My rant

Tbat's mustang topic got me thinking again about a rant I have with newer cars (my experience driving rentals).

I'm about 6'2. When I get into these cars, a lot of times they have these stubby little steering columns and the steering wheel is about 3" from the dash.

I have to push my seat back to get enough legroom. When I do that, my arms have to be fully extended just to reach the wheel.

That is the most uncomfortable driving position in my opinion. I prefer the cars like GPs (or at least the newer ones with telescoping columns) where I can bring the wheel closer to me, and have my arms bent (maybe even resting on an arm rest).

Is that too much to ask?

Does this bug anyone else, or am I just weird?

That's 1/2 the reason I bought a GP, i am so damn comfortable when I'm driving. Right arm resting on the center console, hand on the shifter, left elbow resting on the door.
Perfect distance to the pedals and steering wheel.
When I'm in my GP, i'm in my comfort zone.

X2! I rented a GP for a trip to Baltimore back in '97, became instantly hooked, and had wanted one ever since. One of the nicest, and most comfortable cars I've ever rented (at the time it had only 600 miles on it).

Exactly.

I first noticed the trend of the short steering wheels in Hondas and Toyotas that I drove. I thought "well, maybe it's because they are engineered in Japan where the average height is lower, and this is not an issue".

But now I'm seeing it more and more in US cars I drive. I am thinking it probably helps them in car crashes to have the steering column farther away.

But I want my comfort!

If you look around you'll notice more and more vehicles have adjustable pedals.

Adjustable pedals are not for tall people.... Not sure if that's where you were going Herc, but it's the steering wheel that needs to come toward the driver, not the pedals.

I'm with you Erik..... Even in the GP I find myself propping the back of the seat a bit farther forward than I like so I don't have to extend my arms out to the steering wheel.

I don't have this problem in most other cars, since the seat doesn't usually go back far enough in other cars for me anyways.

The GP gives me more leg room than any other car I've driven. Full size trucks don't have as much leg room... That's what surprises me the most.

I've always felt that a car should be an extension of its driver. I like cars that feel like a couch on wheels, not a cage on wheels. Doesn't matter how good it looks, how fast it goes, or if it gets great gas mileage; if you feel cramped and confined, you're just along for the ride, instead of enjoying it.

I wish there was a way to bring the wheel out toward me. I have the same problem. I'm 6'3'' my seat is all the way back but my arms are just long enough to hold the wheel. I guess this is why i hold the wheel at the bottom and not the sides or top most of the time.

this is exactly the issue i have with many cars i test drive. If I tilt the wheel down for a better reach then many times it too close to the top of my thighs. If I go up a notch on the wheel, I either have to tilt the seat forward (which I really dont like) or scoot the entire seat forward thus cramping my legroom.
The G6 I looked at had a telescoping column which did help this issue but the mustang did not.
I think most automakers have gone to greater distances between the steering wheel and driver to allow for full airbag deployment in the event of a crash.

I think you are right about this. My next car will have telescoping steering column. I hate feeling like I'm riding a harley with my arms fully extended.

If you want to see steering wheel issues, watch Dream Car Garage where the host drives a Knight Rider replica car. It's hilarious!!! All those hours put to it too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvO6kwX5w2E

i agree 100% with this entire thread!

My GP is the perfect size for me (6'1-6'2), my dad has an 05 mustang that i cannot stand driving. It is the most uncomfortable car i have ever sat in.

i love how teh Gp fits me, im also 6'2" and a solid 225-230ish( football solid) and some cars are hard to fit in, i fit great in teh GP

I bet you guys complain when some one asks you to reach the top shelf too.

Try being short. Having to push the seat all the way forward to reach the pedals.

You can't build a cost effective car that will fit every body type.

With a telescoping steering column (for the tall people) and adjustable pedals (for the short people) they could.

Just design everything like the GP and forget it. That way we won't have to mess with broken pedal/steering column motors 8yrs down that road.

Im 6'1 230lbs,(solid)and I have to put my seat way back and thats why I choose the grand prix over the grand am because the grand am leg room way not enough and I have to have a four door car but in the grand am the four door is a 2door to me because I test drove it and my legs was up in a angle and I was getting cramps in my leg.(lol) People always tell me the grand am and grand prix is the same car, no way.

I used to get craps in my right leg driving the Strat until I learned a specific way to lean it. I'd prefer being further back, but I need to be scooted forward some to push the clutch all the way in and hold it there with comfort. Oddly, the car has a long travel for the clutch and a short one for the gas pedal... I mean really short.

out of all the new cars I have driven recently I will have to admit the 06 GP was the hands down winner, with the G6 a hot second. I f I was looking for a slick coupe to replace my T-Bat, I would most likely choose a G6...for a sedan with looks, style, utility and performance, I'd take the 04-up GP. The Dodge Magnum I drove had a telescoping column but it didnt have much travel. With the seat back far enough for good legroom, the steering wheel options were arms length and moon orbit.
Herc I can sympathize somewhat with your situation since my wife is barely over 5 foot, we have a heck of a time with seat adjustment that works for both of us. Luckily she rarely drives my car and her Montana has plenty of seat travel.

Pontiac needs to offer the new G6 GXP with a targa roof...now that would be a hot lookin ride.

Didn't the G6 have that slick panel retracting sun roof?

Iirc that thing was pretty big. Almost a targa.

I think that was only offered on the sedan...yep I just zapped over there and checked...panoramic multi panel sunroof is a sedan option only.

I have a Jeep Liberty from Hertz in my driveway right now. Wheel is 3" from the dash.

The arm rests sit lower than my lap. How can that be an "arm rest"? They are useless.

I hate this truck.

I'm glad I have my GP. It's a "fat kid friendly" car and I can fit a friend or 3 in the back seat without having to scoot my seat up to the uncomfortable stage. Granted I'm 6'4" and about 290 with a 30" inseam and long monkey arms but the last car I drove was an 89 volvo 244DL with the wheel about 3 inches from the dash...so reclining a little in the GP is a very welcome change.

My GTP is one of the first vehicles I have sat in where I can extend my legs pretty far, I am 6'5" pushing 6'6". I sit with half my head next the the vertical and the other half in the second door window. I am tall but not solid like some of you. I am working on that.

My dad has an 03 liberty and he's 6'2'' and he has no complaints. I'm 6'3'' and theres really nothing major to complain about.