zion, Bryce, North Rim GC, Moab, Mesa Verde, Sedona, South Rim GC, and back to Vegas. Any suggestions for driving comfort, mountain savvy auto types? We are a family of 2 adults, 2 teens & love our minivan at home. How do these drive in the mountains? Thanks for your thoughts. --lfw

Something like a Dodge caravan or Ford windstar should be fine. They handle pretty well. I would ask for something light colored, as the interior won't get quite as hot when you park it. Dual A/C is nice if you have a minivan because there is more space to be cooled.

Personally I might choose something like a Volvo sedan or a Ford Taurus because they handle a bit better and are less likely to trigger car-sickness for a kid in the back, but it is just a minor degree of difference, and the extra space to spread out might be more important to you.

Something with decent engine power is best because you lose power at the high altitudes.

Just rented at Dollar in Vegas. They gave us a new Town & Country minivan when we had reserved a mid sized car. Nice van. Very comfortable for 5 passengers and only $87.00 for four days including tax. I found a lot of price variation at Vegas (most everywhere else too). Also, we had no price surprises on return. Only problem was Dollar seemed to have fewer airport shuttles than others. As far as vehicle type, you will be covering a lot of ground and I think passenger comfort needs to be a priority. Mid sized cars will be tight in the back for two teens. I would get the minivan or upgrade to a midsize SUV. Upgrading to a Durango would have cost $8 per day, still very reasonable. Good luck.

budget.com has SUV's listed under it's current specials, and dollarcar.com has minivans.

We just did this trip with two kids, and upgraded our full size to an SUV with Dollar for about $100 extra. What a great move that turned out to be. We did a lot of dirt road driving (go to Sublime point in the North rim, but not without an SUV!). It was also great to be able to have the kids reach in the back for food, supplies, etc. while in motion. You'll be in the car more than you think. Enjoy! It's beautiful country.

I know you didn't ask for any trip advise but why go to both the N. & S. Rim of the Grand Canyon. Leave off the N. Rim and after Mesa Verde go to Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona before going to the S. Rim.

Utahtea

Thank you all for the car advice, esp. the minivan types & light color. I've not driven an SUV & they seem to get some bad press regarding 'rollovers.' Are they any different w mountain driving? Appreciate Bonn's idea to try Sublime Pt. North Rim of GC was suggested as less crowded to hike & spouse wants to go to South. Thanks all. lfw

If I had to leave off a rim, I would leave off the south rim... North rim is cooler, less crowded, quite lovely -

SUV rollover is generally a problem at highway speeds - people don't take the higher center of gravity of the SUV into consideration when turning, changing lanes, and making evasive manuvers. As long as you take this into account and don't drive fast around turns like you are in a Porsche, you will be fine. As for mountain driving - if you are driving on dirt roads, you will be going slow. If you are on paved roads, just take curves more slowly than you would in a lower car.

I would agree, going to both sides of the rim in a single trip is an incredible waste of time.

Thank you all for the SUV info AND the GC thoughts. We are looking forward to our trip!--lfw

I've driven an SUV all my adult life and never even had an accident much less a rollover. Let's face it, if you've gotten yourself into a rollover situation, you're going to be unsafe in most any vehicle. You are far more likely to appreciate the high clearance and versatility than roll it over.

sgources-you are so right about that! We have 'solid' driving records. We have rented an SUV and look forward to the fun of trying something new. We'll let you know when we return in a few weeks!--lfw

Hello,

I have a similar question concerning the car type, for the following trip :

SF-Big Sur-Yosemite-Bishop-Death Valley-Zion-Bryce-Lake Powel-GC South Rim-Las Vegas.

Travel agent suggested a Pontiac Grand Am type.

Thanks in advance

We are interested in a minivan for 5 passengers for our Vegas trip next month. May I ask "sgorces" how this reservation was made? Thank you.

I got a new quote. This time for a Chevrolet Cavalier (2 doors) type. Would it be sufficient for a 1500 miles trip through CA, NV, UT and AZ?

Also, they propose me to rent it from Alamo. Any comment on that company? I don't know it, so ...

Barthox, I wouldn't recommend a compact car for such long trips. Not so much because there is limited space (for two it's more than enough room), but these are all 4 cylinder engines with short wheelbases. That makes for rather uncomfortable, buzzy noises from the engine, drives over the 80-85mph speeds you will be averaging out there. It's completely do-able, don't get me wrong, but when you can pay just a little more for a full-size with a quieter v6 then it's well worth it for those long type of trips.

I am currently in a rental... an Escape.
I do NOT recommend this vehicle!
Small, uncomfortable. Last week I was in a Aztec. Hideous to look at but not uncomfortable.
The minivans are far more comfortable, unless you can get something a little more substancial than a small SUV.