The summer driving season officially begins with the drop of the green flag on Memorial Day weekend. Record gas prices will play a large part in trip planning this year, but even at $4 per gallon, Americans will hit the road in droves. So, the question isn't whether or not to yield to the call of the open road, but which vehicles are best-suited for the journey. Finding the right vehicle for your summer trek, requires another question: What kind of road trip? The perfect vehicle for a two-person weekend getaway is quite different from the ideal transport for a two-week, full-family interstate excursion. So, as in past years, our goal in naming the Best New Road Trip Vehicles for 2008 was to come up with a list that included a vehicle for every long-haul excursion, whatever the passenger manifest, cargo list or destination. Our selection criteria included all the tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long journey, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space, and of course, this year we added a few fuel sippers. Here, in alphabetical order, are Kelley Blue Book's Best New Road Trip Vehicles for 2008:
8  of  10
MINI Cooper Clubman
With excellent fuel economy and a fun-loving attitude, the MINI Cooper has earned its way onto our list of top road trip cars for the second year in a row. The new Clubman offers more passenger and luggage space than the standard Cooper, making the largest member of the MINI family an even more ideal long-haul companion.
Audi S5
Bugatti Veyron
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Dodge Grand Caravan
Ford Flex
Infiniti EX35
MINI Cooper Clubman
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Eos

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