The common minivan seems to be the George W. Bush of the automotive world. Day in, day out, they get no respect. But it seems one-third of the country elected to buy one anyway -- and then bought another one four years later.

So millions of families drive minivans, but are they cool? Since when has an affordable family vehicle ever been cool? "Never" is the one-word answer.

But there are roomy alternatives that don't shout out to the world that you're a card-carrying curtain-crawler hauler.

Some actual moms said they have other ideas about what they would love to drive instead of that well-worn minivan parked outside.

"Just for the record, I am not one of those women in love with my minivan," said Jules J., mother of three. "If I didn't have to fit all the kids inside -- or somehow strap them to the top -- I'd be in some sort of small Volvo."

But when pressed on the subject, Jules did have an hankering for a certain hybrid.

"O.K., I'd would have to go with the Toyota Highlander hybrid if I could choose whatever I wanted," she admitted. "I can fit in all my kids and it gets pretty good mileage. I really don't want to be driving a behemoth gas-guzzler around town. But when you need to fit a family of six in a vehicle, a lot of great cars are eliminated."

"If I had to go cheaper than the Highlander, maybe I'd opt for the Toyota RAV4 or the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Subaru B9 Tribeca seven-passenger is cool, but only gets 20 miles per gallon."

Lori D., a mother of two, also admires the Subaru line. She says she'd grab a new Outback instead of a minivan any day -- but has had an Impreza as a second car for nine years, so "it would be nice to drive a different brand for a while."

"I would take a Volvo V70 wagon," Lori said. "It looks roomy in the ads and doesn't cost all that much. Plus, that brand is known for safety. The BMW X5 has a bigger 'cool' factor, but looks a lot smaller than the Volvo -- and boy, is it pricey."

Lisa B., another mother of two, is thinking Honda -- as in CR-V.

"They're really cool," Lisa said. "And foreign. I'd just like a car that's not a van."

So would her neighbor, Marge T., a mother of four. Marge has had her minivan for so long that two years ago one of her Christmas presents was a set of wheel covers. Her husband Cary was behind that one. It may have driven her over the edge. Now Marge says she wants to buy another Mini Cooper for a second car -- or else.

"I'd buy a Mini Cooper," Marge said. "It's the best drive I've ever had. The acceleration is amazing." But, Marge, what about the lack of roominess? What about your kids?

"It has four seatbelts," she said. Bottom line on this one: Wheel covers are a BAD gift idea.

Sally S., mother of two, offered a variety of options that she covets.

To begin with, she'd love a Volkswagen Beetle convertible.

"Cream body, black top," she said. "Its totally not a family car or practical, but they sure are cute!"

A Jeep Grand Cherokee gives the feeling that "you would be able to conquer the great outdoors."

"Volkswagen Touareg, we already have one in our driveway," she said. "All the gadgets and space you would ever want. I could fit my kids in the back with enough space in between them to curb the poking and scrapping while I turn the heated seats on for a comfortable cruise."

The last of the vehicles on her dream list?

"The Saturn Vue, because of Saturn’s incredible customer service," said Sally. "They were ahead of the times years ago with making car purchasing a pleasant experience."

Finally, we chat with Wendy R., a perennial mother-of-the-year candidate who home-schools five kids.

When asked what ride she'd prefer other than that minivan in the driveway, Wendy really didn't give it much thought. She's home-schooling five young kids, she simply doesn't have much time.

"There aren't many choices for a family of seven," she said. "But assuming money isn't an issue, I'd pick a Volvo stationwagon -- or any type of stationwagon."

"I don't think a lot about cars," she responded. "How about a pickup truck? You can just throw the kids in the back."

Perhaps. As long as you had a cool topper.

One vehicle worth mentioning for "cool moms" is the Nissan Murano. It recently earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top safety pick award among midsize SUVs. If you're into safety family of five or less, this car could fit the bill.

Whatever vehicle you decide on, just know that there are plenty of options that don't include a sliding door and the urge to justify your ride when meeting with friends.