If you can't fit, you just can't sit

[georgeny]

I stole that line from a pal after I reported to him that I could not follow in his infamous footsteps and purchase a FFH. I am surprised but apparently Ford has been shortsighted, pun intended, in their design of the FFH making it hard for taller people with fat feet to join the program. I tried the Lincoln, far over priced for basically a Ford with a Lincoln tag. But when I did I noted that I had a few size problems. Indeed I admit it was winter and I was attired in my favorite NorthFace coat that makes me resembles the Marsh mellow man and a pair of good boot shoes enhancing my already size 12's. Still hoping that something could be different in a Ford Fusion I again went yesterday to a Ford Dealer and requested I simply be allowed to sit in one, not drive it, just a fitting so to speak. I was, I did, I am sad. Light jacket and sneakers

 

FFH's are few and far between around here, usually 1 or 2 for every Ford Dealer in my area. They seem to sit forever too. I selected a dealer closest to me which also had a 501A package and options I wanted and again from following inventories that I knew had been in lot FOREVER and a few days past that. Consider that gas in my over priced County suburb of the rotten apple is already north of $4 for a gallon of regular someone will have to explain that to me. They really should be flying off the shelves so to speak around here but NOT!

 

Okay I am not small but I am not some Circus star either. I have several friends larger than myself, I am only 6' 2" ( some say 6' 1 and 1/2 as I get older ) and 213 lbs. almost exclusively located in the belly region. A car the size of a Fusion should afford me more than enough room. The first problem is that there is only about an inch between the my head and the headliner. The left door window frame and colum are way to close to my fragile bean. This with seat all the way back and all the way down, even the salesmen admitted it was obvious that I was close up too everything in the car. The next and far worse concern was the lack of airspace over the brake pedal, between the pedal and knee airbag and even if that was removed the dash bottom. I don't know if I am conveying this well enough. Lifting my foot from the gas pedal up to and over too the brake pedal requires precision or I simply hit the bottom of the dash or the knee bag. Not a problem with a routine slow move to brake bit I can invision on a panic stop breaking my foot or dash before I hit the pedal top. Again I admit to size 12's but in sneakers there should be no problem. Looking at my Honda Accord there is nothing hanging over my pedals but a lot of air. This is what really made my decision easy. The salesmen said that he all the big guys had problems with the Fusion and also with the new Taurus in fact.

 

The sales guy offered to have service come out and see if airbag could be relocated but that really would not alleviate the problem. You would have to cut off part of the dash bottom too. I don't think I would want them doing that kind of remodeling on a new car, would you? He said he would sell it to me well under sticker and would do just about anything to get to off the lot. He admitted it had been there a longtime and he they wanted it gone. He wasn't lying because I downloaded the sticker from this car many, many, months ago and it is only one they have had.

 

So bottom line, I knew I could never justify buying a hybrid to save gas ( I do about 6,500 miles a year ) but wanted to buy the technology and drive something different. Most hybrids are roller skates although a fat ( really big and fat ) friend drives Toyota Prius as transporter all the time and says he has plenty of room in that. I really thought that FFH would be about comparable to my 09 ACCORD EX-L room wise, looks close for head room etc on paper, but alas not even close interior driver room.

 

I am sad, I really liked this car and being a dash instrument tech type freak I am excited by the smart tech stuff. So I must relegate myself to reading the board and hearing about my pal's adventures with his FFH unless or until they do a little redesign on their driver space room. Maybe 2012 or 2013 they will make one for tall people?

 

George in NY

[georgeny]

Have to reply to myself for a minute.

 

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/september/cars/cars-that-fit-all/tall-drivers/index.htm

 

I don't get it, maybe because most of my height is in my hip to foot versus hip to head? Several internet searches on cars for tall drivers indicates the Fusion is good. Many list ACCORD, what I am driving now, Altima, wife owned several I was fine with them, and Fusion.

 

I would love to hear from any of you that exceed say 6" 1 and 1/2 and have 12 or better that actually own and drive FFH, are there any of you out there yet???

 

 

George in NY

Edited April 30, 2011 by georgeny

[CometFlash]

Just thought I'd throw my hat in there and agree with you on both those points. When I first got my FFH I made mention of how it felt pretty small, and I'm only 5'7" at maybe 130lbs. Getting in the car with my small winter hat on always reminds me of this, as it always brushes the roof of the car as I drive (it's a small round one that's flush with my head, not some big poofy one with a big ball on the top or anything like that, just for informational purposes). Maybe it's just coming from a lifetime of F-150's and not cars, I dunno, but does make it seem small in there.

 

And just yesterday I think it was that I posted how each dealer in my area seems to have only one FFH and one MKZH in stock at any given time. Well, it's also just like you mentioned. It's pretty much the same ones month after month. I figured maybe because hybrids sell less in NE where we have such horrid winters? Although not sure how much sense that makes, as I see the bubble-shaped prius' everywhere, which kind of debunks the whole 'hybrids suck in NE weather' thought.

 

I really like my FFH, but I do agree with those 2 points for sure.

 

Maybe the hybrids get people TO the dealership, then they get talked into or talk themselves into buying the same car but the gas version for a lot cheaper. Ford seems very unwilling to deal on their hybrids, but you can get 10k-12k off an F-150 Platinum pretty easily. I see offers and deals all the time on the gas versions of the Fusion. I think you can get about 3k off without even trying at the current time in my area.

 

Where they just released photo's of the new 2013 Taurus, perhaps we'll see something on the 2013 FFH at this January's auto show. May seem far away, but time flies pretty quick when you don't think too much about it. I doubt we'll see anything sooner, as Ford will want to continue dribbling out pieces of info on the new Taurus for months to come, as they always like to do. Not to mention they have the electric Focus and all those funny-shaped C-Max's to launch in the near future too. I think it'd be cool if they did a 2013 plug-in hybrid Fusion, imagine the fuel savings and the ability to pre-warm your car with electricity before jaunting out into the frigid NE winter weather.

[savngas]

6'2", 208...32k miles a year.

Never a head bump or a rub....

Really like telescoping and tilt wheel.

I do wish the center console was a bit longer in the front.

Previous ride was a 2500HD Silverado crew so I did experience a bit of "culture shock" but was offset by major fuel savings $$$ :happy feet:

[Lifyre]

Between 6'1" and 6'2" depending on the day, 250 pounds starting to migrate to the belly area. I fit my '09 Milan just fine but I haven't sat in a Hybrid. I will say that with the sunroof things get pretty tight if I'm in the passenger seat but no issues in the drivers seat at all. My FIL is the same size except he's all arms and legs so he looks like a little guy sitting WAY back from the wheel when he sits in it.

[MrMikeL]

I am 6 feet, 2.25 inches tall, and weigh in at 250. Shoes are size 13/14 (depending on brand). I have absolutely no problem fitting into my FFH. It's roomy and comfortable, plenty of leg room (I actually have to pull the seat forward). Plenty of head room as well.

[bbf2530]

Have to reply to myself for a minute.

 

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/september/cars/cars-that-fit-all/tall-drivers/index.htm

 

I don't get it, maybe because most of my height is in my hip to foot versus hip to head? Several internet searches on cars for tall drivers indicates the Fusion is good. Many list ACCORD, what I am driving now, Altima, wife owned several I was fine with them, and Focus.

 

I would love to hear from any of you that exceed say 6" 1 and 1/2 and have 12 or better that actually own and drive FFH, are there any of you out there yet???

 

 

George in NY

 

Hi George. :D While I do not own a Fusion/MKZ Hybrid, i do have the "regular MKZ" (except for no knee airbag and foldable rear sets, the same interior dimensions as the Fusion/Fusion Hybrid) so I can relay the following experiences: I am 6'1", ~210 lbs, 11.5 shoe size and have absolutely no issues with the interior space, headroom etc.. Possibly a difference in seat adjust-ability between the models, since the MKZ does have more power adjustments than the Fusion/Fusion Hybrid?

 

In fact, being a little long of torso in my height, in the past I could not get a moonroof in most car models due to the lowered headliner. Did not have that problem in the MKZ. While we ultimately did not get one in the MKZ anyway (wife and I don't care for them so why spend the money), I did test models equipped with the moonroof and there was plenty of room to sit comfortably (for me, anyway).

 

All I can recommend is to be sure you have the seat adjusted all the way down (which you said you did) and adjust the telescoping/tilt steering wheel in.

 

Oh well, we're all built differently, so you have to go with what makes you feel comfortable.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited April 23, 2011 by bbf2530

[Hat Eater]

I'm a little over 6' also and headroom with the sunroof is fine, but if I had a taller torso I could see it becoming a potential problem. Agree with you on the footroom issue, it seems to me if I wear a certain pair of tennis shoes they seem to get hung up on stuff from time to time.

 

Yesterday I had to do some work in San Diego for the day, Hertz rented me a Fusion SE with no sunroof. Wow, there really is a difference in headroom, felt like a couple inches taller compared to what I'm used to.

 

Joe

[DaveM]

I'm 6'3" 275 and I've been driving mine for a year+ 2years in Oct. I've no problem and I live in Mi. Trunk sucks but great mileage.

[gccomics]

6 foot 2 - 195 lbs. Fit in the FORD FUSION HYBRID fine.

Never bump my head on the ceiling leg space is okay - not tight & uncomfortable, but not stretching my legs out all the way either. I can't understand the guy who posted saying he has to pull the seat forward - that I can not imagine.

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

My previous car was a MINI COOPER and holy crap - talk about leg space! That car was the greatest - you can stretch your legs all the way out. You should sit in one. Though I only got 32 mpg on the MINI and the repair bills were constant and expensive.

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

Originally wanted a FORD FOCUS 2012 (cheap and TONS of gadgets which is what I was interested in) - but I could NOT fit in that car at all. It's ridiculous - if you try one of those the FUSION will seem quite roomy indeed.

 

Sorry to hear about your aggravation fitting - I can totally empathize -

Edited April 23, 2011 by gccomics

[LANG]

Well, here we go, I experience all of this in my FFH, and I am only 230LB 5'8" (trying to get to my target weight of 211) where my 42" jeans will fit again. My heat did hit the rood, the fix lowered the power seat not that worked out fine. I do hit my foot (12" feet) sometimes from gas to break so I lowered my heal, the top of my foot would hit something down there. I do think getting in and out of the FFH is cumbersome and that’s because I have been driving full size suv of over 30 years. However to get over 35 MPG constantly you have to give and take. Sitll a Cool Car....

 

 

[jay2000]

If cramped you can't ignor, you must look some more.

 

I am not tall, so head room has not been a problem. But even with a size 8 shoe, I am bumping against something as my foot moves to the brake.

 

Since you don't drive much, maybe a smaller car with ample room would do. Prius might fit the bill. The Ford Escape Hybrid is a big car and includes the fun of owning a hybrid.

[rfruth]

If cramped you can't ignor, you must look some more.

 

I am not tall, so head room has not been a problem. But even with a size 8 shoe, I am bumping against something as my foot moves to the brake.

 

Since you don't drive much, maybe a smaller car with ample room would do. Prius might fit the bill. The Ford Escape Hybrid is a big car and includes the fun of owning a hybrid.

 

6 foot tall, 9 1/2 shoe no problem here, several inches between top of my head and roof, drivers seat not all the way down (bet its close though) - does the Escape have lots of interior room (never thought of it as big)

Edited April 24, 2011 by rfruth

[markwilson66]

I'm 6'5", 230 lbs, Size 12 feet. No problems at all with the fit. Extending the steering column all the way out made a pretty big difference for me. My head is close to the roof, I can slide my fingers between and that's about all the space there is. If I'm wearing a hat or cap it will sometimes rub so I remove headwear when driving. I wish I didn't have a sunroof as I never use it and I'm sure it would afford me at least another 1" headroom.At first it seemed a little confining but I don't even think about it anymore. Still loving this car after almost 2 years.

[markwilson66]

I'm 6'3" 275 and I've been driving mine for a year+ 2years in Oct. I've no problem and I live in Mi. Trunk sucks but great mileage.

Is the trunk too small for you? I leave my golf bag and 3 wheel cart in there and still have room for kid's soccer bags, folding chair...

[georgeny]

If cramped you can't ignor, you must look some more.

 

I am not tall, so head room has not been a problem. But even with a size 8 shoe, I am bumping against something as my foot moves to the brake.

 

Since you don't drive much, maybe a smaller car with ample room would do. Prius might fit the bill. The Ford Escape Hybrid is a big car and includes the fun of owning a hybrid.

 

And getting out can make you sore hahahaha .....

 

Great responses and totally interesting how near same sized and larger have different perceptions of the space. Obviously not a one size fits all situation. I am flabbergasted ( does that show my age that DaveM at 6'3" and 275 has no problem. A big man yet still loves his FHH after two years. Speaks highly of the FHH!

 

That Markwilson66 at 6' 5" and 230 cat wear his hat but other than that again still loving his FHH.

 

Obviously bigger men than I have learned to adapt to and conquer the FHH though my brake pedal concern has been mentioned so at least I know I am not totally nuts in this area.

 

Everyone seems so happy with this car that it appears to really be something special. I have been on forums for various cars through they years and most notably the members that participate often to do to complain or share horror stories, find fixes and so forth. Here everyone just seems happy with their FFH's. Maybe I can find one without a sunroof and see of that makes enough of a difference. Buying one without sunroof would not be a problem since I actually dislike sunroofs, never use them but always have one. This only because always want leather and heated seats which winds up with premium radios and sunroofs etc want them or not.

 

How you sit and where your height is legs versus torso all seem to matter. I know I had my Accord seat down too low for a time and back was killing me from struggling in and out of car. A simple adjustment in height and suddenly easing in and out. It might make another concern being seated in FFH at lowest seat setting as well but it also demonstrates that sometimes just some adjustment can completely change the feel and comfort.

 

This so far has been a very informative bunch of posts, thanks guys.

 

George in NY

[lolder]

I didn't care about the sunroof but it came with the other stuff I wanted in the 501 package. Now I use it all the time. I crack it and the windows and put up windshield shades in the summer. I open it and all the windows for a few minutes when the car is heat soaked before I turn on the A/C in the OCD behavior for economy. I guess it must cost an inch or two in headroom.

[AptosDriver]

I am 6 feet, 2.25 inches tall, and weigh in at 250. Shoes are size 13/14 (depending on brand). I have absolutely no problem fitting into my FFH. It's roomy and comfortable, plenty of leg room (I actually have to pull the seat forward). Plenty of head room as well.

Does your FFH have a moonroof? It makes a difference, and not a good one where headroom is concerned.

[Zzyzx]

I am 6' and wear size 12.5 shoes. I have no problem fitting in my 2011 FFH that does have a moonroof. The seat is adjustable and I have plenty of head room. The other day I rode in my friend's 2010 FFH with a moonroof and my head touched the roof even after I lowered the seat to its lowest setting! I thought maybe it was because I was in the passenger seat but I sat in my passenger seat and still had plenty of room. :wacko:

[Lifyre]

I am 6' and wear size 12.5 shoes. I have no problem fitting in my 2011 FFH that does have a moonroof. The seat is adjustable and I have plenty of head room. The other day I rode in my friend's 2010 FFH with a moonroof and my head touched the roof even after I lowered the seat to its lowest setting! I thought maybe it was because I was in the passenger seat but I sat in my passenger seat and still had plenty of room. :wacko:

 

What about seat lean? A couple degrees can make a HUGE difference.

[jcg1005]

My new FFH is due here tomorrow, but I drove an on the lot 2010 without 502a (white and tan interior,not my style) and was very pleased with the fit.

 

I am 6'1' 230... and size 12 feet.

 

Now if you want a cramped car, my girlfriend has a 2010 Malibu. Seat all the way down and the top of my eyes look at the visor and when I look left out the window, the frame is at my forehead. UGH.

 

No where near that in the FFH.

 

My current vehicle, a 2009 Focus, actually has more headroom and I sit in a better place than EITHER car.

[georgeny]

 

This so far has been a very informative bunch of posts, thanks guys.

 

George in NY

 

Will reply the last time to myself in this topic just to let you know how size thing ended. I am now driving my 2012 SEL regular gas FF. No foot problem without the knee bag, regular FF has no 7th airbag, the knee one. I am very comfortable in drivers seat and not even all the way down or back. The front passenger seat doesn't go down, there my head is tight near the headrest. Guess I will have to be the driver hahaha.

 

I love this car!!!! Even if not the FFH

 

George in NY

[LumpOfCoal]

I was unsure if the FFH was going to be the right car for me because it seemed to small, but when I went for a "fitting" I knew it was the right choice for me. I do have to get used to getting in/out of the car, but the leg room is awesome and the head room is plenty (I'm 6'1" 285lbs). With the seat all the way back there is still plenty of room for my 3 y/o in her car seat behind me. I was surprised to find that the FFH had more leg room (and more room for car seats) than my 2006 Silverado.

[dennisw]

I'm only 6' even 225 pounds and size 13 shoes, inseam 32", I normally drive to work with my large steel toed boots with no problems. I have no problems in the foot area at all but the head room is close, my FFH has the moon roof I only have about 2 1/2" of space between my head and the headliner and plenty of room from the door window frame. In fact one of the things I like to most on my Fusion is the generous amount of room in the foot an leg area compared to the Lincoln LS it replaced. There is much more room in my Fusion than the Prius I drove and about the same as the Camry with Fusion having much better leg room. Sorry to hear it's not going to work for you, it's been a fantastic car for the 27,000+ miles I've been driving mine. If I had to get a new car it would be another FFH in fact we are thinking of being a 2 FFH family.

[acdii]

Sounds like some of you guys should look at the Flex instead. If you hit your head in one of those, or cant fit, well, see a shrink. LOL I'm 5'8" and do find the Fusion a bit cramped, but then again I always drove Crown Vic's and Pickups. In the Flex there is almost a foot of head space for me, and with the telescopic steering wheel and adjustable pedals, just about anyone can fit. The only thing I can find to complain about is the foot well is a bit cramped.

 

I traded a 2010 Sport for a 2010 FFH and there is no difference in interior space. It fits identical as the Sport did, though the seat itself is different, the Sport had form fitting seats. I also dont wear heavy coats or winter boots even though I live in northern IL, so I cant comment on that.