For the most part, I'm a fan of the Honda Accord's seats and the driving position. I find the leather-wrapped front buckets supportive in both aggressive driving and generally comfy over long distances. However, if I'm going to nitpick, there's just too much upper lumbar. Every time I get into the car and set my seat just right, I press the lumbar button but it deflates only the seat's lower portion. Although the set-up produces proper posture, it takes a while for me to get used to it -- which I eventually do, since I forgot about it during several long-distance journeys in the Accord...
This is certainly one of those personal preference situations since both cars' seats have been generally well-lauded -- perhaps lumbar enthusiasts would take a different view than I.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 9,919 miles
ahightower says:
11:08 AM, 04/ 2/08
Sounds like someone's mom designed the seat so that we would all sit up straight.
joefrompa says:
12:53 PM, 04/ 2/08
James,
Hunchback much? :)
I love my new Legacy GT's lumbar support. It's just a two-way lever, but it's oh so comfy. Proper posture is good for not just your back, but also for your driving and attentiveness.
But, to your point, 4-way lumbar support is so much better for many heights.
Joe
brn says:
01:06 PM, 04/ 2/08
Lumbar supports give me a sore back. If there's and adjustment, I flaten it all the way. If I'm in a car that doesn't have an adjustment, but decides you need it by default, I get back pain for days.
Some of you may be designed so that lumbar support is a good thing. For me, it's evil.
SubyTrojan says:
01:22 PM, 04/ 2/08
Joe, you mean your wife's new LGT, right? :o)
bal169 says:
02:04 PM, 04/ 2/08
I'm 6'1", not overly tall, but tall enough to realize that the seats in most cars seem to be designed for folks 5'9" and under. And lumbar support, forget about it, they never hit me in the sweet spot.
desmolicious says:
02:23 PM, 04/ 2/08
My 330 has an adjustable lumbar support that moves up and down aswell as in and out.
billt9 says:
07:54 PM, 04/ 2/08
You tall people just aren't important enough for car makers to care about.
picswim says:
06:56 AM, 04/ 3/08
I've got an 08 EX Accord. That power lumbar is one of my favorite features. Moving it back and forth feels like a little massage.
That being said, the active head restraints made finding a comfy seating position difficult. Got it now and the seats are great.
Bal169, I'm 6'0" and 200lbs, the seats are big enough for me.
I want to make my girlfriend where a child seat though, she looks tiny in the passenger seat (5'6" 115 lbs).
Would prefer a bit more thigh support, but its an accord, not a type S acura or the future dad in law's e46 m3.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
07:16 AM, 04/ 3/08
'09 Forester with Leather seats is similar, with lots of upper lumbar support, and only the lower part is adjustable. I'm only 5' 7", btw.