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2009 Mother Proof Awards
Feb 03 2009 by Jennifer Newman
Our 2009 Mother Proof/Spoof Awards are back! We mom-reviewers spent the year loading our kids, groceries, sports gear and more into our test cars. We drove thousands of miles to find the best car for your family.
We know that families come in all sizes and that each family uses their car differently. From minivans to sedans to hybrids, there’s a Mother Proof Award-winning car that will fit your family.
2009 Mother Proof Award Winners
Minivan: 2009 Toyota Sienna
Mama Says: This minivan actually treats mom like a bona fide grown-up, with a fit and finish that anyone would be proud to drive. Sure, it has all the gadgets, gizmos and family-friendly features you’d expect in a minivan, but with a surprisingly car-like ride.
Momorable Mention: 2009 Chrysler Town & Country
SUV/Crossover (three rows): 2009 Buick Enclave
Mama Says: The Enclave is a major hit with its luxurious environment, flexible seating and quiet interior. Its thoughtful details, like seat belt tethers for booster seats and tether anchors in the third row, make us swoon.
Momorable Mention: 2009 Ford Flex
SUV/Crossover (two rows): 2009 Subaru Forester
Mama Says: The Forester’s go-anywhere attitude meshes well with busy moms on the go. All-wheel drive and increased spaciousness for 2009 bumped this favorite up to winner status. Factor in its IIHS Top Safety Pick status, and the Forester becomes an obvious vehicle for families to consider. A panoramic sunroof doesn’t hurt, either.
Momorable Mention: 2009 Mercedes ML320
Wagon/Hatch: 2009 Volvo XC70
Mama Says: Safety abounds, of course, in the Volvo XC70. A lane departure warning system, blind spot warning system and adaptive cruise control keep families protected. It’s the simple, clean and beautiful interior that wins our hearts. Winningest feature? Integrated booster seats that make life for moms and kids immeasurably easier.
Momorable Mention: 2009 Toyota Venza
Sedan: 2009 VW Passat
Mama Says: We were very impressed with everything the Passat had to offer. From the built-in sunshades for backseat passengers to the easy-to-use navigation system, the Passat exceeded our expectations. Add to this a fun drive and a bevy of safety features, and the Passat is a winner.
Momorable Mention: 2009 Lincoln MKS
Hybrid: 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Mama Says: The Hi-Hy’s plentiful cargo space gave us the biggest thrill. For an SUV that doesn’t look or feel big, this baby can pack a lot in (including hybrid technology). We have an ongoing quandary because we don’t love huge cars, but a teeny car just doesn’t cut it anymore. The Hi-Hy fit all our family gear with room to spare.
Momorable Mention: 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Just for Fun: 2009 Audi R8
Mama Says: Everything about this car makes Mom happy. The R8 paved the way for an expectant mom-reviewer to fulfill her destiny of driving a sexy supercar while being a gracious queen of the road. It supported another mom-reviewer in her indulgent single-mom weekend. It took one more mom-reviewer and her son out for some birthday fun. Someone tell us how this is NOT a mom-mobile — we dare you!
Overall Value: 2009 Mazda5
Mama Says: The Mazda5 makes good use of its carlike qualities by hugging the road better than a minivan — no topsy-turvy feel here. We love that the interior is highly usable, while the exterior doesn’t make us feel like moms. We have to hand it to the Mazda designers on this one; the Mazda5 really does have a “zoom-zoom” effect.
Top Latch Connectors: 2009 Audi S5
Mama Says: It’s a two-door coupe, and the Latch connectors work? Yes, they do. Do you know what we like most about them? They’re out there for everyone to see. It’s almost as if the S5 were proclaiming, “I have Latch connectors, and I’m to-die-for!” Built into plastic housing, the Latch connectors are easy to use, too.
2008 Mother Spoof Award:
In addition to awards for the top family vehicles, each year Mother Proof also calls out a feature or vehicle that is worst for families. The 2009 Mother Spoof award goes to recessed seat belt buckles.
What went wrong? Many manufacturers are recessing their seat belt buckles into the backseat bench. This scenario provides a more streamlined look in the backseat, but it’s a colossal pain in the booty for kids in booster seats. When they’re perched on their boosters, their little arms can’t reach all the way down and manipulate the seat belt buckle into the right position. Come on, people, fix this problem!
Most of the above cars are gas guzzlers, over-sized vehicles that have no more room than a small, fuel efficient car. What a waste of resources. Shame on you.