Nine new vehicles have been added to the AAA and Parents magazine
Best Cars for Families list for 2007. AAA and Parents test-drove hundreds of vehicles, considering everything from air bags and fuel economy to cupholders, cargo space and crash-test ratings. The reviewers also installed a variety of child safety seats into every car, making sure it can be done easily and securely.
The 15-vehicle list appears with more detailed reviews of each model in the April issue of Parents magazine and available on aaa.com.
Honda Accord: An incredibly smooth ride ensures that when your kids conk out, they won't be disturbed.
Mercury Milan: 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: The back seat 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.
Dodge Caliber: Options include stain-resistant upholstery, side-impact air bags and a refrigerated beverage holder that works nicely for formula.
Ford Edge: The rugged feel and sizeable cargo area of an SUV with the cushiony seats and responsive ride of a sedan.
Toyota RAV4: Nimble and roomier than you'd expect. Standard safety package includes side-curtain air bags and stability control.
Chevy Tahoe: Supersized, but quiet and maneuverable for its size.
Honda CR-V: Reclining rear seats, crisp handling and a super-smooth ride.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Packed with safety technology but modestly priced. Nice surprises include second-row A/C vents.
Honda Odyssey: The third-row seat folds flat into the floor and on some trim lines the second row does, too.
Hyundai Entourage: Three rows, side-curtain air bags, stability control and antilock brakes are all standard, as are the three-zone climate control system and power windows in the sliding doors.
Toyota Sienna: Loaded with eight passengers, there's still room for groceries, baby gear, and lots more.
Honda Civic: Rear heat ducts, scuff-resistant material behind the front seats, and a compact emergency brake for more space upfront.
Mazda 3: A sports-car ride, but the stability and quiet cabin make day trips pleasant too. The hatchback version provides extra storage space for strollers and suitcases.
Volkswagen Rabbit: Frontal, side-impact and side-curtain air bags are standard, along with antilock brakes and stability control. The audio system has a jack for MP3 players and the hatchback makes for easy loading.
EnCompass