For many people, a family car is the car you have to buy, not the car you actually want. But family cars are also the setting of heart-to-heart talks, sing-alongs and games. If you have the right family car, spending time in it is enjoyable for the whole family. The wrong family car can make time on the road uncomfortable, frustrating and expensive.
The 2011 U.S. News Best Cars for Families awards highlight vehicles that make family life easier. The awards are based on a combination of data from the U.S. News car rankings, safety and reliability ratings and long-term ownership costs. The winners are cars, SUVs and vans that impress car reviewers with their family-friendly features and space, but also keep families safe and on budget – factors that matter to any parent.
Honda and Acura win 6 of the 20 awards
Best Subcompact Car for Families and Best Hatchback for Families
No one type of car is going to work for all families, and the award winners come from 20 diverse automotive classes. Small families who need an urban runabout can find practicality and value in the 2011 Honda Fit, the Best Subcompact Car for Families. The Fit is also the Best Hatchback for Families, earning the highest possible initial quality rating from J.D. Power and Associates. At 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in use, the Fit has the most cargo space in its class, easily swallowing strollers and diaper bags.
Best Compact Car for Families
The Honda Civic made its American debut in 1973, and since then, it’s become an icon. Most consumers have heard of or seen this affordable small car. The Civic earns its popularity from its top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and above-average predicted reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates.
Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families
The Honda CR-V is dependable and popular, just like the Honda Civic, but unlike the Civic, it has all sorts of doodads that simplify parenthood. Inside, you’ll find an under-seat storage bin, a retractable center tray table for snack time, eight cup holders and door pockets for tucking away wet wipes for when Junior spills his apple juice.
Best Minivan for Families
The 2011 Honda Odyssey is the Best Minivan for Families. The Odyssey has five sets of Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), which keep car seats extra-secure. No other minivan has as many LATCH connections. Families with lots of little ones will want to make sure to shop the Odyssey.
Best Upscale Small Car for Families
When you have a family, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a small car that’s both practical and upscale. That’s where the Acura TSX steps in for parents who like the Honda Civic’s safety ratings and reliability, but want a small car with more pizzazz. Plus, the TSX comes standard with features like a USB port, Bluetooth and automatic climate control.
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