Ford Asks What Women Want
This BlogHer, 50 or so female bloggers will have the chance to share their feedback with automotive giant, Ford. Ford has invited us (yep, me too!) for a tour of the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant where we’ll have the chance to check out the 2010 Ford Fusion, learn about some swanky new technology (how about a system that does the parallel parking for you?), and even get tips on car seat installation.
In preparation for a “What Women Want” roundtable discussion, Ford has asked us to think about what we want in a vehicle, as well as to ask our readers what they are looking for. Honestly, I don’t think that much about what I want in a car until I need to buy one. And then I spend the next X years cursing out the lack of a certain feature or the improper design of a particular element in the car I choose.
Right now I’m driving a mini-van. It’s practical on a number of levels, but I really miss driving a smaller car. They’re just easier to maneuver. There isn’t much Ford is going to do about that, unless they create a car that can grow or shrink as needed for a specific car trip. Sort of like a dining room table with a leaf.
So, all wishful thinking comments aside, there are a few things that are most important to me in a car:
1. Safety. I became convinced as a child that I was going to die in a car accident (yes, that’s just the sort of morbid kid I was), so I’ve always worn a seatbelt. Safety is very important to me. I want seatbelts that are easy to use and that don’t lock when they aren’t supposed to (there is nothing more irritating to me than a seatbelt that locks just as I’m leaning forward to see if it’s safe to proceed). I want a strong frame that will protect us in a crash, and I’d like to eliminate some of the hydroplaning issues when it rains. Since we live in the Northeast, traction control is a nice help in snowy weather.
2. Comfort. I like adjustable seats. We aren’t all built the same and it’s nice to be able to tilt and adjust the seats as needed. I hate that it’s a premium feature in a car. Just because we aren’t independently wealthy doesn’t mean we should have to suffer with uncomfortable seats. Also, this is a little thing, but I want headrests that are pony-tail friendly. I like the ones with holes in them myself, but basically I want to be able to lean my head back!
Heating/Cooling. I’d like an air conditioning system that can cool the car without blowing air directly on me. Same with heat. The cold air makes me too cold and the hot air bothers my husband’s skin.
Road noise. The quieter the better!
3. Convenience. I prefer plenty of accessible storage options. Also, I don’t need more cupholders so much as more convenient cupholders.
Outlets. Please give me standard outlets already. I’m tired of cigarette lighter outlets.
Accessible trays for kids. I want accessible spaces for my kids’ books, toys, sippy cups whatever. Something adjustible that can go up or down as they move through carseats and into regular seats.
Radio controls on the steering wheel. My current car has that and I love it.
Some pockets or tray areas in the dash for a portable GPS, cell phone, or other electronic device.
I don’t want much, do I? Now that I’ve gone on and on, what are the most important features for you when you’re buying a new car?
Some of the things that are important to me in addition to what Christy has to say (I think she hits a lot of key points) are a good mix of style and function. Memory for two people in both front seats. My husband and I are very different in size and it would make things easier. AManeuverability in a car is also key. Parking lot spaces seem to be shrinking and cars growing, so something that has a small turning radius is great. Storage, storage, and more storage!! Also, an easy to reach mounting spot for a GPS would be great. It is often difficult for shorter drivers to attach them to the window.
I also drive a minivan, which is usually crowded with kids (my 3 plus friends). What I’d like to see in a car is to make them more kid-friendly. Love the idea of fold-down trays for snacking, crafts, etc (think airplanes). Cupholders in the middle row that are actually within reach of short little arms. And adjustable shoulder belts…they have them in the front row for shorter passengers; why not in the middle and back rows, too? Some of the kids I drive are petite, and at 9 or 10 have reached the age where using a booster seat is just not cool…having a seatbelt that doesn’t cut across their neck would be great.
Agree with your commments above, Christy,
Small incidentals: Oh yeah, the cup holders need to be higher closer and “foam-like to adapt to different shapes and actually hold them tighter. Shoulder belts need to definately be adjustable for kids. Pockets on the back of the front seat would be good for Stuff! Like the idea of tray tables but too dangerous in a collision. yes to the outlets front and back seats. Mirror strip on roof behind rear seat to check infants in reverse car seats???
Hmmm off the top of my head… I love the adjustable height on seatbelts… where you choose how high or low you want it to rest on your shoulder so it doesn’t cut in your neck…
I hate the head rests that are angled too far forward… it hurts.
I love radio, cruise, etc controls on the steering wheel and heated seats! (not that my car has any of these but I love when I ride in other people’s cars that do!)
Deep cupholders are key…
LEG ROOM in the back seat!!!
I have long legs and when I push the seat back, my arms can’t always reach the steering wheel… it’s annoying… making the steering wheel have the option to come out further would be nice…
I think that’s all I have… if I think of anymore I’ll let you know… granted I don’t have kids but that’s just from me…
I like having cup holders, but not 25 of them!! And they don’t fit cups. I like my coin holder for toll money. A comfortable head rest, I agree, would be nice. I would love a shelf or tray for my front seat passenger side. I am always trying to do crafts or something and there is nothing to rest anything on. Maybe something that would slide out, and slide back in on impact?
The best thing for me would be a heated steering wheel for those cold days. Gloves are not always safe to drive with, but that wheel is freezing. Regular outlets that WORK for things like crock pots would be great. Built-in blue tooth or other cell phone accessories would be good. Pockets on back seats, space for DVDs to be stored. I love the window shades on the back windows for kids, but why not something on all side windows, as long as the driver could see through them. I love the beeping warnings on the four corners of my car that warn me when I am getting too close to something. I don’t know if I would pay extra for the parallel parking option. Love my adjustable seats. More comfortable seat belts…with more adjustments… That’s it… ;-)
Christy I think you hit all the major points and then some. Outlets for the dvd players… pockets for EVERYTHING. Storage Storage Storage! I agree with Sarah on seat adjustment memory. Built-in sun visors for the back seat and trays that are crash safe. And gosh, if they could make my car shrink and expand that would rock!
Hello ladies? What about gas mileage? That and safety are what I care about…