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.
Hahahahaha! A Weber Porsche. What will they think of next?
Diesel, 23 mpg, acres of room
I'd agree that some of the cars in this article are "boring", but the Audi A6, and BMW 5 series are hardly in the boring category. They're actually fine handling and fun to drive. Unless of course you tool around in a Lamborghini.
I've also heard that the Cadillac STS and Infiniti M are pretty good performers as well.
A few years ago, we got a full size chevy van with a basic conversion package. Mileage ain’t all that great, but man can we cram the stuff and the kids in it comfortably. We’ve been from Michigan to Colorado and the east coast several times and all over the state of Michigan. It’d be great to be able to afford another car for local tooling around and save the van for trips, but that’s not doable right now.
A 914, aka Poor Man's Porsche?
Sorry, but nothing beats our Escalade ESV for a great road trip. Seats are comfy, climate control outstanding (my husband won’t freeze me out) sound system divine, plenty of cargo room in the back. Best of all: the kids can watch movies or play video games (two different ones if they want) and we don’t hear from them for HOURS!!!!
:-) GG
LOL
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