Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com announced their selections for the Best Family Cars of 2012. Much thought was taken into account as to what features, quality and practicality make up an excellent family car. Top consideration by the editors was safety, requiring all vehicles to be equipped with antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and a minimum of six air bags. Other standards considered were fuel economy, kid-friendly features, and overall value.
Three Honda models made the list, including the 2012 Civic Hybrid, 2012 CR-V, and 2012 Odyssey. Below are the categories that each Honda was selected with editor’s comments and a list of editors’ favorite features.
Large Vehicles: Honda Odyssey
Editors’ Comments: “You’d expect a stable ride from a vehicle of this heft, but the Odyssey somehow manages to corner like a midsize car. It has 
endless storage compartments and second-row captain’s chairs that slide forward (to get closer to you) and sideways (to put extra real estate between siblings or make room for three car seats in the row). An optional middle seat in the second row transforms into a cool beverage and snack tray when no one’s using it. you can stow the third-row seats with a simple tug, yielding room for a weeklong summer vacay – and then some.”
Favorite Features: Available power tailgate, IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK designation, available rearview camera, 8-passenger capacity, 5-car- seat capacity
Research the 2012 Honda Odyssey
High-Mileage Cars: Honda Civic Hybrid
Editors’ Comments: “The redesigned Civic Hybrid is a pleasure to drive and is sleek inside and out. A cool digital readout lets you display mileage, 
speed, or radio stations. And the loaded version, with on- board navigation and leather seats, clocks in at under $27,000, making it among the most affordable full-feature hybrids.”
Favorite Features: Standard steering-wheel audio controls, IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK designation, standard USB jack, standard Bluetooth capability, 5-passenger capacity, 2-car-seat capacity.
Research the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
Crossover: Honda CR-V
Editors’ Comments: “The cabin of this redesigned crossover is reminiscent of a minivan, with a slew of cup holders and a gear shifter situated on the
dashboard. Standard features include a backup camera, a rear armrest to keep warring siblings apart, and rear seats that fold flat with a single touch. Fortunately, two things that didn’t change are the CR-V’s carlike feel and superb handling.”
Favorite Features: Standard steering-wheel audio controls, all-wheel- drive availability, IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK designation, standard USB jack, standard Bluetooth capability, 5-passenger capacity, 2-car- seat capacity.
