Do you have a big family and your budget for gas is just not cutting it? Well, you need to find a way on how you can meet your family’s transport needs without compromising your budget. The best way of going about this predicament is finding a vehicle that allows you to achieve both. Since many auto makers are becoming aware of their customer needs, many of them are developing vehicles that are not gas guzzlers.  

Here is a list of minivans that are suited for transporting large families but do not use up that much gas. This list could be helpful for you if you are looking for a convenient means of transport for your whole family.

1.  2009 Honda Odyssey LX Passenger Minivan

This minivan is big enough to accommodate seven persons. It has all comfortable and adjustable seats, armrests, readings lights and other amenities for making the ride enjoyable. Honda didn’t scrimp in terms of safety because this minivan is equipped with three rows side curtain airbags, head restraints, and cruise control. Aside from providing comfort to you and your family, the 2009 Honda Odyssey is also capable of taking you to your destination with its 3.5L V6 engine coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Price is $26,255.

2. 2009 Mazda 5 Minivan

This family car operates using a 2.3L I4, 5-speed automatic transmission. This can pump out 153-horsepower that’s ample for taking your family out for an enjoyable ride. As you can see, it’s big. Your whole family will surely fit inside; just make sure that the tiny kids occupy the rear seat since it’s somewhat small. 2009 Mazda 5 Minivan seems affordable at a $15,000-$25,000 price range.

3.  2009 Chrysler Town and Country Minivan

I must say this is a very good-looking vehicle. It sports clean lines and contours that make it look modern. Its good-looking appearance is complemented by a luxurious interior. Inside is an impressive arrangement of instrument panel, door trim and soft-touch surfaces made of wood grain. It’s perfectly complemented by seats made with leather trim. A seating for seven persons is provided. Chrysler’s Town and Country Minivan offer a variety of engine choices – 3.3L V6 and 4.0L V6 – to power up the vehicle.

4. 2009 Toyota Sienna Minivan

This is another great-looking potential family car for you. It has the capacity to seat up to seven persons. It features front captain chairs and are made with armrests. All of the seats are adjustable though. It also houses creature comforts to make your whole family enjoy the ride. Safety is not compromised for it has 4-wheel anti-lock brake system and electronic brake force distribution. Under its hood is a 3.5L DOHC 24-valve VVT-I V6 engine partnered with 5-speed automatic transmission.

Competition is one of the factors that keep car makers on their toes. In the automotive industry it will not do a company any good if it lets competition get ahead. All the hard work and dedication these companies put into developing their cars pay off in the end. Just like in Mazda. I’m guessing that from the time it conceptualized the Mazda6 folks over there never thought that it would receive any kind of award. Mazda6 is proclaimed “The Best Family Car” by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) in its Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2008. The reason it was chosen? “Rarely has a car ticked all the right boxes when it comes to quality, refinement, and reliability…Mazda has more than met the ambitions of many motorists”.

This program has been running for 11 years now. The members of the ASMW are the ones that judge the entries. For this year, which is the 11th year, 50 models launched in 2008 vied for the title. Among the 50, only Mazda6 met the standards of the association. It was chosen above Honda accord, Mitsubishi Lancer, Citroen C5, Kia pro-ceed, Ford Focus, Peugeot 308, and Dodge Avenger.

According to ASMW President Bill Craven, “Mazda has more than met the ambitions of many motorists following the introduction of its all-new Mazda6”.

Mazda’s UK managing director Jeremy Thomson upon learning of the award said, “We are truly delighted that the Mazda6 has been named Scottish Car of the Year’s ‘Best Family Car’. This 2008 award is further confirmation that the all-new Mazda6 continues to attract family buyers thanks to its people and luggage carrying abilities and very competitive CO2 emissions levels, ideal for family motoring needs.

“The new Mazda6 has built upon the original model’s sportiness and design flair while the new bodyshells, which are significantly stiffer as well as lighter, mean that both the hatchback and the estate models deliver even more responsive handling.”

Mazda6 is one of the company’s best selling models. I guess many people opt for this car because of the variety of engine options available. Prices of the different trims range from £15,110 to £22,130.

For families who want all convenience and safety can choose the Mazda6. An award-winning car as this will not let you down.

Photo Credit: Car Advice