Memorial
Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season and AAA is
expecting an increase in road trips this year despite record
high gas prices. With that in mind, the road savvy editors at
Kelley Blue Book picked 10 great new vehicles for a summer road
trip and then asked nearly 6,000 new car buyers which of the
10 they would most like to take a road trip in this summer.
Here is what they said:
Kelley
Blue Book Editor's Picks for Great
Road Trip Vehicles Ranked by Car Buyers
Rank |
Choice |
Percentage |
MPG City/Hwy |
1 |
2004
Chevy Tahoe |
22% |
14/18 |
2 |
2004
Lincoln Navigator |
21% |
13/18 |
3 |
2004
Lexus LS430 |
17% |
18/25 |
4 |
2004
Mercedes E-Class |
11% |
17/24
|
5 |
2005
Dodge Magnum |
8% |
21/28 |
6 |
2004
Toyota Sienna |
6% |
18/24 |
7 |
2004
VW Jetta TDI Wgn |
5% |
32/43 |
8 |
2004
Hyundai XG350L |
4% |
17/26 |
9 |
2004
Subaru Outback |
4% |
20/27 |
10 |
2004
Mazda3 5-door |
3% |
26/34 |
|
Regardless
of gas prices, car buyers may be looking for size and comfort
for their 2004 summer road trip as they overwhelmingly pick
large SUVs. The Chevy Tahoe and the Lincoln Navigator top the
list garnering almost half of the votes. Just below large SUVs,
summer travelers look to ride in the lap of luxury picking the
Lexus LS 430 and the Mercedes E-Class as other top choices for
the road this summer.
Kelley Blue Book Editor's Comments on Each Vehicle
Chevrolet
Tahoe
- This workhorse has a third row seat, available 4-wheel drive
and big towing capacity. The OnStar system and XM Satellite
Radio will keep you secure and constantly entertained. Bring
all the toys and the kids too.
Dodge Magnum -
This is not your mom's station wagon. It's a family hauler and
muscle car all in one. 340 horsepower and satellite radio means
everyone can be happy, if not all at the same time. Be prepared
for crowds of the curious at every stop along the way.
Hyundai XG 350L - Comfort for four with a nice amount of trunk space. This car
has a lot of luxury, convenience and travel features in an affordable
package.
Lexus
LS 430 - 10 and 14 way adjustable climate controlled
seats means this car will fit you like a glove. Add in laser
cruise control, navigation system and a Mark Levinson audio
and this luxury car could take your family of four a trip you'll
never want to end.
Mazda3
5-door - Stylish European looks and handling.
This car is available with a navigation system and MP3 player.
Lots of bang for the buck makes this a great car for the young
family of four with small children.
Mercedes Benz E-Class - Elegance and fuel economy (if you opt for the diesel engine).
With the available navigation system and all wheel drive, you
won't get stuck or lost when you and three others hit the road
this summer.
Lincoln
Navigator - With room for six and features such
as heated and cooled seats, rear air, DVD entertainment and
navigation systems, it's perfect for keeping a large family
comfortable and occupied during long and short road trips.
Subaru
Outback - This newly designed Outback is a combination
of rugged Subaru design and attractive interior. Combine the
all wheel drive with stability control and you get a vehicle
that is capable of handling any road condition. Hedge your bets
with the available OnStar and go anywhere with confidence. Every
trip is an adventure in this car.
Toyota Sienna - Fresh design and Toyota reliability. Dual power sliding doors,
room for seven, available navigation and DVD entertainment systems
makes this an excellent choice for loading the troops in and
out quickly and keeping them occupied along the way.
VW Jetta TDI Wagon - Fuel economy and enough power to haul four people and lots
of luggage in comfort. A decent stereo and available OnStar
keeps you connected to the outside world.
Criteria
for the 10 Great Road Trip Vehicles include models currently
on the road and available at local dealerships, priced under
$75,000 and have the ability to carry a minimum of four passengers.
Most of the features mentioned in the above vehicle descriptions
are optional equipment offered by the manufacturer and can enhance
the driving experience. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon is not
available in all 50 states. For more information on these vehicles,
optional equipment, dealer invoice pricing and transaction pricing,
please visit www.kbb.com.