Cruising for senior-friendly cars

Dear Savvy Senior: Is there any research that evaluates the best new cars for senior citizens? My wife and I both are in our 70s and are looking for a new vehicle. What can you tell us??

-- Car Shopping Seniors

Dear Car Shopping: With nearly 20 million licensed drivers in the United States age 70 and older (that number is expected to double by 2030), auto makers have started implementing better features and options in certain vehicles to accommodate the growing needs of older drivers.

But what makes a good car for seniors? For many, top priorities include a vehicle that's easy to get into and out of, easy to adjust for fit and comfort, easy to maneuver and see out of, as well as reliable and a good value.

Best senior vehicles

Recently, Edmunds.com (the top rated on-line resource for automotive research information) evaluated current models based on senior-friendly features as well as performance and overall quality.

Here's what they came up with (and why) as the best new vehicles for seniors. All are 2006 models.

Toyota Avalon

Prized for its roominess and comfort, this full-size sedan is a top-rated favorite of older drivers. Senior-friendly features include a standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel, which makes it easy for the driver to find a safe, comfortable seating position, and available heated power seats, for soothing aching backs.

It also offers a keyless ignition, which does away with grasping and twisting an ignition key (instead the engine is activated by touching a button). Manufacturer's suggested retail price is $26,775 to $33,965.

Ford Five Hundred

This large sedan offers a tall seating position, which makes for an easier entry and exit for seniors who have problems bending and stooping.

Other handy features include a standard heated, power-adjustable driver seat with memorized settings for two drivers. Pedals that adjust to accommodate your size are also available, as are rear parking sensors, which sound a signal to indicate how close you are to what's behind you when you're backing up.

The trunk is the largest in its class with a low "belt-line" entry level which makes loading and unloading the trunk much easier. MSRP is $24,430 to $28,730.

Toyota Prius (hybrid)

You may be surprised that a smaller-sized hybrid made the list but the Prius has features that make life easier for older drivers who have arthritis and other joint problems, including a buttonless, easy-to-move shifter.

Other handy options include keyless ignition, touch-screen controls and an optional voice-command system lets you control temperature, GPS navigation, audio and Bluetooth cell-phone dialing simply by speaking.

An available backup camera display provides a rearward view on a screen on the dashboard, making parking easier for those with arthritis of the neck or spine. And anyone can appreciate this hybrid's excellent fuel economy -- typically in the mid-40s miles per gallon. MSRP is $21,725. (Note: Substantial federal tax credits are available to most hybrid buyers. See www.hybridcars.com to learn more.)

Buick Lucerne

Another long-time favorite among older drivers has been the Buick LeSabre. The LeSabre however has been discontinued, but its replacement for 2006, the Lucerne, is even better.

Improvements include better handling and more supportive seating, and senior-friendly options are seats that can be heated and cooled and rear parking sensors. MSRP is $25,265 to $34,265.

Toyota Sienna (minivan)

If you're looking for something bigger to transport your grandkids or friends from time to time, you'll like the Sienna's roominess.

Handy options include power sliding doors, a power rear hatch, power folding rear seat, voice activated controls and a backup camera with front and rear parking sensors.

And seniors with significant mobility problems can order a "Mobility Upgrade" package (www.toyota.com/mobility) that includes features like hand controls, electric swivel lift-up seats and a wheelchair/scooter lift. MSRP is $23,775 to $38,380.

Savvy notes: Other top vehicles for seniors on Edmunds.com's list are the Chrysler 300, Honda Civic, Pontiac Montana (minivan), BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8. Edmunds.com also noted that next year's list (2007 models) probably wouldn't change much from this year, but they would add the 2007 Mercedes Benz S-Class as a top rated senior-friendly luxury model.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to NBC's Today Show and author of "The Savvy Senior" book.