"but the huge center console makes you feel like you are in a coffin"

[Hemlock140]

There were many cars with consoles as far back as the 1960s, such as the 66 Mustang my wife drove when I met her, but I also remember them with floor shifters on Chevelle, Camaro, and Impalas. I added consoles to certain of my vehicles, like my 1990 Bronco. They were and are a great convenience for storing things, cup holders, and electronics. The problem is that with the smaller cars and CUVs they are not very wide to begin with, and the console takes up leg room. This applies to my wife's Escape, though it's still enough for us. My Challenger, being much wider has more than sufficient leg room even with the console. It will be hard to find something without it, but if you shop around there are still choices with consoles and still plenty of leg room.

[gottasayso]

I totally agree with NoleFanHSV. Why should I spend $50,000+ to be squeezed into a tight driver compartment. What are the manufacturers thinking? How is that luxurious? I have been waiting 5 years to buy a new car that I could love.!

[beachmouse]

Originally Posted by YourWakeUpCall

All I can say is that there must be some seriously obese people out there. I'm far from thin and I fit in my 2014 Taurus (which has somehow become the benchmark for cramped cars) with plenty of room on both sides of my hips/waist/whatever.

It's not the width of the hips for some people but what constitutes a comfortable 'manspread' while driving. Can't be having a seating configuration that crushes precious jewels.