Tuesday 21 May 2013

Top 5 Family Safe Vehicles

When you start a new family, the good old days of owning a car that made you feel like the coolest person in the world are over. The two-door automotive beauties that occupy the dreams of many car lovers aren’t appropriate for a person who has a family to worry about.

Safety is now the number-one priority when purchasing a family car. While driving on the road, you want to have the peace of mind that your loved ones will arrive home safe and sound. Below is a list of a few of the safest cars for families and their bonus features:


  
Image Courtesy of Miki Yoshihito |flickr.comI

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mujitra/4803310474/

Nissan Juke: An Unconventional Look for an Unconventional Family


The Nissan Juke is a relatively new model with a contemporary style. It’s a mini five-door SUV, perfect for a growing, yet small, family. The vehicle was ranked as one of the most affordable compact SUVs in 2012, so it’s bound to fit your budget.

The car’s unique look has been known to please the little ones, but taste may vary. Best yet, it received a 9 out of 10 in safety. Style, affordability and safety: what more could you want out of a car?

Ford Focus: A Price You Can’t Refuse

As the fourth most affordable small car currently on the market, the Ford Focus seems like heaven sent for new parents who are concerned with both safety and price.

Reviewers gave the car a safety score of 9.4. It also received high scores for performance and reliability. It was also named as one of the Best Cars for the Money by U.S. News.

Honda Odyssey: For the Large Family

Although the price of this minivan is a bit higher than the rest on this list, it’s definitely worth it. In 2013, The Honda Odyssey was named the Best Minivan for Families. It seats seven, so those with expanding families have plenty of room.

With a safety rating of 9.8, it’s also one of the safest cars on the market. Additionally, this vehicle is noted to be one of those most technically advanced, with rearview camera and Bluetooth being a standard feature.


Image Courtesy of IFCAR | commons.wikimedia.orgI

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2012_Toyota_Prius_v_--_02-16-2012.jpg

Toyota Prius V: The Roomiest Hybrid Car

One of the major downfalls of the Prius, besides the price, is space. Those with children have often found the need for more passenger room. Luckily, the Toyota Prius V has that and more. There’s also cargo space for the wealth of baggage that comes with having a family. It’s the size of a wagon with the style of a hybrid.

The vehicle earned a 9.4 safety rating, as well as high reliability scores. The nature of a hybrid vehicle allows for excellent fuel economy. The money you save on gas can go straight to the other things your loved ones need.

Chevrolet Cruze: Family-Friendly in Compact Size

Named the Best Compact Car for Families in 2013, the Chevrolet Cruze is impressive all around. It won a score of 9.8 in safety, making it one of the best bets on the road. It also ranked as the #5 most affordable small car on the market. The blind spot monitoring and review camera can be added for extra protection for those you love best.

All of these vehicles are ranked at the top when it comes to safety, but your ultimate choice will likely depend upon the price and room available inside the cabin.

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer from Los Angeles who currently works with Process Sensors. Her writing covers several different industries, including manufacturing, technology, health and alternative medicine. With a family of her own, her loved ones’ safety is of extreme importance, therefore, she always wants the safest vehicle for them when traveling