Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Forbes lists top 10 family cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/forbes-lists-top-10-family-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/forbes-lists-top-10-family-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/forbes-lists-top-10-family-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



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

Forbes lists top 10 family cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best family carBestFamilyCarcrossover suvCrossoverSuvfamily carFamilyCarminivanssports utility vehicleSportsUtilityVehiclestation wagonsStationWagonssuvSat, 05 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Kia Rondo EX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-kia-rondo-ex/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-kia-rondo-ex/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-kia-rondo-ex/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click on the above image to view additional pics of the 2007 Kia Rondo EX

We just gave back the keys to a vehicle that would have shamed my old Camaro RS in more than just number of usable seats. It also had 12 more horses from two fewer cylinders, drank a little less gas, had a sunroof that probably won't leak until well after the 10 year warranty runs out and would carry as many as seven full-grown friends.

Kia's new Rondo is classified as a compact MPV in Europe, where it's been sold as the Carens since 2003. Add 17" wheels and that 182 hp V6, and Uncle Sam calls it a midsize wagon. Kia, of course, wants you to call it a crossover. Most shoppers will see it as a stylish, comfortable, affordable people-mover. Just don't call it a minivan.

Gallery: 2007 Kia Rondo EX

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Kia Rondo EX

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Kia Rondo EX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car reviewCarReviewfamily carFamilyCarin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragekia reviewkia rondokia rondo reviewKiaReviewKiaRondoKiaRondoReviewrondorondo EXrondo reviewRondoExRondoReviewFri, 23 Mar 2007 15:28:00 EST