Back in the good old days when petrol was measured in gallons, seatbelts were optional and mechanics could fix your car with a hammer and some swearing, large family cars ruled the roost. The motorways were coursing with Cortinas and Cavaliers, and driving a family saloon was just something that everyone did.
These days, of course, the large family barge is dying a death. Those who value fuel economy have switched to smaller motors, those who value practicality have switched to MPVs and those who value prestige buy a compact executive car. The family saloon is seen as a relic: a VCR in a Blu-ray world.
This is a pity because the market is awash with superb large family cars, and we've rounded up ten of the best. Click on the links to access information and reviews on the cars.
1. Ford Mondeo
It sort of had to be didn't it? The Mondeo is the industry standard for large family cars and the yardstick against which all of its rivals are measured. Okay, so it's not the most exciting choice in the world -- being stuck in a lift with a heavily sedated Steve Davis would be a more exhilarating experience than owning a Mondeo -- but it's well priced, good looking, well equipped and more fun to drive than a big family car has any right to be. Everything Mondeo man needs from a car.
2. Vauxhall Insignia
The Insignia was something of a revelation when it was launched back in 2008. Gone was the dowdy old Vectra and in its place was a car which could actually launch a convincing attack on the all-conquering Mondeo. It's not as good as a Mondeo but it did win European Car of the Year in 2009 and it's currently the best-selling model in the sector.
3. Volkswagen Passat
The Passat is absolutely brilliant. Comfortable, refined, well-priced, fuel-efficient, well-made, safe, practical... the list just goes on and on. If we had one criticism it's that it doesn't shine in any area; it does everything well and nothing brilliantly. A car you buy with your head, not your heart.
4. Toyota Avensis
The Avensis is a superb all-rounder; it's practical, comfy, well-priced and economical. However, it suffers from the same problem as the Passat, namely that it's so mind-numbingly, soul-crushingly bland that I'm falling asleep just thinking about it. I'm going to get a coffee...
5. Mazda 6
Mmm... Nescafe. Right, where were we? Ah yes, the Mazda 6. The 6 is a lovely car and it's a wonder that you don't see more of them on the roads. It looks great, it's one of the best cars in its class to drive and it's jam-packed with oodles of standard kit. And on top of that, it will keep going forever.
6. Skoda Superb
And the award for 'Worst Car Name in Human History' goes to the Skoda Superb. Honestly, either the Czechs have a highly developed sense of irony, or a masochistic need to see their cars being mercilessly ribbed by the press. Calling your car 'Superb' is tantamount to naming your first-born son 'Margaret'. Anyway, back to the car. Luckily the Skoda lives up to its name thanks to its excellent build quality and VW-derived engines.
7. Citroen C5
If you value comfort over performance then this is the car for you. The C5 is unbelievably smooth and refined, and handsome too. Okay, Citroens aren't exactly famed for their build quality and the C5 will depreciate faster than a pair of monogrammed underpants, but the Citroen is still a very capable car and a left-field choice in a market sector full of obvious ones.
8. SEAT Exeo
The first thing you have to know about the SEAT Exeo is that it's based on the old Audi A4. The upside of this is that it's well-built, safe and comes with a good range of engines. The downside is that it's feeling its age -- after all, if the old A4 was so good, Audi would still be making it. However, the Exeo makes it onto this list because it offers excellent value for money.
9. Honda Accord
1. Did you learn to drive in a Standard Eight?
2. Do you comment on how young policemen look these days?
3. Is Clement Attlee the Prime Minister?
If you've answered yes to any of the above questions, then the Honda Accord is the car for you. Honda may be struggling to shift their blue-rinse image, but the Accord is a fine car with a range of good engines and build quality that would put the Large Hadron Collider to shame.
10. Hyundai i40
The Koreans are really starting to get the hang of this car-building lark and the Hyundai i40 is an excellent example of this. It's nowhere near as polished as the class-leaders but it's a sound buy thanks to low running costs, a low purchase price and a good quality interior.
So there you have it, BuyYourCar's top ten large family motors. If you think we've missed any out, comment below.
