ATLANTA, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- While Santa was busy making his list and checking it twice, the editors at AutoTrader.com were preparing a list every family can benefit from this holiday season: the top ten must-shop cars for families. Last year, more than 80 percent of AutoTrader.com site visitors planned to take a road trip over the winter holidays, and 25 percent of those polled drove more than 300 miles.*

"The holiday season means lots of road trips, and without a doubt, families now have more choices than ever when shopping for a car that fits their lifestyle and budget," said AutoTrader.com site editor, Brian Moody. "It's no longer just about cargo space, number of seats and safety – it's also about value and practicality. Our list identifies the top ten cars that exceed our expectations and are definitely worth taking a test drive this winter."

As dealerships prepare for 2015 and begin to clear their lots for incoming new models, shoppers can take advantage of year-end deals such as 0% financing and/or thousands in cash back on select vehicles.

"December can also be a good time to check out used or Certified Pre-Owned options too, since most of those cars will be a year older and prices tend to go down slightly as newer or all-new models start showing up at the dealer," said Moody.

To help families narrow down their search for the perfect car, the expert editors at AutoTrader.com have named the top ten must-shop family cars, including six new models and four Certified Pre-Owned options:

New Vehicles:

• 2015 Chrysler 200
• 2015 Ford Fusion
• 2015 Honda Accord
• 2015 Honda Fit
• 2015 Subaru Outback
• 2015 Toyota Camry

CPO Vehicles:

• 2013 Buick Enclave
• 2013 Ford Flex
• 2013 Mazda5
• 2012 Toyota Sienna

Moody encourages consumers to consider bringing the whole family on the test drive. "It's important to know how your children feel riding in the third row, how your child safety restraint will fit in the rear seat, or even how your everyday items like groceries and sports equipment will fit in the cargo areas," said Moody. "Consider every aspect of your lifestyle before you sign on the dotted line."

For more information about each of these vehicles, expert advice and to search more than 4 million new and used cars for sale, visit AutoTrader.com.

* AutoTrader.com quick poll (Dec. 23-29, 2013)

About AutoTrader.com 
Created in 1997, Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com is the Internet's ultimate automotive marketplace. As a leading resource for car shoppers and sellers, AutoTrader.com aggregates millions of new, used and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of dealers and private sellers and provides expert articles and reviews. AutoTrader.com, which also operates the AutoTraderClassics.com auto marketing brand, is wholly owned by AutoTrader Group. Additionally, AutoTrader Group owns Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com®) as well as companies that provide a full suite of software tools that help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online: vAuto®, HomeNet Automotive®, VinSolutions®, AIS Rebates™, Genius Labs® and Haystak™. AutoTrader Group is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

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SOURCE AutoTrader.com