Top 10 Vehicles for Shorter Drivers

2008 Hyundai Sonata

What we think
Ranked among Driverside.com’s top 10 least expensive mid-sized sedans, the Hyundai Sonata provides a great driving experience for low bucks. With power windows and locks standard, the Sonata comes with the kind of equipment other manufacturers deem optional. With plenty of room for passengers and a driver’s seat that adjusts to accommodate just about any sized person, the Sonata leaves little to complain about.

At a glance
MSRP: $18,120
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 175 horsepower, 168 lb-ft of torque; 3.3-liter V-6 engine, 249 horsepower, 229 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 21 city/32 highway (four-cylinder, manual), 22 city/32 highway (four-cylinder, auto), 19 city/29 highway (V-6, auto)

2008 Ford Fusion

What we think
Offering all of the space and driving comfort of a mid-size sedan while catering to diminutive drivers, the Ford Fusion is a great choice for anyone who has to carry passengers other than themselves. Available with all-wheel drive and a robust V-6 engine, the Fusion is a capable car in just about any situation. Of course, neat features like a huge sun roof and Ford’s SYNC technology, which allows you to command hands-free calling and the radio by voice, bolster this car’s appeal.

At a glance
MSRP: $18,135
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 160 horsepower, 156 lb-ft of torque; 3.0-liter V-6 engine, 221 horsepower, 205 lb-ft of toque; 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive with optional full-time all-wheel drive.
MPG: 20 city/29 highway (four-cylinder, manual, front-wheel drive), 20 city/28 highway (four-cylinder, auto, front-wheel drive), 18 city/26 highway (V-6, 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive), 17 city/25 highway (V-6, 6-speed auto, all-wheel drive)

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Another great mid-size, the Chevrolet Malibu brings a fresh new body design to the table. Inside, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat makes sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel, no matter your height. That doesn’t mean that Chevrolet has forgotten about the rest of the Malibu’s occupants, as plenty of space and comfortable seating are all orders of the day.

At a glance
MSRP: $20,295
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 169 horsepower, 160 lb-ft of torque; 2.4-liter hybrid inline four-cylinder engine, 164 horsepower, 159 lb-ft of torque, 3.6-liter V-6 engine, 252 horsepower, 251 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 22 city/30 highway (2.4-liter), 17 city/26 highway (3.6-liter), 24 city/32 highway (hybrid)

2008 Subaru Forester

What we think
If you require a little more versatility out of your ride, the Subaru Forester is a great choice. With a perfect ride height that’s easy to enter and exit, this vehicle is friendly for drivers small to tall. The Forester’s unbeatable full-time all-wheel drive and copious cargo room make it a great choice for families as well.

At a glance
MSRP: $19,995
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine; 170 horsepower, 170 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic transmission; full-time all-wheel drive.
MPG: 20 city/26 highway

2008 MINI Cooper

What we think
The MINI Cooper packs plenty of style while still being friendly towards shorter drivers. Available in all kinds of customizable paint schemes and loaded with BMW build quality, it’s hard to go wrong with this hatchback. If you’re craving more power, the Cooper is available in a supercharged S version that cranks out nearly 170 horsepower.

At a glance
MSRP: $22,600
Engine and Drivetrain: Naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 115 horsepower, 111 lb-ft torque, or 1.6-liter supercharged inline four-cylinder engine, 168 horsepower, 162 lb-ft torque; 5-speed manual or variable automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 23 city/32 highway (manual), 22 city/30 highway (auto), 21 city/29 highway (supercharged manual), 19 city/ 29 highway (supercharged auto)

2008 Scion XD

What we think
Though the Scion mark has been solicited almost solely to younger generations, the brand has a lot to offer anyone looking for a good vehicle. Notorious for coming very well equipped, the XD packs everything from power windows, locks and mirrors to cruise control—all for a little over $15,000. With a hatchback that offers plenty of storage and a comfortable driver interface even for the shortest of pilots, the XD is a great option.

At a glance
MSRP: $15,170
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 128 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 27 city/33 highway (manual), 26 city/32 highway (auto)

2008 Hyundai Accent

What we think
As far as affordable, pleasing transportation goes, it’s hard to beat the Hyundai Accent. The car comes loaded with standard side impact air bags, and while it may not harbor the most fuel-efficient engine in its class, it does come with the lowest base price of any 2008 vehicle. The Accent’s interior proves to be a haven for shorter drivers, with everything just within reach.

At a glance
MSRP: $10,775
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 110 horsepower, 106 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive.
MPG: 27 city/32 highway (manual), 24 city/33 highway (auto)

2008 Honda Fit

What we think
Honda’s smallest vehicle, the Fit, provides a great view of the road, thanks to an elevated driver’s seat. Though the pedals may be a bit of a reach for drivers with shorter legs, the adjustable steering column makes things more comfortable. There’s also a surprising amount of interior room for such a small vehicle, making it ideal for hauling any kind of cargo.

At a glance
MSRP: $13,950
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 109 horsepower, 105 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 27 city/ 35 hwy (auto), 28 city/ 24 hwy (manual)

2008 Toyota Yaris

What we think
There’s no denying that the Yaris is a diminutive ride. While there may be less interior room for friends and cargo than some other competitors, the Yaris offers a tall driver’s seat with a commanding view of your surroundings and pedals that are easy to reach. This little Toyota offers some of the best mileage for any non-hybrid vehicle on the road, and the low price tag is an added bonus.

At a glance
MSRP: $11,350
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 106 horsepower, 103 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 29 city/ 35 hwy (auto), 29 city/ 36 hwy (manual)

2008 Nissan Versa

What we think
Smaller even than its sibling, the Maxima, Nissan’s Versa offers up a great combination of fuel economy, low price and a comfortable driving experience. The car’s seats are double padded, offering a little extra riding height, and the continuously variable transmission takes care of any clutch-pedal woes. The Versa also delivers a great MSRP.

At a glance
MSRP: $12,880
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.8 liter inline four-cylinder engine, 122 horsepower, 127 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 24 city/ 32 hwy (auto), 26 city/ 31 hwy (manual), 27 city/ 33 hwy (CVT)