Is there anything more uncool than owning a minivan?

Actually there is: That would be purposely avoiding some of the feature-loaded 2008 minivans that might be ideal for your household … all because of a general, overblown perception that minivans are too-old-school and lacking in style.

The anti-minivan crowd likes to point to the fact that General Motors and Ford are out of the game, not even producing them anymore.

But on the other side of the coin, Chrysler, which created the minivan segment a generation ago, has upgraded its 2008 minivans to such a degree that they resemble rolling family rooms.

Simply put, if you take a lot of long family road trips or regularly transport kids' soccer, baseball or other groups, a minivan might be just the ride for the job.

And there are other quality minivans out there beyond the Chrysler products.

This year's fleet of Best Bets minivans was chosen after careful consideration of engine strength, handling, standard interior features, optional equipment, safety features, cargo space, variety of interior configurations and overall value for the dollar.

Here, in no particular order of preference, are the 2008 minivans that deserve a close look:

Click here (http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/566271.html) to read more from the Sacramento Bee