5 Best Family Friendly 2010 Cars that Are Fun to Drive and Economical

As we all well know, it is a tough economy out there and most families are tightening their fiscal belts in all areas of their lives. And since people always need new cars to get from point A to point B no matter what economic prognosticators tell us, now more than ever families need reliable, safe and economical transportation.

But does that mean that since you need enough cargo room for a stroller and diaper bags that you can't have fun behind the wheel of your next new car? Of course not. That's why you would never buy an SUV or a crossover because they are, simply put, the driving fun equivalent of wearing concrete sneaker clogs to a roller skating rink.

So if you are on a budget, need plenty of space/cargo room yet don't want to feel like driving is a chore give some thought to these next five 2010 models. I have driven all 5 of these models in some form or another during weeklong tests and have come away impressed with their family car credentials. They are five cars that I would recommend to friends and they are five cars that I am recommending to you now.

2010 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI

Although my test experience was with a Golf TDI, the Jetta Sportwagen variant boasts a far more useful 32.8 cubic foot cargo compartment perfect for all the junk a modern family can carry. Also take note that 75% of Jetta Sportwagen buyers opt for the 2.0 liter 140 horsepower/236 lb. feet of torque 4 cylinder turbodiesel engine.

The Jetta Sportwagen's TDI motor pulls strongly in all gears and even comes with a slick shifting six-speed manual perfectly suited for spirited driving. A dual clutch DSG automatic is optional for those who don't feel comfortable with a third pedal. EPA estimates fuel economy of 30 city/42 highway and during a week of testing I got 41 miles per gallon out of my six-speed manual equipped Golf TDI.

2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i

Starting at just $23,195, the 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i is really all the car that anyone who likes the security of all-wheel drive will ever need. The 2.5 liter 170 horsepower/170 lb feet of torque flat four cylinder engine returns an amazing 19 city/27 highway with the CVT transmission and feels much faster than those figures suggest. Subaru's legendary reputation for safety and reliability are just icing on a very fun to drive cake. (Note: The Outback also has an SUV shaming 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats.)

2010 Honda Accord EX

This perennial favorite may soon unseat the Toyota Camry as the best selling family car in the United States but as a driver's car it has always been the #1 choice in that segment. The $23,830 EX model comes with an ultra smooth 2.4 liter 190 horsepower 4 cylinder that negates any need to order the V6 version.

The 2010 Honda Accord EX gets its fun to drive credentials from the fact that the steering has the feel one would only expect from the equivalent of a front drive BMW. The ride/handling compromise also allows precision cornering without any undue harshness over rough pavement. In essence, the 2010 Honda Accord EX sedan is the best family sedan out there. Why do you think Honda sells so many?

2010 Mazda6

If you just can't bear to be another Honda Accord driver then there is a family sedan alternative that is both frugal and has plenty of "Zoom-Zoom." The Mazda6 is easily the most boisterously styled family sedan in its segment and is all the better for it. And even with the swoopy styling trunk space is ample at 16.6 cubic feet.

The 2.5 liter 170 horsepower 4-cylinder is energetic and peppy with the standard manual transmission but can feel lethargic when equipped with an automatic. So if you want an automatic be sure to opt for the muscular 272 horsepower 3.7 liter V6. The 4 cylinder returns 21 city/30 highway while the 6 cylinder gets a still respectable 17 city/25 highway.

2010 Honda Civic EX Sedan

Honda, more than any other automaker, knows how to make efficient, spacious and fun to drive family sedans people can afford. While there is the incredibly efficient hybrid model (40 city/45 highway) and the frenetically fun to drive Si sedan, the most practical choice is the EX with the 1.8 liter 140 horsepower 4 cylinder engine (26 city/34 highway).

This sedan comes with everything you need in a family car such as air conditioning, power everything, a great 160-watt audio system, USB iPod integration, alloy wheels and a moonroof for a little under $20,000. A smooth shifting five speed automatic is optional while one of Honda's notoriously slick five-speed manual transmissions is standard. If you can shift for yourself, go for the manual.

Sources:
Honda Motor Company
Mazda USA
VW of America
Subaru