2009 Family-Friendly Vehicles

November 13, 11:52 PMSan Diego Parenting ExaminerSondra Santos LaBrie

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Ford Flex

Family-friendly vehicles have evolved since I was a child. Station wagons of the past and mini-vans - like the one I own - have been modified to fit a family of four (or more) and designed for any Mom or Dad to feel safe and stylish.

Check out these 2009 family-friendly vehicles:

Mazda 3 - Starting at $15,160, this stylish model has great handling, wonderful fuel efficiency and is one of the most hip exteriors for a compact vehicle.

Suzuki SX4 Crossover - Luxury features, such as keyless entry, heated front seats, and a flip-top navigation system make this all-wheel drive worth every penny.

Saab 9-3 SportCombi -  With a V6 engine and a long list of luxury accessories and sleek design, this four-door sporty wagon will have you looking at family cars in a whole new light.

MINI Cooper Clubman - With heated seats, heated powerfold mirrors and heated windshiled wiper jets, this British racing vehicle is the hottest car you can find.

Ford Flex - This is my personal favorite from this list with seating up to seven, a voice activated navigation system, a multi-panel vista roof, a power lift-gate and a hip design that'll turn heads. Refrigerator optional.

Dodge Caliber - Fold-flat seats, 30 Hwy MPG, a cooled beverage storage bin and a sporty package combine to make this innovative design appealing to parents. The Stain Repel cloth seats don't hurt, either.

Toyota Venza - When Toyota releases a new model, drivers pay attention. Experience the new Toyota Venza with the online video that will leave you breathless. There's a reason why there's a waiting list for this one.

Nissan Murano - Technology and design come together to create a safe and beautiful vehicle. Features include leather seats, Intelligent Key with Pushbutton Ignition, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers, an Interface system for iPod and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Intuitive All-Wheel Drive.

Which 2009 model would you test-drive?