GM and Domestic Brands Shine in 2013 Best Family Car Awards

May 30
19:57

2024

Paul E Lee

Paul E Lee

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The 2013 Best Cars for Families awards by U.S. News & World Report have been announced, showcasing a strong performance by domestic brands. This annual accolade highlights vehicles that excel in quality, size, and family-friendly features, making it easier for families to choose the best car for their needs.

Overview of the Awards

U.S. News & World Report's 2013 Best Cars for Families awards recognized 19 different categories,GM and Domestic Brands Shine in 2013 Best Family Car Awards Articles with domestic brands making a significant impact. Notably, 10 out of the 19 winners were U.S.-based brands, including six from General Motors (GM).

Key Highlights

  • General Motors: Dominated with six awards across various categories.
  • Ford: Secured wins with its Fusion and Fusion Hybrid models.
  • Jeep and Lincoln: Also made notable appearances.
  • Honda and Toyota: Continued their streak with multiple awards.

Criteria for Selection

The awards are designed to assist prospective car buyers in making informed decisions tailored to their family's needs. According to Jamie Page Deaton, Managing Editor of U.S. News Best Cars, the awards aim to simplify the car selection process for families by highlighting vehicles that offer the best combination of quality, size, and family-friendly features.

Evaluation Metrics

  1. Quality: Determined by a weighted average of a vehicle’s U.S. News ranking, which considers safety, reliability, and expert opinions.
  2. Size: Evaluated based on seating capacity and available interior space.
  3. Family Needs: Assessed by the number and quality of features deemed beneficial for families.

General Motors' Performance

GM demonstrated its family-friendly appeal across multiple categories, including compact cars, full-sized cars, and luxury SUVs. The following GM models received awards:

  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • Chevrolet Traverse
  • Chevrolet Cruze
  • Buick Verano
  • Buick LaCrosse
  • Cadillac Escalade

Other Notable Winners

  • Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Lincoln MKT
  • Honda CR-V and Odyssey
  • Lexus RX 350
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid

First-Time Winners

  • Chevrolet
  • Jeep
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Audi
  • Lincoln

Impact and Significance

In 2012, over 27 million potential car buyers visited the U.S. News website, underscoring the importance of these awards for car manufacturers. U.S. News has built a reputation as a leading provider of service news and information, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its readers. The Best Cars for Families awards are part of this mission, providing valuable insights to help families choose the most suitable vehicle.

Family-Friendly Features

A family-friendly vehicle must excel in several areas, including safety, space, and versatility. Jennifer Stockburger, a senior automotive engineer at Consumer Reports, emphasizes the importance of versatility in family cars. "The family car is the multi-use vehicle for many families. Consumers are very demanding about what they want, and they aren’t willing to compromise," she says.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount, especially for families. Vehicles must protect occupants throughout the cabin, particularly in the back seats where children are often seated. Features such as advanced airbag systems, child safety locks, and rearview cameras are crucial.

Conclusion

The 2013 Best Cars for Families awards by U.S. News & World Report highlight the best vehicles for families, with domestic brands making a strong showing. These awards provide valuable guidance for families seeking the perfect car, SUV, or van to meet their needs.

For more detailed information on the awards and the winning vehicles, visit the U.S. News Best Cars website.

Interesting Stats

  • 27 million: The number of potential car buyers who consulted the U.S. News website in 2012.
  • 10 out of 19: The number of awards won by U.S.-based brands in 2013.
  • 6: The number of awards won by General Motors alone.

These statistics highlight the influence and importance of the Best Cars for Families awards in the automotive industry.

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