Safest Cars for Families: 10 Autos with Top Rated Safety Features

When purchasing a car, there are always things to consider. Many people consider size, color and gas mileage. Some people choose the most popular models with updated technology. However, when it comes to parents and families, one of the most important things to consider is safety.

Cars that were safety tested and that ranked highest on the safety list include;

Honda CR-V: Safety features include four wheel ABS, Child seat anchors, Airbags (side and head), stability control and traction control. Other features (depending on model and options) include a navigation system, rear view camera, CD/MP3 players. The Honda CR-V gets approximately 25-30 mpg and has plenty of room for any cargo that you may need to carry. Basic models of the 2008 Honda CRV begin at about $18,000 and go to around $25,000. The Honda CR-V has won Edmunds.com (www.edmunds.com) awards for Editors' Top Recommended and Editors' Most Wanted.

Subaru Forester: Safety features (as listed at www.subaru.com) include symmetrical all wheel drive, antilock ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Forester was chosen as a Top Safety Pick of 2008 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has a Government Crash Test rating of five stars. Other features (depending on model) include CD player, Sirius Satellite Radio compatible, leather interior and moonroof. Prices range from approximately $21,000 to $28,000.

Acura RDX: Safety features include ABD and EBD, vehicle stability assist, all wheel drive, tire pressure monitoring system, front and side airbags as well as side curtain airbags. The LATCH system is also a part of the Acura RDX which allows for additional safety for car seats that are installed. The Acura RDX was rated as one of the Top Safety Picks of 2008 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received both the frontal and side Five Star Crash Rating. Other features (depending on model) also include automatic climate control, Bluetooth Handsfree technology and XM Satellite Radio. The RDX pricing starts at approximately $33,000 and continues to around $38,000. Additional information on the Acura RDX can be found at www.acura.com.

Honda Pilot: Safety features include anti-locking brake system, Vehicle Stability assist, side impact door beams, front and rear crush zones, side curtain airbags and front airbags are also standard. Other features include (depending on model) navigation system, rearview camera, theft-deterrent system and 6 CD in dash CD player. The Honda Pilot has been chosen as a 2008 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Prices start at approximately $26,600 up to approximately $33, 500. You can find more information on the Honda Pilot at www.honda.com.

Volvo XC90: Safety features include daytime running lights, ABS with Electronic Brake Assistance, an anti-skid system, Roll stability control, side impact protection, whiplash protection system, head restraints for all seats, side curtain airbags and an energy absorbing interior. Other features (depending on model) include remote audio control in steering wheel, tire pressure monitoring system, exterior mirrors with side direction indicator and grocery bag holder. Prices start at approximately $36,000. The Volvo XC90 has been chosen as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. More information on the Volvo XC90 can be found at www.volvocars.us.

Hyundai Entourage: Safety features include with ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, airbags, active head restraints, electronic stability control and a traction control system. The Entourage has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the minivan category. Other features include (depending on model) dual front automatic temperature control, seven passenger seating, chrome exterior trim and wood grain or metal interior trim. Prices on the Hyundai Entourage begin at approximately $24, 000. More information can be obtained on this model by visiting www.hyundaiusa.com.

Kia Sedona: Safety features include six airbags positioned in throughout the vehicle, tire pressure monitoring system, the LATCH system for child safety seats, theft deterrent and active front headrests. The Sedona has been rated a Top Safety Pick by the Institute for Highway Safety and has received a 5 star crash Safety rating. Other features include (depending on model) privacy glass, solar glass, front automatic temperature control, keyless entry and trip computer with compass. Prices start at approximately $20,695 for the basic model.

Audi A-4: Safety features include full size front and passenger airbags, side airbags and bi-xenon headlights for increased visibility. The Audi A-4 received the highest crash test ratings and was chosen as one of the Top Safety Picks by the Institute for Highway Safety. Other features include (depending on model) charcoal filter for pollen and dust control, all season tires, aluminum decorative inlays, AM/FM/SAT stereo and a driver information system. This model gets approximately 23 mpg and starts at around $28, 900. More information can be obtained by visiting www.audiusa.com.

Audi A-6: Safety features include full size front and passenger airbags, side airbags, Audi lane assist which warns a driver via a shaking steering wheel that they are outside their lane and impact protection. The 2007 Audi A6 achieved the highest-level crash ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other features include (depending on model) driver information system, dual zone air conditioning with climate control, genuine wood inlays and radio frequency remote locking system. This Audi gets approximately 24 mpg and base price is around $42,950. More information can be obtained by visiting www.audiusa.com.

Subaru Legacy: Like the Subaru Forester, safety features (as listed at www.subaru.com) include symmetrical all wheel drive, antilock ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system. There is also the Subaru boxer engine that keeps the engine sitting lower. If there were an impact, it would help to keep the engine out of the driver/passenger cabin of the car. The Legacy was chosen as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has a Government Crash Test rating of five stars. Other features include (depending on model) XM or Sirius satellite radio, CD player and navigation package. The Subaru Legacy starts at around $20,795. More information can be found at www.subaru.com.

As you can see, there is a lot of information to be gathered when you are contemplating buying a new vehicle. With the safety information available at all of the above sites, hopefully you will be able to make an informed decision before putting yourself, or your family into a vehicle.