It's not news that Americans' waistlines are much bigger than they used to be. But what about their cars? Are they keeping up with expanding girths? Josh Max of AOL Autos reports:  "The auto industry tends to give customers what they say they want," says Sage Marie, manager of Honda product planning. "But there is no overt policy. Cars are getting bigger, with more hip, elbow and shoulder room as time goes on, but that's not a function of overtly targeting the marketing requirements of extra-large people."  Marie says each year's crop of Hondas are the result of research and focus groups and studies asking auto buyers what they'd like to see and what they are willing to pay for. "As the data comes back, we're finding that people say, 'We want more space,'" he said. "That's a function of people being larger in general. I don't think there is anything in the studies that says, 'Please list your weight.' Customers are asking for more room."  And the best car for fat people is?  Honda's 2011 Accord and Odyssey were voted the top two best vehicles for larger drivers by Consumer Reports last August, with Hyundai's Azera coming in third. "The test was based on a the criteria of good visibility, comfortable seats, ease of access, and a tilt-and-telescope steering column," said Jim Travers, Consumer Reports associate editor.  "Maximizing interior volume is one of our mission statements, part of our DNA on all our vehicles," said Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson. "Comfort of your passengers is important. More room helps with visibility from the very beginning, regardless of peoples' size. Interior room is a feature anyone can appreciate."  There are few reliable statistics on which cars are most accommodating for larger people, outside of lists like the one compiled by Consumer Reports. It seems obvious that the bigger the driver the bigger they'd want their car to be, but that's not entirely true. Extra-large car shoppers seem to find vehicles that can accommodate them in many different styles, including compacts.  One self-admitted overweight person, Amelia Ann, 25, of Akron, Ohio, said her 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is the ultimate little car, but with lots of interior room. "Just because I'm fat doesn't mean I want to drive a huge car," she said. "I met a couple of girls who were bigger than me who had Bugs and they loved them, too, so I was sold. I'm amazed at how roomy the Bug is inside."  New York musician Ted Horowitz, who goes by the stage name Popa Chubby, recently bought a Jeep Liberty. "I'm happy to say the Jeep is quite comfortable, even for me," he said. "I also drive a Ford van when I haul equipment, and then I drive a '71 Mustang fastback which is roomy and comfortable."  See photos of: Honda Accord
Automakers making more models for fat Americans - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com