Top Family Vehicles For 2010
For today's busy families, having a family vehicle that serves your needs is very important. If safe, roomy and affordable are the characteristics that qualify a vehicle as a family car, then the American family has never had so many choices. You'll also find that the needs for family transportation change drastically as your family grows. For instance, while a coupe or even a modest family sedan might have been fine when your family was small and young, as your children grow, you will need more and more room. In addition, a good family vehicle needs to offer some significant benefits. What should such a vehicle offer you? A good family ride should be eminently reliable. A family car also needs to be efficient, safe and affordable. Each of these qualities factors into making a vehicle a good choice for your family's needs.
Whatever your reason for being in the market for a 2010 vehicle, it is good to know that automakers have continued to unveil appealing family-friendly models. Safety essentials for your family vehicle include models equipped with anti-lock brakes and front, side, and side-curtain air bags. But consumers are also looking for rides that offer great handling and nice conveniences, from sliding rear seats to smart storage for toys.
Considering factors such as resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and kid-friendliness, the following models are excellent options for families varying in size.
Sedan: 2010 Subaru Legacy
The redesigned Legacy comes with all-wheel drive, so it is great for anyone who lives in an area with slippery road conditions. Its rear seat is large enough for adults, or up to three kids, and the trunk has a wide, low opening, which minimizes back strain when you're leaning in to fetch your gear. At the same time, this car takes to the road like a sprightly coupe. Subaru also makes it easy to pick the extras you really want without having them bundled with those you don't. So a jazzed-up model that has a leather-trimmed interior, heated seats, alloy wheels, and a rocking audio system is available at a reasonable price.
Special Features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, Stability control standard, IIHS Top Safety Pick
Budget Car: 2010 Mazda 5
Despite its small footprint, this micro-minivan holds six passengers in three rows. The cushy second-row captain's chairs have separate storage compartments and a tray that folds out for games, books, or mini meals. The third row, while snug, is fine for anyone under 10. There's minimal cargo room, but folding down the third row creates ample space for your gear. If you want to fine-tune the ride, you can opt for a 5-speed manual transmission, something no other van offers.
Special Features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, Stability control standard
Crossover: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
The four-cylinder version of the redesigned Equinox gets the best gas mileage of any crossover in combined city and highway driving -- while still offering more than ample oomph on the highway. Big tires and high seating make it feel like an SUV, yet it's surprisingly maneuverable in traffic. The rear seats slide forward so you can keep your little one within easy reach.
Special Features: Backup camera available, Stability control standard, Power lift gate available.
SUVs: Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse is remarkably spacious, with seating for up to eight passengers and a third row that's comfy even for grown-ups. The second-row seats slide forward and back. And there is a huge cargo area in the rear cargo well. With the seats folded down there is even more. Still, the sure handling will make you forget all about its size.
Special Features: Backup camera available, Stability control standard, Power lift gate available
Minivan: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is the first choice for many growing families. It is the perfect family vehicle and has a safety rating that that is second to non, in all safety categories the ratings were no lower than a 4 on a 1-5 scale. There is a lot of room for seating in the back and there is ample room in the back for luggage and other items.
Special Features: Cargo versatility with Stow 'n Go seats, available power-folding third row, available Sirius Backseat TV, available blind spot and rear cross-path warning systems.
Wagon: 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i
The 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i is really all the car that anyone who likes the security of all-wheel drive will ever need. Subaru's legendary reputation for safety and reliability make this vehicle the perfect family transport for many. Furthermore, the Outback also has an SUV shaming 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats.
Special Features: Full redesign for 2010, larger, restyled interior, standard all-wheel drive, electronic stability system now standard
Fun to Drive: 2010 Mazda 6
Looking for a little 'zoom-zoom' in your daily carpool routine? The Mazda 6 is easily the most boisterously styled family sedan in its segment! And even with the elegant styling the trunk space is ample at 16.6 cubic feet. The 2.5 liter 170 horsepower 4-cylinder is energetic and peppy with the standard manual transmission but can feel lethargic when equipped with an automatic. So if you want an automatic be sure to opt for the muscular 272 horsepower 3.7 liter V6.
Special Features: Standard stability system, optional blind-spot warning system, folding-backseat design, responsive steering
