Today I was interviewed for an article about women and their cars for the Rocky Mountain News, a newspaper in Colorado. The reporter asked what cars I would recommend for families with 2 children (an infant and a toddler), with a mom who works at home caring for her kids, and lives in an area with snow.
As this is a common scenario, I thought I would share our suggestions. This is by no means a comprehensive list of every family car on the market, but does provide good lists for comparison shopping.
Family Passenger Cars that Seat 5 People
Audi A4 or A6 Avant: These are sexy wagons, that are fantastic to drive. They have great handling, and some of the best interiors available. Very nicely finished.
Audi Allroad: A step up from the A6 Avant wagon, literally. It has higher ground clearance. It looks great, it's fun to drive, and has a price tag to match. There is an optional 2.7-liter, twin-turbo engine which is good for high altitudes.
BMW 3 Series xi All Wheel Drive Sedan: A hot car for hot moms. It has great performance and handling. If you get this car, you'll never want to own anything else.
Subaru Forester: A mix of an SUV and a passenger car. Dependable, good value, standard all-wheel drive so it is good in all climates. More room than an Impreza wagon.
Subaru Impreza: sedan or wagon. Dependable, good value, standard all-wheel drive, so it is good in all climates.
Suzuki Aerio All Wheel Drive Wagon or Sedan: Very affordable. No one seems to know about them, so they should be easy to come by at dealerships. They have lots of room, and are nicely appointed.
Volkswagen Passat or Jetta with 4Motion (all wheel drive): Both are available as a sedan or wagon. These are affordable and very attractive.
Subarus are available with turbo-charged engines which are good for high altitudes. These are also affordable cars for most families.
Family Passenger Cars that seat 7
Volvo Cross Country: The XC70 is available with an optional rear-facing, fold-down seat. It's a very cool looking car. Fun to drive. Fantastic with the high-pressure turbo engine. Good for high altitudes. Excellent resale value.
Ford Freestyle (Soon to be released.): This product will mix a minivan and SUV. We have not driven it yet, but will do so soon. We don't yet know if it will be classified as a car or truck. It will have full-time, All-Wheel Drive. It looks great and has more room than comparable Chrysler or GM products. And Ford is a nicer company too.
Light Trucks that seat 5
Chrysler Town and Country: Top-of-the-line minivans. The only minivan currently available with All-Wheel Drive. Pricey, but worth the expense.
Ford F-150 Crew Cab: Top pickup in our opinion. Affordable, flexible, dealerships are everywhere (like bees on watermelon.)
Nissan Quest: Brand new vehicle in the market. Has had some reliability problems that the company is handling well and working to eliminate from the product. Looks great. Lots of amenities. Affordable. Cool skylights.
Nissan Xterra or Pathfinder: Great family products -- and just as nice for a someone without a family. Affordable, well appointed, nice interiors, reliable and unique. New versions are on the way.
Suzuki Grand Vitara: Inexpensive. Lots of amenities. Rarely considered by most shoppers, so deals abound.
Volkwagen Touraeg: Full-time, 4-Wheel Drive. Lovely interior. Real off-road capability. Diesel V10 option now available for big dollars. This is our ABSOLUTE favorite SUV on the market! Worth every penny.
Light Trucks that seat 7
Chrysler Town and Country All-Wheel Drive: Pricey but VERY nice.
Suzuki XL7: Inexpensive, but comprehensive.
Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey: Reliable products, but they don't have All-Wheel Drive for inclement weather.
Volvo XC90: Volvo's SUV is available with an optional 3rd row, rear bench. One of the best looking SUVs on the market. Elegant exterior and interior.
Fun for Mom and Dad Without the Kids
Chevy SSR: Buy one now. It will be a collector's item in no time at all.
Audi A4 Convertible: Sexy, fun to drive, turns heads.
Mercedes CLK: Personal luxury in a small package.
