I just bought my '99 GXE 5-speed about 3 weeks ago. I'm about 5'11", so I don't consider myself a giant. I've noticed that the bottom of the steering column sometimes gets in the way of my left knee, as I'm pressing and releasing the clutch pedal with my left foot.

I've found the seat adjustments to be unhelpful and my steering wheel is already set to the maximum height. I've driven four other 5-speed cars (Mazda 323, Honda Civic, Plymouth Colt, and Mazda 6), and have never had such a problem before.

Does anyone else have a problem like this? If so, what have you done to address it? Thanks in advance.

 

That happens to me every time I get in the car and I am 6' tall. The way I address it is live with it. Sorry if this is no help.

 

you might be sitting to far up on the pedals.?

 

If I move the seat far back enough, I can clear the steering column with my knees. The easiest description for you to picture this is that I would be sitting "lowrider" style, i.e. hands and legs really far from the wheel/pedals. Driveable? Yes. Preferable? No. But this is kind of the way I have it adjusted right now.

Since my right knee doesn't even come close to hitting, I would imagine that automatic drivers would never have this problem, only 5-speed owners that are in the neighborhood of 5'9" or taller.

 

hmm yeah I just got in my car and took a look and realized how I am able to not have my legs hit the steering wheel/column. I am 6'2 maybe 6'3 and most of it is in my legs and I end up having my left leg all the way to the left almost touching the door and seem to do the same with my right leg since it almost touches the middle dash area. so my legs are not straight at all. This seems to be the only way for me to drive even with the seat all the way back. Not sure if this helps you but that is just what I have to do when driving auto or manual since I can't stand having hte steering wheel all the way up (feels like driving a bus then).

 

Intel, I think I know what you mean. Basically, your legs resemble sitting Indian-style rather than just being straight and parallel with your upper body (on the vertical dimension). I've tried that and it is fine. I was just surprised that a car with an interior as huge as the 4th Gen Maxima, had that particular obstruction.

 

Same here, im 6'3, and having the seat all the way back is not so comfortable for anyone's back. My legs are a little longer than the rest of my body so the steering column is an even more noticable problem in my case. I hate the fact that i have to sit with my feet in a V shape just to have a good grip on the pedals and ive noticed that since starting to drive the maxima my feet tend to stay in that V shape even when sitting down. Mind you i mind them now and adjust them straight every time i see them doing that......really ****ed off about that....
And secondly, i am really ****ed off about the height of the dead pedal area....I scuff every pair of brand new shoes to a nice dark brown within a week of buying them. Maybe i should get some driving shoes/slippers.....
Poor engineering on the drivers cabin IMO.....every where else in the car is comfortable as heck.

 

I have the same problem being 6'2 also. I just live with it. I just pull the seat all the way back, tilt the front of the seat downward., and tilt the seat back a little. Its not that big of a bother to me. I was use to driving my 240sx. Nick

 

I'm 6', and I would say my leg length to body height is pretty proportional. I find that after sitting a while, I'll eventually do the wide knee thing, but I don't really bump my knee much. I think it's because I like my seat as low to the floor as possible, and with a VERY straight up back. I find that way the most comfortable in any car I drive.

 

I'm 5'6", and everything seems ok with me!