Mother Proof Shares Picks for Looking Cool in the Carpool Lane

CHICAGO, Sept. 10 -- With the 2007 school year in full swing, Mother Proof has some advice for moms about cars that will turn heads in the carpool lane at school.

"The carpool lane is no different than the red carpet, really -- if there were a bunch of photographers and commentators in addition to all the moms, it would be closer than we'd care to admit," said Kristin Varela, Chief Mother at Mother Proof. "So as we took a look at the crowd during the beginning of this school year, we thought of ways modern moms can convey all their coolness in the carpool lane."

Below is a list of cars that Mother Proof says will definitely have mothers looking cool during carpool:

Mazda CX-7

What Mother Proof had to say: Fashionista moms who want to go incognito on a budget this fall will love the Mazda CX-7. Filled with lots of sleek design details inside and out (leather seats with faux croc suede detailing, for starters) the CX-7 can transfer seamlessly from the morning carpool to cocktail hour -- as long as you vacuum out the goldfish crackers in back. Ski weekend with the family? This Mazda can handle it with style.

Toyota Prius/Toyota Highlander Hybrid

What Mother Proof had to say: If you're a mom who values the environment -- and believes the best way to send a message is with your wallet -- you're probably already considering a hybrid. The most politically vocal hybrid out there is the Toyota Prius, but crunchy-inclined moms with slightly bigger broods may want to consider the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as the new 2008 model has certainly upped the family-friendly factor. Not quite as outspoken as the Prius, the Highlander still says the environment is important to you, but without going so far as needing to drive a home-conversion-kit-modified biodeisel Mercedes fueled by dirty cooking oil from the local taco joint.

Mini Cooper

What Mother Proof had to say: The polar opposite of the typical mom-mobile, the Mini has tons of style and power to match. Half the fun of owning a Mini is custom-designing the one you want, and zipping through carpool like you're in "The Italian Job" is a delight. Once the kids are booster-seat age and older, the logistics of a two-door are much less of a hassle.

Lincoln MKX

What Mother Proof had to say: For moms who like to roll in luxury SUVs without the bulk (or bad fuel economy) of an Escalade or Navigator, the MKX is a good choice. The quiet ride, panoramic sunroof and comfortable seats make moms swoon, and endless accessories -- like metallic Dark Amethyst paint, wood trim and heated/ventilated seats -- will make you feel put together and appropriately cool no matter where you go. The swanky grille and nice tail end will separate you from the other moms out there.

Honda Odyssey

What Mother Proof had to say: If you're the mom of many -- or just love wearing your mom badge with pride -- check out the Honda Odyssey. Just because it's a minivan doesn't mean it can't be hot. You can update this minivan's looks with some tinted windows, matching running boards and nice wheels to give yourself a perky lift to carpool and field trips. You can wear your pajamas in this baby or don that velour Juicy Couture you just found at Nordstrom Rack, knowing we're all secretly jealous you've got it so good. Please, just leave off the window sticker of the stick-figure mom, dad, kids and pets. You really don't have to rub it in.

About Mother Proof:

Mother Proof(TM) (http://www.motherproof.com/) provides online car reviews and information aimed at the fastest growing segment of automotive consumers: women and mothers. The site was launched in 2004 by Kristin Varela, a young mother of two, when she was in need of a new car and couldn't find information that was important to her and her family. Now part of the Cars.com family, Mother Proof's team of mom-reviewers continues in a never-ending quest for the quintessential mom-mobile, searching for vehicles that make grocery shopping and preschool pickup just a little easier.