Driving position and other Ford concerns

[aspensilver]

The driving position on our 2013 Fusion is so bad that over time I've gone from "definitely getting a Mustang" when our 2yr lease is up to -- really concerned it might not be the right fit.

I like to put my hands on the lower part of the wheel and even with the Fusion's wheel on the "low" setting it is not low enough for me. This is a HUGE issue to me as I can't get my preferred wheel position. My 1997 BMW 540I can go lower than I'd even like. The wheel on the Fusion can go ridiculously high, I feel like the car is designed for 6'5 people. I am 5'9. Then the "powered seat" doesn't even raise the height of the seat! And the roof on the car is really tall. So I can't get a good driving position overall. I will have to test drive the S550 more thoroughly to make sure I don't get the same kind of fatigue/frustration as our Fusion.

Then you'd think with so much room in such a wide car you'd have plenty of foot room, but this isn't the case -- there is barely room to stretch your left leg (automatic car) as you can only really stretch near the brake pedal with space taken up by a protrusion next to the brake pedal. I expected a lot more comfort in such a large car. I can stretch my legs easier in a 1990s civic or just about any other car. Then couple that with the high height center console Ford is using and the overall driving position/comfort is poor. With the '97 540I the console is low enough I have more knee room. I also can't reach the window buttons without leaning/reaching forward.

Then the other minor concern is the horrible "ez fill" or whatever they call it gas system. It's really touchy and I've never had a car have so much trouble staying 'locked'. I have to hold on to the gas hose if I don't park at exactly the right angle. So ridiculous on a brand new car when the old civics and other cars never had this problem, or any of the other problems I listed.


Anyone share any of these concerns on the Mustang, or have any info on whether the powered seats can go up, or if the wheel will actually go down to a reasonable height? Have you seen if the footwell is blocked to prevent leg stretching like the Fusion?

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[xlover]

First of all your driving position sounds not optimal for ergonomics and my guess is the adjustments you have to make probably compromise your leg room also. The seat height does go up and down in all powered seat fords for as long as they have had powered seats so this seems like user error. Not trying to be rude here but can't really understand the issues you are facing. A 5'9 dude should fit almost perfect into any car. Maybe a trip to the dealer to review the power seat controls may be helpful. Good luck!


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[aspensilver]

I don't really care what people say about my hands on wheel position and it will not change so forget that. Ergonomically it is much more comfortable because I rest my hands/arms braced by my knees. I use that when cruising on the highway or stopped at lights. During any spirited driving my hands go to a standard 10-2 type position.

Would love to know if the wheel will actually telescope properly like on my '97 BMW. I guess I will look into the seat height in the manual again but I've read it before and fiddled with the controls a lot. I didn't really consider the seat could be malfunctioning, that is a reasonable point.

 

[c3po]

I drive a '14 Fusion (company car) and really have no issues with driving ergonomics. I'm 6' tall. I'm all legs and shorter torso and with the seat all the way back I have more than enough leg room. I've also never had an issue with the easy fill cap-less system. I find it much nicer not having to deal with the cap, much less forgetting it at the pump. I never mess with the wheel height. Once I set it so that I can see the speedo I've never messed with it since.

 

[BONESTOCK]

Sounds like the user is the issue. These question cannot be answered now as the car isn't even out yet! lol

 

[aspensilver]

Sounds like the user is the issue. These question cannot be answered now as the car isn't even out yet! lol

The wheel on the Fusion doesn't telescope lower. No error. I checked the seat, it does go up and down but it doesn't go up any higher to make the wheel in the right spot. My point is the driving position sucks for me, it probably is fine for most others. Someone here could have news on the wheel's telescoping ability. Hopefully it will tilt as well.

I drive a '14 Fusion (company car) and really have no issues with driving ergonomics. I'm 6' tall. I'm all legs and shorter torso and with the seat all the way back I have more than enough leg room. I've also never had an issue with the easy fill cap-less system. I find it much nicer not having to deal with the cap, much less forgetting it at the pump. I never mess with the wheel height. Once I set it so that I can see the speedo I've never messed with it since.

I probably just should have asked tech questions on the Mustang. I know plenty of people on the Fusion forum find the car comfortable. I also think someone 6' would have no issues with the Fusion.

I'm surprised you haven't had any issues with the Easy-Fill. We have 3 cars and this is the only one that gives me issues on certain pumps. I also hate waiting an extra second or two compared to most cars at the end to avoid drip (the manual even mentions this).

 

[BONESTOCK]

I see you edited your post. You were coming off as an ass. Anyways, still to early. Maybe someone will have that info later.

Sounds like you don't drive in a comfortable position for a normal human. Maybe post a pic.

 

[aspensilver]

I see you edited your post. You were coming off as an ass. Anyways, still to early. Maybe someone will have that info later.

Sounds like you don't drive in a comfortable position for a normal human. Maybe post a pic.

Maybe think about your own post?
Just stop posting in this thread, thanks

 

[Trackaholic]

It sounds like the new mustang will have a telescoping wheel. I hope that means the telescoping feature will be added to the already existing tilt feature rather than replacing it. As far as seating position goes, I suspect the mustang, being a more sporty car, will be designed with a wheel intended for lower seating positions, and may therefore have a lower angle of tilt available. Might be useful to sit in a current mustang to see how close it gets to your ideal.

-T

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