Coupes and Sportscars

2010 Kia Forte Koup EX

What it Is: A compact two-door five-passenger car
What's Hot: Sporty styling, good fuel economy, plenty of safety equipment
What's Not: rear seats are hard to reach.
Family Friendly Options: Standard Bluetooth and USB port
How It Got Its Score: All two-door cars come to the Family Friendliness fight with one hand tied behind their backs. The Kia Forte Koup looks great and has lots of safety features, but buyers with kids should look at the sedan.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.2

2010 Kia Forte Koup SX

What it Is: A compact two-door five-passenger car
What's Hot: Sporty styling, good fuel economy, plenty of safety equipment
What's Not: Rear seats are hard to reach.
Family Friendly Options: Standard Bluetooth and USB port
How It Got Its Score: The Kia Forte Koup SX has a bigger engine than the EX, and falls behind in fuel economy. If you like the looks, then consider the sedan.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.1

2011 BMW 328i Convertible

What it Is: A compact four passenger luxury convertible.
Who it's For: Parents who want a second car and only occasionally need a rear seat.
What's Hot: Hard top convertible roof offers few compromises.
What's Not: One of those compromises: A tiny trunk.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 328i convertible isn't really a family friendly vehicle. But if mom or dad wants a cool car to enjoy sunny weather, at least this has a back seat for the kids.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 5.7

2011 BMW 335i Convertible

What it Is: A compact four passenger luxury convertible.
Who it's For: Parents who want a second car and only occasionally need a rear seat.
What's Hot: Hard top convertible roof offers few compromises.
What's Not: One of those compromises: A tiny trunk.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 335i convertible is an indulgence for parents, since its tiny trunk and two-passenger rear seat preclude using it as a family hauler. But as a second car for sun worshipers, it's hard to beat.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 5.6

2011 Nissan GT-R

What it Is: An ultra-high-performance, two-door, four passenger sports car.
What's Hot: Performance that rivals cars costing two, three and four times as much.
What's Not: Not exactly a family hauler.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, Bluetooth, USB.
How It Got Its Score: The $85,000 Nissan GT-R already starts off at a disadvantage because of that price. The lack of crash test data and its so-so fuel economy don't help. Neither does its lack of LATCH points.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 4.5