Best Car Suggestions for Families: Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Accord & More!

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various car suggestions for families, focusing on the needs of a participant looking for a new vehicle that accommodates three children, including two in booster seats and one in a car seat. Participants share their personal experiences with different car models and provide a range of opinions on suitable options.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions considering the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Accord, Mazda 5, VW Passat wagon, and Subaru Outback wagon for their family needs.
  • Another participant shares their positive experience with the Chrysler Pacifica, highlighting its spaciousness and comfort.
  • One user suggests the Toyota hybrid SUV as a potential option, reflecting on their own experience with a smaller vehicle.
  • A participant recommends the Ford Flex for its gas mileage and seating capacity, questioning whether the original poster is looking for new or used vehicles.
  • Another participant expresses their satisfaction with the Chevy Malibu, while another mentions their love for the Nissan Rogue and its suitability for families.
  • One user discusses the challenges of fitting multiple car seats in a vehicle, suggesting that a three-row SUV may be necessary for safety and convenience.
  • Several participants mention the Chevy Equinox as a good crossover option, with one noting its fuel efficiency.
  • A participant recounts their experience with the Pontiac version of the Chevy Equinox and their preference for SUVs in general.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best vehicle options for families, with no clear consensus emerging on a single preferred model. Participants express a variety of preferences based on their personal experiences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the diverse needs of families when selecting a vehicle, particularly regarding space for car seats and the desire to avoid minivans. Participants share insights based on their own family situations and vehicle experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and families in the community looking for insights on family-friendly vehicles may find this discussion helpful in considering their options.

P
peichef
Messages
1,200
DH needs a new car. Soon. Since he's basically left it up to me to decide what to get, I'm looking for opinions, suggestions, etc. I think I'll use this week to test drive cars (so as to keep my mind off missing my DD who starts school tomorrow).

Note: his one condition is NO MINIVAN. (Which is a shame b/c I have wanted a mini van since about 1984/85.)

We have 3 kids - 2 in boosters, one in a car seat (she's five, but tiny. At this rate, she' may not get to a booster seat until she's 8.) So if we go with a 2 row, 5 seater, it needs to have a roomy back seat. We are tight in the back with our Santa Fe (not the car we're getting rid of) .

So, here's what I'm thinking... but please add your suggestions (& opinions if you own any of these vehicles).

Ford Escape Hybrid
Honda Accord
Mazda 5
VW Passat wagon
Subaru Outback wagon


Thoughts, suggestions,.....
 
I have a Chrysler Pacifica 3 rows. It is a cross over and i LOVE IT i will never give it up!
 
how about the toyota hybrid suv?

i have a scion xa, which is tiny. if i had to do it all over, i'd seriously consider one of the ones on your list or the toyota hybrid suv

have fun!!!
 
What about a Ford Flex? Get's good gas mileage and seats 7. I know it is a newer vehicle, but I didn't know if you were looking at used or new.
 
I love my Chevy Malibu!
 
I have an Escape, and I love it. That being said, I have the V6, and I only have one car seat, so I can't say much for the space thing.

There were two reasons why we did not go with the hybrid:

1. Hubby wanted me to have the V6 for it's power
2. The hybrid cost so much more that even with the tax break and a $3000 rebate from work, we still couldn't see the gas savings as overriding the extra cost.
 
Oh, my mom has the VW Passat Wagon, she bought it before they moved back to Finland (My dad got a Honda CR-V). She doesn't need car seats for us kids anymore, so don't know about that either. She does keep mentioning how it is all computerized, and she's still figuring out how some of the things work a year later.
 
We like Nissan's. I have an Altima and my DH has the Rogue (small cross-over). We only have 2 carseats and I think a third would be a tight squeeze in the Altima, but I think would fit well in the Rogue. We love the Rogue.

If given the choices that you mentioned above, I'd go with the Escape, I used to have a Tribute (which is the exact same thing as the Escape) and I think it would be good with 3 seats, not sure about the sedan-type cars.

Good luck car hunting!!!
 
May I suggest a Chevy Equinox? It's a cross-over (cross between a mini-van and an SUV). Love mine! :love: It's an AWD and isn't too bad on fuel (10.2 L/100 km).

Let us know what you decide!! :)
 
I have two boosters and a rear facing convertable car seat, and I haven't found any car that can fit all of them 3 across, not to mention that if I can shove them all 3 across it is hard to get the middle child in, and probably not safe. IMO you really need something with 3 rows. I have a minivan, but even with an SUV with 3 rows you will be able to spread the carseats over the 2 rows. I would also look at an SUV with foldable or removable middle row seats to allow easy access to the back row. We totally removed one of the seats in our middle row to allow my bigger ones tons of room to get in their seats, and I have my 15 month old rear facing in the other seat in the middle row. Good luck!
 
PChefPEI said:
May I suggest a Chevy Equinox? It's a cross-over (cross between a mini-van and an SUV). Love mine! :love: It's an AWD and isn't too bad on fuel (10.2 L/100 km).

Let us know what you decide!! :)
Click to expand...


My sister has this and LOVE LOVE LOVES it!!! Pacifica is a cutie as well and I have never heard anyone disllike it - I drive a Suburban and love it (2008) and we are buying a littler car for the around town stuff (and to teach #2 how to drive since my car is big and dh drives a silverado truck!) Looking into a Honda accord or Toyota Camry.....
 
I cannot help you, but wanted to chime in and say I LOVE MY VW BEETLE. Seats only 4, and the back is tight. ;)
 
You know, a lot of car companies have incentives for test drives -- gift cards, etc. Check for those before you go driving!
 
I had the Pontiac version of the Chevy Equinox and long story short...Pontiac bought it back from me less than 18 months after I bought it AND gave me an unbelievable deal on a 2008 Buick Lucerne... Love my new land cruiser (that's what I call it-it rides sooo smoothly!)

Anyway, I had an Envoy and LOVED it! I only traded it in so DH could have a pick-up. I miss my Envoy, even though I LOVE my pretty, new Buick...

The Rogue is a fun cross-over to drive I had a boss that let me drive his. I prefer SUV's-

Shop around and tell the dealer you will not pay a dollar over dealer invoice.

I've never paid anything over dealer invoice and DH and I buy or lease a car every 3-4 years. (and before you poo-poo me for that luxury- we do not have any children so we waste our money on new cars!) ;)
 
peichef said:
DH needs a new car. Soon. Since he's basically left it up to me to decide what to get, I'm looking for opinions, suggestions, etc. I think I'll use this week to test drive cars (so as to keep my mind off missing my DD who starts school tomorrow).

Note: his one condition is NO MINIVAN. (Which is a shame b/c I have wanted a mini van since about 1984/85.)

We have 3 kids - 2 in boosters, one in a car seat (she's five, but tiny. At this rate, she' may not get to a booster seat until she's 8.) So if we go with a 2 row, 5 seater, it needs to have a roomy back seat. We are tight in the back with our Santa Fe (not the car we're getting rid of) .

So, here's what I'm thinking... but please add your suggestions (& opinions if you own any of these vehicles).


Ford Escape Hybrid
Honda Accord
Mazda 5
VW Passat wagon
Subaru Outback wagon


Thoughts, suggestions,.....
Click to expand...

The honda may be tight for 5 people and the Mazda 5 will be because I sold mine with just 1 child. LOL
I personally love my Jeep Cherokee and I have 2 - 5 year olds (one is my nephew that does school carpool with me but they are in booster seats) and my newborn in the back seat everyday in a HUGE Chicco Carseat LOL!! The Chysler 300 is a roomy car.... LOVE volkswagons!! Also the volvo's are very nice and roomy!! My FIL has the escape and it is nice but honestly his is not as roomy as I thought it would be but my MIL has a Dodge Charger and she has lots of room!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Ford Escape Hybrid for families?

The Ford Escape Hybrid offers a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and excellent fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for families. It includes a user-friendly infotainment system, ample cargo space, and available all-wheel drive, which enhances its versatility for family outings.

How does the Honda Accord compare to the Ford Escape Hybrid for family use?

The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, spacious cabin, and strong safety ratings. While it may not have the same cargo capacity as the Ford Escape Hybrid, it offers a comfortable ride and impressive fuel economy, making it a solid option for families who prefer a sedan over an SUV.

What are the safety ratings for the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda Accord?

Both the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda Accord typically receive high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. They are equipped with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, providing peace of mind for families on the road.

Are there any other family-friendly vehicles to consider besides the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda Accord?

Yes, other family-friendly vehicles to consider include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Subaru Outback, and Kia Telluride. Each of these options offers spacious interiors, strong safety features, and good fuel efficiency, catering to various family needs and preferences.

What should families prioritize when choosing a vehicle like the Ford Escape Hybrid or Honda Accord?

Families should prioritize safety ratings, interior space, fuel efficiency, and reliability when choosing a vehicle. Additionally, considering features such as infotainment systems, cargo capacity, and comfort for passengers can help ensure that the vehicle meets the family's lifestyle and travel needs.

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