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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 Coupes & Convertibles 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 15 of 16

#141 of 160 Re: New Article... [Car_man] by azguy

Nov 12, 2004 (11:09 pm)

Replying to: Car_man (Mar 25, 2004 8:06 am)
Thanks for posting the best for shorties list. I am a guy with disabilites and am 5'4". My wife has an '04 Camry LE/Special Edition and I have an '03 Accord LX V6. Both have power seats which are great for folks w/orthopedic problems and/or are smaller in stature.
 
I can't understand why Edmunds didn't list the Camry as good for shorter people as its driver seat is higher than the Accords when both power seats are all the way up. Also, the Camry is easier to steer, but I love my Accord, too. They are both nice and high.

#142 of 160 Re: pedal extenders [jimveta] by littlecar

Dec 26, 2004 (11:57 pm)

Replying to: jimveta (Sep 20, 2000 3:24 am)
I'm 5' and in 1985 had an extended put on my Honda CRX clutch. It seemed to work, but for years, it just didn't feel right. the ratio of extension to the floor vs. gas and brake was awkward. (Just my experience). Love the fact that manufacturers now make tracks that get much closer, seats that raise and lower, and tilted steering wheels.
 
For reference, local folks I trust told me to go to places that specialize in adapting vehicles for "special needs." This way, you're assured greater safety peace of mind because many of those shops have more rigid standards.

#143 of 160 GTI vs. Mini Cooper by littlecar

Dec 27, 2004 (12:00 am)

Outside of the cost issue, what do you folks think of the GTI vs. the Mini Cooper.
 
I've heard such mixed things about the VW reliability, electrical "issues" and poor service that I'm considering a Mini Cooper with a higher price tag but a little less power (??) and either longer wait time or difficult search (as I'm looking for an automatic transmission).
 
For you sports/race enthusiasts, I KNOW ... these cars were meant to be driven as std. transmissions, but my particular needs are small car length, lots of cargo (don't care about back seats). I loved my 85 honda CRX re: hatch space, but now looking for something bigger than a miata.
 
Votes? Ideas? thoughts? Other suggestions?
My rental is running out, so any words appreciated!

#144 of 160 Re: GTI vs. Mini Cooper [littlecar] by billherrmann

Jan 16, 2005 (7:20 pm)

Replying to: littlecar (Dec 27, 2004 12:00 am)
I don't believe Mini Cooper makes an auto transmission!

#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.

Messages Page 15 of 16

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