7 best cars for budget-minded retirees
Choosing the seven best cars for retirees isn't easy simply because carmakers don't target seniors. To do so in the car business is the kiss of death. Just ask anyone who worked at Oldsmobile.
Car companies invest money and energy appealing to buyers in the 18-to-45 age range. Still, there are features and attributes that make some vehicles better suited for older drivers.
Bankrate relied heavily on Consumer Reports to narrow the possibilities. It recommended every vehicle on this list. It rated as "very good" the driving position of each, while giving high marks for front- and rear-seat access. All also scored high for ride quality and interior noise control.
Each received the top Insurance Institute for Highway Safety score of "good" for front-offset and side-impact crash tests.
Although we didn't filter based on price or fuel economy, the goal was to keep both reasonable. Only the most expensive is priced more than $36,000, and each gets average or above-average fuel economy for its class. All have automatic transmissions and full power accessories.
The list is representative of several segments from hybrid to sport utility vehicle.
Finally, vehicles featuring power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and extra safety features scored higher.