10 Best Cars for Older Drivers

Sticker price: $17,190
Invoice price: $16,505
Resale value: 3 years, 45%; 5 years, 30%
MPG: 24 city, 30 highway
Cargo space (cubic feet): 19

Even if those hip-hop hamsters in Soul commercials aren't quite your style, this hatch might fit the bill. The Soul captures an air of sensibility with its combination of sporty driving, low price and heaps of space. A standard USB connection will keep you in tunes, and built-in Bluetooth adds hands-free calling.

Sticker price: $22,705
Invoice price: $21,190
Resale value: 3 years, 52%; 5 years, 40%
MPG: 21 city, 28 highway
Cargo space (cubic feet): 36

Honda's CR-V doesn't have many high-tech features, but it makes up for that with straightforward value. It sits at just the right height for you to slide into the driver's seat, the dash is pleasantly clear of clutter, and handling and braking are impeccably tuned. Plus, it offers high gas mileage and loads of cargo room.

Sticker price: $24,670 (2012 model)
Invoice price: $23,151
Resale value: 3 years, 48%; 5 years, 34%
MPG: 21 city, 28 highway
Cargo space (cubic feet): 28

This mini-minivan isn't just for moms. Its six-person seating is great for ferrying grandkids, and the seats stow easily to give you more cargo room when needed. The Mazda5's low-riding stance makes it a breeze for everyone to get in and out. Plus, the driver's seat has adjustable lumbar support and the front seats are heated.

Sticker price: $29,220
Invoice price: $27,455
Resale value: 3 years: 50%; 5 years: 34%
MPG: city: 22; highway: 29
Cargo space (cubic feet): 34

Adventurers, this one is for you. The Outback has Subaru's always-standard all-wheel drive and is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, so you can take it wherever you want and feel confident navigating any road conditions. Hitting the trail in the Limited model gets the driver a ten-way power seat with power lumbar adjustment (nice after you lift a kayak onto the roof) and an extra storage compartment under the cargo area floor (for muddy shoes, wet towels and such).

Sticker price: $32,845
Invoice price: $30,338
Resale value: 3 years: 42%; 5 years: 26%
MPG: city: 18; highway: 28
Cargo space (cubic feet): 20

The Limited has Ford's SYNC system, which lets you make hands-free phone calls, control the entertainment system with voice commands, and get turn-by-turn directions. Ten-way power front seats will keep you comfortable on your ride, and adjustable pedals are available in a $2,000 option package. The ample trunk space is great for packing heavy for long trips, or handling golf bags for a trip to the links with friends.

Sticker price: $33,955
Invoice price: $30,636
Resale value: 3 years: 44%; 5 years: 30%
MPG: city: 20; highway: 29
Cargo space (cubic feet): 14

The Avalon's cushy ride is like sitting on a cloud. And with an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, you'll be able to get that "just right" feel. Choose the Driver Seat Memory option ($1,020) and your passenger can have it too — and you'll both get heated seats.

In addition to comfort, you'll feel at home in the cockpit — the dash controls are large and easy to use. A backup monitor comes standard in the rearview mirror. Spring for the navigation system ($2,350) and you'll get a full-screen monitor.

Sticker price: $35,535
Invoice price: $32,264
Resale value: 3 years, 55%; 5 years, 37%
MPG: 18 city, 27 highway
Cargo space (cubic feet): 93

Some of the reasons families like minivans are the same reasons that make them great for older people. Low step-in height, a button for everything from opening doors to stowing seats, a gentle ride, and first-class safety are just some of the Odyssey's highlights. The EX-L boasts a ten-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, rearview camera, Bluetooth and a USB connection.

Sticker price: $38,995
Invoice price: $37,167
Resale value: 3 years, 46%; 5 years, 31%
MPG: 16 city, 25 highway
Cargo space (cubic feet): 16

Chrysler's restyled 300C keeps a retro exterior and amps up the interior. The doors open wide for easy entry, and the dash is clean with big, easy-to-use controls. Heated seats (front and rear) and a rearview camera are standard on the C, and the pedals and steering wheel adjust at the touch of a button.

Add the Safetytec package ($2,795) for adaptive cruise control, which uses radar to keep you a safe distance from the car in front when you're cruising at highway speeds. The package includes forward collision warning, blind-spot warning and cross-path detection.

Sticker price: $39,950
Invoice price: $36,238
Resale value: 3 years, 55%; 5 years, 37%
MPG: 18 city, 25 highway
Cargo space (cubic feet): 40

The stylish Lexus' RX wraps you in luxury and comfort. The front seats adjust at the touch of a button and the driver's seat slides forward and aft automatically to make entry and exit a snap. A one-year subscription to Safety Connect provides an emergency assist button and collision notification. Safety options include a pre-collision system ($1,500), park assist ($500) and a backup monitor ($350).

Sticker price: $50,275
Invoice price: $46,817
Resale value: 3 years, 42%; 5 years, 26%
MPG: 17 city, 24 highway
Cargo space (cubic feet): 16

Sleek lines and sumptuous leather are just the beginning in the E-Class. This IIHS Top Safety Pick says you've arrived but is, above all, comfortable and safe. Seats adjust 14 ways and standard Attention Assist monitors your driving for signs of drowsiness and reminds you to take a break.

The Driver's Assistance Package ($2,950) adds active blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, which will steer you back into your lane if you attempt to move over when a vehicle is in your blind spot or if you drift from your lane.