Best Vehicles for Tall and/or Large Drivers

bretfraz · June 2001

Yeah but those VW Eurovan's are off-the-meter cool. It's the only vehicle of its type that doesn't scream "suburban geek". Even the Odyssey is a soccer mom special.

I don't know if its the 2001 or 2002 model, but VW has done some revamping of the bus. A lot more power, better equipt, and a lower price.

It ain't your traditional minivan but that is its charm.

Easy for me to say to buy the VW, I like odd cars. No point in driving the same thing everyone else has, right?

Oh, and wait for the all-new MicroBus from VW. Totally retro.

im_brentwood · June 2001

From what I hear, the new MicroBus will be an upgrade from the EuroVan inthe samemanner that the new Beetle was an upgrade froma '75 Super Beetle.

I can't wait to see it

Bill

odie6l · June 2001

And I had a Dodge Stratus w/sunroof (no shade), All I did was lean the seat back a little more and poof..more head room. I just went out and ordered a Ford Escape on 5/10/01 and it should arrive in the next few weeks. I test drove one w/sunroof and had good leg room and head room. But my wife's 2000 Civic..man I would have to yank the front seat out and sit in the back to drive it.

Odie

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Bill, I saw a VW Bus concept vehicle at the NY Auto Show a little while ago. It looked really neat. However, it certainly did not look production ready and it will probably be awhile before it hits the market. In fact, there is a video clip of the new Volkswagen Microbus right here at Edmunds, just use the following link to check it out: Volkswagen Microbus Video Clip.

Car_man
Host
Smart Shoppers / FWI Message Boards

scotian · June 2001

With sunroof. 6'2". No problem. I imagine LHS and Intrepid similar.

teo · June 2001

The 2001 Chevy Impala if you need/want a large, safe and value packaged family sedan.

odie6l · June 2001

Look into the Ford Escape. I'm 6'3" and my wife is 5'8". I had a 1998 stratus and my wife has a 2000 Civic EX. The Civic is tight and the Stratus had good head and leg room, but I needed a little more. Looked at the Ford Escape, test drove and bought. It has good amount of room for how small it looks. But if you really want room....treat a car like a pair of pants...you have to try them on before you go home.

Odie

im_brentwood · June 2001

I've seen the prototype too. You're right, looks VERY "show-carish" to me. That shifter I'm sure won't make production.

However, if it does... I think we'll have a real winner on our hands.

Bill

ryanbab · June 2001

Stick your head out the sunroof?

Or do a jim carrey and stick it out the side window

sergeis · June 2001

It has come to my attention that while the car industry is getting more and more standardized, some so called citizens do not want to fit our definition of a normal average american. According to Darvin, this problem would be solved with no external intereference purely by the driving force of evolution. Indeed, our standardized industry creates all sorts of obstacles in the life of an unstandard 6'6" high person. Even if a person like that gets a car he would look silly with his head sticking out of sunroof and window and his feet scratching the asphalt. What girl is going to sit in a car with a clown like that? Forget about distributing your faulty DNA material, be lucky to stack some food into your cramped car and stay alive. Saying that all, it sounds reasonable to dismiss the problem as it will be solved in due time by the forces of nature. The only worrisome state was Kansas, where evolutionary laws of nature described by Darvin were overruled by state laws. Recently, however, these evolutionary laws were reinstated, which is a great relief for our national car industry.

ryanbab · June 2001

so its survival of the fittest?

All the short skinny people will prevail?

tj_610 · June 2001

I like the Orwellian sarcasm.
I'm 6' 10", have been sitting in a few vehicles lately while deciding what to get. Here are a few things I have learned.
1) Yes, avoid the sunroof. Try makes that don't offer many individual options (like Honda). I think Toyota and Ford seem pretty reasonable in offering more independent options, although everyone has those annoying "packages".
2) If you must get a sunroof due to other desirable options, get a model with a retractable inner panel, like my wife's '93 Maxima. It adds an inch or so when opened, even with the roof still closed.
3) Power seats are the way to go, even if you will be the only driver. They virtually always allow more movement, and many now move up or down to create headroom.
4) If applicable, go with a front bench instead of center console. This allows your right leg to fall over to the right without hitting things or obscuring the AC/radio controls.
5) Try out a model with a telescoping steering wheel. You can recline further back and still reach the wheel comfortably if it will come out further.
6) I've heard most NBA guys drive Mercedes for the head and leg room, so if you can afford it, go try it.
7) Other options include a pick-up with a super-cab, a bigger SUV (my experience is that mid-sized models like Explorer and 4Runner have inferior room) such as Expedition/Tahoe/Sequioa, or even a minivan. I recently sat in a Chrysler T&C, very roomy. Odyssey OK, Siena not so good. If your needs require only a sedan, I also liked the Avalon I sat in with a front bench. Very roomy, but seemed not as big as Grand Marquis or other big domestics. For what it's worth, guess which make the 2001 Consumer Reports Auto issue listed as having the most headroom, including SUV's and vans?
The VW Beetle.

forbesandrew · October 2001

I'm a tall guy and I'm looking for a car that holds me comfortably for short and long trips.

What are you other tall people out there buying that has the performance and comfort you seek.

Thanks.

frankrichards · October 2001

Audi S8

bretfraz · October 2001

I've got a Saab 9-5. It's terrific for short and long hauls.

Used to have a Nissan Maxima. Another great car for tall people.

Had a Saab 9-3 cabrio for a couple days. A little tighter than the 9-5 but fun to drive with the manual. Even with size 13 shoes on.

jgrucza · October 2001

I'm 6'2", and I'm buying a Ford Focus - plenty of headroom in front and back. And it looks pretty sporty, I think.

I'm not a big car enthusiast, so the looks matter as much as the speed to me! (Not to mention the low price.)

I don't understand how car manufacturers get away with making cars with so little headroom. My friend got a 2001 Camry - really nice, leather seats and everything - but the headroom in the back seat is awful! It is physically impossible for me to sit up straight, so I have to slouch down in the seat and lean my head back a little! Luckily, I get to sit shotgun most of the time.

hiwaysanity · October 2001

My Passat has all the head room you would need (without a sunroof) unless you are very short waisted.

jelliot2 · October 2001

Fits like a strap on Superman suit.

forbesandrew · October 2001

I've looked at the Pontiac grand prix 4 door and 2 door and the 2 door definately has more room than the 4 door but its still just shy of being big enough.

Buick Regal is a 4 door but it too seems just shy but liveable of having the amount of space i'm looking for.

I've also been considering a Jeep Grand Cherokee... But i'm on the fence about resorting to an SUV or truck.

I like having power, luxury, comfort all in one and under 30k.

odd1 · October 2001

My 3-series is no problem. Although, only a small child can sit behind me with the seat all the way back.

bretfraz · October 2001

You gotta be real skinny to fit into that car. I shopped for one but found it too tight for me. Maybe if I was under 200lbs.....

The 5-series is even worse than the new 3.

Only BMW for me is the 7-series.

- - bretfraz who is 6'4"/ 240 - -

landru2 · October 2001

Buick Regal? Sporty cars ...?

Must recalibrate.

emmett1 · October 2001

Hello all, just a quick note. I am 6'4", 230 pounds and have NO problems fitting into my 2001 Camaro with T tops. However, I have NOTHING but sympathy for anyone who would try and sit in the back seat behind me....outside of Mini-Me, I can't think of anyone who would fit....and as a side note, the t-tops and 500 watt Monsoon are KILLER. Have a nice day, and God Bless America.

tt66 · October 2001

I am 6'6" and 200lbs. I have spent considerable time sitting in and driving different cars that I can tolerate with my height and long legs (36" inseam)
We currently lease a SAAB 9-5 which fits pretty well with sunroof. As with most cars, I wouldn't mind a little more leg room. But the car is sporty can seat 4 comfortably and gets reasonable gas mileage (22-30mpg for V-6 based on our experience)

Here's a list of cars I would consider with sunroofs:
Volvo S80, V70
VW Passat
Audi A-6 (the new A-4 ???)
SAAB 9-5
Mercedes E-Class, C-Class is a little tight for legs
BMW 3 series but not the 5 or old 7 series.
Lincoln LS (No other American cars with sunroof)
Jaguar S-Type but no others
Toyota Avalon and the new 2002 Camry (the only Japanese cars I can fit in comfortably)

Hope this helps,
Tom

odd1 · October 2001

Nope 215lbs dripping wet but all legs 36" inseam and yes the seat is all the way down as well as back.

im_brentwood · October 2001

ABBAs I mean SAABs... Yup... Volvos...

I hate to say it.. but.. Lexus GS?

A Used SC400?

Bill

silentguilt · October 2001

At 6'5" it is hard for me to fit in many cars. I will be buying my first car soon (yay!) and would like a compact b/c of the price, gas mileage, cheap insurance, etc.

Having sit in the Sentra, I have to say that it is out. The Elantra didn't seem to have a place where I could put my right knee comfortably. I guess that leaves the Protege or Civic (neither of which I have tried yet).

Tall People, Which compact do you drive??

im_brentwood · October 2001

Look at VWs.

Golfs.. Jettas. Not the cheapest but the new warranty is nice and excellent resale.

Plus they're lots of fun to drive!

Bill

silentguilt · November 2001

Anyone else have input??

floot · November 2001

that I have heard Click and Clack of "Car Talk" recommend the VW Beetle as being a friendly ride for tall folk. Good luck.

cupholder1 · November 2001

I am tall... VW's are quite comfortable.

goody01 · November 2001

At 6'6", I was worried that most cars would not be feasible for me. But the '01 and newer Civics proved me wrong. The new generation Honda Civics have much more interior room than older generations. I was pleasantly surprised at how roomy it was when I tried it out. It rides great, too.

claywaterfill · November 2001

Believe it or not, the Jetta and the Sentra are virtually the same size. I know the Jetta looks a lot bigger, but the tape measure doesn't lie. Also, for the money of a Jetta, he could buy an Accord. I'm only 6'2", but I had a good experience with Saturn SL2. Also, I know this will get blasted, but you asked for interior room here, the Kia Spectra sedan actually lists a larger interior than Sentra, Focus, Jetta and Saturn. So, based on size ONLY, I would try a new Spectra sedan and see how it fits.

sellinsubaru · November 2001

I drive an Impreza RS as a demo and it is very comfortable. I'm 6'3" and 220 lbs

claywaterfill · November 2001

The Subaru is a fine car, for sure. The problem is, I thought he was looking for less expensive cars. Isn't the Impreza RS in the high teens/low 20's? Again, he is in Accord/Camry/Altima/Taurus/Impala territory there.

vwguild · November 2001

will find 41" of Headroom in the new Beetle...
Round for a reason...

claywaterfill · November 2001

I love the new Beetle and they certainly are round for a reason. But, in the very first post, he said cheap. I don't know what he meant by cheap. I guess the Beetle starts around $16k or so, right? Hey--what did you mean by cheap?

vwguild · November 2001

of speech... A Basic GL Beetle, 5 Speed, that includes Side AirBags, AC, AM/FM/CASS, 4 Wheel
Disc Brakes & 4 Wheel ABS, 48Month/50,000 Bumper
to Bumper, 48/50 RoadSide Assistance,48/50 Trip
Interruption Protection, and 60Month/60,000Mile
PowerTrain is $16,550(MSRP)and $15,917(Invoice).

Current APRs for Beetles begin at 0.9%

Now I don't know if this is cheap, but I do know
that it is a tremendous value, particularly in
light of the fact that the Beetle has always topped list for Safety with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National
Highway Traffic & Safety Admin.(NHTSA)...Check
out the safety & crash test results for the
Really cheap Daewoowoowoowoo!!!

cupholder1 · November 2001

You can drive a basic stripper Beetle/Golf off the lot and have every feature you NEED built in standard. That's what is really nice about a VW. I find it sick that companies like Nissan will only put side airbags/ABS in their top of the line totally optioned out vehicles.

vwguild · November 2001

Cup1...My point exactly...It is imperative that
VALUE be the cornerstone of any car purchase...
Price is obviously an issue, but in what context?

Thank you for your addition!!!

claywaterfill · November 2001

The only problem there is for that money, he could get an Accord DX Value package with air, CD and automatic that would probably be better. Of course we won't even get into Sonata (with its side airbags).

claywaterfill · November 2001

Not better because the Accord is better than the Beetle--but better because of his size--and if he would ever have to have someone ride behind him!

mdaffron · November 2001

... with the Protege (without a sunroof). I am 6-2 and weigh around 280, and roominess is one major reason I bought a Protege. Hell, I can even sit behind my driver's seat without moving it forward and not be eating my knees. Try THAT in a Sentra or a Beetle.

Meade

claywaterfill · November 2001

In this topic, silentguilt specifically asked for a cheap car with good mileage. The good thing here is there are facts to support certain cars--not one person's opinion. Especially the opinion of a person who sells the kind of car he is suggesting. I took a second and looked at a few real facts of 6 cars. The prices I listed were for the most stripped down versions you can find, and they are MSRP--not the price you would pay for them. He mentions Protege. The DX starts at $12,995 and has 39.3" front head room and about 42" front leg room. It gets decent mileage and has many, many fans for its reliability. He also mentions Civic. The DX sedan starts at $13,010 and has 39.8" headroom and 42.2" leg room. It also has the biggest trunk of the group and the most die-hard fans. The popular New Beetle GL mentioned above starts at $15,900. It is round for the reason of 41.3" headroom, but the roundness kills the legroom--only 39.4", which would be important to one who is 6'5". It does have std ABS, though--the only one of the group to offer that standard. The Corolla CE starts at $12,568. It has front head room of 39.3" and front leg room of 42.5". It gets the best mileage of the group. It is also changing after 2002, so you may be able to get a great deal on one this year. The Elantra GT starts at $13,999 and has 39.6" head room and 43.2" leg room. I know he tried the sedan, but the hatchback may be different. Its "Wow" features would include it's leather interior, 140 HP engine and alloy wheels. Bringing up the rear on price is the new Kia Spectra Sedan. Starting at only $10,995 it is definitely the lowest price car here. It's front head room of 39.6" and leg room of 43.1" are certainly impressive for this group. If you consider this guy is just starting out--so I assume money is tight--this car with its 100,000 mile powertrain warranty would certainly be one to look at. Good luck on your decision. Test out a bunch of them. Also, remember, the worst thing you can do is let your ego outgrow your wallet. Use your head and you should be just fine. Let us know what you get!

mdaffron · November 2001

I dare you -- yes, dare you -- to place the seat in the Corolla, Civic, Elantra, Spectra, Sentra or New Beetle (I haven't tried the Jetta) where you like it, and then try to sit behind yourself in the back seat. Hey, people need to transport more than one extra adult once in a while, don't they? The Protege offers very comparable front head- and legroom, but blows all of them away in rear seat room. And don't be so quick to believe those measurements. There are a lot of variables -- i.e. do they flex the seat cushion to simulate a person actually sitting in the seat when they take those measurements? Does the test car have a sunroof? I don't know about your car, but most cars don't have a perfectly flat roof either and the headroom varies depending on where the seat is on its tracks. The amount of seatback angle you like plays a big role too. The only way to really tell how a car "fits" is to go and sit in one yourself. And since I am such a big guy (hey, I wear a 3X shirt, OK?) I had to go and actually SIT in the seats. Some cars actually don't fit my large [non-permissible content removed], OK? A car's a big investment -- take a Saturday afternoon drive and sit in 'em!!!

Meade

audia8q · November 2001

ride and drive with many brand new small cars 60 days ago...i.e civic, corolla, protege, focus etc...

I found the Protege to be the best overall car. I like the way some of the others look a little better but when you compare size, features, price etc...the protege was hard to beat.

Rich

panamaltd2 · November 2001

I am just interested which ones you thought looked a little better. I thought that the Civic and Corolla looked too plain, and the focus is just ugly (to me, my parents like it). The Protege's sleek body was a no-brainer for me.

ghulet · November 2001

I'm not all that large (6'0", 185) but I drove two Proteges (DX and ES) and it was by far the most expensive feeling (quiet, solid, nice controls and interior) economy car I'd ever driven. The leg room front and rear was very good.

audia8q · November 2001

ok, must confess....I like the Focus design best. I also like the way the Fuego looked so don't put to much weight in my design opinion...

rich

silentguilt · November 2001

I went to take a look @ the protege, and it is nice. And I fit!!!

The corolla was pitiful, I know the specs seem right, but I just didn't fit. I am still going to check out a few others. Will let you guys and gals know.

Best Vehicles for Tall and/or Large Drivers

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