Consumer Reports Picks Best Cars for Teens and Seniors
With the fall semester just around the corner, Consumer Reports offers its best choices for parents and teens out shopping for a car to bring back to school.
When looking for the right car for teens, including used models, Consumer Reports recommends picking cars with safety features such as electronic stability control and curtain air bags and good crash-test results.
"Often parents think that putting their child in the biggest car is the safest thing they can do, but that's not so. Teens are the most inexperienced drivers on the road, so you want to make sure they're driving something that handles well, is agile and has as many safety features as possible—especially electronic stability control," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.
In addition to naming good cars for young and older drivers, Consumer Reports also names good picks for all sizes and types of drivers including the tall and small. All the models on Consumer Reports' lists have at least average reliability and are Recommended vehicles. Consumer Reports named only one car suitable for all four driver types: the Honda Accord.
"When it comes to finding the right cars for seniors, we recommend vehicles that offer easy access, good visibility, a roomy driving position and comfortable seats," Champion added.
Here is a look at some of Consumer Reports' picks for teens and seniors:
Good Models for Teen drivers: (ESC is standard or optional starting with the years listed below).
Small sedans: Hyundai Elantra SE (2008-2010), Mazda3 (2007-), Scion xB (2008-)
Midsized sedans: Acura TSX (2004-), Honda Accord (2008-), Kia Optima (2007-)
Small SUVs: Honda CR-V (2005-), Nissan Rogue (2008-)
Good Models for Senior drivers:
Minivans: Honda Odyssey
Small SUV: Subaru Forester XT Limited
Upscale sedan: Hyundai Azera
Family sedan: Honda Accord
Microvan: Kia Rondo
More information can be found in the September issue of Consumer Reports, available on newsstands August 3 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Source: Consumer Reports Picks Best Cars for Teens and Seniors
When looking for the right car for teens, including used models, Consumer Reports recommends picking cars with safety features such as electronic stability control and curtain air bags and good crash-test results.
"Often parents think that putting their child in the biggest car is the safest thing they can do, but that's not so. Teens are the most inexperienced drivers on the road, so you want to make sure they're driving something that handles well, is agile and has as many safety features as possible—especially electronic stability control," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.
In addition to naming good cars for young and older drivers, Consumer Reports also names good picks for all sizes and types of drivers including the tall and small. All the models on Consumer Reports' lists have at least average reliability and are Recommended vehicles. Consumer Reports named only one car suitable for all four driver types: the Honda Accord.
"When it comes to finding the right cars for seniors, we recommend vehicles that offer easy access, good visibility, a roomy driving position and comfortable seats," Champion added.
Here is a look at some of Consumer Reports' picks for teens and seniors:
Good Models for Teen drivers: (ESC is standard or optional starting with the years listed below).
Good Models for Senior drivers:
More information can be found in the September issue of Consumer Reports, available on newsstands August 3 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Source: Consumer Reports Picks Best Cars for Teens and Seniors
Related Stories
07/17/2010 11:00 AM: Plane Crazy: Why consumers suck by TimothyTThis banner of a Home Depot store with an airport next to it and an airplane, that appears to be about to crash into the store, was snapped at a Home Depot store in Farmingdale, NY. ...
06/10/2010 10:21 AM: More Compact and Mid-Size Utility Vehicles Expected in Consumer Driveways by TimothyT
Consumers asked to predict how their household fleets are changing suggest faster growth for compact and mid-size cross over (CUV) and sport utility vehicles (SUV) compared to other automotive segment...
06/09/2010 02:14 PM: BRP’s Sea-Doo RXT IS 260, RXT-X, GTI SE 130, and GTI SE 155 watercraft named best buys by Consumers Digest by TimothyT
Four Sea-Doo watercraft from BRP have been recognized by Consumers Digest magazine as a Best Buy; the 2010 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260, RXT-X 260, GTI SE 130, and GTI SE 155 models. Consumers Digest reviewed...
06/08/2010 08:47 AM: Rise in Gas Prices Drives Consumers to Greener Car Solutions by Whiplash
Summer gas prices are on the rise, and frugal travelers are looking for ways to save money. AutoPartsDealer.com aims to deliver just that, with its selection of high flow exhaust systems and air filte...
06/03/2010 08:25 AM: Kia Forte Awarded Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated Vehicle Award by TimothyT
Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan has been named the top-rated sedan under $15,000 in the Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated®(1) vehicle awards for 2010. Forte ...
