MY RIDE- Jeff and Karen Ward: 2005 Lexus RX 330

PHOTO BY CLAIBORNE THOMPSON

Jeff and Karen Ward have a big family— one son, Matty, two years old, and two daughters in college— so they needed a car big enough to fit everyone. Karen Ward says the best part about her Lexus is the space.

"With kids, you're always carrying strollers," she points out. And then when their big girls are home from college, "We have enough space for all of us." 

The Wards are both surprised at how good the gas mileage is, although there's one downside: "Sometimes when you start it up, there's a really strong fuel smell," Karen says. But it's all worth it because of the space and for one other attribute: "It's not as cheesy as a van."

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