Family Circle Names Family Car of the Year
5 October 1998
Family Circle Names Family Car of the Year
DETROIT--Oct. 5, 1998--11th annual survey polls women on best family cars
Family Circle's 1998 Family Car of the Year awards were announced today, with the Buick LeSabre and Chevrolet Tahoe leading the magazine's 11th annual ranking of cars considered best for families.
As judged by 3,400 women nationwide, the Buick LeSabre took first place in the Best Family Sedan category with high marks based on interior roominess, driver and passenger comfort and seating capacity. Over 80% of LeSabre owners said they would buy the LeSabre again; more than one-third were already repeat customers. The LeSabre won over the Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Contour, Ford Escort, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. This is the third time in the history of the Family Circle survey that the Buick LeSabre took the top spot.
For Best Family Activity Vehicle, the Chevrolet Tahoe came out on top, ranking high in size, styling, and trunk and cargo capacity. In fact, nearly 90% of Tahoe owners said they'd buy the same vehicle again. Nominees for this category (open to minivans, wagons and 4x4s) also included: Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Venture, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, Ford Explorer, Ford Windstar, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4-Runner. This is the second appearance on the list for the Tahoe; it took top honors in 1996, as well.
"Consumers and manufacturers alike consider the Family Circle Car of the Year Award one of the most important endorsements for an automobile. Our program is unique in that we alone recognize consumer satisfaction among women who, increasingly, have become the family's automotive decision-makers," said James McEwen, the magazine's publisher.
Family Circle, America's best-selling women's magazine, represents the single most influential and responsive print vehicle read by contemporary women who are the architects of today's American families.