Posted on 05/22/2008 2:33:10 PM PDT by Cagey
A family road trip can be a great way to bring everyone together. However, it can also lead to squabbles over seat space, fights over how to drive and the wrong kind of family interactions. But the right vehicle might ease some of those tensions. Gabriel Shenhar, auto program manager for special publications for Consumer Reports gives a sneak peak at Consumer Reports' annual list of the top 10 vehicles for family travel.
Shenhar said he and his colleagues compiled the list based on test scores which identified certain characteristics that would make the perfect family road trip vehicle. A high priority was placed on autos that rated the best in comfort, noise, safety, reliability and fuel economy.
The list is also a mixture of luxury cars and more affordable ones
"We tried not to just (limit) it to high-end cars because clearly, the more comfortable seats and quieter cars are in those kinds of autos," said Shenhar.
Audi A6
The Audi A6 has a roomy trunk and is also available as a wagon.
"It has really comfortable seats and a nice ride, a big trunk and relatively good fuel economy for such a car with all-wheel drive," said Shenhar.
BMW 5 Series
Like the A6, the BMW 5 Series is a luxury car that is also available as a wagon.
"You can drive it all day long and cover one state after another without really feeling any fatigue," said Shenhar. "It's got comfortable seats, high quality interior and an effortless powertrain."
Cadillac STS
The Cadillac STS is a new addition to the list this year, replacing the Cadillac CTS.
"The difference is size, basically, and price," said Shenhar. "But the cars are based on the same chassis and have similar driving characteristics … (The STS) has really comfortable seats and a smooth powertrain and a comfortable, controlled ride. The same things that apply to the Audi and the BMW apply to the STS."
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is Consumer Reports' top-rated family sedan.
"It's roomy, it's comfortable, it has ample storage spaces in the cabin, really easy controls, excellent driving position, the handling is pretty agile and the riding is nice and controlled," said Shenhar. "Also, the fuel economy is pretty good and the crash test results are impressive."
Honda Odyssey
For families with a lot of kids or a lot of luggage, the Honda Odyssey comes highly recommended by Consumer Reports, and not just because of its practicability and roominess.
"As odd as it sounds to say about a minivan, it is a delight to drive, actually," said Shenhar. "It seats eight. It's got all your family entertainment things. Its got a DVD player in the back and you can have the kids listen to a different audio source as well. And it scores points for safety and reliability."
Infiniti M
The Infinity M was Consumer Reports' top pick in '07 for luxury sedans.
"It's a really nice car," said Shenhar. "It has easy controls and it drives comfortably. It handles well. It had a roomy cabin. You kind of sit a little higher and have a good view of the road. It's easy to get in and out of."
Lexus RX
Surprisingly, only one SUV made the list, and that was the Lexus RX.
"It's like a mid-sixed luxury car, only elevated and with more utility," said Shenhar. "But it drives. It's very quiet and it's very refined. It rides comfortably. It has a quiet engine and gets pretty good fuel economy, too."
Lexus LS
The LS, a full-size luxury sedan with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, is Lexus' flagship auto.
"The LS is the ultimate in terms of cruising on the highway," said Shenhar. "You feel like you are traveling first class. It has a roomy cabin, quiet interior, and effortless acceleration. You can't go wrong here, but the price is not for everyone."
Toyota Avalon
For those that cannot afford a Lexus LS but are sill looking for a top-rated sedan, the Toyota Avalon could be a great car for a long road trip.
"The Toyota can do a lot like the LS, but for a fraction of the price," said Shenhar. "You get really roomy interior and a quiet, comfortable ride. It's smooth, quick, with a V6 engine, a big trunk, and limo-like rear seats. It's a nice long-distance cruiser."
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is the second minivan to crack Consumer Reports' top 10. The Sienna can also seat eight people, so it is an ideal choice for large families. Shenhar said it is quieter and rides more comfortably than the Odyssey, but doesn't have the same agile handling.
"It's really a delightful car for long distance, and I can attest to that because it's one of our favorite vacation cars here among our staff, especially those of us with kids," said Shenhar.
How about a triple black corvette convertible 6 speed?
A 1974 Dodge Monaco with a 440 plant. ...and cop tires, cop suspension,and cop shocks....
I own the Sienna, road trip from Florida to Maine every year.
Its the best vehicle for it I’ve ever owned. The Suburban is good, but the Sienna is tops. Everyone is very comfortable, with almost as much usable storage space as the Suburban (no kidding). We love it.
Great gas mileage to. About 27mpg at 75mph.
"No emissions crap, so it runs good on regular gas."
I’m not surprised about only one SUV making the list. I always thought there was a lot of wasted space in those. You know that old Saying “Jack of all trades - Master of None.”
I like the way you guys think. Bwahahahaha.
If I’m not mistaken every one of those cars will put the kids out of smacking range if mom and dad are in the front. Important feature for long trips IMHO.
Bravo! I was waiting for that post. Nothing can beat the family truckster.
Kids out of smacking range — surely you jest!
We cram all five of us into a Buick LeSabre. It has a smooth quiet ride, good sound system and A/C still runs cold after 16 years.
On our first road trip after getting this car, all the kids fell asleep at the same time and DH and I actually got to talk for awhile.
A lean burner. Ha.
I recommend the highly rated 2008 Mercury Sable for any road-trip. It has a new 3.5L V-6 engine, winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. And inside it has voice-control of the SYNC communications and entertainment system. Rated the safest full-size sedan in America, Sable also has six standard airbags and all-wheel drive. Plus the trunk is huge with room for 6 golf bags.
‘You think you hate it now, but wait till you drive it. ‘
Gee, what a timely subject, what with gas at $4 per gallon...
You said: I’m not surprised about only one SUV making the list. I always thought there was a lot of wasted space in those.
Plus they have been declared evil by the liberal MSM, which to some degree includes Consumer Reports.
Traveling light.
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