Britax Marathon

Britax Marathon Reviews



Overall 5 star rating4.78 of 5 (by 289 users)



Britax Marathon Review Summary

Overwhelmingly, owners of the Britax Marathon agree that it is the best convertible car seat they could have bought and was “definitely worth the extra money“. Parents who were skeptical about purchasing an expensive car seat generally “purchased [the Marathon] due to high recommendations from other parents” or Consumer Reports. Reviewers continuously note the Marathon’s ease of installation and use even though the seat is “heavy and quite bulky.“ The Marathon can also take up a lot of room while in the rear-facing mode. One of the best selling features of the Marathon is that it accommodates children from birth up to 65 pounds which means a “child can remain in the safest possible stage for much longer.” Parents and kids alike also agree that the Marathon is “the most comfy car seat.” To read reviews of other Britax models click here to help you decide which is best for you.
82% of people rated Britax Marathon as 5 stars
82% of people rated Britax Marathon as 5 stars%
82%
15% of people rated Britax Marathon as 4 stars
15% of people rated Britax Marathon as 4 stars%
15%
3% of people rated Britax Marathon as 3 stars
3% of people rated Britax Marathon as 3 stars%
3%
No one rated Britax Marathon as 2 stars
No one rated Britax Marathon as 2 stars%
0%
No one rated Britax Marathon as 1 star
No one rated Britax Marathon as 1 star%
0%
97% 97% of people recommend Britax Marathon 3% of people don't recommend Britax Marathon 3%
 

Britax Marathon Comparison

5 star rating Most Helpful
Favorable Review
AUG
20
2007

I bought this seat 3.5 years ago when my son finally outgrew his infant seat.  I was looking for safety and value.  In comparing the Marathon to others in it's price range, Britax was the only seat made to hold a child larger than 40 pounds.  At that point, a booster seat purchase would have to be...

review »
reviewer
owner of large and small car, suburban parent

annebkaba
Mansfield, MA
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3 star rating Most Helpful
Critical Review
SEP
10
2008

LOVE BRITAX  but the marathon just doesn't work for us

I needed the Marathon to install RFing with the latch in my Tahoe...couldn't be done! Latch bar is problem.  straps move along bar and when we tightened straps it would mess with the recline making it tooo reclined. I even had a friend who...

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2009 Writer
frequent driver, safety conscious

marinesfamily
Jacksonville, NC
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Britax Marathon Ratings and Reviews

items/page: 15 | 30 | 50 displaying 1 to 13 of 289 sort by: most helpful | date | rating


6
helpful
votes
value conscious, a first-time parent, Minivan-driver

SEP
10
2007

I bought the Marathon on the recommendation of a friend who had one and I have to say, it was well worth it.   I was pleased that they were well-rated by Consumer Reports, as well.

I needed a new seat after my son outgrew his infant seat and labored over my acr seat decisions.  One of the best selling points of the Britax, in addition to the high safety rating, was the fact that the seat can be sed until the child is 65 lbs.  This allows you to use the seat longer and not have to go buy yet another seat when your child is 40lbs like most others.  So instead on buying two  $100 + car seats,...

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4 star rating
reviewer
elisabetsy40
Tampa, FL



4
helpful
votes
a comparison shopper, budget conscious, not rich, Safe on the road, looking for value, frequent driver, safety conscious, married

FEB
28
2009

I bought the Britax marathon because of it's good reviews and higher weight limit, but had to return it. When my baby slept (rear facing installation), her head would bob forward and there was no way to keep it back against the seat. We tried increasing the recline using towel rolls as the instructions state, but that just made the seat loose and unsafe. The improper fit may be due to our car, which is a 09 Camry, but it was definitely not comfortable for the baby. Otherwise, the installation was not difficult and it was easy to strap the baby in the seat.


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2 star rating
reviewer
Caylababy
Orange Park, FL



3
helpful
votes
experienced parent, looking for value, parent of toddlers, safety conscious, a comparison shopper, budget conscious, auto-safety nut, Minivan-driver

NOV
17
2007
When I first became a parent I got a car seat (second-hand) because it was the law and didn't really pay much attention to safety features.  I didn't have a lot to spend so I thought I didn't have many options.  I've learned a lot since then and this seat is one of my best investments and one that I'm very proud of because of just how much research went into the decision.  The Marathon far surpasses the seat it replaced. 

The Marathon has a 5 point harness. Most seats do these days, if you are using one with only a three point harness, check to see that it's not expired.  Seats should have...
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5 star rating
reviewer
julbug
Fredericksburg, VA



3
helpful
votes
Safe on the road, experienced parent, frequent driver, safety conscious, married, budget conscious, not rich, a comparison shopper

SEP
23
2008

Here we are, 5 years and two children later, with the same dependable Britax Marathon.     Was it pricier than almost all others?  No doubt.  Did it get the best reviews when we bought it?   Yes.    I got more bang for the buck on an amazing product.

 We bought this when we had my daughter.   She is now 5, and she misses the comfort of the Britax.   The comfort now belongs to her brother, now 2.  

It was fairly easy to install.   We installed it once, and the only time we've taken it out at all is for deep cleaning. 

If you are planning on transferring it from car-to-car,...

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5 star rating
reviewer
Anra
Chicago, IL



3
helpful
votes
frequent driver, budget conscious, First-time mom, a mom, on a tight budget, a coupon user

MAY
1
2008
not a bad seat, it will not sit well on the middle seat of my car, so it has to be on the passenge side. It rocks alot on the small hump. It does have easy to access LATCH clips. the shoulder straps have these rubbery slip grips that are great for keeping straps up, but my son loves to chew on them.... adjusting the straps is fairly easy, but moving them up or down on the seat is VERY complicated. You have to basically take the whole carseat apart. the cover doesnot it well and does not hook anywhere on the seat. my son can very easily pull it off the top of the seat and cover his face with it.... review »
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4 star rating
reviewer
danielsmom
Zachary, LA



2
helpful
votes
willing to pay for quality, frequent driver, into finding great deals online

NOV
21
2007
I purchased our Britax Marathon after doing hours of on-line research.  I was looking for something that was going to last a long time, was comfortable, easy to use and install, and most importantly very safe.  I believe that I have found all these things in this seat. 

We have been using this seat for over 6 months and I still love it.  I have installed it in a variety of cars and have not had a problem once.  Some people are intimidated by this seats size, but even in our 2 door Honda Civic it installs like a dream.  This seat fits my very tall daughter with lots of space above her head,...
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4 star rating
reviewer
cryswilkins
Howell, MI



2
helpful
votes
safety conscious, married, a comparison shopper, not rich

NOV
17
2008
It took me a long time to pick the right seat for my daughter. I read many reviews and got many opinions before settling on the Marathon. I have not been disappointed. The seat is huge in comparison to my daughter who is in the 5th percentile for height and weight yet she fits perfectly snug in it. Whether she is sleeping or awake you can tell she is nice and comfy. As far as safety goes the seat could not be more snug in the car. You cant move it at all and that is no exaggeration. The seat belts in my car are not ideal for car seats because they only lock on impact. I have to use a locking clip... review »
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5 star rating
ladyt1078
Spokane, WA



1
helpful
vote
busy mom

SEP
22
2009

We first purchased the Britax Marathon when our oldest son was about 7 months old.  He was tall for his age and was quickly outgrowing the infant seat (part of a travel sytem) we owned.  We were so pleased with the first seat that we even bought another one when our second son outgrew the infant seat! 

After a lot of on-line research and in-store "test drives" we chose this seat for the extra weight limit (65 lbs) and the features, such as pads on the shoulder straps and bottom buckle area. 

Our son was able to sit up a little higher in this seat than some others, which he enjoyed once he...

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5 star rating
2009 Contributor
Mommyof2Boyz
Schwenksville, PA



1
helpful
vote
Minivan-driver, experienced parent, safety conscious, Safe on the road, parent of toddlers, frequent driver, a comparison shopper

NOV
20
2007
This Britax Marathon seat has lasted through four toddlers, all boys. It has always washed up nicely and is then easy to reinstall into our minivan. No camplaints from the little ones when we take long cross country trips. It has been a great addition to our family. I would definitely buy it again as it was worth every penny.  The seat cover is easy to remove and clean after the little one has an accident or spill. There has been some where and tear on the cover. The cover on ours is denim and it has faded and worn in the areas that get rubbed a lot. The cost of the car seat is on the higher... review »
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4 star rating
reviewer
kdenning9322
Houston, TX



1
helpful
vote
auto-safety nut, looking for value, parent of toddlers, Safe on the road, budget conscious, a comparison shopper

NOV
13
2007
I shopped around to find the safest possible car seat for my child and I decided on the Britax Marathon because it is built with sturdy materials, the company rigorously tests their products before allowing them out on the market, and it is designed to last into early childhood. That made up for the steep price tag because I would need only one car seat from birth to 65 pounds... which; according to cdc.gov, the average child hits at around 8 years old, which is the state law for how long a child must be restrained in a car seat. Although, the car seats generally expire after 6 years due to wear... review »
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5 star rating
reviewer
Naturallia
Springfield, MO



1
helpful
vote
safety conscious

FEB
25
2008
I did TONS of research before buying this car seat!  My 3 1/2 year old had grown too big for his Britax Roundabout (loved that seat!) and there was NO WAY I was putting him in a booster seat.  I was originally planning on buying the Britax Regent, but when we got to the store I realized how big it actually was and my little guy just looked too small in it for me.  I didn't feel that he would be as comfortable or safe in it.  The Marathon will allow him to stay in the 5 point harness until he is 65 pounds, and by then he will be big enough for the Regent (or whatever may come out better by then). ... review »
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5 star rating
2008 Reviewer
tpettengill
Hummels Wharf, PA



1
helpful
vote
willing to pay for quality, a comparison shopper, a first-time parent, not rich

NOV
21
2007
This carseat offered the most important features that other carseats can't even come close to. It can keep your baby rear-facing for the longest time, making it the safest choice, and it'll be the last carseat you'll ever have to buy. I also love the straps because they never get twisted and are so easy to adjust, especially when your baby needs a bulky coat one day or a light jacket the next. And the buckles are so easy to use. Installation takes about 30 seconds, I switch the carseat between 3 different cars every day without a hassle. Overall it's the most comfortable for the baby and the most... review »
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5 star rating
reviewer
carlyandmelissa
Waynesville, OH



1
helpful
vote
safety conscious

NOV
26
2008

I have four children and have purchased many car-seats.  With my last child we splurged and went for the gusto and purchased the Brittax Marathon car-seat.  The floral pattern looks great in the car (I like things to match).  My little girl has been using this seat for two years now and it still looks great.  It is easy to take apart and wash.  It is very easy to get her into and out of.  The seat sits high enough for her to be able to see outside which seems to keep her occupied, happy and content.  She looks very comfortable sleeping in it for long periods of time when we are traveling....

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5 star rating
reviewer
Mumof4
Manteca, CA



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