Cars.com's 2012 Family-Friendly Feature Roundup

A Parent’s Tech Friend
Honda’s intelligent-Multi Information Display came to the rescue for Family reviewer BreAnn Ahara, a busy mama of three, when she drove the Honda Civic this year. With a 5-inch color screen next to the speedometer, BreAnn said it gave her the information she needed right at eye level. It was especially helpful when using the navigation system. Instead of looking away from the road and at the navigation screen, i-MiD displayed how many feet she had left until the next turn. She always knew where she was going thanks to Honda’s little helper.

Happy Mom Equals Happy Kids
Courtney Messenbaugh, Family reviewer and mom of three, says that massaging seats should be standard on any car marketed to parents of young kids. While massaging seats are only found in luxury cars like the Audi A8, Jaguar XJL and Mercedes-Benz GL350 she tested this year, it’s a safe bet that all of the Family reviewers are rooting for this premium-of-premium features to be brought to the masses.

Because You Can Always Use an Extra Set of Eyes
Cars.com Family editor Jennifer Newman, a mom of two, likes Honda’s LaneWatch system, which she tested in the 2013 Accord sedan and coupe. A camera attached to the passenger-side mirror shows what’s going on to the right of the car. When signaling a right turn, the camera view is displayed on the dash’s 8-inch screen. It was distracting at first, she said, but found she relied on it often while navigating Chicago’s busy streets.

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