These Are The Most Comfortable Cars Ever Built
This one is for folks who are serious about extreme levels of uncompromising comfort.
As we get older and our brains fully mature, we become more risk averse and more comfortable being comfortable. Some folks have always aspired to a cushy and pampered lifestyle, and others learn to appreciate the comfy things in life as the youthful naiveté works its way out of our systems. Regardless of your real or perceived maturity level, most folks like to be comfortable. Last week we asked you to name the most comfortable cars ever built, and you all had some great answers for us.
If you are looking for a sorta comfy car, look elsewhere. These are the most comfortable cars ever built, aimed at those who are truly serious about being comfortable. Those who are willing to sacrifice sportiness for extreme levels of road isolation. Those who are willing to live life in the slow lane just so they can travel to their destination in absolute serenity. None of the cars on this list are setting any lap records, hell most of these cars can't even reach 60 mph in under 10 seconds, but what they can do is coddle you like the squishy and vulnerable sack of organs you are. These, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between and outside the gender spectrum, are the Jalopnik audience's takes on the most comfortable cars ever built.
Citroën DS
For its time, the Citroën DS, no contest. For all time, either the latest Rolls-Royce Phantom or the Mercedes 600 Grosser (which licensed parts of the Citroën technology).
Mercedes-Benz W123
The 70s luxobarges are tough to beat, but I think the W123 Mercedes gives them a run for the cushy money.
Sure, at first blush the leather upholstery is a little tough and the seats firm. But once you slide in, they hold you just right for a long highway haul. The suspension soaks up all of the harshness of the world like a hug from mom, but without being excessively floaty or sacrificing any chance of coming out of a hairpin turn while retaining your lane. They're quiet as a tomb and the drivetrain is smooth as butter. The doors close with a quiet, reassuring thunk.
Everything is in just the right place, and being a 123, it's all going to work for a long, long time. This is when Mercedes knew exactly what luxury was, and they freaking nailed it.
1977 Oldsmobile Toronado
My Uncle Jack owned a series of Olds Toronados, I got to drive the '77 across Kansas the summer of my 16th birthday while Jack slept in the passenger seat.
Easy ingress with those wide doors (although closing them required either long arms or a bit of a stretch) cushy front seats, smooth comfortable ride and air conditioning cold enough to freeze the tits off a polar bear (a direct quote from Uncle Jack.)
i could have easily driven all day if we didn't have to fill up every 300 miles.
Rolls Royce Phantom
It was a RR Phantom I got to ride in about a decade ago. Of course everyone wax about how smooth and serene it is, but actually experience it is something to write about.
Floating down a pothole and patched road at 85 MPH and not feeling or hearing any of it is amazing and trippy.
Toyota Century
Toyota Century. The very last word in Japanese Luxury, with that classic discretion so nobody knows just how rich you are.
Lexus LS 430
My grandfather had an '03 LS430 he bought new. 270,000+ miles and not a single major issue, even the oscillating AC vents (!!!) worked perfectly. To get literally any noise from the engine you had to BURY the throttle in the carpet. Almost never felt a bump, and the seats were so thick you felt like you were floating. Never been in a luxury car (Rolls Royce, Bentley, Land Rover, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, BMW, Jeep GC, Cadillac) that felt all around as well engineered. Even the CEO of Ford at the time said it was the "finest car in the world".
Buick LeSabre
The early 2000s Buick Lesabre is one of the automotive comfort foods for me. Just look at that interior. That is the interior of comfort. cozy, slightly dark, just wafting over potholes. I would replace the leather for cloth for those couches and just go to sleep.
Ford E-150 Conversion Van
I've had Cadillacs, big boat Oldsmobiles, a Lincoln and a Crown Vic. All comfortable but nothing, and I mean NOTHING, came close to the 98 E-150 Conversion van I had. Insanely comfortable Captain's Chairs (electronically controlled, of course) and the back bench seat folded down (again, electrically WITH remote control) into a surprisingly comfortable bed. Starlight ceiling and separate climate control and entertainment center for rear with tv with Nintendo and DVD. I LOVED that van and kick myself for not keeping it. This ain't it. Mine was nicer.
Toyota Alphard
Toyota Alphard / Lexus LM, a budget Rolls Royce Phantom that offer 90% comfort for just a fractional 10% of the price
Best of all, because it's selling even more than Toyota Camry, you can buy an used Toyota Alphard or Lexus LM for a kinda fair price in used market because its depreciation kinda big especially if more than 5 years
I don't really get why to get Sienna when you can get Alphard for same price
2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
My 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. It's the last of the true land barges and rides like one. All cush; you don't really steer it as much as suggest; ice-cold A/C, power everything and a decent-enough stereo. Add to that such modern conveniences as fuel-injection and a remote starter. It's even got a super-tall rear end so it's only turning 2500 at 85. I love the thing.
Original Lincoln Town Car
Mid 80's Lincoln Town Car. It was literally like sitting on a couch while driving. The suspension was so soft it wallowed around the turns. Driving was more akin to operating a boat than driving a car.
1978 Oldsmobile 98
My first car- a 1978 Oldsmobile '98- was like driving a couch around town. Couldn't beat it.
2003 Hyundai Accent
My 2003(ish) Hyundai accent. All plastic and burning 15 litres per 100 km (sorry, US friends) it had the most comfortable seats, no pillars in the way of my vision and a good suspension. I miss that crappy little car, but it would have driven me into the poorhouse.
1991 Mercedes-Benz SEL 500
I used to own a 1991 Mercedes SEL500, and while it had terminal mechanical problems (I think the block was cracked), the interior and exterior were perfect, and when you could drive it it was the most comfortable driving experience imaginable. Would have preferred those plush velour seats to the leather, though.
Cadillac Brougham
One of my best friends in high school inherited his grandmother's 1980-something Cadillac Brougham as his first car. we joked that it was just a couple couches on wheels.