2010 Prius - needs fully adjustable driver's seat

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by cycledrum, Jul 12, 2008.

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  1. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    2010 Prius - Needs driver's seat height adjuster

    Request - For all the people who believe the 2010 should get this feature, or anything else you'd like to see (i.e. telescopic steering wheel),

    please go to Toyota Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Accessories > contact us (bottom of page) > email toyota (2nd from bottom. > follow steps. 5th post here is part of response I got from them.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Wanted - 2010 Prius - 6-way (or more) adjustable driver's seat with height adjuster, can be manual, doesn't have to be power (More substantial seat bottom would be nice too).

    What is 6-way seat?

    * slides back and forth
    * seatback reclines
    * seat bottom raises and lowers <<<< No US model Prius from 2004-09 has this :(

    -----------------------------------

    One can raise sitting height with a cushion, but us tall folks can't lower unless altering the seat to some other fixed position.

    Did you know the current Prius in Japan, Europe and Australia has the mechanical handle to raise/lower driver's seat?

    My 1988 Toyota pickup has a seat bottom tilt adjuster, same with my sister's 1993 Camry. The current Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Rav4, Camry, etc .... Honda Civic Hybrid, have this simple device.

    Apparently US Toyota design / marketing decided the US doesn't need this feature on any Prius. Why? Could cost be an issue? Would you pay $25, $50 more for a height adjustable seat in your Prius?

    It is entirely possible they will or have already made the same mistake on the 2010 Prius, and the choice will be a 4-way only adjustable seat on all models for the next 6 years or so.

    Does anyone here have pull, clout with Toyota corporate US / Japan wherever to verify the 2010 model will indeed get the 6-way adjustable driver's seat?
     
    #1 cycledrum, Jul 12, 2008
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    None of the eight cars I have owned had adjustable height seats. I must have picked the wrong brands or models.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Jul 12, 2008
  3. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    In the driver's seat department, the Prius is right up there with a Yaris ...

    Yaris liftback - 4 way adj.
    Prius, any model - 4 way adj.
    Tacoma reg cab - 4 way adj.

    -----------------------------------------------

    4Runner base - 8-way manual
    Avalon - power seat
    Camry base - 6-way w/ height adjust
    Corolla, base model - 6 way w/ height adjust
    FJ Cruiser, base - 8-way
    Highlander - doesn't say, but of course has height adjust
    Land Cruiser - 10-way
    Matrix, base - 6-way w/ height adjust
    Rav4 base - 6-way w/ height adjust
    Sequoia - 8-way
    Sienna, base 6-way
    Tundra, base 8-way adjustable

    Yaris sedan - 6-way adjustable driver's seat w/ height adjuster

    Ooops, my bad, Prius seating not up there with a Yaris, only in liftback version

    --------------

    When person is short, can sit on a chair pad to raise up.

    When much over 6ft, nothing one can do except recline the seat back to get lower sight line in a Prius, but that can feel crappy after a while.

    2008 Toyota Prius brochure p11, interior: "WE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING. FOR EVERYTHING."

    Not. :mad: Hopefully they do in the 2010 model.
     
    #3 cycledrum, Jul 13, 2008
  4. sorka

    sorka Active Member

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    All of the cars I've ever owned had adjustable seat heights:

    1) '91 Mazda 626
    2) '93 300ZX Twin Turbo
    3) '01 C5 Corvette
    4) '92 300ZX Twin Turbo.
    5) '95 Lexus SC400.
    6) '04 Infiniti FX45
    7) '04 Dodge Durango Limited HEMI(Hatin that Hemi currently :(.

    I think cars without adjustable seat heights are very rare. I find it hard to believe you had 8 cars with fixed seat heights.
     
    #4 sorka, Jul 13, 2008
  5. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    email response from Toyota. Not an auto, canned response since they mentione I've contacted several times.

    -----------------------------------

    ....
    Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

    Your feedback to Toyota is greatly appreciated, and we appreciate your enthusiasm!

    According to our records, you contacted us several times by telephone as well as twice now by email regarding your suggestion about the Prius seats and steering wheel, and we're always glad to acknowlege your suggestions and to let you know we've documented them here at Toyota.

    We're glad to get your feedback because the only way we know what our customers are looking for is when they tell us, as you have. We try to scope our customers out in advance, by researching the market, conducting interviews, surveys, focus groups and doing our homework, but there's no better source than a Toyota owner or intender who takes the time to tell us like it is.

    We can't guarantee that your suggestions would be implemented, but if they were, they would be driven by just this sort of honest communication. Your comments have been made available to Toyota management.

    Again, please accept our sincere thanks for frequently taking the time and trouble to let us know your thoughts.
    .....
     
    #5 cycledrum, Jul 13, 2008
  6. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    #6 cycledrum, Jul 13, 2008
  7. Scruge

    Scruge New Member

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    They probably don't offer in States because air bag can't handle weight of lard assed americans..:p
     
    #7 Scruge, Jul 13, 2008
  8. Jack Austin

    Jack Austin New Member

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    We're scheduled to pick up our "new" '08 Prius in an hour and a half. (Which we ordered in May without the opportunity to actually drive a demo Prius first due to their huge demand in the SF Bay Area...they're all presently being sold BEFORE they even get trucked in!) It will have everything just as we wanted it...except, EXCEPT that now I learn that we'll likely have to refuse it because of the driver's seat/steering column issue. The problem for both my wife and I is likely to be that to get a reasonably comfortable position close enough to the steering wheel we'll be too close to the pedals, so the driver's right leg has to lay over to the right which eventually causes continuing pain in that hip. I'm 5'9" (about average) and I've had to stop driving my wife's '03 Camry for this very problem. In the last few months she's started having the same problem with her commute to the City or any extended driving. I'm VERY disappointed! Thought maybe the '09 release in February could be a fall-back solution, just a little more patience....now that sounds unpromising as well. Wonderful car! Very foolish and frustrating shortcoming! P.S.: I LOVE my old gas guzzler's full range electric seat!
     
    #8 Jack Austin, Jul 14, 2008
  9. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Sorry to hear about your troubles with ergonomics Jack.

    If you or anyone else would please take a few minutes to email Toyota (as mentioned in 1st post), voice your concerns, tell 'em what you want. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and I like the idea of trying to make a difference.
     
    #9 cycledrum, Jul 14, 2008
  10. OZ132

    OZ132 Member

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    Sooooo my wife and I are not the only ones!!! It's not actually the height, so much, for me. With seat at correct position for legs, my arms need to be about 4" longer to hold steering wheel comfortably--a monkey would do nicely...
    I would say, the seat was designed--ergonomically--for a monkey!!!
     
    #10 OZ132, Jul 14, 2008
  11. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Even the airplanes I fly don't have height adjustable seats. I have to use a cushion to see out of some of them.

    Here is my list of cars. Note that none of them are what you might call luxury cars, except the Aerostar was the top of the line, but still a Ford minivan:

    1) '72 Jeep C-J5.
    2) '69 Camaro.
    3) '79 Honda Accord.
    4) '84 Honda CR-X.
    5) '87 Subaru turbo wagon 4wd
    6) '92 Honda Accord.
    7) '94 Ford Eddie Bauer Aerostar 4wd.
    8) '06 Toyota Prius.

    The Aerostar has the best seats. They are just great, with power lumbar support, but still no height adjustment.

    Tom
     
    #11 qbee42, Jul 14, 2008
  12. OZ132

    OZ132 Member

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    Sent Toyota an email: "Ergonomics of seat/steering wheel position must have been designed for, a monkey????"
    With everything else about the vehicle so great, It amazes me they haven't figured this out. Can't be rocket science. U.S. cars have had comfortable driving position forever--even compacts.
    Maybe problem is they are rocket scientists. Seems to me I remember when Werner Van Braun and his boys had to be told by the Gemini/Apollo Astronauts they needed a window in the capsule....:p:p:p:p:p:p
     
    #12 OZ132, Jul 14, 2008
  13. Jiipa

    Jiipa MGySgt USMC (Ret)

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    Well I guess I am a monkey then. The Prius is not for you, buy something elsa.
     
    #13 Jiipa, Jul 14, 2008
  14. KayakerNC

    KayakerNC Member

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    I find the seats comfortable...and I'm a monkey??????
     
    #14 KayakerNC, Jul 14, 2008
  15. McDonald

    McDonald New Member

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    The seats are comfortable to sit in, but they need to be height adjustable with a telescoping steering wheel. I'm 5'10 and have not (and can not, because I need the seat lower) find a good combination of angles for driving.
     
    #15 McDonald, Jul 14, 2008
  16. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Here's a picture of me, the average Prius owner:
    [​IMG]

    I know, I know. You all thought I looked like my avatar.
    ​
     
    #16 TonyPSchaefer, Jul 14, 2008
  17. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    The point I am trying to make Tom / qbee42 is ....

    A shorter person comes out ok with the fixed seat height of the Prius, they can always add a cushion to raise up.

    Of course a medium, ideal sitting height person will see ok in the car.

    Because the Prius has a very aerodynamic shape and sloped roofline a tall person or driver with tall sitting height can be very screwed trying to see traffic lights.

    Also, the rearview mirror can end up right in a drivers line of sight for a tall person, not safe at all! Especially that tall Homelink mirror.

    Reclining the seatback can help a little bit, but there comes a point when your leaned back too far. It's not like one can just lower down the seat bottom - it's fixed in place.

    I don't need proof that the Prius does not need 1 height adjustable seat. It's not a big deal to be asking for. And it's stupid to 'dumb the car down' so only people within certain height ranges can get reasonably comfortable.
     
    #17 cycledrum, Jul 15, 2008
  18. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    What other hybrid hatchback is on the market right now, besides the much more gas thirsty Ford Escape Hybrid?

    I don't need a sedan, so that leaves the Prius or a stupid conventional car that idles away gas when stopped.
     
    #18 cycledrum, Jul 15, 2008
  19. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Well, none. Looks like that will change next year. Finally, the Prius gets direct, 5 door hatchback competition, yeah! It's about darn time ...

    from honda.com , fuuture models / concepts

    "Our newest hybrid is a futuristic five-door hatchback that sports a unique style and sleek design. It is powered by a new lighter weight and efficient Integrated Motor Assist IMA® Hybrid system that offers a spirited ride, with plenty of amenities. And it’s all within your reach, starting in early 2009."
     
    #19 cycledrum, Jul 15, 2008
  20. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I just wanted to follow up on this thread as original poster after putting about 1k miles on mine.

    I've managed to come to terms with the drivers seat by shifting my butt a little bit forward in the seat, slouching just a little bit.

    I've got my Homelink rearview mirror tilted up as far as possible, including the mirror stalk pushed all the way up. Also, the mirror adjusted to only show the black bar and upward of rear window. This gives me an acceptable line of sight under the rearview mirror for seeing traffic ahead.

    Still, this would all be soooo much easier with a few simple pumps of a mechanical handle to lower / tilt the seat bottom down, which would also bring more thigh support.

    Let's see what the 2010+ brings.
     
    #20 cycledrum, Oct 25, 2008
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