Families have a lot to consider when they're shopping around for a new car. Safety, technology, storage space, mileage and many other qualities have to be discussed when looking for a potential vehicle that will shuttle around your loved ones, which is why Edmunds.com teamed up with Parents magazine to make the process a bit easier for prospective buyers. The two companies joined efforts to create a list of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013.
This is the sixth year in a row experts have worked together to select the finalists for the list.
"With summer road trips on the horizon, we are thrilled to present this comprehensive list," said Dana Points, the editor-in-chief of Parents magazine. "Given the amount of time that American families spend in their car, we feel it's important to highlight the safest, most affordable and family friendliest that the industry has to offer."
Best Family Cars
Edmunds.com and Parents magazine selected the 10 best cars in segments such as hybrids, sedans, crossovers, SUVs, minivans and budget vehicles. Each automobile was judged based on factors like crash test results, number of airbags, electronic stability control and several other safety features, which can help prevent accidents and the auto repair that may come about as a result. Things like the ease of vehicle maintenance and driving experience were also considered.
The majority of vehicles recognized for being great family options were under $30,000, making them affordable and cost-effective options for large groups. The Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic were the least expensive cars named to the list, with a sticker price of approximately $17,895 and $18,165, respectively.
Honda stands out
Honda was one of the top performers on the list of the 10 Best Family Cars. The automaker saw its Accord, Civic and CR-V all land in the rankings, emerging as some of the top choices in their respective segments.
"As one of the most purchased brands by families and the leading manufacturer on this list, this recognition represents our laser focus on customer satisfaction," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "The Accord, Civic and CR-V all lead their respective segments in retail sales and Honda continues to focus on selling high value vehicles to one customer - or family - at a time."
No matter what brand families are looking at, there's a good chance they can find a vehicle capable of protecting their precious cargo for years to come.