‘Best family cars for 2012’ announced by Parents Magazine, Edmunds.com

The Ford Focus is a good option for families on a budget.

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It’s tough enough to chauffer the brood around without worrying about whether your ride is up to the task. But Edmunds.com, one of the leading online resources for auto buyers, teamed up with Parents magazine to compile a list of “best” cars for families.

For the fifth year in a row, experts from both companies closely examined the merits and demerits of hundreds of new vehicles, paying close attention to safety and reliability. Family-friendly features as well as appearance inside and out factored into the judges’ decisions, too. Each car chosen is outfitted with a stability control system, a minimum of six air bags and anti-lock brakes. Also, 14 vehicles recommended carry a “Top Safety Pick” honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The list was compiled not only by test-driving the vehicles and weighing prices and other factors, but also by consulting and polling parents who own and drive these cars.

Here’s the list:

HIGH MILEAGE CARS

Toyota Prius V – starts at $26,400
Honda Civic Hybrid – starts at $24,200
Chevrolet Cruze Eco –  starts at $19,245

BUDGET

Chevrolet Sonic – starts at $13,865
Ford Focus – starts at $16,500
Hyundai Elantra – starts at $15,345

CROSSOVERS

Mazda 5 – starts at $19,625
Kia Sorento -starts at $23,150
Honda CR-V – starts at $22,495

SEDANS

Volkswagen Passat – starts at $19,995
Toyota Camry – starts at $21,955
Kia Optima – starts at $21,000

LARGE VEHICLES

Dodge Durango – starts at $28,995
Toyota Sienna – starts at $25,060
Honda Odyssey – starts at $28,375

It’s important to note, also, that a driver has everything to do with how “safe” a vehicle is. Here are a few tips:

*Arrange which child will sit where before you take off – this way you don’t start your trip with an argument.

*If you’re going on a long trip, try and stop every two and three hours to let the kids stretch their legs. Pack a ball or Frisbee to throw during your breaks. Remember, kids have way more energy than adults and it’s harder for them to sit still for hours than it is for grownups.

*Make sure there isn’t anything that can fly loose around the cockpit when you need to stop suddenly.

*Teach kids how to be “good” riders – no screaming, no hitting, no throwing stuff out the window. Reward ‘em for good behavior.

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