The 10 Best 2011 Cars for Families by Category

When it comes to buying a new family car nothing but the best will do. You want to have a vehicle that is not only reliable, fuel efficient and affordable but also one that is very safe and one that your whole family will enjoy riding in. As a parent, it's great to have great crash test safety records but if you want your kids to ride with you (especially as teenagers), you had better be sure not to buy a "dork mobile."

This is where this list comes in to play. Having tested each and every one of these vehicles on the road personally, I can guarantee that they offer excellent quality, terrific utility, value for money and are simply the best at what they do. And since everyone has different tastes in regards to what kind of family car they want to drive, I have divided this list into different categories so that no matter what your budget there is something here you can afford. You just have to ask yourself, does your family deserve the best?

Family Sedan - 2011 Kia Optima

It may not have the agile handling characteristics of the Accord but the Optima is the best looking family sedan out there right now and its interior build quality rivals that of an Audi. Yes, it feels like an Audi inside the Optima and the driving experience isn't too far off either. It's also very affordable and is available with every conceivable option including front seats that are self-cooling for hot days.

Economy Car - 2012 Honda Civic

I have yet to drive the 2011 Elantra for an extended period and the 2011 Chevy Cruze is another strong alternate in this category. But for my money I would stick with the 2012 Civic with its unbeatable combination of economy, driving fun and leadership in in-car electronics integration.

Hybrid/Diesel - 2011 Toyota Prius/VW Golf TDI

The Prius is an excellent commuter and roomy enough for a small family. But the Golf TDI is actually fun to drive and almost gets as good fuel economy in the real world as the Prius. I recommend test driving both if fuel costs are a main concern. Do keep in mind VW does pay for all maintenance for the first 3 years of ownership while Toyota does so for two.

Minivan - 2011 Honda Odyssey/2011 Toyota Sienna SE

All versions of the Odyssey are better than the Sienna, that is, except for the sport tuned SE variant. That particular Sienna has the Honda's same fluid handling and eager steering feel that makes for a fun to drive minivan. The Odyssey, however, is roomier and has a nicer interior than the Sienna. You can fit five full size car seats in the Odyssey and it was the first vehicle to score top ratings from the IIHS and get a full five star overall score from the NHTSA under their newer, stricter guidelines.

Compact SUV - 2011 Honda CR-V

Even entering its last year the CR-V is still a best seller and for very good reason. It is roomy, comfortable, economical and decent fun to drive. A marvel.

Midsize SUV - 2011 Kia Sorento

Especially when equipped with Kia's excellent 3.5 liter V6 and 6-speed automatic, the 2011 Kia Sorento does an excellent imitation of an Acura MDX. Just a slightly smaller and less expensive one. A great 7-passenger family SUV with no real drawbacks and it is also built in the U.S.A.

Large SUV - 2011 Dodge Durango

This SUV is nothing short of a miracle if you ever drove the last generation Durango. This 2011 model has a lovely interior, is affordable and drives just as well as the top SUVs in the class. It also has a huge third row seat. A much better choice than a Tahoe and is very fast with the new Chrysler 3.6 liter V6 so no Hemi is required. But if you wanted to I wouldn't be one to stop you.

Luxury Compact SUV - 2011 Audi Q5

This compact luxury SUV has the feel good factor down pat and thanks to a lower priced model with a 2.0 liter 211 horsepower/258 lb. feet of torque turbocharged 4-cylinder it is more affordable and fuel efficient than ever. You really don't need the 3.2 liter V6 as the new 8-speed Audi automatic works wonders with this motor.

Midsize Luxury SUV - 2011 Acura MDX

Among luxury 7-passenger SUVs this one simply makes the most sense. It is affordable, ridiculously well equipped, decent fun to drive and supremely comfortable. An X5 may be sportier but it is also priced at a ridiculous level. In a world of economic upheaval, the MDX represents sensible luxury.

Large Luxury SUV - 2011 Infiniti QX56

If you need huge this is a way better choice than the Cadillac Escalade or that huge Mercedes with the atrocious reliability record. The Infiniti may look like an angry shark who just had a nose job but its interior is deliciously luxurious. And that's all that really counts.

Source: Kia.com

Honda.com

Toyotausa.com

VW.com

Dodge.com

Audi.com

Acura.com

Infinitiusa.com