Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions, options, and advise. I posted this really vague question in the hopes of finding one or two vehicles that many of you use and it sounds like the mini-van might be one of those areas I should investigate. My wife & I drove one for years and loved it because it had so much room, but when it was just me and her, we thought something that could easily hold 7 was a bit much.

The Toyota Highlander Highbred may fit our intentions as well, I just don't know how comfortable the ride is. We recently test drove a Honda Ridgeline and absolutely loved it. Lots of cabin room, lots of bed space, lots of little cargo area's as well. Was thinking I needed a 4 wheel drive if we hit snow and icy roads but I guess AWD can handle most of that.

I think we have our sights set on a mountainous area to start our retirement search, TN, NC, somewhere like that, so I want something that can handle the occasional snow storm.

Thanks again for the warm welcome and the article "glc" much appreciated everyone.