Family Sedan Brands and Links

Family car alternatives

For larger families, a minivan or station wagon may be a better fit than a family sedan. Both have comparable fuel efficiency and prices to family sedans and provide more cargo space. For more information, see our reports on minivans and station wagons.

For the smaller family that has an active interest in performance, sports sedans may prove an attractive option. These vehicles are often geared more towards power, speed and handling than storing strollers. To learn more about vehicles in this class, read our report on sports sedans.

If you're looking for an environmentally friendly or exceptionally fuel-efficient family sedan, you'll find hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. Check out our hybrid cars report, which also covers the Toyota Prius.

Info on fuel economy, crash-test ratings and more

FuelEconomy.gov is the place to go to find the federal government's fuel-economy estimates for cars sold in the United States. You can search by year, make, model, engine and transmission. Side-by-side comparisons can be made, and older cars have had their ratings upgraded to reflect the latest test methodology.

SaferCar.gov is run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is the go-to site for government crash-test results, defect and recall data, and other safety topics. Information is searchable and generally well organized.

The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety / Highway Loss Data Institute is backed by the insurance industry and is the online home for the organization's vehicle-safety ratings, crash-test data and related information.

Vehicle specifications and pricing are available at the individual manufacturers' consumer websites, as well as at large, auto-related sites such as Edmunds.com and AOL Autos.

Family sedan recalls

Find recall information at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, www.safercar.gov.

2011 Buick LaCrosse: General Motors is recalling some 2011 LaCrosses with faulty software that could make the climate control quit unexpectedly -- including the defroster, which could be dangerous. Dealers will reprogram the software for free.

2011 Buick Lucerne: GM is recalling some 2011 Lucernes with V8 engines due to possible power steering fluid leaks and failure. Dealers will fix the problem for free.

2011 Chrysler 200 and 2011 Dodge Avenger: Chrysler is recalling some of these cars for a steering column repair to make sure the frontal crash-protection system works properly. Dealers will inspect and fix the problem for free.

2011 Honda Accord: Honda has recalled some 2011 Accords with V6 engines, because some of their steering brackets may not have been tightened properly. This could cause a loss of steering. Dealers will inspect and replace the parts if necessary.

2011 Hyundai Sonata: Hyundai has two recalls on the 2011 Sonata. In some cars, the front door may not latch, possibly opening while the car is moving. Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will replace the latches for free. Other Sonatas may have steering columns that weren't assembled properly. Dealers will inspect and fix the problem and will also update the power steering software for free.

2011 Subaru Legacy: Subaru is recalling some 2011 Legacys that are missing a transmission lubrication hole. Subaru will notify the owners and dealers will fix the problem for free.

2011 Toyota Camry: Toyota is recalling some 2005 to 2011 vehicles, including come Camrys, because they're missing a required load carrying capacity label. Dealers will mail owners the necessary label or will install it for free.

2011 Volvo S40: Volvo is recalling some 2011 S40s that may allow the power front passenger seat to extend too far forward, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the seat for free.