Top 10 Features for the Long Haul

Liberal college kids are not alone in planning road trips. Last Thanksgiving, AAA estimated at about 32 million Americans will travel by car at least 50 miles from home - share the space with many brothers and sisters, parents and stepparents. Having the right features can make the difference between reaching your destination refreshed and longing for home, before joining the motorway. Here are our 10 favorites:

1. Navigation system and trip computer

Navigation systems can make in a snap of the most convoluted trips. Many new systems offer traffic reports in real time, and almost all have voice directions, which can direct you to the main road, your sister-in-law by insisting on a detour Tchotchke. Almost all navigation systems include some sort of board computer that monitors fuel consumption, miles until your tank is empty and more. Road Atlas - your days are numbered.

2. Music flexibility

Sun-visor CD jackets to keep maybe a dozen albums - which means you're out of songs when you have exceeded the three countries - and 10 pounds of books to put next CD drivers at risk when you look at highway speeds. advanced stereo systems, rescue, most of the extra connections include MP3 players, and some further integration, so you can see the playlist of the iPod and then to monitor the stereo controls. Want to know more? Satellite radio broadcasting commercial-free music, and on-board hard disk you can copy and record songs on CD. charge collection, and you can listen to John Denver in Denver.

3. Cruise control

Consider Salvatore foot cruise right. It 'an old dog, but can do some new tricks. luxury cars now offer advanced cruise control that can accelerate and brake - within reason - to maintain a comfortable, safe distance behind the car you are following. Even if you have a more basic version of cruise control, but thanks to the legs at the end of the day.

4. Multi-zone climate control

different climatic parameters for different passengers often are not used in everyday driving, but can be very useful on long trips. Front, rear and sometimes even passengers can set their own temperature independent of the driver to avoid complaints of being too hot or cold. Available a decade ago, only in luxury cars, dual-zone controls to come by car every day as the Honda Accord and Ford Escape.

5. DVD entertainment systems

DVD players are the holy grail of minivans and SUVs, offering parents hours of peace while the kids watch cartoons - in silence, too, thanks to the wireless headset. Models like the Nissan Quest offers two drop-down screens, one for each row in the back. Last minivans Chrysler offers two screens with satellite TV and dual programming, so that a line can play video games while another watches Nickelodeon. Children and parents have never been so easy. Or so quiet.

6. Smart cupholders

If the cup holder is designed to accommodate a 44-ounce Slurpee, connecting a 20-ounce Evian could do for all spills when you press the exit ramp. The small cup, meanwhile, leave the soda chuggers among us dry. smart coasters are an effective solution: They are big, but they have internal padding that skinny cup forceps or give way to accommodate big. Buy what you want to stop - is meant to be good.

7. Heated and cooled storage units

Only once in expensive luxury cars, the temperature-controlled storage finally made its way into the scale of affordability. A number of Dodge and Volkswagen models have cooled glove box, and the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sport heated and cooled cupholders. These functions will not turn cold soda warm, but they can help frosty beverages stay chilled for several hours or keep the java hot a little longer. Warning: Boxes left in cars can explode hot - no refrigerators.

8. Lane-departure warning systems

Lane-departure warnings technically go to the security of the column, but we included them because when you're on the road, some features are more manageable. Infiniti has been a pioneer in the system, and now offers one of the Cadillac STS. Lane-departure warning systems use cameras to check the road markings and a warning chime when it comes too close to the left lane without signaling. The system does not replace the drivers who are paying attention, but it's nice to have as a second line of defense.

9. Household power outlets

Anyone who has ever had portable electronics running out of juice on the road will appreciate the car's grip on two fronts. When the voltage is typically used between 110 and 120V, domestic markets can accommodate most devices plug into a double. Most cars should have a utilitarian bent - that all means of Toyota Matrix, Volkswagen Touareg. Remember charger for the packed house, and batteries should be drained of complaints in the past.

10. Reclining rear seats

Here's betting no one can really get any sleep with a neck pillow shaped like a U. When the rear seats recline, you can leave at home. rear seat passengers dozing in no time, even if the drivers want to keep them lean too far, because it can be a safety hazard. Some models are still holding out, but most of the SUVs and the space for them in the second row, if not the third as well.