Consider passenger space, interior comfort, cargo flexibility, towing, and even brand loyalty. Be sure to factor in passenger needs, from securing wee ones in child safety seats to the number of adults you'll regularly be transporting. Special features such as power sliding doors and foldaway third-row seats can dramatically improve a vehicle's functionality.
As you go through this exercise, maintain an open mind and focus on the attributes, rather than the body style. Vehicle segments are breaking from traditional definitions, with the latest products striking new niches such as the more-SUV-like minivans from General Motors, the sport-wagon-like Infiniti FX SUV, and the Chrysler Pacifica, which borrows equally from wagons, minivans, and SUVs. You might find the vehicle that best suites your budget and lifestyle takes on a different shape from that you originally expected.
With the list roughed out, its time to revisit your budget to determine what down payment and monthly payment will be reasonable. The specification charts in this magazine include invoice, retail, and, most important, Target Price to create a common basis for comparison among makes and models. Ultimately, the real acquisition cost will factor in your old vehicle's value, whether you plan to trade it in or sell it yourself, and interest rates, but for now, these numbers can help you sort your shopping list, prioritizing those models that best suit your budget.
In reading through this buyer's guide, look closely at the Cost of Ownership data where available, which reveal the true value story of each vehicle. (See the Buyer's Guide introduction on page 56 for a full explanation of Cost of Ownership.) This information objectively measures the return on investment. You will need to balance these data with your own subjective evaluation, as you may find some vehicles are worth paying extra for up front because of a low cost of ownership in the long run. The most important point here is that you know going in to the purchase what the long-term implications will be, both lifestyle and financial.