for those who rent intermediate/full size

[BWVDenise]

The number of people listed to fit in these cars is 5. What I would like to know is, are there shoulder belts in the rear center seats? We usually rent a minivan but would like to reduce expenses next year. Also, we fit just fine in my Honda Accord but that has the shoulder belt in the rear center. I'm not sure if most American cars have that.

 

[bkrusen]

We are a family of 5 (kids ages 10, 7, 4) and rented a full size car last trip and fit pretty comfortably. The car was a Grand Prix, which we happen to have as our second car at home, and my kids all used one kind or another of booster seat. Putting on the seat belts took a little finesse but not a big deal. The middle seat only had a lap belt. One other thing you might want to think about is luggage room. We had two large suitcases and a stroller wedged into the trunk and them the carryons on the floor in the back. Hope this helps.

 

[sgtdisney]

I think it will depend on the car you get when you rent. Most of the newer cars have the shoulder belt in the middle seat in the back. I know my 2004 Pontiac Vibe does (of course that is pretty much a Toyota, but that is another story) The new body style Grand Prix has 3 point belts in the back, whereas the previous body style didn't.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by BWVDenise
The number of people listed to fit in these cars is 5. What I would like to know is, are there shoulder belts in the rear center seats? We usually rent a minivan but would like to reduce expenses next year. Also, we fit just fine in my Honda Accord but that has the shoulder belt in the rear center. I'm not sure if most American cars have that.

Yes, they have shoulder restraints in the middle back seat.

 

[NotUrsula]

The only time I've found lap-belts only in the center is in the big "geri-ride" American sedans; the sort that are heavily marketed to drivers of a certain age. I think that most of them are considered "luxury cars" by the rental companies. What they tend to have in common is that the front seat is made as a bench, rather than buckets with a center console.

Stay away from cars with a front bench seat, and you should be fine.

 

[prncess674]

If you are assigned a full size car that doesn't have a shoulder restraint in the center back seat then go back in and ask for a car that does. Atleast one model on the lot should meet your request.

 

[BWVDenise]

If I rent an intermediate with National and use Emerald Isle, I may be able to have a greater selection and find what I need. I realize there is no guarantee that I'll get anything bigger than the intermediate, but we don't plan on doing a lot of driving around once we are there and my main concern is the seatbelt setup.

 

[Jestocost]

The other thing to consider is luggage space. While most intermediates probably have adequate space for luggage for five for a week, some might be a tight fit. If you're packing for a shorter stay, it probably won't be a problem.