Question for you guys about SUV's

[hounddog]

Since I came home, we are having trouble getting me in and out of our cars.? We have a BMW 330 convertible, and a Ram 2500.? I get into the Ram ok, but it is pretty hard getting out for me.? I never really fit into the BMW all that well to start with, but now with my reduced mobility it is much harder.? We basically have sold the Cobra, and my wife never learned to drive a stick.? Combined with the fact that the state took my OPS, I would not use that car anymore anyway.?

What I am wondering is, what would you guys all recommend for a car that can fit three kids, a cripple and his wife?? As you know I am pretty good size, and now I have mobility issues so I need something that can fit me while not giving me problems where Katharine feels she needs to help me all the time.? She has her hands full keeping our kids going in the same direction and should not have to worry about me getting in and out and falling down.? ? We have talked about it and think it is time we bought either a mini van or SUV.? I like Randy's girlfriend (Erica) Durango which is what I would buy, but I know there are probably better suited cars out there.? Any thoughts?

[TBR]

Freestyle (Taurus X)

[TheIntrepid]

I thought Freestyle too; but a Mazda5 might be good too.

[SVT666]

Freestyle/Taurus X.  We have one and it's perfect for what you are looking for.

[hounddog]

I do not know the Freestyle, what is it?

[SVT666]

This is a Freestyle.  All three rows boast best in class legroom and headroom.  The third row is actually roomy enough that I can sit there comfortably and I'm 6'1" and 225 lbs.

[VetteZ06]

The Taurus X is a good suggestion. You could also take a look at a Saturn Outlook or GMC Acadia, depending on your price range.

[hounddog]

This is a Freestyle.? All three rows boast best in class legroom and headroom.? The third row is actually roomy enough that I can sit there comfortably and I'm 6'1" and 225 lbs.

In all honesty, this seems smaller than an Explorer.  If it is as big or smaller than that, it will be too small I think.  Remember, I am 6'5 and pretty big so I do need some shoulder and hip room (passenger side only now).  Plus, I have my walker with me now all the time.  I was honestly thinking bigger, but pictures can be deceiving.  Is it as small as it looks?

[mazda6er]

I agree with most here. The Freestyle probably has the best combination of interior space and ease of entry/exit on the market. It's a bargain as well, IMO.

[hounddog]

The Taurus X is a good suggestion. You could also take a look at a Saturn Outlook or GMC Acadia, depending on your price range.

Taurus X looks like a Pacifica fighter?  If it is I think it might still be too small.?  Thoughts?

[mazda6er]

In all honesty, this seems smaller than an Explorer.  If it is as big or smaller than that, it will be too small I think.  Remember, I am 6'5 and pretty big so I do need some shoulder and hip room (passenger side only now).  Plus, I have my walker with me now all the time.  I was honestly thinking bigger, but pictures can be deceiving.  Is it as small as it looks?

I'm fairly certain it's actually larger than the Explorer. I'll check the numbers for ya.

[hounddog]

I'm fairly certain it's actually larger than the Explorer. I'll check the numbers for ya.

Well then what is the one they came out with that is smaller?  And the Freestyle, it seems like that one gets really good mileage.  Or am I thinking of something else? 

[CJ]

It's a Ford station wagon.  It basically replaced the Freestar, or whatever it's called. 







I think this would be an excellent vehicle for a person with limited mobility.  It's not as high as an SUV, but it's higher than a normal car.  It's very easy to get into and out of.  It's a very spacious vehicle.

Also, the Chrysler Pacifica.

[TheIntrepid]

Expedition?

[southdiver1]

Since I came home, we are having trouble getting me in and out of our cars.? We have a BMW 330 convertible, and a Ram 2500.? I get into the Ram ok, but it is pretty hard getting out for me.? I never really fit into the BMW all that well to start with, but now with my reduced mobility it is much harder.? We basically have sold the Cobra, and my wife never learned to drive a stick.? Combined with the fact that the state took my OPS, I would not use that car anymore anyway.?

What I am wondering is, what would you guys all recommend for a car that can fit three kids, a cripple and his wife?? As you know I am pretty good size, and now I have mobility issues so I need something that can fit me while not giving me problems where Katharine feels she needs to help me all the time.? She has her hands full keeping our kids going in the same direction and should not have to worry about me getting in and out and falling down.? ? We have talked about it and think it is time we bought either a mini van or SUV.? I like Randy's girlfriend (Erica) Durango which is what I would buy, but I know there are probably better suited cars out there.? Any thoughts?

Well, since you have a party of five, I would say a minivan. Most seet 7 and get better gas mileage then the large SUV's out there.
If getting in the front seat is hard, then the rear sliders should take care of that problem.
Plus most vans will be cheaper then an equal SUV

[mazda6er]

Measurement           Explorer/Freestyle (larger dimension in bold.)

Exterior
Wheelbase (in.)                113.7/112.9
Length (in.)                            193.4/200.1
Height ? empty (in.)              72.8/68.2
Width (in.)                             73.7/74.9
Track width - front/rear (in.)     60.9/61.8//64.6/65.0
Ground clearance (in.)              8.2/8

Interior
Head room (in.)    
First row                             39.8/39.4
Second row                         38. 7/39.8
Optional third row               37.4/38.6
Shoulder room (in.)    
First row                             59/58.4
Second row                         58.9/58
Optional third row               53.1/50.8
Hip room (in.)    
First row                             55.4/55.5
Second row                         55.5/56
Optional third row               45.3/45.9
Leg room (in.)    
First row                             42.4/41.1
Second row                         36.9/40.4
Optional third row               34.9/33.3


So, the same size or slightly bigger in almost all measurements. I guess they're actually very closely matched... I suppose you could consider a Honda Pilot, but that's probably not as easy to get in and out of.

   

[TheIntrepid]

Sienna?

[mazda6er]

Sienna?

Oh no you didn't.

[TheIntrepid]

Oh no you didn't.

Quest?

[mazda6er]

Quest?

Mention another minivan and I'll beat you. 

[TheIntrepid]

Oh no you didn't.

I mean, think about it. If HEIGHT is a problem, to get in and out of, then wouldn't a van be easier?

[SVT666]

Remember, I am 6'5 and pretty big so I do need some shoulder and hip room (passenger side only now).? Plus, I have my walker with me now all the time.? I was honestly thinking bigger, but pictures can be deceiving.? Is it as small as it looks?

No it's quite large.  My wife says she still isn't quite used to how big it is.  It would be best if you went and sat in one yourself, because I didn't realize you were 6'5" and the front passenger seat is actually higher then the driver's seat.  The driver's seat has more then enough head room for you, but the passenger seat may not.  If this isn't big enough for you, then a full size SUV or a minivan are your only options I'm afraid.

[mazda6er]

I mean, think about it. If HEIGHT is a problem, to get in and out of, then wouldn't a van be easier?

The man has a limp, not a vagina. Kindly take your "van" talk to a different thread, sir.

[93JC]

The man has a limp, not a vagina. Kindly take your "van" talk to a different thread, sir.

[mazda6er]

No it's quite large.  My wife says she still isn't quite used to how big it is.  It would be best if you went and sat in one yourself, because I didn't realize you were 6'5" and the front passenger seat is actually higher then the driver's seat.  The driver's seat has more then enough head room for you, but the passenger seat may not.  If this isn't big enough for you, then a full size SUV or a minivan are your only options I'm afraid.

If he can't fit into a Freestyle, the Pilot would be perfect.

[mazda6er]

No offense to any van drivers out there, by the way. 

[VetteZ06]

Taurus X looks like a Pacifica fighter?? If it is I think it might still be too small.?? Thoughts?

The Taurus X is, for all intents and purposes, a Pacifica fighter. It's about the same size, but I think the Pacifica will cost you more in most instances (unless Chrysler has started offering heavy rebates).

If the Taurus X is too small for you, like I said, take a look at an Outlook or Acadia. They have a tremendous amount of cargo room (IIRC, more than a Tahoe or Yukon), and they are designed to haul passengers in comfort.

[hounddog]

The man has a limp, not a vagina. 

Oh my God, that is effing hilarious! 

[ifcar]

The Taurus X is, for all intents and purposes, a Pacifica fighter. It's about the same size, but I think the Pacifica will cost you more in most instances (unless Chrysler has started offering heavy rebates).

Pacifica's nowhere nearly as roomy, particularly in the third row.

[sandertheshark]

Outlook/Acadia/Enclave might be up your alley.