First of all, after a thorough searching you realize that the most important features should be considered in your decision are:
1) Baby's Safety: 5-point harness, side head supports, side body supports
2) Baby's Comfort: body and head room, cushion material, seating position, neck pads, easy locking/unlocking of belts
3) easy of installation: LATCH system, good guidebook
4) Adjustability: Height, harness level, tightening of belts
5) Convertibility: car seat <-> booster seat
6) Material quality: Cloths, plastics, belts, cushions, locks
7) Price

I bought this car seat a month ago so bear in mind that my experience with the longterm outcomes is limited. I have a 2 1/2 year old kid who is in the upper limit of a normal weight and height range for her age. I bought this car seat online and picked it up from fedex. It took me 5 minute to install it in my car which was easy and fun with LATCH system. Its head side supports are the most... Read more

We've moved up from the travel system pumpkin seat (chico), and I was not looking forward to this. The Chico was so good, and I didn't like what I saw in the next step up.

I bought the Recaro more as a joke than anything, but I know the name from my driving days, and respect their products. I figured it had to be better than the Britax Boulevard we bought. I was right.

The latch is second to none, very easy to install and secure. The front elevator for the base works great, exactly as needed. The fabric is soft and comfortable, my son loves is. He actually LIKES being in the seat, amd doesn't want to get out when we stop! That is a first. The straps are very sturdy and secure, with positve latching buckles that have a secure feel. The sliding pads on the shoulder straps protect my son from being irritated by the straps.

I also happen to be a mech engineer, and I am very impressed with the sturdy design and construction of the seat. The side... Read more

I have had this product for over an year now and could not be happier. The seat back adjusts as your child grows taller. Looks very safe. This seat fits in all of our 3 cars without any trouble. I have had a great deal of difficulty in installing our Britax Marathon forward facing in our cars that meet the 2009 headrest standards. The top of the Marathon digs into the forward angled car headrest, leaving a huge gap between the back of the baby seat and the car seat, with all of the weight and tension resting on the headrest alone. No problem for the Recaro though. Bottom line, it is very easy to install securely. The Britax, while rated safe, in unacceptable in our newer cars with the 2009 standard forward angled, non-removeable headrests. My daugter also likes the Recaro more than any of our other car seats.

Also, for those that like to fly with a car seat, like we do, the Recaro is a perfect fit for an airline seat. The Britax is just too large, and will not be... Read more