Unfortunately and unavoidably, I commute to work. Forty minutes each way, although on completely uncrowded roads and freeway. As my username suggests, I’m rather tall (6’8"). I’ve been having some back troubles, which I believe are at least strongly exacerbated by trying to commute in a car (Mercury Sable) that’s too small for me to sit up straight and still see out.
So I’m thinking of trying to buy a bigger, more comfortable vehicle for commuting. However, I’d like to avoid buying a Ford Monstrosity or equivalent if at all possible, out of both environmental guilt and a lack of interest in piloting a barge-sized vehicle around the Bay Area.
Here’s where I need your help. Does anyone know of a vehicle (big car, small SUV, etc.) which has lots of leg and head room? The latter being especially important – my Sable has lots of leg room, but I have to hunch over a bit to see out, which I think is what is causing me problems. Good gas mileage and smallish size would be a plus, but not absolutely required if nothing else exists.
Green Bean, I almost put a disclaimer in the OP about the VW Beetle, because of how dippy they look. However, I have to leave my options open (shudder). Do you know if they have much leg room? Have you ever ridden in one?
If not a Beetle, then how about a 2 door VW Golf?
Lots of seat travel and lots of head room, especially without the sunroof. Choose the TDI engine and get 49mpg on the highway. The only drawback is that there’s no back-seat leg room behind you.
It’s amazing how even some of the largest SUVs are so badly packaged that they’re tight-fitting for people over 6’2.
VW Passat - “Interior space is plentiful, with very good legroom up front, good legroom in the rear, and plenty of clearance for even the heads of tall follks” Honda Insight
"Q: I’m a big, tall guy, how comfortable will I be in the Insight?
A: The Insight has a surprising amount of head and foot room, in part because you’re sitting low in the car. Most tall people find the Insight quite comfortable. I’ve heard from people as tall as 6’ 7" (200cm) who fit in the Insight, but have trouble fitting in many other cars."
Larger Porsches (928 etc) are known for being very adjustable for tall people with lots of leg room. Avalon, a car for The Big & Tall
“Have you ever thought to yourself, why can’t manufacturers make an automobiles that has sufficient room inside for big and tall people and is cost effective for your budget. Well rest assure, the Toyota Avalon is that vehicle! I spent six months looking for an automobile to fit my 6’9”, 255 pound body."