What kind of family car/suv should we get?

So my DH and I are having a baby in May 06 and we need to get a new car.
We are trying to decide if we should get a 4-door car (sedan) or an SUV (on the smaller side I think) I don't think we are ready to move into the minivan stage yet....
What do all the current parents think?
Any recommendations?

We are trying to get a GM brand (GM, Chevy, Pontiac, Buick) because we have a GM card with points towards a new car.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I had a durango...when the gas prices went way up labor day weekend...we decided to get rid of it ( even b4 the gas hike...it was a gas guzzler)

We ended up getting a brand new altima and I LOVE IT!!!

I also suggest the subaru AWD vehicles...

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

We have a sedan (Camry) and no problems, even with the big car seat. When #2 gets here, we won't be able to fit anyone else in the backseat anymore, but we aren't ready to get a new car yet.

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I have a 2005 Ford Escape. My DH and father both work for Ford, so I got a family discount.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

We have a Honda accord 2004 ( we bought it last year pre baby) and we love it even with the carseat in the back. When we think about having number two we definately will probably get an SUV but on the smaller side...

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I have a 2003 Ford Escape and love it. I had it for 2 winters before Emily so I love knowing it will handle well in the snow. The only thing is that I wish I had gotten it 6 months later when they came out with the hybrid version. I sit in stand-still traffic a lot (work in brooklyn) and this would definately have helped.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

we have a 2005 Camry and I'm sure it will be fine with one little one! As for #2....who knows. We are considering the new Chevy HHR...it's like the PT Cruiser, but cooler looking....has 55 cubic feet of storage in the back! Our friend works for Chevy and says it's a great car

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

We have a Mitsibushi Galant, I hate it, I wouldn't recommend it. We are currently shopping for cars to but we would like a hybrid. We are looking at the Ford Escapes and Toyota Highlanders. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I know you want to stay American but I love my Nissan Murano--great on gas and a perfect size. I had a trailblazer before this and hated it, it was so so bad on gas.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I have a Chevy Trailblazer EXT and I have been very happy with it. I have had it 3 years now.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I have a 2005 Chevy Equinox. This is perfect for me. Its a smaller SUV but has a ton of room on the inside. Its pretty good on gas too for an SUV. Its drives more like a car, not a truck also. It has more than enough room for all the babys things when he gets here.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

Dottie - The Equinox is one of the ones we were thinking of looking at. Have you had any mechanical problems with it?

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

We are expecting baby #2 in May, and right now I am driving a Pontiac Vibe, which I love (excellent gas mileage and great space!)! However, my lease is up, and I have narrowed down my choices to a Pontiac Torrent (small SUV just like the Chevy Equinox); a GMC Envoy or a Buick Rendezvous.

I have it pretty easy, my DH and his family own and operate a GM dealership (GMC Trucks, Pontiac and Buick)!! Please send me a FM if you want info and he can help you out!

ETA: Way to go with the GM card! I have one also and it'll save us in the long run too!

Message edited 11/28/2005 3:17:03 PM.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

Thanks chmlengr - I'll def FM when we start narrowing down the choices.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I have the Chevy Trailblazer EXT also. It's got the 3rd row seat and plenty of room. Kinda tough with the gas prices as they are now though

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I have a Saturn.. Sedan. It was great with only one baby, and had awesome gas mileage. (my car has over 100K now and still works well and gets great gas mileage!)

Now that Baby #2 is well on its way we have been researching the Chevy Equinox and the Saturn Vue. Those are my top two... but we need to see which one will fit better into our budget. Especially with these crazy gas prices, ours sill probably be used.

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Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

Since you want to stay with GM, I'd try the Buick Rendevous. I love the way it drives and it has sooooooo much trunk space. Whenever I rent a car, I request one.

BTW....We have a Honda CR-V.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

Lexus 330.... I am in love with this SUV. It is so roomy and has a luxury feel... all these great amenities. I change Carolyn out of the back of the car.... It fits her stroller and all her toys for when we go back and forth to Vermont, Grandma and Grandpas, etc....

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Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I have a 2004 Xterra and DH has a 2005 Dodge Ram... HEMI... TALK ABOUT GAS GUZZLER???

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

Thanks everyone!! I'll let you know what we decide.

Re: What kind of family car/suv should we get?

I have a Chevy Suburban and LOVE it! It's big yes, but it can fit everything comfortably.... Last week KPtoys and I went to the mall, we had 2 babies in car seats, and the 2 older kids in their booster/car seats, 2 strollers, 2 diaper bags and shopping bags and us and we were comfortable!!!
I had a Chevy Trailblazer before this and it was great too, but it wasn't big enough for us and 2 kids....