AAA, Parents Add Crossovers to Annual List of ``Best Cars For Families''; Performance, Safety, Value are Important Features of 2006 Vehicles.ORLANDO, Fla. -- AAA AAA: see American Automobile Association. (Triple A) A common single-cell battery used in a myriad of electronic devices of all variety. Like its double A (AA) cousin, it provides 1.5 volts of DC power. When used in series, the voltage is multiplied. and Parents magazine have named 15 vehicles to its 2006 Best Cars for Families list including, for the first time, a crossover category for vehicles that combine the best aspects of SUVs, minivans and station wagons. The annual list appears in the April issue of Parents magazine which will be on newsstands Tues., March 14. "Safety features, performance and value are always important when deciding which vehicle is best for a family," said Sally Lee, editor-in-chief, Parents magazine. "We also put the vehicles through real-life road tests that include everything from running errands to carpooling, to taking a family vacation." "More automakers are offering kid-friendly options for every budget," said John Nielsen
AAA's 100 years of auto-safety expertise combined with Parents' insight into family needs and wants led to a lengthy list of criteria for 2006 models. A team of reviewers from both AAA and Parents considered everything from air bags and fuel economy to cup holders and cargo space. They installed child safety and booster seats, and chose vehicles that are among the top crash test performers. The AAA/Parents 2006 Best Cars for Families are: Sedans Dodge Charger There have been many different Dodge vehicles, on three different platforms, bearing the Charger nameplate. The name is generally associated with a performance model in the Dodge range, however it has also adorned mundane hatchbacks and sedans and a personal luxury coupe. - Muscle car looks, antilock an·ti·lock adj. Of or being a motor vehicle braking system that electronically monitors and adjusts individual wheel speeds during braking to prevent the wheels from locking. brakes and stability control combine to make this a great family ride. A roomy interior, spacious trunk and quiet ride make it a good choice for family vacations. Mazda 6 - This sporty five-seater has cool conveniences like steering-wheel controls for the radio and a remote that lets you open the windows from the porch to air out the car. Ford Fusion Ford Fusion is a name used on two different types of cars from the Ford Motor Company.
Minivans Toyota Sienna Not to be confused with Toyota Sienta. The Toyota Sienna is a minivan built in the United States for the North American market, and shares its platform and engine with the Toyota Camry. - An all-wheel-drive option sets Sienna sienna: see ocher. apart, as does the rear seat tray table tray table n. 1. A portable table consisting of a tray mounted on folding legs. 2. A tray mounted on or in a piece of furniture, such as an airplane seatback, designed to fold or swing out of the way for storage. , power windows for the sliding doors and numerous storage nooks. Side-curtain airbags for all three rows are a valuable safety feature. Honda Odyssey The Honda Odyssey is a minivan / large MPV produced by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1995. Since model year 1999, the name was used on two related but distinct vehicles, with the larger Odyssey sold in North America market, while the smaller Odyssey sold in Japan and other - No other minivan comes standard with stability control, antilock brakes, traction control and side-curtain air bags. The second-row bucket seats slide sideways. Folding the second and third row seats is simple. Chrysler Town & Country - Among the most affordable and spacious on the market, this minivan provides plenty of comfort and storage. Power sliding doors, heated seats and a rear-park assist are among many intriguing options. Crossovers/Wagons Subaru Tribeca The Subaru Tribeca (previously called the B9 Tribeca) is a five- or seven-seat mid-size, luxury crossover SUV which was launched for the 2006 model year and went on sale in June 2005 in the United States. - This slick family model has seating for seven, reclining rear seats (great for naps), lots of cup holders and plenty of power outlets for DVD players and gaming systems. Side-impact and side-curtain air bags are standard. Nissan Murano The Nissan Murano is a luxury mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Nissan since the 2003 model year. Known as the "Maxima of SUVs", it slotted above the Pathfinder as Nissan's top-of-the-line SUV until the launch of the Armada in 2004. - Command seating makes drivers feel in control, yet the Murano handles like a sedan. Side-impact and side-curtain air bags and a rollover A graphic element in an application or on a Web page that changes its color or shape when the pointer is moved (rolled) over it. See JavaScript rollover. See also n-key rollover. sensor provide additional safety, while front and rear vents mean the kids will feel the AC and heat, too. Volvo V50 - The latest Volvo wagon has a stylish, ultra-modern instrument panel and easy-to-clean, durable upholstery. Front and rear air bags, stability control and antilock brakes are standard. Loading strollers and luggage is easy. SUVs Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle sold in North America and built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990. - The choice is yours: five-, six- or seven-passenger layout. Roll Stability Control senses when the vehicle might tip over and automatically regains control. Splurge for the one-touch, power-folding, third-row seat. Chevrolet Equinox The Chevrolet Equinox is a mid-size crossover SUV from Chevrolet, introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year to replace the Tracker. Although the Tracker is still in production in Mexico, it replaced the Blazer there. - Rugged enough for off-road, the Equinox equinox (ē`kwĭnŏks), either of two points on the celestial sphere where the ecliptic and the celestial equator intersect. The vernal equinox, also known as "the first point of Aries," is the point at which the sun appears to cross the is as comfy as a minivan inside. The front passenger seat folds flat as do both halves of the rear seat, so you can load it with long objects and still get two kids in back. Jeep Commander - This SUV handles carpooling like a minivan with room for seven. Second- and third-row seats also fold to make space for cargo and errands. Stability control, side-curtain air bags and antilock brakes come standard. Economy Honda Civic - Cool, practical and loaded with safety features, the Civic drives like a full-size sedan and gets great gas mileage - even without the hybrid version. Its technology reduces the impact of crashes with SUVs. Mazda 3 - Tired of bland sedans? This zesty four-cylinder has excellent power and a stable ride. Antilock brakes and steering-wheel controls for the radio come standard. Opt for the five-door hatchback if you need extra cargo space. Kia Sportage - The durable synthetic interior stands up to all the spills and thrills children can dish out. Three kids fit in back, but it is still small enough to get into tight parking spaces. Side-impact, side-curtain air bags come standard. Child passenger safety tips from AAA's award-winning Seated, Safe & Secure initiative can be found at http://www.aaa.com/publicaffairs. For car care information, auto buying tips and more, visit http://www.aaa.com. Parents, published monthly by Meredith Corporation, has been America's #1 family magazine for more than 75 years. Since its inception in 1926, it has been a trusted source by every generation of parents. Currently the magazine is a powerful community of 15.6 million readers devoted to supporting the efforts of parents, educators and other citizens who strive to make the world a better place for our children. Parents can be found online at http://www.parents.com. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. B-ROLL AVAILABLE: Tues, March 14th 10:30-10:45 AM ET IA 6/11 DL 3920V Wed, March 15th 1:30-1:45 PM ET IA 5/13 DL 3960V |
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