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Second Gen Prius Seat

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by JennyB, Jul 10, 2010.

  1. JennyB

    JennyB New Member

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    Hello :)

    I'm thinking about purchasing a second generation Prius (Probably 2007-2008). One thing that I have heard about it is that the seats are particularly troublesome. I don't have any back problems, but I am pretty short (5'3") and have to adjust my current car's seat all the way up vertically to be able to see and such. From my understanding, the Prius' seats are not vertically adjustable, but only horizontally. While I do plan on renting the car for a couple days to see if it's a good match when I'm ready to purchase one, I thought I'd ask some experienced prius drivers what they thought of the seats. Do they give you any problems as far as comfort or visibility? If so, what can be done to remedy the issue? I have fallen absolutely in love with the prius and I really hope it all works out.

    Thanks a bunch!
    -Jenny
     
    #1 JennyB, Jul 10, 2010
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm 5'-7", wife anf daughter 5-5 and 5-4. no issues in 6 years of an 04 and 08. never driven further than 300 miles in one leg tho. might depend on what your coming out of?
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 10, 2010
  3. desertrider2215

    desertrider2215 Member

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    It's not a BMW, that's for sure. However I have driven 600+ mile drives in my car and start to get uncomfortable but overall I am pretty pleased. Friend is 5'5 and hasn't had an issue with it. good luck
     
    #3 desertrider2215, Jul 10, 2010
  4. chuckknight

    chuckknight New Member

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    5'8" tall, very overweight male. I actually enjoy the Prius' seats...they're very comfortable for my body. I (too) often make a 100 mile trip to Dallas, and back...so long distance driving isn't a problem either.

    I do use a beaded seat cushion, but that's just to keep the upholstery smelling fresh after I work out at the gym.
     
    #4 chuckknight, Jul 10, 2010
  5. ML Diggs

    ML Diggs Junior Member

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    I'm a 5'6" female, and I feel like I'm high enough. Being shorter might actually help since many complaints are about the lack of a telescoping wheel (for long-legged folks with short arms like me), but if you are shorter, you will be more forward anyway.

    I did buy a lumbar support for it (comes with elastic and quick release buckles) because I do have back issues and because I regularly do a 165 mi. drive on weekends. The lumbar made a big difference.
     
    #5 ML Diggs, Jul 11, 2010
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Please note that the Prius front seats have airbags built into the seatback facing the front door, so you'll want to make sure that anything added to the seat does not impede airbag deployment in the event of an accident impacting the side of your vehicle.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Jul 11, 2010
  7. ML Diggs

    ML Diggs Junior Member

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    Whoah, good to know. I'll see where the airbag deploys and make sure it isn't restricted.
     
    #7 ML Diggs, Jul 12, 2010
  8. JennyB

    JennyB New Member

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    Thank you everyone :) I'd be coming from an older toyota avalon so it might be something to get used to. I'll definitely give it a try though.
     
    #8 JennyB, Jul 12, 2010
  9. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    You'll likely be ok because the lower frame is fixed 2 out of 2.5" inches up.

    The seat is basically a Corolla style frame which had 2.5" of vertical adjustment.

    For tall people, they are screwed because once a seat is up too high, they must duck down to see things up there (like traffic lights), no way to get lower.

    Many people walked away from the Gen2 Prius because of this or sold it already. Lack of adjustment or limited adjustment range is generally not a good thing in a car.
     
    #9 cycledrum, Jul 13, 2010
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