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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 16 of 17

#145 of 160 Short drivers by z71bill

Jan 18, 2005 (7:50 am)

I see a lot of vertically challenged people driving F-250 Super duty crew cab long bed pick up trucks. Being a little on the short side myself never stopped me from driving any vehicle. Got my DL when I was 14 years old and I was not even 5 feet tall - my first car - a 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88. Since the seat did not have height adjustment I sat on a pillow.
 
Today when I buy a car I always get a model that has power seats / or at least a height adjustment feature. Unless you are under 4 feet tall it should not be that big of a deal.

#146 of 160 PT Cruiser by diane3

Jan 23, 2005 (1:06 pm)

I'm a 5'0" woman. I love many features about my PT Cruiser; but, sadly, I don't recommend it for shorter drivers. 1) since the headrest is too far forward for comfort on longer trips, I need a seatback cushion to avoid backaches. 2) the rear visability is not great. My previous vehicle was a Ford Windstar with a very comfortable driver's seat for long trips. Unfortunately, the doors were so huge that I often banged them into the rearview mirrors of vehicles beside me in parking lots.

#147 of 160 Re: GTI vs. Mini Cooper [billherrmann] by bodble2

Mar 03, 2005 (6:16 pm)

Replying to: billherrmann (Jan 16, 2005 7:20 pm)
Sure they do! CVT steptronic for the regular Cooper, and 6-speed steptronic for the S.

#148 of 160 Solara...with the.. by ezshift5

Mar 06, 2005 (10:47 am)

..power seat......
 
l. The seat goes UP and forward..this provides the requisite 10 inches airbag - driver space.
 
2. The seat goes WAY UP. Clearance to headliner is about 2 1/2 inches

#149 of 160 mazda3 hatchback 2005 by sgtpepper

Apr 02, 2005 (11:35 pm)

i'm 5' tall. no problem reaching any pedals or with visibility since i can jack up the seat, make the seat closer to the pedals, and adjust my steering wheel down so its not in the way. my hatchback also has a lower back cushion built into the seat, which i can inflate or deflate.

#150 of 160 Re: mazda3 hatchback 2005 [sgtpepper] by bodble2

Apr 07, 2005 (9:36 am)

Replying to: sgtpepper (Apr 02, 2005 11:35 pm)
You must have relatively long legs for your height, because often if you're short and you have to jack up the seat, your lower legs end up sort of dangling and you can't rest your heel on the floor when pushing the gas pedal.

#151 of 160 Keep in mind ... by mdaffron

Apr 07, 2005 (9:57 am)

The Mazda3 in "s" trim comes with lumbar support in the driver's seat.
 
Meade

#152 of 160 Little One Seeks Sporty Fun One by lorin5

Feb 04, 2006 (12:19 pm)

I'm just over 4'10" and have a passion for driving performance sport cars, but having difficulty finding a car that is comfortable for my size. I currently drive a Miata, and do not want another (I have to sit on a pillow to see over steering wheel). So far, I've tested 2005 Honda S2000, 2001 Mercedes SLK convertable, 2001 Boxster, and 2003 BMW Z3 (I don't like Z4 body change). Can anyone advise if there is a sporty, fun to drive convertable that is better suited to my size? My budget is $30k-ish.

#153 of 160 Re: Little One Seeks Sporty Fun One [lorin5] by mikezoomzoom

Feb 04, 2006 (12:28 pm)

Replying to: lorin5 (Feb 04, 2006 12:19 pm)
If you currently own a Miata... how bout' checking out the all new 2006 Mazda MX-5. Total enhancement all around compared to the outgoing Miata. Equipped with more safety equipment as well.
 
You could buy a brand new, fully loaded, MX-5 Grand Touring for under $30K.
 
With the money you'll save... you can always ask a dealer to refer you to an outside, bonded, company that might be able to raise the seat.
 
ZOOM ZOOM

#154 of 160 Re: Little One Seeks Sporty Fun One [lorin5] by ezshift5

Feb 05, 2006 (10:04 am)

Replying to: lorin5 (Feb 04, 2006 12:19 pm)
.......and have a passion for driving performance sport cars, but having difficulty finding a car that is comfortable for my size.....30k
 
....well, for a lot less than 30k:
 
A. 0-60 under 6
B. 1/4 mile 14.5
C. Freeway MPG circa 35
D. Skidpad: .81
 
..course you'd have to accept flawless reliability, a back (somewhat small on legroom)seat and big trunk........
 
..sound interesting? You owe it to yourself to test drive one of these.
 
(The electric seat has many, many adjustments: it would fit you like a glove).
 
best, ez..

Messages Page 16 of 17

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