#family

We sent out the call. A request to every manufacturer, looking for new, significantly updated, or strong contenders in the mainstream three-row SUV segment. We need the best of best for a special AutoGuide Three-Row SUV Shootout Comparison brought to you by WeatherTech. Our goal: to find the best 3 row SUV. 

Not that long ago, if you needed a three-row vehicle but didn’t want to lose your car enthusiast cred, you were out of luck. Sure, there were big, comfy rides, but nothing that really got your blood going. The world is different now. The Chevrolet Tahoe RST is different.

The Focus is an important vehicle for Ford. The compact car category continues to grow and the Focus is a solid seller within the segment. Offered in either sedan or hatchback body styles, the Focus features contemporary styling and a lot of unexpected technology for a compact car.

The Prius V joined the expanding Prius lineup in 2011 as a 2012 model. For the North American market the “V” is basically a wagon version of the regular Prius. In other markets the Prius V is sold as a three-row multi-person vehicle, which means all versions worldwide include second row seating set on adjustable rails. This cargo flexibility combined with 50 percent more interior volume compared to the regular Prius gives the Prius V a sizable utility advantage.

Power for the Prius V comes from the same 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-engine gasoline engine paired to an electric motor as found in the regular Prius. Total system power is rated at 134 hp which is adequate for the 3,274 lbs. hybrid wagon. Since its introduction in 2011, not much has changed for the Prius V other than minor shuffling of the features available in each trim package.

Shop Used Car Classifieds: Used Toyota Prius V for Sale

Attention dudes: if you think it takes a supercar to impress the ladies think again. That six-figure exotic you just bought might be sending a totally different message to women.

Two’s company but three’s a crowd. More may be merrier in certain situations but undoubtedly not in every circumstance. Sure, having more flavors of ice cream to choose from or more paid vacation time is like hitting the jackpot at your local Native American tribal casino. Bingo was indeed his name-o.

Congratulations, you’re all grown up! At this point in life you’ve probably made it through college with more than an associate’s degree in the field of interpretive dance; you’ve more than likely claimed a life partner that’s the opposite gender and of breeding age and, consequently, you’ve manufactured a genetic replica or two. You’re going places, and you need a suitable vehicle for this exciting new lifestyle.

Are mid-size sedans all the car most people need? Some would argue yes. Unless your family exceeds five people, the majority of driving endeavors can be accomplished with one of these family sedans.

Minivans are the most economical way to move lots of people and stuff. They’re spacious, comfortable and pretty carlike from a driving perspective. Good news for enthusiasts of the genre, Honda is updating its class-leading Odyssey for the 2014 model year.

Toyota is using Independence Day at the Fair St Louis to launch its new Creation Station Tour to offer a family-friendly introduction to the brand’s lineup through games and activities.

Toyota has just released the second official teaser photo of the new 2012 Camry. This picture follows a series of leaked unofficial shots and videos that ended up online in the last few weeks, not to mention the first official teaser image – of the headlight. Today’s photo shows angular taillight, with some of Toyota’s slightly more modern design cues as seen on the new Sienna. Still, there’s quite a similarity to the rear end of the previous generation Camry.

Today, the Ford Transit Connect is targeted at taxi and delivery business. The vehicle is reasonably priced, great on gas and is nimble through narrow streets. However, Ford may choose to offer a seven-passenger version for young families that are not interested in bulky minivans. The next-generation Transit Connect arrives in a few years, and will allegedly be assembled in North America as a more refined vehicle. The current Transit Connect is produced in Turkey and the price comes in around $24,000 to $25,000 making it a very competitive alternative to minivans. Both gasoline and electric versions are offered, as well as models with side winds and panels.

In this interesting new advertising campaign, Subaru’s American division targets the Chinese-American Market with the 2011 Legacy.

The ad called “Sweet Tomorrow” features a young Chinese-American couple, running errands and preparing for their home for the birth of their first child. It emphasizes safety and reliability of the Subaru brand preparing the couple for the next chapter of their lives.

“Making the right vehicle choice is a big decision for expanding families,” said Alan Bethke, director of marketing communication, Subaru of America, Inc.  “In fact, other than the arrival of the child itself, a car purchase is one of the biggest costs involved for new parents.  It’s important that families choose a vehicle that provides safety and versatility and we wanted to show that in a unique and emotional way.”

Subaru seems to be on a roll lately, with this latest ad spot an emotional appeal, much like the teen driver’s “first time out” ad that first aired last August.

The “Sweet Tomorrow” ad is scheduled to run through October 2011.

Check out the video after the jump!