2011 Update: Best Cars for Young Families
It's time to update a story I wrote last year ranking the best cars for families with young children. Once again I turned to Edmunds.com for the latest top picks.
The editors at the automotive website came up with seven vehicles that place safety and reliability as a top priority. Edmunds.com also looked for cars with ample cargo space for hauling around all that kid gear. And as a special request, they narrowed down a somewhat larger list to focus in on the ones that are particularly car seat friendly.
So what are the best vehicles for young families? The finalists are below:
(Please note these are not ranked in order.)
1. Honda Odyssey
Price: Starting at $27,800
It's no surprise that the Odyssey makes the list. This minivan is a perennial favorite with parents across the country. It has a handy split folding third-row seat. And the Touring and Touring Elite models come with a rear-seat entertainment system that's sure to make road trips a pleasure. The price, however, is a bit higher than its competitors.
2. Toyota Sienna
Price: Starting at $24,460
The Sienna is a fantastic choice for large families since it can seat up to eight passengers (depending on the model) and has an option for all-wheel drive. It also posts some of the best crash test scores among all minivans, according to Edmunds.com. The website's one complaint: Some of the interior plastic looks odd and down market.
3. Ford Explorer
Price: Starting at $28,190
The Explorer is the one SUV to make Edmunds.com's young family list. It offers seven seats and an optional rear seat DVD system. And thanks to a new redesign, it now drives and feels a bit more carlike. It also boasts some cool tech toys, including an automatic parallel parking system. The downside: if cargo space is a priority for you, other large crossover vehicles -- think Dodge Durango and Ford Flex -- offer more cubic feet.
4. Ford Fusion Hybrid
Price: Starting at $28,240
If you want high gas mileage and enough room for the kids, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the sedan for you. It gets an impressive 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway. As with most hybrids, you pay a premium to be green.
5. Hyundai Sonata
Price: Starting at $19,195
Not only is the Sonata economical and reliable, it also comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Car critics also praise its stylish design. But if you're considering a used Sonata, steer clear of models made prior to 2006 since they are a "risky proposition", according to Edmunds.com.
6. Honda Accord
Price: Starting at $21,180
Just like the Odyssey, the Accord has been winning over parents for many years running. Not only is this sedan reliable and safe, it also holds onto to its value. Edmunds.com points out, however, that the latest model is less sporty to drive than previous ones, and it also has elevated road noise and mediocre brakes.
7. Subaru Legacy
Price: Starting at $19,995
If you want a car that handles snow well, look no further than the Subaru Legacy. Its all-wheel drive keeps a family's precious cargo safe in any weather. Be aware that some online reviews complain about the air conditioner and vibration problems.
What's your favorite family car?
Stacey Bradford is the author of The Wall Street Journal Financial Guidebook for New Parents.
Car Seats image courtesy of Flickr, CC 2.0.
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