The list was created by combining the auto-safety expertise of the 50-million-member AAA with Parents' understanding of what families want and need. The pool of experts penned a list of sedans economy cars, vans, SUVs, and crossovers ideal for everything that concerns family and driving - from weekend getaways, longer road trips and other road-related activities.

"Safety, convenience, and lasting value are especially important to parents shopping for a family vehicle," said Gail Weinholzer, the director of public affairs of AAA Minnesota/Iowa. 

"The vehicles on this year's list provide the whole package - comfort, practicality and performance with options for every family size."

"We put the vehicles through real-life road tests that include everything from running errands to carpooling, to taking a family vacation," said Sally Lee, Parents editor-in-chief. "With many parents and children spending several hours per week in the car, it's important that it's a safe, happy place for everyone in it."

The AAA and Parents test drove hundreds of vehicles. They have considered every essential thing from air bags and fuel economy to cupholders and cargo space. The reviewers also installed a variety of child safety seats into every car. This is to guaranty ease and efficiency. 

Of those vehicles that have been tested, the AAA/Parents picks are among the top performers in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

For the sedan segment, the AAA/Parents 2007 Best Cars for Families include the Honda Accord, Mercury Milan and the Toyota Camry. In the crossover segment, the chosen vehicles are the Dodge Caliber, Ford Edge and the Toyota RAV4. For SUVs, AAA and Parents chose the Chevy Tahoe, Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Santa Fe. For minivans, the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage and the Toyota Sienna emerged as the top models. The Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Rabbit completed the list for best economy cars.

The chosen vehicles are equipped with cutting edge brakes, engines, exhaust, filters, radiators and remarkable car features and accessories to make them stand out from the rest of the vehicles in the market these days.

Parents, America's number one family magazine for more than 75 years, boasts powerful community of 15.6 million readers devoted to supporting the efforts of parents, educators and other citizens who strive to make the world a better place for our children.

AAA, on the other hand, is the largest motoring and leisure travel organization in North America. The company provides for over 50 million members with insurance, travel, financial and automotive-related services. The non-profit company is aimed at promoting safety and security of all travellers.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. 

He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

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