Need Help Deciding Your New Family Car?

What are the best family cars?

Looking for a new car to meet your expanding family can be quite daunting. Do you choose the station wagon, sedan, hatch, SUV or people mover thing? There is a plethora of options depending on size, features and budget. If you are looking to change, test drive the cars earlier rather than later when your belly is smaller. (Although my girlfriend got a great deal because her water broke during the test drive and the salesperson knew they were serious about buying!)

Following is a list of new family cars suitable for families of all sizes.

Under $26,000

Dodge Caliber
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Magentis
Mazda 3
Nissan Tiida
Toyota Corolla

$27,000-$40,000

Ford Territory (optional seven seats)
Ford Escape
Ford Falcon
Holden Commodore
Honda Odyssey
Honda CRV
Jeep Cherokee
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Trajet
Hyundai Terracan
Hyundai Santa Fe (optional seven seats)
Kia Carnival (eight seats)
Mazda 6
Mitsubishi 380
Nissan X-Trail
Peugeot 307 Touring
Renault Scenic
Subaru Forester
Subaru Liberty
Toyota Camry
Toyota RAV4

$41,000-$55,000

Audi A4 sedan
Audi A4 Avant
BMW 3 Series
Holden Adventra
Mercedes B Class
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Peugeot 407 Touring
Toyota Prado
Toyota Tarago
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo V70

Over $55,000

Audi A6 Sedan
Audi A6 Avant
Audi Q7 (optional six or seven seats)
BMW 3 Series Touring
BMW 5 Series Touring
BMW X3
BMW X5
Chrysler Voyager
Lexus RX350
Lexus RX400h (powered by petrol/electricity - good for the environment and good for your wallet)
Mercedes M Class
Mercedes GL Class
Suburu Tribeca
Volkswagen Touareg
Volvo XC70
Volvo XC90 (seven seats)

*The price categories are based on the manufacturer’s price as of November 2007 for the entry level model and excludes on road costs. Prices may change and vary from state to state, so please consult your dealer for current pricing