“Since the invention of the automobile, Americans have grown up taking road trips with their family and friends,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair, Buying Services and Consumer Information.

“Today’s American road trips come in many different forms: family vacations, mancations, girlfriend getaways, romantic excursions and more. And the ideal vehicle depends on where you want the road to take you and who will be joining you,” said Nielsen.

To help travelers seeking the ideal travel vehicle, AAA Auto Buying experts developed a list of top picks in six categories, taking into consideration interior comfort, cargo size, fuel economy, safety, vehicle performance and handling:

Fun Cars
Porsche Boxster/Cayman – Few cars offer a better blend of handling and engine performance. Both are quick enough to be thoroughly entertaining — especially on winding roads. Typical of its class, there is only room for two, and the Porsches’ split trunks limit packing options.
Chevrolet Corvette – Great handling and power make this American classic fun for a road trip. As with other sports cars, travelers will need to pack light and leave the kids at home.
Volkswagen GTI – The best overall compromise. Roomy enough to be practical, with a surprisingly supple ride considering its handling. Nicely designed interior, but the back seat is still tight for adults.

SUVs
Dodge Durango – The new platform (shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee) is very good. Above average ride and handling, and the new 3.6-liter V-6 delivers power. Rear seat comfortably fits tall passengers. Below-average fuel economy.
Subaru Forester – Easy to drive, comfortable and budget friendly at basic trim levels. Its ride and handling are good, and the base engine performance is more than sufficient. Average fuel economy.
Toyota RAV4 – Good ride, handling and room. The V-6 adds significant power with little impact on fuel economy. The rear-door side hinge complicates access to cargo.

Small Cars
Chevrolet Cruze Eco – A good value with impressive fuel economy. But for those with more than two travelers, the rear seat lacks cup holders, a center armrest and space for tall passengers.
Ford Focus – Above average ride and handling. Very good fuel economy and engine performance. Impressively quiet highway cruising. On par for the category, the backseat is a bit cramped.
Kia Soul – For those looking to express themselves on the road. The funky yet practical Soul offers 30-mpg fuel economy and a five-star crash test rating from NHTSA.

Medium Cars
Ford Fusion – Very good engine performance, ride and handling. The hybrid version offers exceptional fuel economy. Optional all-wheel drive is a bonus for winter travel. The four-cylinder engine could be more refined.
Toyota Prius – Roomy, comfortable and economical. Flexible hatchback design. Careful driving can push fuel economy well past 50 mpg. It’s secure and predictable, but not engaging to drive. Currently selling above MSRP.
Hyundai Sonata – An excellent performer. The ride is comfortable and controlled, handling is highly predictable and the four-cylinder engine delivers good performance and fuel economy. The swooping roof cuts into rear seat head room and rear visibility.

Large Cars
Toyota Camry/Avalon – With a shared platform and a V-6 engine, both offer surprisingly good fuel economy. The Camry’s four-cylinder version offers sufficient power for most drivers. The Avalon’s exceptional rear seat comfort is good for multiple passengers. Neither is engaging for those seeking a little extra from their driving experience.
Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger – Built on the same platform, the roomy 2011 models offer a comfortable ride, good handling and upgraded interiors. The new 3.6-liter V-6 engine provides adequate power and fuel economy. Rear visibility is still an issue.
Infiniti G37 – One of the most engaging driving experiences, with sharp handling and a powerful 328-horsepower V-6. Loaded with standard features and excellent safety ratings. The interior is snug and the ride too firm for some.

Minivans
Honda Odyssey – Big but not unwieldy as handling is surprisingly good. Can carry a large family with ease. Optional split-screen entertainment for rear seat passengers.
Toyota Sienna – Big, comfortable and inviting. The ride is quiet while the V-6 engine performs impressively. Its handling isn’t the best in class and the interior isn’t as polished as some.
Chrysler Town & Country – Much improved. Loaded with safety features including a backup camera and cross-traffic and blind spot alerts. The Stow ‘n’ Go seats offer unparalleled convenience and the ride and handling are quite good. The second row seats are not very adult friendly.

Find the complete report, which includes pricing information, at AAA.com/news.