Kbb.com Names 2008 Best New Family Vehicles
02-12-08, 07:40 AM
#1
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
Kbb.com Names 2008 Best New Family Vehicles
Three-Row Crossovers Now the Quintessential Family Vehicle
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The expert editors at Kelley
Blue Book's kbb.com (http://www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new- and
used-vehicle information, today announce their picks for the distinguished
honor of Kelley Blue Book's 2008 Best New Family Vehicles. After driving
and reviewing many 2008 family-haulers for kbb.com, all of which qualify in
varying degrees as safe, roomy and affordable, the kbb.com editors selected
this year's Best New Family Vehicles by evaluating each on factors like
resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and, most importantly,
family-friendliness.
Half of kbb.com's 2008 Best New Family Vehicles list is made up of
three-row crossover vehicles, which have come to represent the standard for
family vehicles in 2008 by combining SUV-like functionality with car-like
ride and handling. The rest of the list is comprised of a range of vehicles
that includes a sedan, a wagon, an SUV and two minivans.
"Each of the models on the kbb.com 2008 Best New Family Vehicles list
represents the best package of what families really look for when choosing
a new car; kid-friendly options combined with the value, safety and
capabilities that parents require," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial
director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "As
Americans spend more and more time in their vehicles each year, auto
manufacturers are increasingly providing great family vehicles across
multiple segments. In 2008, the three-row crossover vehicle has succeeded
the wagon of the seventies, the minivan of the eighties and the SUV of the
nineties as the quintessential family vehicle."
Kbb.com Editorial Comments on the 2008 Best New Family Vehicles
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Winner of our Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com 2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle
award, the all-new Malibu brings together sophisticated exterior and
interior styling with five-star safety ratings in one of the most
well-rounded family sedans on the market. For added peace of mind, the
Malibu features a crash notification system that automatically contacts an
OnStar representative immediately after an accident, who can then quickly
dispatch local emergency services.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
For some families there's virtually no viable alternative to the
full-size SUV. The Chevy Tahoe and its extended Suburban sibling deliver
the interior volume and towing capacity required of big families with big
toys. Comfortable accommodations and surprisingly buttoned-down ride and
handling help to deliver capability without compromise.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
The minivan remains the ultimate troop transport for families focused
on functionality, and none is as kid-friendly as the new-for-2008,
fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan (and its Chrysler Town & Country
sibling). Kid favorites include an available Swivel 'n Go seating setup
that configures into a table for four people, plus dual, independent video
monitors that can display DVD movies, video games or satellite-based SIRIUS
Backseat TV.
2008 Ford Taurus X
With a lower stance than most of its competitors and a comprehensive
set of passive and active safety features, the Taurus X has won accolades
as one of the safest seven-passenger vehicles available. First introduced
as the Freestyle, the name change was accompanied by the introduction of a
more refined powertrain. Available all-wheel drive and a surprisingly
accommodating third row are two more positives that make the Taurus X a
family-friendly pick.
2008 Honda Odyssey
We like Honda's minivan for the confidence-inspiring driving dynamics,
premium-like accommodations and class-leading value. The Odyssey has taken
top honors in the Minivan category in our Kelley Blue Book Best Resale
Value Awards every year since 2003.
2008 Hyundai Veracruz
If you're intrigued by the idea of treating your family to premium
accommodations at mass-market prices, you'll want to check out the
seven-passenger Veracruz mid-size crossover. The quiet, comfortable,
well-appointed Veracruz starts just under $28,000, offers a long list of
desirable options and is backed by a reassuringly comprehensive warranty
that includes 100,000-mile powertrain coverage and five-year, 24-hour
roadside assistance.
2008 Mazda CX-9
Family cars carry a lot of baggage, both literally and figuratively.
For drivers concerned that upsizing to three rows means downgrading in fun,
Mazda has created the CX-9. Its sporty sheet metal accurately conveys its
athletic demeanor, while the interior delivers all the features and
functionality a family requires of such a vehicle.
2008 Saturn Outlook
Combining more interior room than a Chevy Tahoe with superior ride,
handling and fuel economy, the seven- or eight-passenger Saturn Outlook
full-size crossover represents the latest step in three-row family
transportation. Compared with its GMC Acadia counterpart, the Outlook's
lower starting price makes it easier to add options like rear-seat
entertainment, panoramic sunroof and all-wheel drive.
2008 Subaru Outback
Combining SUV-like versatility with car-like ride, handling and
efficiency, the oft-overlooked wagon makes a great family hauler. Long
popular in northern parts of the country for its proven all-wheel-drive
systems, the Subaru Outback is just as attractive for its premium-like
accommodations and proven reliability.
2008 Toyota Highlander
Think of the Toyota Highlander as a grab bag of what's good throughout
the automotive industry. It's one of the most fuel-efficient three-row
vehicles on the road, delivers car-like ride and handling and offers an
impressive set of available in-cabin technologies. Few families would need
more than that.
Family Research Tools Available on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
-- Full expert reviews of 2008 model year vehicles
-- 2008 model year safety data
-- Crash test data
-- Rollover ratings
-- Air bag information
-- Pricing, specifications and information on optional features,
including:
-- Child door locks
-- Rear entertainment systems
-- Cup-holders
-- Optional third-row seating
-- Side-by-Side Comparison Tool
For more information about the 2008 Best New Family Vehicles, visit
http://www.kbb.com/Family2008.
About Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/sitemap)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided
vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they
need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web
site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including
the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are
paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values
via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue
Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information
site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power
and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market
vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car
buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
SOURCE Kelley Blue Book
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The expert editors at Kelley
Blue Book's kbb.com (http://www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new- and
used-vehicle information, today announce their picks for the distinguished
honor of Kelley Blue Book's 2008 Best New Family Vehicles. After driving
and reviewing many 2008 family-haulers for kbb.com, all of which qualify in
varying degrees as safe, roomy and affordable, the kbb.com editors selected
this year's Best New Family Vehicles by evaluating each on factors like
resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and, most importantly,
family-friendliness.
Half of kbb.com's 2008 Best New Family Vehicles list is made up of
three-row crossover vehicles, which have come to represent the standard for
family vehicles in 2008 by combining SUV-like functionality with car-like
ride and handling. The rest of the list is comprised of a range of vehicles
that includes a sedan, a wagon, an SUV and two minivans.
Code:
Kbb.com's 2008 Best New Family Vehicles
2008 Chevrolet Malibu 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 2008 Mazda CX-9
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan 2008 Saturn Outlook
2008 Ford Taurus X 2008 Subaru Outback
2008 Honda Odyssey 2008 Toyota Highlander
Vehicles listed in alphabetical order by brand
represents the best package of what families really look for when choosing
a new car; kid-friendly options combined with the value, safety and
capabilities that parents require," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial
director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "As
Americans spend more and more time in their vehicles each year, auto
manufacturers are increasingly providing great family vehicles across
multiple segments. In 2008, the three-row crossover vehicle has succeeded
the wagon of the seventies, the minivan of the eighties and the SUV of the
nineties as the quintessential family vehicle."
Kbb.com Editorial Comments on the 2008 Best New Family Vehicles
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Winner of our Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com 2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle
award, the all-new Malibu brings together sophisticated exterior and
interior styling with five-star safety ratings in one of the most
well-rounded family sedans on the market. For added peace of mind, the
Malibu features a crash notification system that automatically contacts an
OnStar representative immediately after an accident, who can then quickly
dispatch local emergency services.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
For some families there's virtually no viable alternative to the
full-size SUV. The Chevy Tahoe and its extended Suburban sibling deliver
the interior volume and towing capacity required of big families with big
toys. Comfortable accommodations and surprisingly buttoned-down ride and
handling help to deliver capability without compromise.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
The minivan remains the ultimate troop transport for families focused
on functionality, and none is as kid-friendly as the new-for-2008,
fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan (and its Chrysler Town & Country
sibling). Kid favorites include an available Swivel 'n Go seating setup
that configures into a table for four people, plus dual, independent video
monitors that can display DVD movies, video games or satellite-based SIRIUS
Backseat TV.
2008 Ford Taurus X
With a lower stance than most of its competitors and a comprehensive
set of passive and active safety features, the Taurus X has won accolades
as one of the safest seven-passenger vehicles available. First introduced
as the Freestyle, the name change was accompanied by the introduction of a
more refined powertrain. Available all-wheel drive and a surprisingly
accommodating third row are two more positives that make the Taurus X a
family-friendly pick.
2008 Honda Odyssey
We like Honda's minivan for the confidence-inspiring driving dynamics,
premium-like accommodations and class-leading value. The Odyssey has taken
top honors in the Minivan category in our Kelley Blue Book Best Resale
Value Awards every year since 2003.
2008 Hyundai Veracruz
If you're intrigued by the idea of treating your family to premium
accommodations at mass-market prices, you'll want to check out the
seven-passenger Veracruz mid-size crossover. The quiet, comfortable,
well-appointed Veracruz starts just under $28,000, offers a long list of
desirable options and is backed by a reassuringly comprehensive warranty
that includes 100,000-mile powertrain coverage and five-year, 24-hour
roadside assistance.
2008 Mazda CX-9
Family cars carry a lot of baggage, both literally and figuratively.
For drivers concerned that upsizing to three rows means downgrading in fun,
Mazda has created the CX-9. Its sporty sheet metal accurately conveys its
athletic demeanor, while the interior delivers all the features and
functionality a family requires of such a vehicle.
2008 Saturn Outlook
Combining more interior room than a Chevy Tahoe with superior ride,
handling and fuel economy, the seven- or eight-passenger Saturn Outlook
full-size crossover represents the latest step in three-row family
transportation. Compared with its GMC Acadia counterpart, the Outlook's
lower starting price makes it easier to add options like rear-seat
entertainment, panoramic sunroof and all-wheel drive.
2008 Subaru Outback
Combining SUV-like versatility with car-like ride, handling and
efficiency, the oft-overlooked wagon makes a great family hauler. Long
popular in northern parts of the country for its proven all-wheel-drive
systems, the Subaru Outback is just as attractive for its premium-like
accommodations and proven reliability.
2008 Toyota Highlander
Think of the Toyota Highlander as a grab bag of what's good throughout
the automotive industry. It's one of the most fuel-efficient three-row
vehicles on the road, delivers car-like ride and handling and offers an
impressive set of available in-cabin technologies. Few families would need
more than that.
Family Research Tools Available on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
-- Full expert reviews of 2008 model year vehicles
-- 2008 model year safety data
-- Crash test data
-- Rollover ratings
-- Air bag information
-- Pricing, specifications and information on optional features,
including:
-- Child door locks
-- Rear entertainment systems
-- Cup-holders
-- Optional third-row seating
-- Side-by-Side Comparison Tool
For more information about the 2008 Best New Family Vehicles, visit
http://www.kbb.com/Family2008.
About Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/sitemap)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided
vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they
need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web
site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including
the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are
paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values
via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue
Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information
site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power
and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market
vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car
buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
SOURCE Kelley Blue Book
02-12-08, 08:00 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
I thinks it's interesting that the list contains all those american cars...
I think they were just rated the least dependable ...I feel safer with my wife and kid in a car that I knew wasn't going to break down.
I think they were just rated the least dependable ...I feel safer with my wife and kid in a car that I knew wasn't going to break down.
02-12-08, 08:51 AM
#4
Out of Warranty
^^^Agreed!
Can't help thinking it's a bit strange that all but the Malibu (and sorta the Subaru) are passenger sedans, while all the rest are SUV's or minvans. What does that say about the bias of KBB - rating vehicles by cupholder count!
Can't help thinking it's a bit strange that all but the Malibu (and sorta the Subaru) are passenger sedans, while all the rest are SUV's or minvans. What does that say about the bias of KBB - rating vehicles by cupholder count!
02-12-08, 10:12 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
IMO the Dodge Caravan needs to come off that list. In spite of the handy Stow-and-Go seating, its overall build quality is sub-par, and has been for years. The Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, and Kia Sedona all trump the Caravan in build quality, value, or both.
The Outback (I know, I have one), despite its superb AWD capability and versatility, IMO, is probably a little too small to be considered a true family hauler....more useful room inside can be found in two of its own brothers......Forester and Tribeca. And the automatic/non-turbo 2.5i versions, with the weight/drag of AWD, are a little sluggish even empty.....they certainly are not suited to heavy loads.
The Outback (I know, I have one), despite its superb AWD capability and versatility, IMO, is probably a little too small to be considered a true family hauler....more useful room inside can be found in two of its own brothers......Forester and Tribeca. And the automatic/non-turbo 2.5i versions, with the weight/drag of AWD, are a little sluggish even empty.....they certainly are not suited to heavy loads.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-12-08 at 10:18 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
encore888
Car Chat
9
08-14-08 11:22 PM
