by : Jenny Mclane

The AAA (American Automobile Association) and Parents magazine named the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe and the Entourage as two of 2007's 'Best Cars for Families.'

This year is the magazine's fifth time to give the 15-vehicle list consisting of the best vehicles in different segments. The list is coupled with detailed reviews of the auto models in the April issue of Parents magazine. AAA's auto-safety experts and Parents' editors, who meticulously weighed the capabilities and attributes of the vehicles to support the needs and wants of families, created a list of sedans, economy cars, SUVs, vans, and crossovers that they believe will perfectly meet the everyday demands of the family.

According to AAA/Parents' judges, "The Santa Fe is packed with safety technology to protect your little ones, but the modest price tag leaves something for their college funds. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side-impact and side-curtain air bags are standard. Nice surprises include second-row A/C vents to keep your kids cool and a heated windshield wiper for melting through the ice." After a road test with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Sally Lee, the editor-in-chief of Parents magazine said, "I loved the easy-to-read instrument panel and the great storage space. Car seats were a breeze to install. It's a lot of car for the money - and stylish too."

The AAA/Parents' judges said, "No van has more standard safety features: Three-row side-curtain air bags, [electronic] stability control, and antilock brakes are all standard. So are the Entourage's three-zone climate-control system, power windows in the sliding doors, a flat-folding third row, and all the obligatory storage nooks. And how's this for value: Even if you opt for power rear doors and tailgate, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and wood-grain accents, you'll pay less than $30,000."

"We are proud to accept recognition from two organizations that offer helpful information and advice to better the lives of consumers," said John Krafcik, the vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development for Hyundai Motor America. "Santa Fe and Entourage are great examples of Hyundai's continued commitment to providing affordable vehicles with standard life-saving technologies and convenience features that every family is looking for."

The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, a midsize crossover SUV based on the Sonata platform, was introduced at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The first production of the vehicle, which shares the assembly line with the Sonata, rolled off the automaker's Montgomery, Alabama assembly line.

The new Santa Fe bears semblance with the Toyota Motor Corp.'s RAV4 model. The crossover features noteworthy safety features like the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side curtain airbags for all seating rows, active front head restraints, a tire pressure monitor, and anti-lock brakes. The Santa Fe is also equipped with a heated windshield wiper grid located in the front wipers' 'park' position to help thaw ice buildup on the blades in colder climates. Other auto parts and accessories are enhanced to complement the crossover's overall appeal. The auto parts are carefully tested to ensure efficiency like the .

The interior of the crossover was modified to enhance styling and appeal. Modifications include the Lexus-like blue and white electroluminecent gauge display, blue-lit dashboard controls, illuminated cupholders, LATCH child seat anchors, gated shifter pattern, and higher quality leather on Limited models. The new styling entertained by the automaker features 'shingled' head rests that when lowered completely delivers utmost rear visibility. The middle rear seating position now comes with its own head restraint and a three-point seatbelt built in.

The Hyundai Entourage, on the other hand, which is based on the Kia Sedona, is now in its second generation. The production Entourage, which debuted at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, went on sale in April 2006. The vehicle, powered by a 3.8 L Lambda V6, offers a bunch of outstanding auto features including leather seating, automatic climate control, reverse sensors, power sliding doors and tailgate, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer.