With so many cars on the market it’s hard to believe that there might be just one that you can’t live without. Since cars are such a large investment these days it is a good idea to pick and choose the right car for you with care, especially when thinking of your family as well. For high-end options, Mercedes and Lexus offer some great family cars that you can still have a good time driving. If you are looking to go a bit more economical, check out Acura for a one-of-a-kind car you can’t live without.
Lexus RX 400h — The Lexus RX 400h is a four-door SUV and its “family” all the way. Another plus, for the green-minded there’s the gasoline/electric drive train. Combining luxury with some of the more down-home utility options the Lexus RX 400h offers mid-size family comfort with excellent gas mileage and performance — even with the hybrid roots. Take your pick of either the single trim level with standard cloth seats or the upgraded package if you want a little more. The front seats offer 10-way power, there is the dual-zone climate control and even second-row sliding/reclining seats. For handling, there is little wrong with this Lexus, strong and tight with the kind of handling you have come to expect with this maker. Acceleration will make you smile as well.
What to Know: The 3.3-liter V6 gas/electric hybrid comes in either front- or all-wheel-drive options. The hybrid power train system combines the gasoline-fueled V6 engine with a battery pack and electric motor generators. You get 286 horsepower overall and on the electric side of things there is the 288-volt nickel metal battery pack. From zero to 60-mph in less than eight seconds, this Lexus is a family car and then some. For safety, the standard front, side-curtain and driver-knee airbags as well as stability and traction control and rollover sensor – all part of the package.
Miles Per Gallon: This one will get you 27 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
Price Tag: A mid-range will come in around $49,000, but you can go up or down depending on the packages you choose.
Acura TSX — This car is a no-brainer when it comes to ruling the road. A four-door, five-passenger sports sedan, the Acura TSX comes in the six-speed MT or the five-speed AT with a navigational system thrown in for good measure. A carryover from several years back, notice the features that are timeless like the stability system to help the driver maintain control while driving, the exterior fog lamps and the nine-spoke alloy wheels. There is a tire-pressure monitoring system for safety that particularly stands out, but the other safety features are ahead of the game too. This car resembles Europe’s version of the Honda Accord and with that, all the European tweaks have been made starting out with the edgy performance that this Acura is known for all around.
What to Know: First and foremost, even in the luxury-level sedan at the low-end you get a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with a 205 horsepower and 164-feet of torque. In safety, you can expect the standard equipment that consumers demand these days, like the four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control and side airbags for front passengers along with front and rear side-curtain airbags. A hands-free telephone connection is available and for perfect seating the perforated leather seating surfaces and dual-zone automatic climate controls are a must. For sound, you’ll get a 360-watt Acura premium sound system with XM satellite radio.
Miles Per Gallon: Try 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31-mpg on the highway – not bad.
Price Tag: Anywhere from $28,090 to $30,090 depending on your choice of add-ons.
Mercedes Benz S550 — Always a head turner, the Mercedes S550 Roadster owns the road – period. With a 5.5-liter, 382-horsepower, V-8 engine you get a seven-speed automatic transmission and a touch shift that is reminiscent of racing. In fact, some reports state you can take this car up to speeds of 150 with no problem, not surprising really since it is Mercedes. There is a retractable aluminum hardtop that folds in mere seconds and you can always count on impeccable handling with the Active Body Control and Electronic Stability Program. Depending on the package you want you also get all kinds of goodies from gearshift paddles to 18” AMG twin-spoke Aluminum-Alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps and wood or leather shift knobs and steering wheels. Sporty yes, but always luxurious or you can opt for the V12 model, the SL600 version (family version extraordinaire). You will also notice discreet changes that have been made to the Roadster, but it certainly does not change performance, looks or the “just plain fun” ratio that this Mercedes offers in spades.
Gas Mileage: Up to 14 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
Pricing: Starting at $95,575 you can go higher for more of the fun options.