Here’s a cruel, hard fact – car manufacturers no longer target seniors. Instead, they devote their time and energy to appealing to the 18-45 demographic. Still, some features make certain cars more suitable for older drivers.
We have evaluated several used cars, and identified five that are ideal for retirees. They are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Azera, Chevrolet Impala, Kia Optima, and Mazda3.
Ford Fusion: The Ford Fusion offers more than just great fuel economy. It’s also loaded with standard equipment that will appeal to seniors, including a fully adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, telescoping steering wheel, and dual zone climate control. You won’t find much in the way of cargo space in the Fusion, but then you’re not hauling the kids around anymore.
Hyundai Azera: This is a wonderfully comfortable vehicle with a lot of extras, including an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, heated front seats, and a glove-box cooler. It’s great for getting around town, taking friends to dinner or the golf course, and even comfortable enough for a road trip if travel is your passion during your retirement.
Chevrolet Impala: The Impala has changed quite a bit since you first learned how to drive, but it continues to be a mainstay of the Chevy lineup. This full-size sedan is roomy and comfortable, yet still decent when it comes to fuel economy. With a 3.6 liter V6 engine and six-speed auto transmission, you can also count on it to deliver the goods when it comes to passing, merging, and performing other highway maneuvers.
Kia Optima: This car provides a very comfortable environment for both driver and passengers, and offers a good deal of cargo space. If you’re going on a road trip, you’ll appreciate the 15 cubic foot capacity of the roomy trunk. We like the LX trim level, since it offers a lot of additional conveniences, like keyless entry and dual zone climate control, adjustable driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support, and heated mirrors.
Mazda3: This is the most affordable vehicle on our list, and it also delivers great fuel economy. It is a top IIHS safety pick, and recommended by Consumer Reports. It offers manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat, tilt steering and keyless entry.
We think any vehicle on this list will please seniors. If you’re in the market for a used car, these are definitely ones you should consider.
