I currently have a Civic SI. I love that little car. I learned to drive in a Beetle so I find itty bitty cars most comfortable. I'm on my 7th Civic starting with a 1987 Wagon.
Have you considered a car based SUV? Such as the Honda Pilot. It is a computer controlled on demand 4WD so the vast majority of the time it is running just on the front wheel drive but still has 4wd when you need it. I'm 6'4", 36" inseam, 235lbs and am loving the Pilot. Lots of adjustability of the power seat. The leather package has heated seats.
Edmunds.com just published the following new articles that many of you who visit this discussion may find interesting Top 10 Vehicles for Taller Drivers and Top 10 Vehicles for Shorter Drivers. Please feel free to use this area to post your thoughts on the vehicles that are mentioned in these articles or to make your own suggestions.
I am 6'3 18 years old with size 15 feet. I don't know what size my arms are or my inseam because I have never had a suit
I currently drive a 2000 Chevy Blazer handed down from my dad to me. Only problem is I can't afford the gas this beast sucks up. I drive to school every day and it is two towns out of the way. 90% of my driving is on the highway and I am looking for a car that will fit me and be good on gas. There is one complication, with my big feet I find it incredible difficult to drive most cars, the side of my foot will get stuck in cars that have the gas and the brake close together. My dads 03 Saab 9-5 is a pain for me to drive, my foot gets caught on the back of the brake which would be a real problem if I had to stop in a hurry. My dad's old 99' TL fit me alright (I was shorter at the time, but not much). But the top of my foot would get caught sometimes. There are a ton of expensive cars that take Premium gas that will fit me, I'd get one if I could afford the car/maintenance/gas...
I am looking around the $10-23K range in Canadian dollars. Can anyone help me out? Also reliability is a concern, as repairs are expensive and my wallet is really small.
I am not sure what type of car you are looking for(new or used , sporty or comfortable)but the Impala has alot of leg room and because they do not have a center console they seem to have a lot more foot room and you can spread your legs out more to get comfortable. I'm 6'6" with size 14 bobos so I have tried everything. The Impala is a good buy used and is relatively cheap to keep. The gas mileage , while no Prius should be about 23 to 25 mpg using regular gas.
I am looking for new, mainly comfortable. The car I have now (00 Chevy Blazer) fits me well but it has a really bumpy ride and just takes way more gas than I can afford. I want something good (Better than this) on gas, problem is I don't have much money as I stated above. GM's don't appeal to me that much because of the reliability issues I have had. I'm not biased one way or the other, but I would like to keep this car a long time as I am going into University and I will be broke.
jfiz ... if you want LOTS of head room and don't have to carry anyone in the back seat then the Beetle is simply the best out there. I'm 6'5", 230+ pounds, and I ordered my '98 Beetle in January '98 after sitting in one at the car show. This is the only vehicle I could wear a cowboy hat in for sale in North America (although I didn't sit in the new Benz Maybach, but that's 1/2 million beyond my budget). But the Beetle's dash is close in the knee area depending on your proportions. The tilt/telescopic wheel (standard on ALL VWs) helps. I don't have enough room in an Altima with a sun-roof, but do in a Passat with S/R (barely). Important note about the Passat: Not only do the seats go up and down (and if the person before you was short and jacked it up then there will be even less room than in a Japanese car), but the seats get thicker as the price goes up. The GLX has extra padding and various back/lumbar/thigh support things that increase the height of the seating surface. Go sit in a base Passat. It has more room. And crank the seat down.
Other vehicles that have space: Besides VW Beetle & Passat, Audi A8 is great, A6 is acceptable, A4 not. Benz E class and S class, but not the baby benz. Nissan TITAN and Armada pickup/SUV. The seating in a Titan is upright and probably comfy for long trips (like a German car) whereas the new Toyota full-size truck is a joke ... you're almost sitting on the floor like a Tacoma or 1970 Datsun pickup ... there is no comparison! My back wouldn't last an hour in one of those, but could probably drive for 10 hours in the Nissan. I was driving my Dad's Ford Crown Vic ('95 I think) again today (my wife had my Beetle), and although the headroom is good, it also suffers the Japanese car syndrome of sitting close to the floor with your knees higher, which causes fatigue and back aches. *Amazing car* you have to check out the new Chrysler 300 series! Its mechanically the last generation Benz E-Class. Skip the base model with the small V6, and make sure that if you buy one it has the shifter with the wiggly gate (Benz tranny -- best in world) and not the straight gate (Chrysler tranny -- worst in world). A magazine says the Benz tranny is in the 300c (hemi) and other models with optional 4WD, but the unit I sat in at the car show (a 300 Touring) had the Benz tranny as well, so the magazines (and Chrysler brochures) may not be correct. And if you want 45+ MPG and room, the new Passat TDI is the only game in town. (I sat in one, but haven't driven one yet). However Audi will be selling Turbo-diesel cars this fall in Canada (I'm not sure about the US)
Besides the VW diesel Passat (just arriving now) and Beetle, and the Audis (this fall with diesel power) you will also have the choice of turbo-Diesel power in the Benz E-CLASS again. The E320 with 3.2L V6 gas does 0-60 in 7.1 seconds the E320D with 3.2L straight-6 turbo-diesel does 0-60 in 7.2 seconds ... with a 700 km range per tank. Gas Benz takes premium, but diesel fuel costs less than regular gas. And don't believe any BS about needing to go to a truck stop to get fuel. Almost every Texaco and BP station has diesel, and most Esso's and Chevron too. Arco on the west coast doesn't sell it. Gas stations that don't have diesel are in the business section (core) of cities where real-estate is expensive, they have less land, and there isn't room for 3 tanks in the ground (regular, premium, diesel) For example, between my house and the city of Vancouver (a 15 minute ride) I pass 6 gas stations and 4 have diesel. I fill up every 800 km (500 miles) but can go another 100 miles, so its never an issue.
I'm hardly 6'5" (I'm 6'3"). But I make the difference up in girth and shoe size: 360 lbs. size 16EE shoes. I appreciate your comments and maybe you can help me out. I'm driving a '98 Avalon 123K miles. I messed up and didn't change the oil like my sticker said, and ended up with a big engine job-- $8,000 worth. Thank God I didn't have to pay for anything not even the rental car for two weeks. My point? I love the reliability of Toyota (prior to the oil deal no problems and routine maintenance was reasonable and affordable). My question to you then is about your Sable. I've been told to stay away from Ford products: Marquis (it sort of "fits" my physique) Sable, etc. because Ford means "...fix or repair daily..." What's been your experience with your Sable? Honestly I can't afford the Lincolns (I bought my Avalon with 45K). Also I've never seemed to have had enough legroom in the Marquis although they ride nice. Any thoughts? Any one else out there know what I'm talking about? Thanks
I am considering a small Euro car and need to know how long term comfort has been of the A4 or 3 series for someone who is 6'3. I swore off small cars after the last Honda Civic but am currently rethinking my logic as gas prices are breaking me in a Nissan gas-finder. are the seats in a European car significantly better than Japanese or is that simply a urban marketing myth? Thanks.
great article car man, thanks. I was shocked to see some of those vehicles listed, especially the Focus. While the Focus is good for those who want to wear 10 gallon hats inside their car, I don't see it as a good car for tall people. I am 6'1 with very long legs and don't come close to fitting in the Focus. Furthermore, there is zero legroom for the rear passengers. If you are tall, and like some who mentioned- looking for good gas mileage, I'd go with the Maxx. It is roomy in the front, back, and side to side.
I am 6-5 250........so I can definately relate to this issue..... the telescope steering wheel is by far a god-send for me.....I don't think I will ever buy a car without one again.I have a 2004 Nissan Altima...Good front headroom,Good front legroom, but being able to move the seat all the way back,and grip the steering wheel in a comfortable position is wonderful.
it really came down to 2 cars in terms of impressing me with the roominess, when I was actively looking,the PT Crusier for a small looking car on the outside,was VERY roomy.good headroom and front legroom.The seats on the PT crusier go alllll the way back....which was wonderful.If the PT crusier only had a Telescopic steering wheel I proboly would have bought it..but once I tried out the 2004 Nissan altima with the seat all the way back,tilt sterring and the clincher by far was the telescopic steering column....I knew I had my car.....
I'm 6'4"/280 and just have a fit when I go looking for a new vehicle. I guess there is a reason that I've been driving pick-up trucks and SUVs for 15 years.
By the ways, what's the deal with manufacturers pulling that annoying left-foot resting pad in just about every car that is made? It's driving my knee up into the steering wheel.
I'm sorry, but just about any car short of a full lincoln towncar or a full-sized caddie is just not made for anyone over 6'1"/220. I'm going to go buy another full-sized F150 crew-cab pickup.
Be sure to check in with Edmunds.com's Phil Reed during one of his two chat session tomorrow on "More Strategies for Smart Car Buyers" tomorrow (Wednesday) Aug 25 at noon PDT/3pm EDT and 6pm PDT/9pm EDT. Use the link at the top of the page or go to the Town Hall home page for more info.
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Help! I've been looking over some of the posts, but I thought someone might be able to help me on this issue directly. The issue is not necessarily tall, but thigh support and long legs. Been driving an '86Chevy Celebrity,with split bench-like seats, and need a new car desperately. I want a midsize car, preferably $19-$23K. I am a new-car buyer, feel uncomfy w/used. My husband's 88Toyota is better quality than my car, so I tried imports. I swore off domestic cars. Fell in love with the '05 Toyota Camry LE, BUT inadequate thigh support. I have VERY long legs. I am 5'9"/3" shorter than my hubby, yet my legs are about 4" taller than his. The seat pan is too short, and I have back pain from inadequate thigh support. I had the Camry LE test drive yesterday and adjusted the seat back backwards, to push my tush back and used a pillow from "Relax the Back" to put my back upright. (I also rented the car for the weekend, before i got the pillow)Could not get comfortable! Adjusted the seat pan upward in front, but still couldn't get enough thigh support. Got severe back spasm when I got out of the short test drive! I am soooo dissappointed, because I loved the car. Same problem with the Accord, Passat, other imports. Does anyone have any more ideas or a mid-size sedan that's more comfortable? The Toyota salesperson said people who are comfy with domestic cars don't like import car seats, but I don't know where to start! I loved the idea that the Camry is very crash-worthy, dependable, smooth, and i like the layout of the interior. I thought about the Avalon, but it's too big, pricey, and I don't like buying used cars. I also have carpal tunnel, and so have to be careful to buy lighter weight doors and watch ergonomics. Hope you can help!!! This is such a big (pardon the pun) project! When I finally find that car, it will be in fire-engine red and every gadget available! Judy
OK, so I am 6' 7" and 320lbs. I have been driving for a little more than a year (I am 17 right now) and so far the only two cars I have had extensive driving experience in are my parents' 2000 Saab 9-5 and 9-5 Wagon, both of which I LOVE. They're not perfect, per say, but plently big enough, and I am a Saab FREAK. Problem though: I need my own car, and suffice it to say another 9-5 is most likely waaaaaay out of my price range. 900s are too small, and the new 9-3s fit well, but are also too costly. As for other brands, I know a Lincoln Navigator works (having used one for a week on a road trip), and again, too expensive. What will fit my meager high school budget - and me? I really need help finding something, even my parents are getting desperate. Thanks!
I have seating issues also. Long legs, back problem. Yeah, you will probably need a new car fast. Would suggest you check out a Chevy Impala 60/40 split bench seat. Both the Impala bucket and bench seats are deep, and you can move the seats far back. They have power seats, which adjust all kinds of ways. The bench seat will have 60% of the seat on the driver's side, so they are very wide. The cupholders are built into the armrest that comes down, but you can flip that up.
If you go to the GM site and "build your own." Check if the car has 60/40 seat, or the bucket option. On the base model, the standard is the 60/40, which you see in the standard interior options. I think on the LS that the bucket is standard, and it would show 60/40 in options. Either way, it would show up there. Then click on find a dealer, and see what the dealers have by checking the window stickers online. Print off what you would like to see at a local dealer and go take a look. I took a look at one lot before they opened, just to see what the seats looked like.
You could also try the Toyota Avalon bench seat, which is wider and quite deep. Nice car. But you could probably get a new Impala for less than a used Avalon.
I have been looking at cars for months, and someone on Edmunds suggested I look at the Impala. Boy, am I excited. After many months, I may have found my car! I am going to check the Taurus next, and then make my decision.
Gee, this is really great for someone to help me, and now I can help someone else! It's a shame that it takes so long to learn to work the system.
Oh, yes, the Chevy Malibu has a Saab type engine, you might want to get on the Malibu group here. But you might not like the seats.
are you sure the a saab doesn't have a malibu type engine? rented a new malibu. seemed solid body wise, suspension was a bit clunky. remote start only worked occasionally. never when i tried to show it off
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I have been having trouble finding a car. the only things I seem to fit in are german midsize to large sedans. Otherwise the headroom is mostly to short also I am trying to spend around 15000. the new accord works but is too expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions for me. the cars I have found that work well are bmw 528i, mercedes e320 (albeit kind of tight side to side) lexus gs and audi a6. I am kind of worried about reliability of these cars because they are all going to be high mileage.
I did a search on Saab on the Malibu site, and got a number of messages about this. The "Epsilon platform" is shared by Malibu and Saab. Here's one of the messages: "Well as I've said before, origins of cars are becoming more and more blurred by the day. The Saturn Vue (GM) has a Honda engine and the Pontiac Vibe (GM) has a Toyota engine. Saab (GM) markets a Subaru under the Saab badge. Malibu has a Saab platform. Cadillac (GM) is starting to give Mercedes and BMW some stiff competition. So before anybody says GM products are so so, they better do their homework. "
Hope this helps. Sorry the remote start didn't work.
Interesting I saw this column in a Bonne forum. I have visited the 300M and Grand Cherokee forums the most lately, however last March I was checking out the main Bonneville columns as after driving an A4 & Passats (not enough rear room for 6+ ft 240lb HS son), a bunch of Japanese sedans, we were settled on a Bonne or 300M. The wife wanted a sunroof for "her" sport sedan and the boy could not sit up straight in the rear seat Bonne w/sunroof. The 300M had room to spare and more guts (plus incredible rebate/discounts since the new 300 was coming out). We would not even consider the new 300 with rear wheel drive living in rural Minnesota, plus my wife thought it was pretty ugly compared to the sleek 300M styling - since then I have found most guys like it but no females I have talked to like the styling although I hear it is fairly roomy if you can tolerate RWD or wait until an AWD is available in February 05.
Anyway, read some of my postings and others on the 300M column. There are a very few new ones left out there, but you can get a real deal on low mileage lease returns as the new 300s knocked the prices was down on the 300Ms. We are very satisfied after 7000 miles with the 300M and it has incredible front and rear room/comfort all around includuing wide door access. BTW, I am 6'4, wife is 5'9.
I just bought an '04 Chevy Impala, and I am very happy with the room. I am quite tall, and the legroom is great. What I am most happy with is the wide entry room and the seats have a lot of depth to the seat pan. I ended up with the bucket seats, which is unusual because I started out looking at their 60/40 split bench seat. But the buckets turned out to be quite wide. Nothing at all like the foreign seats! The owners on the Impala sites tell me this is a very dependable car.
Got it for $200 under invoice, with fightingchance.com package (which cost only $35. no, I am not affiliated with them. Just really happy I found them online, after much research)
My husband is 6'9" with long legs and bad knees and the only vehicle that we have found that works for legroom is the Mercury Marquis which does not have a center console. Does anyone know of any other vehicles that are available without a center console? Even most large SUV's (Armada, Navigator) have a center console that is not comfortable for long legs.
Is it the console or the center dash that is the problem? My PT Cruiser does not have a console, but the center stack that houses the radio and climate controls is very close to my knee. I find My knee doesn't touch anything in the Cruiser. I haven't looked at vans for a few years, but some back then did not have a center console.
I have looking for a car with good leg room in the front and rear. Most of you talk about front leg room but once I get comfortable no one can sit behind me. This is a problem because I have two daughters and they are 5"7 and 5"10. Unless you are willing to buy a very expensive vehicle it is very difficult to find a good car. No be clear I am not intersted in the Ford (Fix Or Repair Daily)500, or any other For dproduct. I am waiting for the New Avalon, it appears the best car for the money right now.
Well, if you are going to dismiss an entire manufacturer who happens to be the second largest vehicle manufacturer in the world based on a stupid, trite (Fix Or Repair Daily) saying that has been around since at least the 1950's, then go ahead and buy the next generation Avalon that will have a starting MSRP in the $26K range.
If you want something that starts in price still in the low $20's and has in many respects state of the art drive train and safety features, don't ignore the Five Hundred.
i know this is in the wrong class of car, but I am 6'3" and probably 360 lbs, and I am looking for a sportier car, does anyone know of a good sports car or sports sedan from 1996-2000 with decent head/legroom?
I did hear that the 2000 and up Mitsubishi Eclipse has good leg room, but lacks in head room, I guess the only way to tell is by gettin in the car, but can anyone confirm or downplay this?
Try a Volvo S-80. They depreciate fast, have great seats, and plenty of headroom--even with a sunroof. There's even more headroom if you can find one without a sunroof--and they're out there if you look hard enough. Look for an '02 model or later for better reliability.
You probably have a dilemma. Nevertheless, do you want a sporty looking car or a sports sedan???
If you want a sports sedan, go buy a used Avalon,(NOT a 2000 model year), put Tokico Shocks and Energy Suspension bushings, change the tires to 1" diameter larger with a decreased ratio, and there you go.
when i was younger i couldn't afford anything but a compact car. i had the seat tracks on the drivers side moved back. doesn't leave any room in the back seat behind me, but it sure made it roomy up front.
i'm 6'4" and had a few seats moved back so far that i couldn't reach the peddles. i had to move the seat up so i could drive.
most dealers won't do this for you due to insurance concerns, but they can recommend a body shop that will do it... takes about an hour and $100.
... just a thought for you big guys that want small cars.
hard to imagine anyone with a 38" inseam being comfortable in some of the small japanese cars.
if moving the seat tracks back a few inches is extreme, then call me extreme... all i know is i was comfortable in my small car and was able to stretch my legs.
There's more to the issue of headroom for tall drivers than the measured distance from seat to interior roof. Some vehicles do have enough headroom but the roof liner slopes down before joining the windshield, and the driver can't see anything. Example : I'm 6'2, which is not as tall as some readers in this forum. I can sit AND see out of a Ford F 150, but not in a Chevy truck, Toyota Tundra, Honda Pilot or Nissan Titan. The oddest one is the Nissan Titan, which gives me over an inch of free space above my head, but the windshield is so short I can't see any higher than the trunk of the vehicle in front. Stop signs and traffic lights are totally hidden. Vehicle manufacturers are just not providing any choices for tall drivers, and some drivers end up buying a vehicle that is downright dangerous for them to drive because of the poor forward vision. I have spent countless hours trying to fit seats with less seat padding into various vehicles to get enough room - it doesn't work very well. What I want to know is : What do basketball players drive ?
Well, thats simple to answer. They don't drive, they pay somebody...:-)
I have experienced the same problem as you and I am only 6'1". The slope down roof of some cars make everythign a hassle with having to bend over to look under the roof expecially with stop lights.
Thats why I am more of a straight sitter than the speedy car guy. My old Nissan Pathfinder had great visibility for the tallness in me but had some horrible sidebars that blocked my view.
I could not agree more. My XL Avalon is fairly comfortable without a sunroof, but I watch how far I pull up to the traffic light or else I cannot see it.
My husband is 6'6" tall with long legs. He drives a Lincoln LS 2002 every day and fits fine. He can drive my BMW 530 with the seat down all the way and back far and can get comfortable. Not much leg room behind him, though. But he's comfortable. Also, the Suburban is very comfortable. A few NBA players I've seen driving around: one drives a Hummer, another a 7 series BMW, and another a Bentley. The Hummer driver isn't that tall. None are the really tall players. I don't know what they drive.
I'm 6'7" 250+ with the same sad story, long legs, long torso, and very few options for a comfortable ride in the auto world. I’m currently driving a ’99 Chevy Blazer LS 2 door 4x4. It has respectable legroom, but I’m bordering no headroom. I have the six way power seats in the little beast, with my hair cut short and the seat hugging the floor boards I can keep my head off the roof liner, just have to make sure I duck on those big bumps!. I’ve been shopping around to replace the GM gas hog with something that sips fuel instead of guzzles. This is what I’ve found so far
1)Dodge Magnum V-6 – Good headroom, good legroom, o.k. highway mpg 2)Saturn Ion Quad Coupe 2.2 liter 5 speed manual – Great headroom, so-so legroom, average/better than average highway mpg 3)Volkswagen New Beetle 1.9 TDI – Spectacular headroom, spectacular legroom, near hybrid highway mpg.
I really wanted to get a Scion Xb, one of the top 10 rides for tall folks here on Edmunds, I had plenty of headroom, but I ate what passes for a dashboard in the little bugger. Looks like a VW NB TDI for me.
Just quick side notes, the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe have great headroom, o.k. legroom. My mom has the Matrix and my mother-in-law has the Vibe. Not getting the same car that my mom and mom-in-law drive, not happening.
I'm 6'9" 265 lbs, and cursedly normally proportioned. Long legs 38" inseam, long body, size 15 feet.
I have been driving old Volvo 245 series wagons( with 2" extender rails)for years. I would say relatively unsafely since in a front ender the seat belt would do little good(below my shoulder, 6-8" before I'd hit it anyways) the ceiling without a sunroof gives me and inch of clearance(death in a rollover, everyday bumps a pain), and I am able to get my hand between the wheel(smallest wheel Volvo makes) and my leg. I love the old reliable beast ( 310,000 miles and counting), and it was the best fit I could find on a college budget, but as a parent of young children I think I'm feeling a bit more mortal than I used to.
A acquaintance got in an accident in a minivan and is now paralized, due mostly from the fact the vehicle he was did not fit. He's exactly my size, so my paranoia kicked in. I learned tall people are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries and die in auto accidents. Longer lever arms mean bones are easier to break, heavier bodies combine for more force acting on joints, etc. You get the idea. The other thing that impacts these statistics heavily is that a larger person is closer to the dash, the roof, and the side impact zones.
Also interesting is that cars are designed to be comfortable at the max range for a 5'11.5' man, at 227 lbs (95% male). Anyone outside that range is driving a vehicle not designed to keep them safe.
Another consideration tall people(neck is more vulnerable) need to be aware of is headrest height. If the headrest is lower than the top of your ears, or 6" from the top of you head, its not doing anything for you.
I have sat in almost every vehicle out there regardless of cost, and come up empty for the most part. The only family vehicles I have found that fit are the Mitsubishi Endeavor XLS, and the BMW X3. and those just barely. Minivans don't work since a big hump from the drivers side slider is right against my head in all models out there. I am considering a Toyota Tundra Double cab, and a F150 King ranch Crew cab, even though they are out of my budget, and my wife(5'7")would hate it. The only Small vehicle I can drive safely is my New Beetle. I love having almost 3" above my head and shoulder room to spare. Wish all cars could fit this way.
My search for a safe family wagon(2 kids, 2 dogs) continues. If anybody my size or close has a suggestion It would be much appreciated. Good luck to all.
I found a good source for tall vehicle information I found was at Tall Magazine. They went to a car show and rated all the production vehicle by heights they could fit, But alas doesnt really apply to my proportions.
I noticed in some of the earlier threads, that some 6 footers were commenting. Is that considered tall?
38" inseam and all. I gave up getting a "stretch out" car long ago. My 1994 LS400 comes close though. I have a brother who is 6'9' 270, I hate it for him when he has to look for a car.
Saw your post from ealier this year. I am 6'4" and considering a 2000 Avalon. Why don't you recommend them? Appreciate comments before I drop some change on one...
I think the Avalon is a fine car. I have a 02 XL, with a bench seat and I really enjoy it and it serves my needs very well. The 00 model is the FIRST YEAR MODEL. Never, buy any vehicle that is a first year model. If you can, get your hands on an 01-04, the later the better. Buy an XL, and forego the moonroof, giving you another 1.5" MINIMUM. If you need help with repairing it or modifying it, let me know. I do quite alot of work myself on the vehicle.
I happened to stumble on this forum and I am a tall driver looking for a new car. I'm over 6' 7" almost 6' 8" and can related to everyone's comments here. Here's my two cents. I have looked for the past three years to replace my chrysler concord which is ok but I've always been worried about the head rest since it wasn't as high as my head but only came to my neck. I really didn't want a truck. So, after ruling out a lot of cars here are some that you might want to consider:
Audi A4 - There is a lot of room in the track to move back so even I could fit into it. Decent headroom. Cons - when you move the seat back it becomes a 3 person car because nobody could sit behind you. Also, I think its a bit pricey for what you get. Also the seat is built for someone with a smaller behind than me and I suffer from George Carlin's no [non-permissible content removed] syndrome.
Saturn VUE - I can fit into this pretty easily, the leg room could be better but headroom is fine. People can actually sit behind you. Decent gas usage. However, for an SUV that can run upwards of over 27,000 when you get all the bells and whistles, it is a bit cheaply finished. Also, they are going to release a "hybrid" this year for 2006 but it isn't really a hybrid and will increase the cost by 1,500 to 2,000 and you will only get apparently a 10% increase in gas mileage.
Honda Element - I can fit fine in this and it is finished fine. Cost can get pricey - over 25k for all bells and whistles. But it rides like a tin can. It also has horrible side impact crash test ratings. Some people don't like the outside but I kinda like it, it grows on you. Plenty of room for hauling.
Ford Crown Victoria - Ah, the policeman's friend, old person's vehicle and tall person's refuge. You can fit in this no problem but - its a Crown Vic. I'm not ready to give up in my search yet.
Ford 500 - I just tried this one out on Thursday for a lark. It surprised me. I could fit into it. It was slightly snug on the legs but actually there was a decent amount of room. I could even fit in the back seat behind the driver's seat even after I got the driver's seat where I would use it. It comes pretty loaded for about 26k MSRP. However, something tells me that the seat would not be all that comfortable on a long trip, the looks are just ok, and the responsiveness is not really there.
Toyota Avalon - What can I say. This has been my dream car for a while so I am a bit biased. The new model 2005 has some great updates, i.e., better engine, new bells and whistles, and a updated exterior and interior. Actually I like the old model's interior better but I can fit in it even with the sun roof. It is better without the sun roof though. It is a bit pricey, but if there are any 2004 model years left on the lot you might be able to get a decent price on those. You can't touch the 2005 without a dealer "markup" on it right now. I hear that they are going to release the 2006 model in August - no differences though.
Subaru Forrester - The only model I can fit into from Subaru. Its fine, road noise is pronounced and there really are not many bells and whistles on the car for the price in my opinion. Gas mileage is decent.
So those are some thoughts, my problem is that I'm cheap and I want to get a decent car for no more than 25k that fits four people comfortably and gets decent gas mileage. If anyone has a suggestion please let me know.
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I currently drive a 2000 Chevy Blazer handed down from my dad to me. Only problem is I can't afford the gas this beast sucks up. I drive to school every day and it is two towns out of the way. 90% of my driving is on the highway and I am looking for a car that will fit me and be good on gas. There is one complication, with my big feet I find it incredible difficult to drive most cars, the side of my foot will get stuck in cars that have the gas and the brake close together. My dads 03 Saab 9-5 is a pain for me to drive, my foot gets caught on the back of the brake which would be a real problem if I had to stop in a hurry. My dad's old 99' TL fit me alright (I was shorter at the time, but not much). But the top of my foot would get caught sometimes. There are a ton of expensive cars that take Premium gas that will fit me, I'd get one if I could afford the car/maintenance/gas...
I am looking around the $10-23K range in Canadian dollars. Can anyone help me out? Also reliability is a concern, as repairs are expensive and my wallet is really small.
The Impala is a good buy used and is relatively cheap to keep. The gas mileage , while no Prius should be about 23 to 25 mpg using regular gas.
I'm not biased one way or the other, but I would like to keep this car a long time as I am going into University and I will be broke.
I'm 6'5", 230+ pounds, and I ordered my '98 Beetle in January '98 after sitting in one at the car show. This is the only vehicle I could wear a cowboy hat in for sale in North America (although I didn't sit in the new Benz Maybach, but that's 1/2 million beyond my budget). But the Beetle's dash is close in the knee area depending on your proportions. The tilt/telescopic wheel (standard on ALL VWs) helps.
I don't have enough room in an Altima with a sun-roof, but do in a Passat with S/R (barely).
Important note about the Passat: Not only do the seats go up and down (and if the person before you was short and jacked it up then there will be even less room than in a Japanese car), but the seats get thicker as the price goes up.
The GLX has extra padding and various back/lumbar/thigh support things that increase the height of the seating surface.
Go sit in a base Passat. It has more room. And crank the seat down.
Other vehicles that have space:
Besides VW Beetle & Passat, Audi A8 is great, A6 is acceptable, A4 not.
Benz E class and S class, but not the baby benz.
Nissan TITAN and Armada pickup/SUV. The seating in a Titan is upright and probably comfy for long trips (like a German car) whereas the new Toyota full-size truck is a joke ... you're almost sitting on the floor like a Tacoma or 1970 Datsun pickup ... there is no comparison!
My back wouldn't last an hour in one of those, but could probably drive for 10 hours in the Nissan.
I was driving my Dad's Ford Crown Vic ('95 I think) again today (my wife had my Beetle), and although the headroom is good, it also suffers the Japanese car syndrome of sitting close to the floor with your knees higher, which causes fatigue and back aches.
*Amazing car* you have to check out the new Chrysler 300 series!
Its mechanically the last generation Benz E-Class. Skip the base model with the small V6, and make sure that if you buy one it has the shifter with the wiggly gate (Benz tranny -- best in world) and not the straight gate (Chrysler tranny -- worst in world). A magazine says the Benz tranny is in the 300c (hemi) and other models with optional 4WD, but the unit I sat in at the car show (a 300 Touring) had the Benz tranny as well, so the magazines (and Chrysler brochures) may not be correct.
And if you want 45+ MPG and room, the new Passat TDI is the only game in town. (I sat in one, but haven't driven one yet). However Audi will be selling Turbo-diesel cars this fall in Canada (I'm not sure about the US)
The E320 with 3.2L V6 gas does 0-60 in 7.1 seconds
the E320D with 3.2L straight-6 turbo-diesel does 0-60 in 7.2 seconds ... with a 700 km range per tank.
Gas Benz takes premium, but diesel fuel costs less than regular gas. And don't believe any BS about needing to go to a truck stop to get fuel. Almost every Texaco and BP station has diesel, and most Esso's and Chevron too. Arco on the west coast doesn't sell it. Gas stations that don't have diesel are in the business section (core) of cities where real-estate is expensive, they have less land, and there isn't room for 3 tanks in the ground (regular, premium, diesel)
For example, between my house and the city of Vancouver (a 15 minute ride) I pass 6 gas stations and 4 have diesel. I fill up every 800 km (500 miles) but can go another 100 miles, so its never an issue.
Terry.
north14
the telescope steering wheel is by far a god-send for me.....I don't think I will ever buy a car without one again.I have a 2004 Nissan Altima...Good front headroom,Good front legroom, but being able to move the seat all the way back,and grip the steering wheel in a comfortable position is wonderful.
it really came down to 2 cars in terms of impressing me with the roominess, when I was actively looking,the PT Crusier for a small looking car on the outside,was VERY roomy.good headroom and front legroom.The seats on the PT crusier go alllll the way back....which was wonderful.If the PT crusier only had a Telescopic steering wheel I proboly would have bought it..but once I tried out the 2004 Nissan altima with the seat all the way back,tilt sterring and the clincher by far was the telescopic steering column....I knew I had my car.....
By the ways, what's the deal with manufacturers pulling that annoying left-foot resting pad in just about every car that is made? It's driving my knee up into the steering wheel.
I'm sorry, but just about any car short of a full lincoln towncar or a full-sized caddie is just not made for anyone over 6'1"/220. I'm going to go buy another full-sized F150 crew-cab pickup.
kcram
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Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
Been driving an '86Chevy Celebrity,with split bench-like seats, and need a new car desperately. I want a midsize car, preferably $19-$23K. I am a new-car buyer, feel uncomfy w/used. My husband's 88Toyota is better quality than my car, so I tried imports. I swore off domestic cars. Fell in love with the '05 Toyota Camry LE, BUT inadequate thigh support. I have VERY long legs. I am 5'9"/3" shorter than my hubby, yet my legs are about 4" taller than his. The seat pan is too short, and I have back pain from inadequate thigh support. I had the Camry LE test drive yesterday and adjusted the seat back backwards, to push my tush back and used a pillow from "Relax the Back" to put my back upright. (I also rented the car for the weekend, before i got the pillow)Could not get comfortable!
Does anyone have any more ideas or a mid-size sedan that's more comfortable? The Toyota salesperson said people who are comfy with domestic cars don't like import car seats, but I don't know where to start! I loved the idea that the Camry is very crash-worthy, dependable, smooth, and i like the layout of the interior. I thought about the Avalon, but it's too big, pricey, and I don't like buying used cars. I also have carpal tunnel, and so have to be careful to buy lighter weight doors and watch ergonomics. Hope you can help!!!
This is such a big (pardon the pun) project! When I finally find that car, it will be in fire-engine red and every gadget available! Judy
Yeah, you will probably need a new car fast. Would suggest you check out a Chevy Impala 60/40 split bench seat. Both the Impala bucket and bench seats are deep, and you can move the seats far back. They have power seats, which adjust all kinds of ways. The bench seat will have 60% of the seat on the driver's side, so they are very wide. The cupholders are built into the armrest that comes down, but you can flip that up.
If you go to the GM site and "build your own." Check if the car has 60/40 seat, or the bucket option. On the base model, the standard is the 60/40, which you see in the standard interior options. I think on the LS that the bucket is standard, and it would show 60/40 in options. Either way, it would show up there. Then click on find a dealer, and see what the dealers have by checking the window stickers online. Print off what you would like to see at a local dealer and go take a look. I took a look at one lot before they opened, just to see what the seats looked like.
You could also try the Toyota Avalon bench seat, which is wider and quite deep. Nice car. But you could probably get a new Impala for less than a used Avalon.
I have been looking at cars for months, and someone on Edmunds suggested I look at the Impala. Boy, am I excited. After many months, I may have found my car! I am going to check the Taurus next, and then make my decision.
Gee, this is really great for someone to help me, and now I can help someone else! It's a shame that it takes so long to learn to work the system.
Oh, yes, the Chevy Malibu has a Saab type engine, you might want to get on the Malibu group here. But you might not like the seats.
GOOD LUCK!
rented a new malibu. seemed solid body wise, suspension was a bit clunky. remote start only worked occasionally. never when i tried to show it off
"Well as I've said before, origins of cars are becoming more and more blurred by the day. The Saturn Vue (GM) has a Honda engine and the Pontiac Vibe (GM) has a Toyota engine. Saab (GM) markets a Subaru under the Saab badge. Malibu has a Saab platform. Cadillac (GM) is starting to give Mercedes and BMW some stiff competition. So before anybody says GM products are so so, they better do their homework. "
Hope this helps. Sorry the remote start didn't work.
Anyway, read some of my postings and others on the 300M column. There are a very few new ones left out there, but you can get a real deal on low mileage lease returns as the new 300s knocked the prices was down on the 300Ms. We are very satisfied after 7000 miles with the 300M and it has incredible front and rear room/comfort all around includuing wide door access. BTW, I am 6'4, wife is 5'9.
I just bought an '04 Chevy Impala, and I am very happy with the room. I am quite tall, and the legroom is great. What I am most happy with is the wide entry room and the seats have a lot of depth to the seat pan. I ended up with the bucket seats, which is unusual because I started out looking at their 60/40 split bench seat. But the buckets turned out to be quite wide. Nothing at all like the foreign seats! The owners on the Impala sites tell me this is a very dependable car.
Got it for $200 under invoice, with fightingchance.com package (which cost only $35. no, I am not affiliated with them. Just really happy I found them online, after much research)
If you want something that starts in price still in the low $20's and has in many respects state of the art drive train and safety features, don't ignore the Five Hundred.
I did hear that the 2000 and up Mitsubishi Eclipse has good leg room, but lacks in head room, I guess the only way to tell is by gettin in the car, but can anyone confirm or downplay this?
Steve, Host
You probably have a dilemma. Nevertheless, do you want a sporty looking car or a sports sedan???
If you want a sports sedan, go buy a used Avalon,(NOT a 2000 model year), put Tokico Shocks and Energy Suspension bushings, change the tires to 1" diameter larger with a decreased ratio, and there you go.
abfisch
i'm 6'4" and had a few seats moved back so far that i couldn't reach the peddles. i had to move the seat up so i could drive.
most dealers won't do this for you due to insurance concerns, but they can recommend a body shop that will do it... takes about an hour and $100.
... just a thought for you big guys that want small cars.
if moving the seat tracks back a few inches is extreme, then call me extreme... all i know is i was comfortable in my small car and was able to stretch my legs.
Well, thats simple to answer. They don't drive, they pay somebody...:-)
I have experienced the same problem as you and I am only 6'1". The slope down roof of some cars make everythign a hassle with having to bend over to look under the roof expecially with stop lights.
Thats why I am more of a straight sitter than the speedy car guy. My old Nissan Pathfinder had great visibility for the tallness in me but had some horrible sidebars that blocked my view.
But they still have to sit in it!! And in the back seat, no less!
abfisch
1)Dodge Magnum V-6 – Good headroom, good legroom, o.k. highway mpg
2)Saturn Ion Quad Coupe 2.2 liter 5 speed manual – Great headroom, so-so legroom, average/better than average highway mpg
3)Volkswagen New Beetle 1.9 TDI – Spectacular headroom, spectacular legroom, near hybrid highway mpg.
I really wanted to get a Scion Xb, one of the top 10 rides for tall folks here on Edmunds, I had plenty of headroom, but I ate what passes for a dashboard in the little bugger. Looks like a VW NB TDI for me.
Just quick side notes, the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe have great headroom, o.k. legroom. My mom has the Matrix and my mother-in-law has the Vibe. Not getting the same car that my mom and mom-in-law drive, not happening.
I have been driving old Volvo 245 series wagons( with 2" extender rails)for years. I would say relatively unsafely since in a front ender the seat belt would do little good(below my shoulder, 6-8" before I'd hit it anyways) the ceiling without a sunroof gives me and inch of clearance(death in a rollover, everyday bumps a pain), and I am able to get my hand between the wheel(smallest wheel Volvo makes) and my leg. I love the old reliable beast ( 310,000 miles and counting), and it was the best fit I could find on a college budget, but as a parent of young children I think I'm feeling a bit more mortal than I used to.
A acquaintance got in an accident in a minivan and is now paralized, due mostly from the fact the vehicle he was did not fit. He's exactly my size, so my paranoia kicked in. I learned tall people are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries and die in auto accidents. Longer lever arms mean bones are easier to break, heavier bodies combine for more force acting on joints, etc. You get the idea. The other thing that impacts these statistics heavily is that a larger person is closer to the dash, the roof, and the side impact zones.
Also interesting is that cars are designed to be comfortable at the max range for a 5'11.5' man, at 227 lbs (95% male). Anyone outside that range is driving a vehicle not designed to keep them safe.
Another consideration tall people(neck is more vulnerable) need to be aware of is headrest height. If the headrest is lower than the top of your ears, or 6" from the top of you head, its not doing anything for you.
I have sat in almost every vehicle out there regardless of cost, and come up empty for the most part. The only family vehicles I have found that fit are the Mitsubishi Endeavor XLS, and the BMW X3. and those just barely. Minivans don't work since a big hump from the drivers side slider is right against my head in all models out there. I am considering a Toyota Tundra Double cab, and a F150 King ranch Crew cab, even though they are out of my budget, and my wife(5'7")would hate it. The only Small vehicle I can drive safely is my New Beetle. I love having almost 3" above my head and shoulder room to spare. Wish all cars could fit this way.
My search for a safe family wagon(2 kids, 2 dogs) continues. If anybody my size or close has a suggestion It would be much appreciated. Good luck to all.
I found a good source for tall vehicle information I found was at Tall Magazine. They went to a car show and rated all the production vehicle by heights they could fit,
But alas doesnt really apply to my proportions.
I noticed in some of the earlier threads, that some 6 footers were commenting. Is that considered tall?
Rob in AZ
I think the Avalon is a fine car. I have a 02 XL, with a bench seat and I really enjoy it and it serves my needs very well. The 00 model is the FIRST YEAR MODEL. Never, buy any vehicle that is a first year model. If you can, get your hands on an 01-04, the later the better. Buy an XL, and forego the moonroof, giving you another 1.5" MINIMUM. If you need help with repairing it or modifying it, let me know. I do quite alot of work myself on the vehicle.
Good luck.
abfisch
Rob
Audi A4 - There is a lot of room in the track to move back so even I could fit into it. Decent headroom. Cons - when you move the seat back it becomes a 3 person car because nobody could sit behind you. Also, I think its a bit pricey for what you get. Also the seat is built for someone with a smaller behind than me and I suffer from George Carlin's no [non-permissible content removed] syndrome.
Saturn VUE - I can fit into this pretty easily, the leg room could be better but headroom is fine. People can actually sit behind you. Decent gas usage. However, for an SUV that can run upwards of over 27,000 when you get all the bells and whistles, it is a bit cheaply finished. Also, they are going to release a "hybrid" this year for 2006 but it isn't really a hybrid and will increase the cost by 1,500 to 2,000 and you will only get apparently a 10% increase in gas mileage.
Honda Element - I can fit fine in this and it is finished fine. Cost can get pricey - over 25k for all bells and whistles. But it rides like a tin can. It also has horrible side impact crash test ratings. Some people don't like the outside but I kinda like it, it grows on you. Plenty of room for hauling.
Ford Crown Victoria - Ah, the policeman's friend, old person's vehicle and tall person's refuge. You can fit in this no problem but - its a Crown Vic. I'm not ready to give up in my search yet.
Ford 500 - I just tried this one out on Thursday for a lark. It surprised me. I could fit into it. It was slightly snug on the legs but actually there was a decent amount of room. I could even fit in the back seat behind the driver's seat even after I got the driver's seat where I would use it. It comes pretty loaded for about 26k MSRP. However, something tells me that the seat would not be all that comfortable on a long trip, the looks are just ok, and the responsiveness is not really there.
Toyota Avalon - What can I say. This has been my dream car for a while so I am a bit biased. The new model 2005 has some great updates, i.e., better engine, new bells and whistles, and a updated exterior and interior. Actually I like the old model's interior better but I can fit in it even with the sun roof. It is better without the sun roof though. It is a bit pricey, but if there are any 2004 model years left on the lot you might be able to get a decent price on those. You can't touch the 2005 without a dealer "markup" on it right now. I hear that they are going to release the 2006 model in August - no differences though.
Subaru Forrester - The only model I can fit into from Subaru. Its fine, road noise is pronounced and there really are not many bells and whistles on the car for the price in my opinion. Gas mileage is decent.
So those are some thoughts, my problem is that I'm cheap and I want to get a decent car for no more than 25k that fits four people comfortably and gets decent gas mileage. If anyone has a suggestion please let me know.