Automobiles run a close second to clothing as the bane of a tall person's existence. In fact, they may be a bigger problem, as nobody has opened a big and tall" car dealership yet, as far as I know. If finding a car is torture for the average person, for talls it's the Spanish Inquisition. But since finding a car is not an option for most of us, we must persevere.
So it's off to the local newsstand to pick up a copy of Consumer Reports or Road and Track magazine. We study the headroom and legroom statistics, and figure we have things under control. That is, until the test drive. Here we learn the first rule of tall cars, everyone lies.
Well, it's not much lying as it is not telling the truth. You see, when they take their measurements, they do so with an "average" 5'-9" person in the driver's seat. But when you or I get in, the first thing we do is slide the seat back all the way, and from there all the dimensions change. The roof may slope down (or up) at the back, changing the headroom. The radio knobs may now be out of reach. The steering wheel may or may not adjust to your new seating position.
The second rule is that tall isn't simply tall. That is, some of us have our height in the upper body, some in our legs. A car with all the headroom in the world is of little use to a person with a 40" inseam. Also, some of us need lots of hip room, others like a car built like a fighter jet, narrow and tight. So finding the ultimate "tallmobile" is more than just legroom and headroom. It's a matter of personal fit, just like a new suit. And we here at TCNYC wouldn’t hazard a guess at either.
But what we will do is tell you about a few cars that members have driven and found comfortable, so that at least you don’t have to start out stone cold.
General Indicators -
Stay away from power sunroofs, heavily padded interiors and cushy seats, they cut down on headroom. Six way power seats are usually a good buy, especially if someone short will also be driving the vehicle. Usually the less options a car has, the more interior room it has, so don’t assume the deluxe model is your best buy. When in doubt, a full size van or SUV is your best best for size, but it will cost you up front and every mile thereafter.
Favorite Tall Cars -
Compact - Volkswagen Golf
The Golf has been around for many years, and new or used, it’s a very practical car for two talls and luggage. With four it gets a bit tight, but it’s passable for short rides. The interior finish is at best spartan, but if what you want to do is get there and not blow the family budget, the Golf is an excellent choice. There are also lots of good ones on the used market, at all prices, and repairs are reasonable.
Compact - Ford Focus
At last, Ford has brought all that expertise building small cars in Europe to the states. The Focus is a good all-around car, affordable and with reasonable head and legroom. It also doesn’t look like a full size car that shrunk in the wash. Best buy is the four door sedan.
Convertible - Chrysler Sebring
The Sebring is the first cab-forward design convertible, and it’s a big change from the standard. We’ve had four talls in one on a 500 mile trip with no problems, and even a seven footer in the front seat (but no room left in the back). It’s not really for extra-talls, but it’s the biggest thing in its class.
Sports - BMW Z3
Yes, it’s tiny, like all the cars in this class, but BMW uses the great seats from the 3 series, and they adjust all the way to the floor. If you’re in the “above average” range, you might be surprised.
Sports - Nissan 300ZX
They don’t make them anymore, but there are still lots of low mileage examples around. The 300ZX really surprised us when we tried it, there’s plenty of head and legroom, even in the Spyder models.
Mid Size - Dodge Intrepid/Chrysler Concord
The Intrepid also uses DaimlerChrysler’s cab-forward design, and to great advantage. The car has both good legroom and headroom, and is almost cavernous inside, despite the streamlined exterior. The Concord is the same car in upgrade trim, which makes for a marginally smaller interior.
Mid Size - Oldsmobile Intrigue
It’s clear that Olds is feeling the heat from DaimlerChrysler, and has come out with an excellent car for most talls. It’s a more conventional sedan design than the Intrepid, and some prefer that. The car comes very well equipped, and the price reflects that.
Full Size - Mercury Crown Victoria
The last of the true battlestars now that the Chevy Caprice is no longer made, the Crown Vic is a true classic for the long of limb. It’s not cutting edge technology, just a big car, and as big outside as it is inside. The ride is nice, the power is there, and the gas mileage is nearly nonexistent.
Minivans - DaimlerChrysler Caravan
One of the classic solutions for the tall driver is a minivan, and by and large they are all better in headroom than a sedan if you don’t mind sitting over the front wheels. The Caravan was the first, is still one of the best, and has the lowest “dork quotient” of them all.
SUVs - Toyota Landcruiser
There are some real monsters in the SUV class these days, and it’s a tough choice. But overall, the Landcruiser is about the best for headroom and legroom. But the difference is only marginal, a Suburban is just as good for most.
Full size pickups
The last resort of the truly tall on a budget used to be a full size pickup. Cheap, reliable and practical, a full size is comfortable for guys up to 6’-10”. But the “trucker chic” trend, and new safety and emissions regs have made them less affordable. Full size SUV’s are even less so. (for the best headroom, try a Ford) If money is tight, call your local power or telephone utility and ask them when they auction off their old trucks (usually in may/June) You should be able to get a good two year old truck with minimal options for a few thousand bucks, especially if you can live with a dent or two. Go for a 3/4 ton if you can get it, they last longer than the 1/2 toners and ride better than the 1 toners.