Ask the Car People.SM


Best Vehicles for Shorter Drivers

160 messages,  Last post on Feb 16, 2009 at 11:34 PM

You are in the Hatchbacks Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Mazda MAZDA3, MINI Cooper, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon

Read the Top 10 Vehicles for Shorter Drivers article and tell us what you think!

Messages Page 14 of 17

#126 of 160 by anonymousposts

Dec 15, 2003 (9:28 pm)

I am 5'2 and have found that Hondas are a better fit than most because of their lower dash. I have a 2004 Accord right now and it's a perfect fit for me and my 6'6 husband.

#127 of 160 by mtngal

Dec 16, 2003 (10:37 pm)

Hondas do seem to work well for petite people. My husband and I both liked our test drive of the Honda Element, and I didn't have a problem when we test drove the insight a couple of years ago.
 
I do find that I'm too close to the steering wheel with my Tacoma, but at least I can see over the dash.
 
I recently test drove the new Ford F150 and loved the adjustable pedals. It is now on my list of possible (though might not be practical) replacements for the Tacoma.

#128 of 160 by anonymousposts

Dec 18, 2003 (5:09 pm)

The Element was VERY high on our shopping list. Actually, the day we bought the Accord we had gone with the intention of buying a Element. Didn't like the power of the 4WD automatic though compared to the 5-speed 03 Accord I was trading so we ended up with the 04 Accord automatic. The Element was very comfortable for both of us and was one of the very few cars we have ever been in that he could comfortable fit in the back seat of with extra leg room.

#129 of 160 New Article... by Car_man HOST

Mar 25, 2004 (8:06 am)

Edmunds.com just published the following new article that many of you who visit this discussion may find interesting: Top 10 Vehicles for Shorter Drivers. Please feel free to use this area to post your thoughts on the vehicles that are mentioned in this article or to make your own suggestions.
 
Car_man
Host
Smart Shoppers / FWI Message Boards

#130 of 160 Just picked up a 2004 Accord by slorenzen

Apr 23, 2004 (10:51 am)

Ex-V6 for my very petite wife(4'11", 90 lbs, wears a size 2?). We tested the Camry and Mazda6 as well, but overall the Accord was best. We found the seat bottom in cloth is 1-1.5" longer than the leather-equipped car, so we ended up with the EX.
 
BTW: the Mazda was by FAR the most fun to drive, but she got a backache after 45 minutes....sigh...

#131 of 160 CR-V for short people by mariacherie

Apr 24, 2004 (11:10 am)

How are CR-V's for short people. I'm 5'2 and still trying to decide if I should get a 2002 CR-V or the Toyota Scion which really does have great sightlines as I've been in it but not test driven it yet..which I will be doing today. Does anyone know of any friends or family members who are in that height range and what are their opinions?
 
Edmunds suggests the Mazda 3 which is a great car but I don't think it will work for me. I couldn't get positioned well enough to see over the back and the Corolla is HORRIBLE in this area.

#132 of 160 Mazda 3 by mtngal

Apr 24, 2004 (3:00 pm)

I test drove the Mazda 3 hatchback last week. It was definitely a fun vehicle to drive but I did have some problems getting comfortable. I've just been diagnosed with an arthritic back and I didn't think that it had enough lower back support for me, so it is out.
 
My other half and I looked at the Subies today (I didn't drive - not sure I should have with the meds I'm taking at the moment) but I rode in both the Outback and the Forester. Both those vehicles have much better back support and either would be fine. We did prefer the Forester over the particular Outback we test drove.
 
We also drove the Wrangler Unlimited last week and I found it very comfortable, easy to drive, though not as much fun as a regular Wrangler.
 
I sat in a Murano and didn't even bother taking it for a test drive. I couldn't see over the dash much (granted, I didn't raise the seat up). It just seemed to have too much around me for comfort.
 
We are also considering replacing the seats in our 2000 Tacoma. I have no problems driving it but the seats are horrible!

#133 of 160 Re: Mazda 3 [mtngal #132] by catlover

Jul 02, 2004 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: mtngal (Apr 24, 2004 3:00 pm)
Hi All,
 
I'm just getting warmed up for a new car shopping trip. I'm petite also (5 foot), and always have found both Honda and Acura cars to be great to drive and for visibility. I have memories (sad ones) of learning, early on, that the Ford Mustang was NOT a car I could comfortably drive. Anyone know whether they've corrected that in recent years? (You can tell I am not normally a follower of the automotive news, eh? )
 
I am having a real hard time convincing myself there's a great car out there for me -- existing car still is wonderful, maybe that's part of it.

#134 of 160 Re: Mazda 3 [catlover #133] by mtngal

Jul 02, 2004 (8:15 pm)

Replying to: catlover (Jul 02, 2004 1:38 pm)
I can relate to your Mustang experiences - I bought one and sold it only months later because I had so many problems driving it. The new ones are more like the first Mustangs and I thought they might be better, but I still sat too low in one (I didn't drive it - your experience might be different than mine). I was also very disappointed when I couldn't see enough to drive a camaro.
 
I really liked the Ford F150 pickup with the adjustable seat and petals. I drove that without any problems - maybe one day I'll buy another full sized pickup - I really do like them best and have only had problems with one model of Ford many years ago.
 
I'm having trouble getting excited about any car that doesn't have AWD/4x4. I like Honda's Element in spite of it's looks. I'm going to be looking at the Unlimited again in August at Camp Jeep. Perhaps the reason it didn't grab me had more to do with my mood and the particular salesman I was talking to.
 
If you find something that captures your interest, let me know - I'm now in a position (finally!) to buy something.

#135 of 160 Which car? by pearl1

Jul 26, 2004 (4:52 am)

I am 5'0 and am beginning my driving lessons shortly. However, I am concerned that I might have to over-stretch to floor clutch/brake pedals. What is the most appropriate car for me to learn in and indeed to eventually buy? I am considering the new minis.

Messages Page 14 of 17

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement