What car has the best ride? (comfortable, smooth, few bumps)

theatreman

Interested in your responses for cars currently on the market and those that were manufactured pre-2000. Thanks!

Manolito

This is a remarkably subjective call.

In my opinon, the seat matters more than the suspension when it comes to comfort, especially on a long ride. For that, the best seats I have ever experienced were the leather seats in a 1998 Volvo S70. Not cloth; the cloth S70 seats are quite different and much firmer.

I really like the seats in the wifemobile - a 2004 BMW. The lumbar support is electric so you can adjust it on the fly to fit your comfort needs, and it moves up and down as well as in and out - love it. The car itself is not so good. That BMW 'sport' suspension option is brutal. I'll never buy another.

Joseph_E_Meehan

My comfort and yours is likely to be far different. From what you say, I would guess a large Lincoln would be to your liking. Why are you looking pre-2000? BTW with a car that old, it likely will be due for new shocks/struts.

VDCdriver

Well, this may not be very helpful for someone living in the US, but if you want to know which "pre-2000" car had the best ride here goes--

The older Citroen models with the hydraulic/pneumatic suspension were considered to the absolute best-riding cars on the road--bar none. Anyway, this is a moot point, because that marque has not been sold in the US for several decades and even if you were able to find one in running condition, very few mechanics in this country would want to go anywhere near one of these cars, due to their very odd-ball design.

NYBo

For crying out loud, theatreman! You've been flogging this used car purchase for weeks now. Just find something that meets your needs and budget, and have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy it.

Look at Lincoln Town Cars, Mercury Grand Marquis', Chrysler 300C, and large Buicks and Cadillacs for that smooth ride in the American nameplates.

JoeMario

> The older Citroen models with the hydraulic/pneumatic suspension

The car would "rise" when started, as the engine-driven pump pressurized the hydraulics.

That same hydraulic suspension was tied into the braking system as well. The brake pedal was really a valve which diverted some of this hydraulic pressure to the wheel brake cylinders.

Back in 1967 when the US required that all new cars have a backup/secondary braking system, I understand the way that Citroen met that requirement was that if their primary (or only) system sprung a leak, then the suspension would lower until the tires rubbed on the wheel wells - causing the car to slow to a stop.

Someone can correct me if there are any errors or omissions in my recollection.

theatreman

What about an 1988 Olds 98 Regency Brougham for ride and comfort?

MikeInNH

You need to go ride different vehicles and find out for yourself. Some people here have suggested cars like the lincoln...personally I don't care for that FLOAT ride at all. I get seasick. Best ride I've ever been in/driven was a high-end Lexus...which I'm sure many people won't agree with. So you need to find out what ride YOU LIKE. Not what ride other people like.

Jad2007

theatreman, instead of asking us about ride and comfort or what car suits you best, why don't you just test drive these cars that you're considering and see how they feel to you. And then buy the one that you like best.

theatreman

That is good advice. I have driven some of these cars, but some I cannot because I have looked at them/communicated about them via internet used car sites. I just like to get other opinions on these cars. Keeping and maintaining an older car is a fun hobby for me. I just like to share it, I guess.

melott

There is no question but that the answer to this question is the Lincoln Town Car. The very best model year is 1996.