Tips for Transportation: If you're a senior driver, or a short driver or both
Editor's Note: We've lost three inches in a decade ... or more ... three inches is what we're admitting to. We've even had a CT scan of our cervical fusions to find out if they're faulty or deteriorating ... they're not, but our shrinking has become a family joke. Besides a pile of slacks (ExOfficio is a favorite) to take up, I'm beginning to think of other ways that this rapid shortening will be affecting me. One truly disconcerting way is to conjure up a mental picture of me driving with my eye level slightly above the steering wheel.
The September 2010 issue of Consumer Reports contains a car article that is headlined, Cars for the young, old, tall, and small:
In addition to naming good cars for young and older drivers, Consumer Reports also names good picks for all sizes and types of drivers including the tall and small. All the models on Consumer Reports' lists have at least average reliability and are recommended vehicles. Consumer Reports named only one car suitable for all four driver types: the Honda Accord.
"When it comes to finding the right cars for seniors, we recommend vehicles that offer easy access, good visibility, a roomy driving position and comfortable seats," David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.
Here is a look at some of Consumer Reports' picks for teens and seniors:
Good Models for Teen drivers: (ESC [Electronic Stability Control] is standard or optional starting with the years listed below).
- Small sedans: Hyundai Elantra SE (2008-2010), Mazda3 (2007-), Scion xB (2008-)
- Midsized sedans: Acura TSX (2004-), Honda Accord (2008-), Kia Optima (2007-)
- Small SUVs: Honda CR-V (2005-), Nissan Rogue (2008-)
Good Models for Senior drivers:
- Minivans: Honda Odyssey
- Small SUV: Subaru Forester XT Limited
- Upscale sedan: Hyundai Azera
- Family sedan: Honda Accord
- Microvan: Kia Rondo
More information can be found in the September issue of Consumer Reports, available on newsstands August 3 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
[Editor's Note: Check out Rose Madeline Mula's New Car Shopping Blues and Julia Sneden's New and Not Improved Enough.]
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