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I'm talking about a car that is like, a normal car. Not a sports car, not a classic car, I'm talking about a regular, practical, modern car for just driving around anywhere.
I would, personally, get myself a 2020-2022 Nissan Versa. It's one of the few sedans on Brazil that has a 1.6 liter engine, and while the fact it has a CVT is kind of crummy I just really like how it looks and all the bells and whistles it comes with. And since I'm in Brazil, we get a dark blue version that looks amazing!
As much Accord as you can afford.
It's a saying for a reason. It's a great car for a great price. My Dad was in the automobile business (service side) since I was born until he retired and this was always his advice and that of most of the people he worked with. There were a few that hated imports and would recommend American vehicles, none have lasted the test of time.
Anything besides a piece of shit Nissan
Fun comfy for a long trips with the family? BMW I7. If you live in a country where EVs are great
Going shopping at the local mall? Something cheap that you can scratch without breaking the bank.
For a good car I can get later I was thinking of getting a Volkswagen Virtus, which is the sedan version of the Polo here. BUT, if I can't afford that, I'm gonna get myself a first generation Hyundai HB20S (brazilian sedan version of the i20 sold in Europe).
You are asking for "family car" suggestions, yet give zero details on the family in question. But since you're looking at a Versa as a realistic option, you should know that Nissan's CVTs (made by Jatco) have a horrendous track record. Stay far away from them.
I'd go with whatever equivalent Toyota is available instead.
It would be me, my mom, and my brother, and a bunch of cats being transported sometimes. The only other realistic option I'd have would be the Volkswagen Virtus (it's essentially just a sedan version of the Polo).
As someone who abhors water-cooled VWs, I would sooner drive a VW over a CVT-equipped Nissan.
Volvo V90
Wagons are the answer.
I would buy another Toyota Camry. Had a 2005 model for almost two decades and in that time I had to replace the alternator and then the radiator got a hole in it right before we traded it out for a different type of vehicle.
Would have kept it if we had enough room to park it, as it was still in great condition and everything still worked including the A/C.
Suzuki X-90
Ever since we got rid of our more-or-less family cars and got a "real" van I'm not going back. We're driving a Mercedes eVito (which is an electric Metris in the US, iirc) but just any will do. Family travels need space. I got so tired of having to prioritise beach shovels and frisbees against each other; being able to simply throw anything we want to take into the trunk is godsent. Driving around whole birthday parties is just so much better than asking neighbours for a taxi service. And yeah, I wouldn't ever go back to combustion engines, but I guess that's a matter of preference.
Not a Nissan.
That is really dependent on a lot of factors more than just "for a family." What do you intend to do with your family in the car? How big is your family, and do you have room for "unplanned" additions? What region do you live in, are there a lot of good quality paved roads or is it only dirt and grass? What is your budget? Do you want a brand-new vehicle or a used one? How long do you plan on keeping the vehicle? What will its re-sale value be at that time? How expensive is the maintenance? When the oldest members in the family get older, will it be hard/painful to enter or exit the vehicle? There are a lot of factors one should consider before picking a vehicle for their family.
Depending on the number of people you have to carry - Toyota. Pretty much anything Toyota.
Practical can mean a lot of things. If I could only have one car it'd be something at least somewhat offroad capable, as vehicles that can leave the pavement can go more anywhere than a vehicle that can't. Probably a Subaru. That said, I'd also consider a $2000 car more practical than a $50,000 car, so I'd actually go for an old Subaru, or, as it worked out irl, a 2007 Volvo XC70 that I've lifted 4 inches.
