Family Friendly Vehicles

Driving a vehicle with advanced safety features and a high rating for crash protection may save your child's life in the event of a crash.

In 2007, AAA and Parents magazine teamed together for the sixth annual "Best Cars for Families" list. The list features three picks each in five categories: economy, sedan, SUV, crossover/wagon, and minivan.

The vehicles were selected by a team of reviewers from both AAA and Parents magazine who evaluated the cars for safety, comfort, convenient family features, value, fuel economy and more. Additionally, the evaluators installed several child car seats in each of the vehicles to ensure correct and efficient installation.

Economy Winners

Honda Civic - It's the small things that earn this sedan big points, like a compact emergency brake that creates more space up front, rear heat ducts, and scuff-resistant material behind the front seats - where the little one's feet love to rest.

Mazda 3 - The 3 is simply too much fun to be so pratical. The ride screams sports car, yet the big, stable tires and quite cabin make day trips pleasant, too. The hatchback version provides extra storage space for strollers and suitcases.

Volkswagen Rabbit - Features include advanced frontal, side-impact, and side-curtain air bags standard, along with antilock brakes and stability control. The audio system has a jac for MP3 players, and the handy hatchback makes for simpler loading.

Sedan Winners

Honda Accord - This sedan does virtually everything right. An incredibly smooth ride ensures that when your kids conk out, they won't be disturbed. The simple dashboard design lets drivers adjust controls quickly, which helps keep their eyes on the road. 

Mercury Milan - This upscale cousin to the Ford Fusion has a quiet steady feel on the road and an impressive package of standard safety and convenience features. They include antilock brakes, side-curtain air bags, reading lights and cubbyholes for the kids' stuff. 

Toyota Camry - Kids will appreciate the spacious back seat, which has a fold-down center armrest to defuse turf wars. Standard features include advanced frontal, side-impact and side-curtain air bags, as well as a driver's knee air bag.  

SUV Winners

Chevy Tahoe  - The supersize Tahoe has room to spare, even if you add the third row of seats. This SUV is maneuverable for its size, and on the highway it's as quiet as a nursery during naptime.  

Honda CR-V - Honda has managed to make this redesigned SUV even better. The rear seats recline, which makes it easier for older kids to nap. The CR-V's crisp handling and super-smooth ride remind you where the engineers focused their attention.

Hyundai Santa Fe - The Santa Fe is packed with safety technology to protect your little ones, but the modest price tag leaves something for their college funds. Nice surprises include second-row A/C vents. 

Crossover Winners

Dodge Caliber 
The kid-friendly options include stain-resistant upholstery and a refrigerated beverage holder that works nicely for formula. Definitely opt for side-impact air bags.

Ford Edge 
The Edge has the rugged feel of an SUV but its cushiony seats and responsive ride make it seem more like a sedan. The sizeable cargo area fits all the soccer gear in your kid's carpool.

Toyota RAV4
This crossover is quick and nimble like a sedan, yet it's roomier than you'd expect. And the RAV4's standard safety package includes side-curtain air bags and stability control.

Minivan Winners

Honda Odyssey - Driving is almost effortless with this minivan. You can outfit the second row with posh captain's chairs or choose three seats. The third-row seats folds flat into the floor, and on some trim lines the second row does, too.

Hyundai Entrouage
Three-row, side-curtain air bags, stability control, and antilock brakes are all standard, as are the Entrouage's three-zone climate control system and power windows in the sliding doors. Load up on options and you'll still pay less than $30,000.

Toyota Sienna
Load the Sienna with eight passengers and there's still room for groceries, baby gear and lots more. The second-row seats slide forward for quick access to the back row, and three-row, side-curtain airbags are standard.