We are a UK couple planning to tour the South Western National Parks in a rental car. As I have recently had back surgery, any suggestions as to the best models to choose for long distance comfort/back support?

Comfort is such a subjective thing that I don't think I can help except to say that you'd probably want mid-size or larger car to avoid a lot of bending to get in and out. And be prepared to stop at a Target or Walmart to buy cheap pillows to create your own back support if necessary.
You'll love the stunningly beautiful Southwest -- have a wonderful trip.

for what it's worth...I have always found that the Chyrsler line of cars have seats that give me better support than the General Motors line.

It may be that I happen to be shaped the same way as their test dummies, but I like the Chyrsler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans a lot.

Be sure to get one with arm supports for both arms and a back that can be adjusted. I have found that just changing the angle of the back from time to time helps a lot.

More on mini-vans. The seats in the mini-vans are higher, therefore, your legs will be in a better position for your back. They don't ride like a Rolls, but they do have good suspension and take the bumps well. Get a small, firm pillow to place against your lower back for additional support if the seat doesn't have a lumbar adjustment. Some do, but I have a feeling that rental cars won't.

Just be aware that there is never any guarantee on what type of car you will get. You can ask the various companies what they usualy provide in each category - but the truth is you'll get whatever they have. And esp if you arrive late in the day you may not even get the class of car you want.

What about a Cadillac? They have the seats with lumbar support, and usually have leather interiors...

Just wondering - if you have back problems and need back support, what are you going to do on a plane trip of that length? If you are bringing some sort of pillow/support, that should work just as well for a car. And a flight of that length will be far tougher on your back than any car you can rent - sitting is far worse on backs than standing or lying, and at least in a car you can stop and walk around or change positions more easily.

Another vote for Chrysler. We drove 8,000 miles last fall in 35 days in our Chrysler 300 and never had a backache. A friend with back trouble says his doctor told him to buy Chryslers for better back support.

I have good luck with Mazdas and bad luck with Fords. But I think it's personal.

Many thanks for all the suggestions. On the subject of long flights, we are thinking of biting the bullet and travelling Business Class so I can recline and stroll as necessary!

Have you considered renting a Volvo. Hertz Rentals has these in their luxury category, but Volvo's have some of the best seats --you could check on them at a Volvo dealer in the UK. Note that Hertz only rents Volvos at certain major airports - I'm pretty certain that includes Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Prosy,

You will rent a SUV or nothing. I had a back surgery too and moved out of my sedan to a SUV. My doctor recommended it. I have saved myself from a lot of strain. Using www.sidestep.com should get you to a good deal. Just make sure you stop every 1-2 hours and give your back a good stretch and lying flat makes a lof of diferrence too.

Let me know if you need any further assistance.

Dodz.

I am another back surgery "survivor" and I too think minivans and suvs are more comfortable than cars. I have lower back issues and I find that sitting in a more upright position works best. I drive a Honda Element and I find it super comfy, and I have read other Element drivers say the same thing. I don't think anyone has them as rentals