limited space in cockpit of 2010

[yeshyem]

Seriously, I have a 2010 LaCrosse CXS I bought in December 2009... Just barely have 10,000 miles on it so far, so that tells you how much driving I do.. I just received my Consumer Report on the new 2013 LaCrosse and the "lows" that they list are the very same "lows" in my car... e.g., visability, tight cockpit, wide posts on side of windshield and in the middle of car behind the front seats. These are very serious faults as far as safety is concerned. Why in the world, 4 model years later, hasen't GM addressed these design features. Also, in their recent TV commercial, the one where Shak (sp?) is sitting in the driver's seat, am I the only one that thinks GM must have taken the whole seat out and he's sitting on the floor? There is no way a guy as huge as him would look that comfortable. (is there)

 

[GolfingDuo]

I don't know about Shaq but I can't possibly touch the peddles if the seat is all the way down and back. It looks like I have a good 18 to 20 inches for my legs to touch even the brake peddle let alone the gas.

I have a friend who I believe is 6'2" or 6'3" and he says he is very comfortable in his 2012 LaCrosse. It is the same model Shaq is in. Yes I know Shaq is a monster but I think he fits in this fine though his a$$ might be touching the door and center console at the same time.

 

[HMTJ6821]

I just received my Consumer Report on the new 2013 LaCrosse and the "lows" that they list are the very same "lows" in my car... e.g., visability, tight cockpit, wide posts on side of windshield and in the middle of car behind the front seats. These are very serious faults as far as safety is concerned. Why in the world, 4 model years later, hasen't GM addressed these design features.

All car designs are compromises. There is no perfect car design--only the one that best agrees with your ideals. Having said that, the A-pillar, B-pillar and C-pillar are as large as they are simply because of the steep rake of the windshield and rear window. This leaves the roof with less support to meet the rollover requirements. So, the front and back pillars must be larger to provide that support.

If GM were to redesign the car to have thinner pillars, there would be less support or they would have to be more vertical which would significantly affect the looks.

You knew they were there when you bought the car. Why are you now asking that they be changed? Go buy a 1980's car which all had more vertical windshields and rear windows if you want smaller pillars.

 

[dfreese35]

Seriously, I have a 2010 LaCrosse CXS I bought in December 2009... Just barely have 10,000 miles on it so far, so that tells you how much driving I do.. I just received my Consumer Report on the new 2013 LaCrosse and the "lows" that they list are the very same "lows" in my car... e.g., visability, tight cockpit, wide posts on side of windshield and in the middle of car behind the front seats. These are very serious faults as far as safety is concerned. Why in the world, 4 model years later, hasen't GM addressed these design features. Also, in their recent TV commercial, the one where Shak (sp?) is sitting in the driver's seat, am I the only one that thinks GM must have taken the whole seat out and he's sitting on the floor? There is no way a guy as huge as him would look that comfortable. (is there)

You can blame the Chinese.... they designed the interior... eggroll anybody?

 

[stagger72]

You can blame the Chinese.... they designed the interior... eggroll anybody?

Blame them for what? I love the interior. Wait, let me check with a magazine. No, you're right. I hate the interior.

 

[mmadden2]

Blame them for what? I love the interior. Wait, let me check with a magazine. No, you're right. I hate the interior.

That's funny 🙂

 

[yeshyem]

Seriously guys, calm down... If the cockpit wasn't an issue, I don't think Consumer Report would have even mentioned it. It is what it is and I am certainly not ready to junk it and the crack about going out and buying an 80's car was kind of a cheap shot don't you think? This is my second LaCrosse and my 15th new Buick so obviously I am a fan.... So as I said, I thank you for your opinions .. I was just stating mine....

 

[GolfingDuo]

Seriously guys, calm down... If the cockpit wasn't an issue, I don't think Consumer Report would have even mentioned it. It is what it is and I am certainly not ready to junk it and the crack about going out and buying an 80's car was kind of a cheap shot don't you think? This is my second LaCrosse and my 15th new Buick so obviously I am a fan.... So as I said, I thank you for your opinions .. I was just stating mine....

We all know that yeshyem. This is an odd bunch here. Even I was one that ripped into issues. We all love this car we're driving. Me especially since I've never owned a car as nice as this.

 

[MHT]

The consumer report that I read listed the pros as:quiet,ride,room and e assist
fuel economy, Cons:visibility and cargo, I think the cargo pertained more to the e assist.
I have no problems with my LaCrosse that would cause me not to consider purchasing another.

 

[AK Goat]

I noticed the visibility issues in the Lacrosse right away also. However,they are not as bad as the 2010-12 Malibu (rental). When I adjusted the driver's seat for my short legs in that vehicle, the headrest AND the pillar blocked my over-the-shoulder view. You could hide a full sized delivery truck in that blind spot!

I think a lot of the pillar size has to do with the airbags that are stuffed in there, at least the B-pillar.....? I also think that car companies are aware of the blind spot issues which may be one of the reasons you are seeing electronic blind spot warnings working their way into standard equipment lists. There is a trade off between the increased safety using airbags and the increased risk of an accident due to the lack of visibility resulting from the larger pillars. Almost counter-intuitive. I have also read about airbag designs that are much more compact than the ones common today so that also tells me auto companies are looking for ways to address the thickness of the pillars and resulting visibility problems.

I don't have issues with the Lacrosse cabin feeling tight. First of all because I am only 5'9" and 150 lbs. Secondly, I like a snug cockpit anyways. I feel more engaged in the driving experience. I guess that is why I can downsize to a Verano and still feel comfortable in that environment. I have had complaints from shorter adult passengers (5'2") in the back seat of the Lacrosse saying it is difficult to see out. Since I don't ride back there I wouldn't know...🙂

 

[yeshyem]

Thanks. What a great post. I agree with all the posts on the subject more or less. I think that the reason I might feel a little uncomfortable is that I am tall 5'7" and I set the seat as high as it will go to perhaps have a better chance of seeing the front of the car. (which, of course, I still do not) It is just that after doing that, I have only around two inches between the top of my head and the roof. That is the reason I believed Shaq might be sitting on the floor but forget it everyone. We all agree that it's a great car and it's one I plan on keeping beyond the warranty which I haven't done in the past. I am embarassed to admit that my 2006 LaCrosse had less than 14,000 miles on it and in perfect babied condition. The day I picked up new car, my "old" one was being driven out of the dealership by the new owner.... Every car I've turned in was sold within a week. Those days are over. Cars cost too much for that foolishness on my part at least. Have a good weekend everyone and thank you for your replies.... Vi😛

 

[samfraser]

Well, I'm 6'2" 260, and i fit comfortably, the only person who has ridden in my car that complained about itbeing tight was morbidly obese, not trying to offend there. I am a big guy, not obese but just big, my dad and i's shoulders come pretty close when we are both up front, but they also do that in the pickup too.