The Best Cars for Dad Drivers

Usually, it's the mom mobiles that get all the press, but what about vehicles for dads to drive? Family guys need a sporty ride that's manly, but also provides plenty of room for the kids. Father's Day is next month, so a new ride might just be what your husband or dad wants most this year.

Nissan Pathfinder

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is great for families large and small. According to NissanUSA.com, the three rows seat up to seven people. For storage, you can drop the second and third rows to enjoy an extra 16-square-feet of cargo space. Lighter and more fuel efficient than its older models, the 2013 Pathfinder can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a strong option for those interesting in pulling a pair of jet skis to the lake or hauling kids back and forth to swim practices. Starting at $28,650, the Pathfinder gets 20 miles to the gallon in the city and 26 on the highway.

Chevrolet Cruze

Available in 10 colors, multiple interior options and a full range of accessories, the Chevy Cruze is a compact car with "more," including more than 15-square feet of cargo space. You can't help but feel safe in this vehicle that comes with 10 standard airbags and was awarded a top five-star rating for overall safety performance in government crash testing, according to Edmunds.com. The 2013 model MSRP starts at $17,130, according to Avondale Chevrolet. Driving around for business or taking the kids on a road trip, you'll appreciate the seamlessly integrated technology that includes voice control to make phone calls and turn on the tunes.

Ford Fiesta

Is yours a "one-and-done" family? Then Ford's Fiesta may be the perfect vehicle for you. It's simple, classy and more refined than its dimensions suggest, making it "perfectly friendly" for tall guys with short wives, according to Edmunds.com. Don't let its small size fool you. It's roomy enough for a family of four to take on vacation. The Fiesta features stability control and electric power assist steering, making it easy to handle in less-than-stellar driving conditions. It boasts a fuel efficiency of 29 miles in the city and 39 on the highway, with 33 miles combined, according to Fueleconomy.gov. The sedan's base model starts at $13,200 and the hatchback is just $1,000 more.

Toyota Prius

What list of top cars for dads would be complete without an eco-friendly hybrid? The Toyota Prius fits the bill spot-on. Boasting 50 EPA-approved combined mpg, it seats five passengers, comes in eight color options and the solar panel on the roof regulates the temperature inside the car so that it's nearly the same temperature as the outdoors. No more having to start the AC 10 minutes before heading off to school or work. In addition, the 2013 Toyota Prius Two has an MSRP of $25,200, so you can afford to drive green and still have enough money for school supplies, activities, lunches and everything else having kids requires.

Dodge Charger

Classy enough to use for work, yet efficient enough for toting the tots, the Dodge Charger gives you not just a great-looking ride, but also peace of mind with its 60-plus safety features. Keyless entry makes it easy to get the groceries in before the ice cream melts, and the 10 speakers make it a music lover's paradise. Starting at $25,995, the Charger offers seven wheel designs and allows you to plug in your mobile devices so that your music library is at your fingertips, according to Dodge.com.