bestfamilycars.org

If you’re looking for a good used car for your family, it’s probably wisest to start with the manufacturer.

The make of car is the single most important choice you can make as production processes and standards tend to be the same across large car groups – particularly those which have grown organically and haven’t made any recent acquisitions. This is because carmakers realise that it talks many, many years to build a reputation for reliability – but seconds to ruin it.

But it’s also best to seek out objective rational analysis rather than just relying on what people say. There is a lot of truth in the old clichés surrounding certain manufacturers around reliability issues etc., but carmakers do work hard to correct such views – even though this may take many years of painstaking effort.

Nevertheless, objective sources are just that; they have no axe to grind. In the UK, if you search for the most reliable carmaker, you’ll find that one name keeps cropping up at the top of the list and that’s Honda.

In fact, Honda has now been voted the most reliable UK car maker in the What Car? And Warranty Direct reliability study for an unprecedented six years running! The same company also secured the two slots in the best SUV makers’ table, with the Honda HR-V and CR-V.

Honda was also the highest-placed volume car manufacturer in the 2011 JD Power Survey, finishing in the overall number two position in the league table for the 2011 JD Power Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey.

And finally, the company was the most reliable motor brand in the “Which?” car survey in 2011.

Meanwhile, Honda also has an excellent reputation for making the kind of eco cars UK customers are seeking in increasing numbers, like the Insight model. And over in the USA, the Honda Civic GX (a natural gas- powered car) was voted “Greenest Car” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy for eight years running!

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Every time you fill the car up at the pump – whether it’s petrol or diesel – it seems more expensive. Continually rising oil prices mean that motoring is getting more costly every year, and so the idea of driving a more fuel efficient car gets ever more appealing.

Of course, new cars today are far more economic on fuel than their predecessors. Advances in engine technology and the introduction of stop start technology have meant that even those cars powered purely by petrol or diesel have become cheaper to run. With stop start technology every time you come to a halt in traffic the engine seamlessly cuts out and then starts up again automatically when you are ready to move off. As well as saving fuel this also has a great positive impact on the air quality in urban areas.

Alternatives to purely gas powered vehicles have become increasingly appealing as a way of saving money on motoring. Hybrid cars are powered by a small combustion engine – either petrol or diesel – along with an electric motor that assists the engine. This assistance from the electric motor means less work for the fuel engine, and therefore, less petrol or diesel is used per journey.


Hybrids have been around for more than fifteen years and they have been improved with each generation to be ever more fuel efficient and less reliant on the internal combustion engine. For example, more car manufacturers are now producing plug-in hybrids, which have a greater all-electric range – averaging about 15 miles. This is a great development for the average commuter whose daily journey to the office is below 20 miles and so, in a plug-in hybrid, could be done for the most part on electric power.

The latest manufacturer to produce a plug-in hybrid is Honda. In January, the Japanese manufacturer showcased the ninth generation Accord 2013 at Detroit Motor Show and announced that it would also be available as a plug-in hybrid.

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If you’re looking for a family car, which is environmentally friendly and very cheap to run, then Honda looks like it has the perfect answer.

In fact, the latest version of the Honda Insight was specifically designed to tick all these boxes.

First, and perhaps most importantly, the Honda Insight is an affordable hybrid.

The fact that it’s made by Honda is an undoubted bonus. Honda has been voted the most reliable UK car manufacturer for six years on the trot in a What Car? survey of reliability. And, the Insight has been around a lot longer than just about another hybrid car.


But in its latest incarnation as a four-seater family hybrid, it’s only been available in the UK for a couple of years. This means that the technology is tried and tested and radically improved.

The Insight was specifically designed to allow hybrid technology to be affordable to families. The 2010 onwards version of the Insight carries five passengers in comfort. It’s a five-door hybrid which features Honda’s fifth-generation Integrated Motor Assist hybrid powertrain.

Also, its carefully designed body shape minimises drag and thus maximises fuel economy. More importantly still, it’s affordable. The on-the-road price for a 1.3 IMA (Petrol Hybrid) CVT Insight is £16,995. For this price, a new car offers 64.2 miles per gallon on the combined cycle, and just 101 CO2 (g/km), with VED band / UK road-tax for the tempting all-in price of £0!

And careful drivers will be able to get a new Insight to deliver more like 67 miles per gallon or better on the extra-urban cycle.

Putting the purchase price, Honda’s proven and deserved reputation for reliability and the Insight’s impressive track record and mpg figures together makes it the ideal family hybrid, so get hunting for some new car offers!

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Family autos come in all brands, sizes, shapes, colors and budgets. Whether or not a particular car fits a family’s needs depends on the family.  A Small car may work for some, but not others. Your family may prefer an SUV or a van.  Some get as much use and satisfaction out of a hybrid or muscle car.  This much is for sure; there is a car that meets the needs of every size and type of family. Here is a list of some of the best family cars on the market.

1. Honda CRV – The Honda CRV remains the best value among small SUVs. The CRV is safe, comfortable, roomy, and performs well. It is economical and can be outfitted with all the features a family needs like a DVD player and navigation.  No small SUV can beat the affordability, durability, reliability, performance, safety and family friendly features of the CRV. Its history of success is unprecedented in its class.  There are 3 seats in the back and 2 in the front.

Honda CRV

2. Honda Odyssey – The Honda Odyssey is generally regarded as the crown jewel of minivans. It comes with all the bells and whistles like a DVD  and navigation system.  The Odyssey is the class of all minivans is gets good feedback from customers as being classy, durable, reliable, and fun to drive. Its combination of safety features, reliability and family friendly options like dual DVD players and navigation make it a champion for all soccer moms and dads.The Odyssey can go anywhere from camping to soccer practice.  The Odyssey provides 2 seats in the front, 3 in the back, and 2 in the middle.  Some years have an optional 3 seats in the middle.

Honda Odyssey

3. Hyundai Sonata -The Hyundai Sonata is the hot new car of the midsized market. The Sonata is affordable, spacious, attractive, and beautifully designed. Its safety ratings are high in all categories and it performs and drives like a champion. The Hyundai Sonata also comes in a hybrid version. Hyundai has transformed itself into one of the leader automakers in the world. The 2011 Sonata beats other midsized sedans in safety ratings, affordability, standard features and performance. Even the Accord is taking a backseat to the Sonata. Many say there is no better midsized family car.  The Sonata seats 3 in the back and 2 in the front.

Hyundai Sonata

4. Honda Pilot – This midsized SUV proves that families can’t go wrong with a Honda. It is safe, comfortable, reliable and has a history of durability. Pilot owners feel spoiled by all its luxurious features and add-ons.  The Pilot has 3 seats in the back row, 3 seats in the middle, and 2 seats in the front.

Honda Pilot

5. Chrysler 300 – The Chrysler 300 is the family version of the muscle car. The 300 C comes with a V8. It drives like a beauty and has all the luxuries needed of a family car like plenty of room and all the best safety features.  Any mom or dad that wants to ride in style and keep their children safe should buy a 300. It receives high marks for being powerful, fun, stylish and surprisingly functional.  There are 3 seats available in the back, and 2 seats in the front.

Chrysler 300

Your choice from the best family cars is truly yours.  Among other things remember to take into consideration cost, safety, size, functionality, and looks.

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