If you've just recently started a family, or if you're contemplating having (or adopting) that first kid, it's important to consider what's in the driveway. The car that served you so well in college can become a nightmare when it's time to pack in your baby and the hundred-or-so pounds of equipment that seem to go with them. Seriously, you'd be amazed how much easier family life is when you pick the right car. Check out our list of ten picks that are family-friendly, safe and affordable.
Chevrolet may be as American as apple pie, but the Cobalt has a hidden European streak. The Cobalt shares its platform with some of GM’s European models, and it shows: The Cobalt offers excellent interior packaging with a roomy trunk and easy access to the back seat—plus its surprisingly entertaining to drive. Good value, too, with lots of comfort and convenience features for the money. The Cobalt is available as a stylish coupe, though families will probably prefer the practical sedan.
There’s no better vehicle for a growing family than a minivan – so if you’re going to do it, why not do it right? The Odyssey has the features, space and amenities that make it the ultimate family car. And while it’s not what you’d call inexpensive, its build quality and longevity make it a great long-term investment. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule and the Odyssey will take your kids from car seats to Driver’s Education.
For many couples, having kids means pulling in the reins on the budget, and that’s where the new Sonata comes in awfully handy. The Sonata has the size and amenities of great mid-sizers like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry with a price tag thousands less. The Sonata has an epic warranty and its recent showings in the J.D. Powers surveys indicate that quality is growing by leaps and bounds.
You know those “secret deals” that only the insiders and the well-connected seem to know about? Well, this is one of them. The all-new Kia Spectra is cheap to buy, cheap to run, and a lot of fun to drive. The Spectra sedan is great, but for family duty we prefer the Spectra5, a cool-looking mix of hatchback and wagon. Translation: Easy to park with plenty of room for assorted baby-related gear.
Zoom zoom! Mazda’s new compact 3 offers buyers a choice of sedan or hatchback (go for the latter – you can never have too much cargo space). It’s a fantastic car to drive, as frisky as a two-month-old Labrador retriever and every bit as cute. If bland subcompacts have you down, this is the cure.
The Saab 9-2x is actually a rebadged and mildly restyled version of the Subaru Impreza, which is a good thing. Sophisticated all-wheel-drive means the 9-2 is sure-footed in snow and rain; it’s also more agile on dry roads, which means the 9-2 driver is better able to avoid accidents. Plus it’s a blast to drive in the curves.
The all-wheel-drive Legacy wagon is a kissin’ cousin to the Subaru Outback; it’s lower stance means it’s better tuned to life on the pavement, and it’s lower price means it’s better tunewd to a growing family’s budget. The 2.5i base model is an incredible bargain, with lots of safety and comfort kit for the price of a mid-range Camry. In fact, your Guide considers the Legacy 2.5i to be the best bargain on the market.
There aren’t too many compact wagons on the market any more, which is a shame. The good news is that the Forenza wagon is about as good as compact wagons get. The Forenza lacks the sleek styling of the wagon-hatch crossbreeds, but it makes up for it with useful cargo space. The Forenza isn’t the best car to drive on long trips, but it’s a great round-the-town grocery-getter, and its low price and long standard equipment list add to its appeal.
Volkswagen has marketed the Jetta to folks who want a car with a little more excitement and personality than a Honda Civic or a Toyota Camry, and the new-for-2005 really delivers on that promise. The new Jetta is cool enough for young singles, and practical enough to keep when they become a couple and start a family. We’re anxiously waiting for the new turbodiesel versions which offer hybrid-like fuel economy with lots of power.
Volvo is, and has always been, the experts on automotive safety, and over the past few years their cars have become more and more enjoyable to drive. The V50 wagon costs more than a typical mid-size, but the added safety and protection it offers to your family is well worth it. All-wheel-drive is available and a good choice for families who live in areas that see lots of snow and rain.
