Even though the cost of fuel is on the rise many families still find it cheaper and more efficient to pack up the family car and drive to their summer fun destination in order to avoid expensive airfare, baggage limits and security hassles. The automobiles on our list for best family road trip vehicles all provide plenty of room for your family and all of your summer fun accessories.

The first vehicle on our list is the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Many car companies have attempted to enter into the mini van market but the Dodge Grand Caravan has remained at the top of the list throughout the mini vans climb in popularity. The 2011 model boasts a complete redesign both inside and out. The new Pentastar V-6 engine helps this new model year overcome the slow acceleration problems that have come to be associated with the mini van over the years. If you choose the new Media Center 730N upgrade it’s 6.5 inch touch screen GPS and hard drive that will make getting to your destination effortless.

If budget is less of a concern and you and you family want to travel in complete luxury consider the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. With seating for up to seven passengers small families can spread out or invite friend to come along. You may want to consider the entertainment package available on the R-Class. The rear seat entertainment system offers 2 LCD screens built into the headrests, which can be used for watching movies or playing video games. The System also includes a pair of wireless headphones so the driver doesn’t have to listen to the kid’s movies or video game sounds.

Ford’s Flex makes our list for its versatile interior and unique look. This vehicles square truck like appearance gives it optimal interior storage. The rear of the vehicle can be used as cargo or seating space depending on your families needs. One of the many optional add on choices features a refrigerated compartment in the second row seating that would be perfect for keeping your snacks and drinks cool on your summer road trip. This vehicle also offers an optional Class 3 towing package allowing you to bring along the family camping trailer.

New for 2012 Mazda has introduced a vehicle that is neither hatchback nor minivan but a hybrid of the 2 combining the best features of each. The Mazda5 has a trendy design and Mazda has managed to pack in seating for up to 6 people in just 180.5 inches of vehicle length. The second row seating is chairs instead of the typical bench seat. This feature is sure to cut down on back seat space wars. Prices start at under $20,000 but for just a bit over the Grand Touring provides a 6-disc CD changer and sliding moon roof.

The final vehicle on our list harkens back to the first days of the family road trip. The Volvo V50 echoes the original station wagon design that dominated the family vehicle market until the introduction of the mini van. Volvo has a long tradition in the station wagon and no car company does it better. The low height of this vehicle provides a balanced handling and makes it an ideal vehicle for those families wanting to attach kayaks or other equipment to the roof rack. This car also offers highly rated safety features that will ensure your family arrives at your destination with no worries.

Check out AutoCreditFinancing.com and for our 1-page application form for your new car.