safe used sedan???

so I know it's all about personal choice and income/finance....but I just like to get opinions/ideas from others about what they like/feel is safe in a sedan.

Right now I have an 05 dodge grand caravan, and I'm completely happy with it. I have a 2 year old and in about 40 days will have an infant. My husband drives a rollerskate of a car (daewoo lanos) and I refuse to let my children ride in that thing. So as it stands now, we only have one car to transport kids in...that is fine, unless he needs to take them somewhere. I cannot drive his car, it's stick and that is fine but I cannot reach the clutch without sitting so far forward that the stearing wheel is literally in my chest. I've driven sticks before but this clutch is so far away.

Anyways, we don't really want a new car payment...the van will be paid off in about 18 months. His car is paid off...but we are wondering what you all would recommend as a safe sedan...that could carry 2 kids in car seats (rear facing) safely that is a decent price.....we would buy used of course. Nothing to old, but maybe an 03-05?? that has a good safety rating and known for good mechanics.

Thanks

Hope my question isn't to stupid or annoying...I just like to get other people's opinions that are as anal with safety as I am.

What are you thinking for an actual budget?

I'm not really sure at this point...definatly under 10K...would really like to stay in the 5K range. I know that sounds difficult....the less money, with the best safety is ideal of course.

I was going to say I love my G6 and they came standard with Side Curtain Airbags in '07. I got mine for $13,000 something over a year ago and it had some extra options beyond the minimum. It's nice and roomy, got great crash ratings and easily fits RFing seats.

The Taurus (old body style) is also a bargain. I bet you could get a 2007 Taurus easily within your price range.

cool, thanks.

I do love my 02 Honda Civic. I know that's a bit older than what you were thinking, but it's also right in your price range. You could go a bit newer than what I have, of course.

It's got great safety ratings. When I was shopping, that was one of my biggest concerns. I didn't have children at the time, but I knew that I'd likely have children before I got rid of the car. No side curtain airbags (they were just becoming an option on the high-end cars at that time), but I do have side impact (torso protection) airbags for the front seats. That was an option, so if it's something you want, you'll probably have to hunt for it.

Unfortunately, I can attest to how it performs in a rear crash. A few weeks ago, I was rear-ended by a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan that was going about 30 mph and had brake failure. I was stopped at the time, so she ended up using me for brakes. My car did its job and protected the passengers.

As far as fitting rear-facing seats, it's not a problem. My DD was center RFing in her Radian. Mommy0608 has a TrueFit RFing passenger side and an infant behind the driver in her 03. I'm not sure what year Natysr has, but her son is RFing in a Marathon behind the driver.

Another couple of options in your price range would be a Mazda3 (the prices might be a bit over what you're willing to pay, but hey...negotiate!) or a Hyundai Elantra or Sonata. I'd recommend the Sonata...bigger, nicer, & just a better family car. CR gives it high marks for a family sedan as well. My family owns or has owned 5 Hyundais (grandmother, parents, sis, & myself) & we've been very happy with them.

I have a 2006 Kia Optima (basically the same as a Hyundai Sonata) that I bought last year for significantly less than $10K. It gets good safety and reliability ratings and came with a good bit of factory warranty.

thanks for the tips everyone!!