Forbes lists top 10 family cars

Forbes lists top 10 family cars

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Minivans/MPVs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Carsumer Advocacy



As the self-appointed family car reviewer for Autoblog, I have some opinions on the topic. If money were no object, my nomination for the ultimate family car would be split between the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the BMW 5 Series wagon. But the R-Class entry price is $42k, and the Bimmer's is close to $50k -- not exactly 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 also 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 admit 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 this: Do you want to drag race your wagon or save money? My family will take the cash, please.Continue reading Forbes lists top 10 family cars



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rabbit is pretty solid actually..i drove one the other day. the auto transmission makes funny beeps at you though.

I would rather get the 2009 scirocco

I don't think it's coming to North America...

VW said this would hurt sales of their GTIs

i love my rabbit. the interior look and features is far better then most if not all cars in its class. although i went for the 4 door because i wanted color keyed panels.

because its better then a gti for cheaper. =]

you might be right. I wouldn't know about the cost.

i just watched the new episode of top gear. thats how i know ==]

Actually Top Gear said that they would be priced about the same as the GTI. The Scirocco costs more a bit more but comes with more standard equipment.

Having already test driven a DSG-equipped GTI around a track, I can't imagine how this would drive, being both lighter, lower and faster.