Email2010 Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus look sharp, critics say
Before you settle on a 2009 family car, a couple of 2010 models are arriving at showrooms and might be worth a look.
Edmunds Inside Line uses words like "flamboyant" and "voluptuous" to describe the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, which was unveiled at the 2009 International Auto Show in Detroit. With curvy lines and a long roof, it's "better looking than any current Buicks... certainly more attractive than a Lexus ES," the review states. The new LaCrosse also has a much-improved interior and should fix some of the current model's safety flaws; Frank Filipponio of Autoblog.com says it "could be a savior for the brand."
The 2010 Ford Taurus is "the one we should have made originally," Ford CEO Alan Mulally is widely quoted as saying. Edmunds Inside Line says the upcoming Taurus sports a "compelling look" that calls to mind the original avant-garde 1986 Taurus, unlike the "bloodless chunk of metal" that is the current Taurus. Except for retuned suspension and steering, the underpinnings largely stay the same, but ConsumerGuide.com hopes for better fuel economy from the new Taurus. The turbocharged Taurus SHO high-performance trim also returns after a 10-year absence, although Consumer Reports' Cars blogger Eric Evarts wonders if anyone will buy one. The new Taurus goes on sale in June.
Choosing a family sedan
No matter your budget, experts say you can find a family sedan that's safe, reliable and spacious. However, you'll also find some seriously flawed cars in this crowded category. Here are a few important features to look for:
- A family car should comfortably seat four and have adequate space for a fifth person, at least for short trips. Consider the passengers and the cargo you're likely to be transporting -- not just at present, but for the next several years. If you think the car may be too small, it's good to look elsewhere.
- Look at the amount of storage space. Don't focus solely on trunk space; take time to inspect the car as a whole. Do the back seats fold down? Is there a luggage rack? All of these details can impact the storage capacity of your car.
- Consider standard safety features. A full complement of airbags (six or more) is now standard on a number of cars, but plenty of others consider these optional equipment. An antilock braking system (ABS), traction control and electronic stability control are customary offerings as well. If you're having trouble deciding between two cars, this can be the issue that tips the scales.
- Note the fuel statistics. With the rising cost of fuel, a car's gas mileage is increasingly important. It's also wise to determine what type of fuel a car requires before you buy it. A car that takes premium gasoline may cost hundreds more annually than one that relies on regular-grade fuel.
- Take your time with the test drive. Nothing else about a vehicle matters if the driving experience doesn't work for you. The best method for a gauging performance is to expose the vehicle to as many different road surfaces and conditions as possible, so keep this in mind during a test drive.
New roof-strength crash test on the way
Although the U.S. government has delayed tougher roof-strength standards for vehicles, the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is developing its own ratings to let consumers know which vehicles' roofs are strongest -- and weakest. A strong roof is especially important in a rollover crash, according to IIHS. IIHS plans to rate vehicles' roof strength starting with the 2010 model year, the Society of Automotive Engineers reports.