Interested in your responses for cars currently on the market and those that were manufactured pre-2000. Thanks!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What about an 1988 Olds 98 Regency Brougham for ride and comfort?
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.
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.
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.
There is no question but that the answer to this question is the Lincoln Town Car. The very best model year is 1996.
There is no question but that the answer to this question is the Lincoln Town Car. The very best model year is 1996.
According to YOU. That is YOUR opinion. And it’s an opinion. Opinion does not make it a FACT. Ride comfort is subjective. It is NOT definable that fits into a uniformed set of criteria.
If what you want is smooth comfort, I vote for a Lincoln. I drove one that belonged to my boss. The only drawback is that people who drive them usually encounter an expansion of their asses. Pretty soon, you could have an ass that says “I drive a Lincoln.” The Lexus, on the other hand, will have s smoother running engine and you can find one that is smaller and more fuel efficient without sacrificing ride quality. Okay…now I am voting for the Lexus if you want something slightly smaller and slightly more fuel efficient. Either would be a good choice.
I hear the Maybachs are nice. 
Pre-2000 you probably have to settle for a Rolls-Royce or Bently.
Slightly more seriously, if you have some money and can find one, the V12 VW Phaeton is supposed to be an amazing luxury car, but since it never did sell well they don’t have great resale value and you might find one relatively cheap.
The big domestics are likely your best bet for cheap and easily available with a cushy ride, but it’s really subjective. I like a firm seat with good lumbar support, some folks like a soft couch-like bench seat. You have to pick what you like. Good luck.
The Ford “Panther” platform cars are very hard to beat for a smooth, quiet ride…The rear-drive, body & frame construction, flush mounted glass, double door seals adds up to a hard to beat combination. On the road, they deliver 25 mpg on regular fuel…They were made 1992-2007.
MAGLEV train car.
sooo SMOOTH.
If you want that marshmellow ride, there are still a few cars left on the road, such as the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Lincoln Town car and the Ford Crown Victoria. My wife call these “Old Fart Cars”, and says you have to wear white shoes while driving them. They are still used as company cars and limos. Visit any golf course on the weekend and ypu’ll see plenty of them.
Riding in a car and driving it are two different things, however. The best combination of ride and handling is probably the Lexus 400 rear wheel drive. It usually outscores even the Mercedes S calls in luxo tets.
You are correct; this car was technically way ahead of its time, but the execution left somthing to be desired. If you had a hydraaulic leak the car would squat like a sick dog, and you had to call the tow company. They were also unreliable in very cold weather; the French never evisgaed these cars in Montreal, Minnesota, and Denver in the winter. The self-leveling feature often raised one part of the car more than another.
But the ride was magnificent!
The advantage of Lincoln Town Cars over their Ford (Crown Victoria) and Mercury (Grand Marquis) brethren is that the Lincolns have much better seats. The trouble is that the Lincolns are 6 inches longer and have many more electronic doo dads. You can put Lincoln seats into the others.
The W12 Phaeton is an Audi A8-W12 of the same era. I never drove one but did sit in one at the LA Auto Show. They are very nice cars. And the Phaeton will be less expensive than the Audi because it’s a VW. Kinda like the Corolla/Prizm dichotomy, only on a grand scale. But the first Phaetons were sold in 2004 in the USA and are over $25,000.