The art of parallel parking is just that: an art. And like any art, it takes practice and skill to master it. Whether you've never lived in a city or just aren't great when you're in reverse, parking can be stressful for those who aren't good at it.
Fortunately, automakers have learned how much some drivers hate parking, and have designed some new models that make things considerably easier. Whether the car is simply small and easy to move into tight spaces or it actually parks itself, there are plenty of new cars that are great for the parking-challenged, reports Automobile Magazine.
Models like the Smart Fortwo and Mini Cooper are immediate boons for those who live in cities. These models shot to popularity in Europe, where cramped city streets are the norm. Not only is parking these cars a breeze, but you're likely to find quite a few spots that bigger vehicles can't fit into. As a bonus, these models tend to have excellent fuel economy.
Then there are cars that actually use advanced technology to assist with parking. The Infiniti EX and FX both include advanced camera systems, while new BMW models also come with display systems that allow drivers to see behind them without actually rotating their neck.
Of course, some cars are especially advanced and can actually pull off parallel parking automatically. This is an option for models like the Toyota Prius, Lexus ES, Lincoln MKS and Mercedes CLS.