Previously Featured Top Cars for Moms
Not just any vehicle can handle the rigors of motherhood. Modern moms are a busy lot, dividing their time between work, play, and driving the kids to school and a laundry list of extracurricular activities. As a result, mothers-on-the-go require reliable, safe and versatile "mommy-mobiles." Affordability and a little pizzazz go a long way too. On the following pages are ten of the best cars for moms. However, don't expect just minivans for the soccer crowd. Since personal preferences and a family's needs vary, our selections range from small and fuel-efficient hatchback wagons to kid-friendly and value-oriented SUVs.
 Top 10 Cars for Moms
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Volvo
C30 R-Design
Volvo's entry into the small car market is sure to catch the eye of younger buyers; however, this hatch offers more than just fun and frivolity. With great fuel economy and impressive safety features, the C30 R-Design is a smart choice for those looking for both performance and practicality. |
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Volkswagen
Golf TDI
Coupling clean-burning diesel technology with a surprisingly powerful turbocharged engine, the Volkswagen Golf TDI is not only a sporty and fun new take on the 5-door hatchback, it's also an extremely fuel-efficient option for those looking to save money at the pump as they help to save the environment. |
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Audi A3 2.0 T MT6
The A3 is a good-looking, practical and sporty five-door vehicle. Fun options will have you spending a bit more than the base asking price, but we're sure you'll think they are worth it.
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Dodge Caliber SRT4
While it comes with an assertively styled exterior and a 285-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, this roomy five-passenger hatchback is more of a daily driver, featuring comforts such as cooled beverage storage, a removable LED flashlight/rear cargo lamp and a six-disc CD/DVD/MP3 player.
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Audi
A4 Avant
Combining the convenience and utility of a station wagon with the power and performance handling that Audi rests its reputation upon, the A4 Avant is the rare wagon that is just as comfortable hugging turns as it is hauling groceries. |
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Volvo XC70
This SUV features a rugged build and luxurious, high-tech interior so drivers can safely and stylishly trek through the wilderness. |
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Chrysler
Town & Country
With a roomy interior capable of seating 7 comfortably and a cargo capacity only slightly less than that of a freight tanker, this mighty minivan is doing its best to prove its relevance in a market saturated with SUVs and crossovers and all things un-van-like — and it's working. |
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Volkswagen Routan SE
As the offspring of Volkswagen's partnership with Chrysler, the Routan is a seven-passenger minivan capable of hauling the entire family for a day at the beach. Its features include a formidable 3.8-liter V6 engine, heatable (and powered) side mirrors, and a spacious 83 cubic feet of cargo space.
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Kia Sorento
Featuring a radically redesigned chassis, the 2011 Kia Sorento offers a ride that is well-balanced and smooth. While it would be wise to keep this front-wheel drive sport ute off the dirt roads, the Sorento nonetheless provides excellent utility for a reasonable price. |
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Lincoln
MKT
This large luxury crossover offers a host of technologically advanced amenities and plenty of power from its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine—that is, if you can get past its polarizing T. Rex-like looks. |
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Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring
The company that builds vehicles with "the soul of a sports car" backs up that statement with the quick handling, turbocharged CX-7. Built on the same platform as the Mazda 3 and featuring an engine based on the Mazdaspeeds 3 and 6's power plants, this is one fun SUV.
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Hyundai
Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is built upon the idea that bigger isn't always better — unless we're talking about savings, that is. Offering a shorter wheelbase and greater fuel economy than most vehicles in its class, this small SUV is designed to meet your biggest demands while still fitting comfortably in your driveway. |
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Mercedes-Benz GLK350
Part of Mercedes-Benz's next big release, the GLK-class, this anticipated luxe crossover is powered by a 268 hp V6 and boasts a top speed of 143 mph. The cozy SUV also features 4MATIC all-wheel drive, all-wheel ventilated disc brakes and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
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Acura MDX
Big body, nimble handling. These two descriptions are usually oxymoronic in nature, but the Acura MDX manages to pull them off with its Super Handling all-wheel drive system, sporty suspension and sharp steering feel. Plus, there's room for seven in the luxurious, well-equipped cabin.
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Audi A8
Audi's flagship sedan features a bold design that utilizes of innovative new technology to deliver top-of-the-line performance and comfort. Offering impressive power through its 4.2-liter V8 engine, the A8 also boasts improved efficiency, matching the fuel economy of many hybrids. |
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BMW 750Li Sedan
The largest (and roomiest) member of BMW's flagship 7 Series couples smooth handling with the envy-inducing power of a 32-valve V8 engine to create a luxurious driving experience that few can rival. |
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Buick LaCrosse CXS
This fresh take on Buick's long-running full-sized sedan features bold exterior styling, a 3.6-liter V6 with direct injection, and an available Sport mode for a ride that is fun, responsive, and surprisingly un-grandma-like. |
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Hyundai Azera
Hyundai's flagship offers an impressive array of luxury features for less than $30,000: front and rear side air bags, heated seats, power pedals and steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, rear sunshade and 263 horsepower.
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Lexus LS 460L
No other manufacturer puts as much emphasis on quiet, luxurious comfort as Lexus, and the LS is the pinnacle of their achievements. Some may find it a little soft around the edges, but there is no doubt this long wheelbase model will provide many serene, carefree miles.
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Lexus
CT 200h
Sharing much of the same hybrid technology with the Toyota Prius, the Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback elevates eco-friendly driving to the luxury sport level with its smart and sleek design and performance-oriented adjustable drivetrain. |
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GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid
With the new Yukon Denali Hybrid, the GMC brand — best known for its fuel-thirsty fleet of trucks and SUVs — puts on its best eco-friendly face to deliver a full-size sport ute that provides excellent towing and cargo capacity while still remaining (sort of) fuel-efficient. |
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Lexus
HS 250h
This reasonably priced and roomy hybrid luxury sedan is nimble, quiet and gets up to 35 mpg. Creature comforts abound, however, including leather-trimmed seats, Bluetooth hands-free, voice-command navigation, and a fifteen-speaker premium sound system. |
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Honda Insight
Boasting an EPA rating of 43 mpg highway, the Honda Insight combines cool styling with environmentally conscious engineering. And with a base price under $20,000, this sporty hybrid sedan is one fun fuel saver that won't break the bank.
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Top 10 Cars for Moms
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PNW042110 |
(Updated
04/24/12 NW) |
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