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The 2012 Honda Odyssey is the ultimate family mobile, says Cars.com Family contributor BreAnn Ahara. With seating for eight and enough Latch anchors to handle a small preschool, this minivan successfully combines form with function. One of BreAnn’s favorite features is the second row with three seats that slide forward and back independently; the outboard seats also slide sideways toward the doors, creating an extra 3 inches of space on the bench. The extra room makes it a breeze to install three child-safety seats in the second row.

2012 Honda Odyssey Review

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GM is recalling 4,304 Chevrolet Malibu sedans from the 2013 model year because after hard braking, the sensing and diagnostic module could reset itself, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If the module resets itself during aggressive turning and then a potential rollover is sensed, the side curtain airbags may deploy unintentionally. Additionally, the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners might not deploy during a severe crash.

GM will notify affected owners June 1, and dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module for free. For more info, owners can call NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

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On my last trip to the grocery store, I squeezed the large Chrysler 300 sedan into a less-than-large parking spot and ran in for some supplies, not giving the car or the spot a second thought. When I returned, it was flanked by an SUV and a pickup truck, blocking my view to the sides as I tried to back out.

I had two choices: Hold my breath and hope no one was charging down the aisle while I did the blind backup, or rely on the 300's Rear Cross Path detection system, which I was betting would be more effective at preventing accidents while in Reverse than simply crossing my fingers.

Rear Cross Path uses two bumper-mounted radar sensors to detect oncoming traffic and prevent a potential collision. If a car approaches from the either side, the driver hears a chime and sees an illuminated icon in the side mirror. Accident avoided.

The system was introduced in Chrysler's minivans in 2009, and then it trickled down to the rest of the lineup. It's even available in the new-for-2013 compact Dodge Dart sedan. Unfortunately, through, Rear Cross Path isn't a stand-alone option on the 300; it's available only in the Safetytec Package and not on base model 300s. The package costs $2,420 and includes other goodies like blind spot alert, a front- and rear-obstacle detection system, adaptive cruise control, adaptive and self-dimming bi-xenon headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.

Rear Cross Path automatically engages as soon as the car is in Reverse. It's unnerving to rely solely on technology to be your eyes while backing up, but the rearview camera also helps, providing a view straight back. Luckily, this time no one was coming while I inched out. But if someone had been, I was prepared.

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I like to mark milestones in my parenting life and not just the big ones like first steps or graduating from kindergarten. I also celebrated both kids being out of diapers and getting rid of all my sippy cups.

You'd think I'd be ready to celebrate my kids graduating out of booster seats; previous celebrations usually involve a fancy cup of coffee. But what if I want to go big, cut loose the family car and get a sweet machine where I don't have to worry about as much backseat space.

"Not so fast," I tell myself. My next car. The "non-family" car. It will likely be the car my kids learn to drive in.

It's a shock since my kids seem nowhere near driving age. But really, my son is 10, so in five years he'll start practicing. The latest data says the average new-car owner holds onto their purchase for almost six years, so a 10th birthday should be the measuring stick that warns you that your next "new" car is what they'll learn to drive on.

Does that fact change your next car game plan? What's a good way to find a car that will be fun for you, but not too fun for them?

Here are a few tips:

Peruse crash-test ratings, and don't forget to double-check rollover ratings. You'll find something small and sporty like a Lexus CT 200h or Mini Cooper Countryman, which both have been named Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Investigate safety options that may benefit a first-time driver such as parking sensors or a lane departure warning system.

Consider auto insurance costs. It doesn't get more expensive than insuring a teen driver. Is a Ford Mustang on the wish list? It's been crossed off the list now.

Check out options that focus on teen drivers like Ford's MyKey, which allows parents to program maximum speed and maximum stereo volume levels, or Infiniti's Connection that will notify parents if driving speeds or boundaries are broken.

Determine whether you want your kid to learn on an automatic or manual transmission. This may be a time when buying a manual-transmission family car makes sense.

Learn about automakers' emergency roadside assistance programs. Many offer complimentary programs, but they have a limited shelf life that may expire before your child takes the wheel.

Will the car fit your teenager? A too-large vehicle might be difficult to learn on and might have more blind spots than other vehicles.

Like any other big purchase, it's good to ask these kinds of questions so you'll feel like you've done your diligence. And hopefully you'll find a great compromise. Let us know what new car you think is perfect for a teenager to learn on.

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The Nissan Sentra has faced a steady stream of new competitors since the sixth generation of the sedan debuted in 2006. It remains a competent choice, but there are better options, according to Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays.

2012 Nissan Sentra Review