Families looking for a used car have a lot to choose from. There are sedans, SUVs, wagons and all at various sizes and prices. Here are the top picks to get you started.
The Honda Odyssey may be the most versatile vehicle on the market. The current generation, on sale since late 2010, is a well-engineered package for up to eight full-sized passengers. Yet up to five car seats fit perfectly in the seats. The interior is more commodious than full-size crossovers, yet fuel economy is no worse than a midsize one. Before looking at a three-row crossover, get over the minivan stigma and drive an Odyssey.
The family sedan class is arguably defined by the Honda Accord. A wide choice of trim levels and four and six-cylinder engines means there is an Accord for every budget and taste. The rear seat is roomier than a lot of SUVs and drivers of all sizes should be comfortable, with great visibility. Also, with a history of good reliability and crash test scores, the Accord is a very safe buy.
The Subaru Outback is a great package for a family. Standard all-wheel drive combines with a commodious interior that has plenty of room for five and a lot of luggage. Yet it's very carlike to maneuver, without the ponderous handling that plagues many SUVs. And with enough ground clearance for most off-road situations people encounter, the Outback is a proven choice that is right for a lot of families.
The Chevy Traverse is one of the most commodious crossovers out there. For those who need seating for seven or eight people, nothing else is quite as practical. Even adults will be OK in the third-row seat, and even when it's up there is decent space behind the seat. And with all of the seats down, there's space inside that rivals a full-size SUV.
Want maximum fuel efficiency in a family vehicle? Volkswagen's Jetta Sportwagen has the company's popular TDI diesel engine, rated at 42 mpg on the highway. Its interior is superbly appointed and the wagon holds roughly as much cargo as a compact SUV, but with less of the bulk in tight urban spaces. Those who want a more premium family hauler, but one that doesn't break the bank at the pump, have to check the Jetta out.
