LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 20, 2007 -- Nine new vehicles have been added to the
AAA and Parents magazine Best Cars for Families list for 2007. The
15-vehicle list, now in its fifth year, appears with detailed reviews of
each model in the April issue of Parents magazine which hits newsstands
today. Three of the "best" cars are also among the most researched by
Automobile Club of Southern California members on its web site,
www.AAA.com.
By combining the 50-million-member AAA's auto-safety expertise with
Parents' understanding of what families want and need, the team of
reviewers created a list of sedans, economy cars, vans, SUVs, and
crossovers perfect for everything from shuttling the kids to doctors'
visits and soccer practice, to weekend getaways and longer road trips.
"Safety, convenience, and lasting value are especially important to parents
shopping for a family vehicle," said Dave Cavano, manager of the Auto
Club's Car Buying Service. "The vehicles on this year's list provide the
whole package -- comfort, practicality and performance with options for
every family size. The top three vehicles researched online for possible
purchase by Auto Club members include the 2007 Toyota Camry, Honda CRV, and
Honda Civic, which are also on the Best Cars for Families list for this
year."
"We put the vehicles through real-life road tests that include everything
from running errands to carpooling, to taking a family vacation," said
Sally Lee, Parents editor-in-chief. "With many parents and children
spending several hours per week in the car, it's important that it's a
safe, happy place for everyone in it."
AAA and Parents test drove hundreds of vehicles, considering everything
from air bags and fuel economy to cup holders and cargo space. The
reviewers also installed a variety of child safety seats into every car,
making sure it can be done easily and securely. Of those vehicles that
have been tested, the AAA/Parents picks are among the top performers in
crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The AAA/Parents 2007 Best Cars for Families are listed below, along with a
brief description of why the reviewers chose the vehicle. More complete
reviews are available in the April issue of Parents. An asterisk denotes a
vehicle's first time on the list.
Sedans
Honda Accord -- This sedan does virtually everything right. An incredibly
smooth ride ensures that when your kids conk out, they won't be disturbed.
The simple dashboard design lets drivers adjust controls quickly which
helps keep their eyes on the road.
Mercury Milan* -- This upscale cousin to the Ford Fusion has a quiet steady
feel on the road and an impressive package of standard safety and
convenience features: antilock brakes, side-curtain air bags, reading
lights and cubbyholes for the kids' stuff.
Toyota Camry -- Kids will appreciate the spacious back seat, which has a
fold-down center armrest to defuse turf wars. Standard features include
advanced frontal, side-impact and side-curtain air bags, as well as a
driver's knee air bag.
Crossovers
Dodge Caliber* --The kid-friendly options include stain-resistant
upholstery and a refrigerated beverage holder that works nicely for
formula. Definitely opt for side-impact air bags.
Ford Edge* -- The Edge has the rugged feel of an SUV but its cushiony seats
and responsive ride make it seem more like a sedan. The sizeable cargo area
fits all the soccer gear in your kid's carpool.
Toyota RAV4* -- This crossover is quick and nimble like a sedan, yet it's
roomier than you'd expect. And the RAV4's standard safety package includes
side-curtain air bags and stability control.
SUVs
Chevy Tahoe* -- The supersize Tahoe has room to spare, even if you add the
third row of seats. This SUV is maneuverable for its size, and on the
highway it's as quiet as a nursery during naptime.
Honda CR-V* -- Honda has managed to make this redesigned SUV even better.
The rear seats recline which makes it easier for older kids to nap. The
CR-V's crisp handling and super-smooth ride remind you where the engineers
focused their attention.
Hyundai Santa Fe* -- The Santa Fe is packed with safety technology to
protect your little ones, but the modest price tag leaves something for
their college funds. Nice surprises include second-row A/C vents.
Minivans
Honda Odyssey -- Driving is almost effortless with this minivan. You can
outfit the second row with posh captain's chairs or choose three seats. The
third-row seat folds flat into the floor and on some trim lines the second
row does, too.
Hyundai Entourage* -- Three-row, side-curtain air bags, stability control,
and antilock brakes are all standard, as are the Entourage's three-zone
climate control system and power windows in the sliding doors. Load up on
options and you'll still pay less than $30,000.
Toyota Sienna -- Load the Sienna with eight passengers and there's still
room for groceries, baby gear, and lots more. The second-row seats slide
forward for quick access to the back row, and three-row, side-curtain
airbags are standard.
Economy
Honda Civic -- It's the small things that earn this sedan big points, like
a compact emergency brake that creates more space up front, rear heat
ducts, and scuff-resistant material behind the front seats -- where the
little ones' feet love to rest.
Mazda 3 -- The 3 is simply too much fun to be so practical. The ride
screams sports car, yet the big, stable tires and quiet cabin make day
trips pleasant too. The hatchback version provides extra storage space for
strollers and suitcases.
Volkswagen Rabbit* -- Modern features include advanced frontal,
side-impact, and side-curtain air bags standard, along with antilock brakes
and stability control. The audio system has a jack for MP3 players and the
handy hatchback makes for simpler loading.
Child passenger safety tips from AAA's award-winning Seated, Safe & Secure
initiative can be found at
www.aaa.com/publicaffairs and at
www.Parents.com. For car care information, auto buying tips and more, visit
www.aaa.com.
Parents, published monthly by Meredith Corporation, has been America's #1
family magazine for more than 75 years. Since its inception in 1926, it has
been a trusted source by every generation of parents. Currently the
magazine is a powerful community of 15.6 million readers devoted to
supporting the efforts of parents, educators and other citizens who strive
to make the world a better place for our children. Parents can be found
online at
www.parents.com.
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