Hm, this is a surprise. I thought front bench seats went extinct in all but single cab trucks and the ford/Lincoln/mercury crown victoria.

I can guess the age for the person who asked this. . .

it is not just an age thing, some really obese people prefer a bench seat as it gives more room than some bucket seats that usually have a center console.

Broq

I think, front benches are cool. Get your family of 3 in the front seat and enjoy the ride.

Bench seats are wonderful. It gives you extra space for your laptop bag, purse etc. and is a bonus when you need to transport an additional person. Bucket seats are wasteful of space.

Three couples drove to a show; the Lexus & BMW did not allow a Green trip; but my 2002 Taurus 'did'.
A Fixed console offers no more utility than the flip- folds that are on Bench seats. I want more room for my right leg, which a column shift & bench DO allow.

There's nothing better than a bench seat if you have a nice looking girlfriend or wife that's nice to cozy up to. Also I hate that plastic junky looking center console and like the option of an extra passenger seat in an emergency. It's hard to sit on a shifter. I was going to get away from GM now that Obama owns it, but it looks like GM is my only choice now if I want the bench seat (which I do). But does the new Taurus not have that option anymore?

I bet I can guess the age of TK who posted the comment concerning age for those who prefer bench seats.

I am not old or obese, but would really prefer to have six seats in our second vehicle since we have 4 kids. If the family SUV broke down it would be good to know that as a family we could all still fit in the car with the bench seat in the front!

have 4 grandchildren - 3 need to be in back seat but one is old enough to sit up front - bench seats allow for all of us to ride together ... mim & pop

I am paraplegic and use a wheelchair. It's really difficult for me to get into a car without a bench seat, and it's especially difficult for me to get OUT of a car with a bucket seat. Some of us have very practical reasons for wanting bench seats. I've been very concerned that they are diminishing in the market.

Rural mail carriers have little choice in right hand drive Vehicles, unless you want a jeep at 13 mpg. Thus a bench seat is a must for them, i.e. my wife.

How about people that have a disability, but not bad enough where they need a full blown conversion.

I was a Ford buyer for years,until they did away with BENCH SEATS. Now I buy Buick. I've ALWAYS loved BENCH SEATS for the added space and comfort. Maybe we should contact dealers and tell them we want them as an option again.

Bench seats are useless for seating, but good for dates, especially at drive ins. The console pretty much guarantees you aren't getting any...

Bench seats are also more comfortable -- don't have to worry about hitting your knee on a console, etc.

I like bench seats because it is a lot more comfortable. Also when you have someone parking close to your driver side and can't open your door to get get in you can't get in the car from passenger side. It would be hard to climb over the console to get in. I had that happen to me.

I have always enjoyed bench as opposed to bucket seating for the ease of entry and exit. And the added room for things and people, particularly the little ones in carriers. it is easier to install and remove from bench seating. Also there is the lay down factor if you are tired and need to stretch out without exiting the vehicle (while parked of course).

I definitely agree that it should be revisited with most car companies including the high MPG hybrids. I have looked high and low for a bench option in a hybrid and it is the only thing holding me back from purchasing one.

Even older sports muscle cars like the 1965-1972 Buick Skylark GS had bench seats and buckets optional. They did have a great consol for the buckets, but the bench seat made it 6 and had the 6th seatbelt even then. The buckets back then were not ergonomic or adjustable like high end sport buckets. They still had split back benches to get into the rear seat. Having a place next to you on a bench works better than dropping things on the floor.

It should be a no-brainer. Bench seats offer more space and comfort and more people fit in the car.

Transporting people is a car's main purpose. And new cars are getting worse in it, not better, where is the progress?

The latest craze: bucket seats in the rear. Now we are down to 4 seats! How does that fit in with fuel saving? You need a second car of a thirsty people mover when you are 5 or 6.

I do something simple, I ask the manufacturers if model xyz comes with a bench seat option. Let's all do it so the know the stupidity of following dumb European fashion fads.

I have a Mercury Sable with bucket seats. I like the car except for the seats. My next new car will be a car with bench seats. Things are always falling between the cracks and I have to walk around the car to retreive stuff that has fallen on the floor of the passenger side. I hate it.

My husband has an old football injury and needs to stretch his leg out on long trips ~ he can't do that with bucket seats. Bench seats take care of that!

Where are all the mail carriers at? They all need bench seats if they dont have RHD. Again, age or size dont have a whole lot to do with it.

bench seats great for dogs
lots of room and they dont
get caught up in the centre
junk..good place for lap top
and hand bag.....nnkzgp

Have been looking for a new car with comfortable front bench seat...am 6/4" tall and hate console because right leg bangs into it. Very uncomfortable on long rides..hate to say it but now know why pickups are best selling vehicles...they have front legroom...don't feel cramped..know many people who don't necessarily need trucks but own them because they are comfortable to drive..Once Grand Marqs and Town Cars are gone, only choice will be Buick Lucerne and Chevy Impala...unbelievable and a shame. Have been driving many years and remember when all cars were comfortable...now one is limited to a few cars and the trucks...and Chevy Tahoes...