AAA and Magazine Name Their Top Family Cars

WASHINGTON March 13, 2003; The AP reported that with safety, strollers and juice boxes in mind, AAA and Parents magazine have developed a list of vehicles that are best for families.

The second annual list of 15 vehicles, to be released today, praises the Nissan Altima for a low-riding trunk that makes it easy to store a stroller. The Volvo XC90 sport-utility vehicle got high ratings for its 17 cup holders, anti-rollover technology and center seat that slides up for easier access to infants.

"The features of these cars will help keep the kids safe and the parents sane," Parents editor Sally Lee said.

AAA and Parents test drove hundreds of vehicles and installed a variety of child seats in each one. All of the vehicles in the final cut were top performers in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In the economy category, AAA and Parents chose the Honda Civic, Mazda Protege and Volkswagen Jetta. Reviewers liked the Civic's gas mileage, the Protege's storage space and the Jetta's safety features.

The Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were the sedan selections. Reviewers praised the Accord for its ample storage compartments and the Camry for its roominess and smooth ride.

The Ford Taurus, Volvo V70 and Volkswagen Passat were chosen as the best station wagons. Reviewers liked the dual-stage air bags in the Taurus, the roominess of the Volvo and the spring-loaded cup holders in the Passat.

In addition to the XC90, AAA and Parents selected the Honda Pilot and the Ford Expedition as the best sport-utility vehicles, noting the spaciousness of the Expedition and the fold-down activity tray in the Pilot.

The Ford Windstar, Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey were rated the best minivans. Reviewers noted the Windstar's safety ratings, Caravan's storage space and the slidin