Jul

Forbes lists top 10 family cars

Posted by admin Published in Toyota, Ford, Convertibles, Volkswagen

As the self-appointed family car reviewer for Autoblog, I have some opinions on the topic. whether money were no thing, my nomination for the final family car would be split amoung the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the BMW 5 Series wagon. But the R-Class entry price is $42k, and the Bimmer’s is shut to $50k — not precisely family-friendly.

Forbes Magazine, however, is a bit more realistic in its quest for the perfect family car, and considers price a deciding factor, like the majority of families. I agree with its Compact Car pick. The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a good deal for your $16k entry price (though Forbes says $19k). On paper, its 15 cu. ft. of cargo space doesn’t sound like much, but in reality, it’s bigger than it sounds. The Rabbit plus averages about 25 mpg, and these days, that’s a big deal.

Still, there are some Forbes picks I just don’t agree

with. For example, the mag selects the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi as best wagon. Really? I confess I’ve never driven one, but I’m just wondering where the new Jetta Sportwagen placed. (I just stepped out of reviewing one for a week.) Forbes cites the Saab’s maximum 72.3 cu. ft of cargo space as a big factor. But it only bests the VeeDub’s by 5.4 cu. ft. And while the VW gives up 110 horses to the Saab’s 280, but the VW gets, on average, 24 mpg to the Saab’s 18. Oh, and the Saab requires premium fuel. I guess the question is that: Do you want to drag race your wagon or save money? My family will take the cash, please.

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Original post by Chris Tutor