'05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2
'05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
Ok, first post, here's the situation:
I've been a passenger in an '05 vert and I have sat in an '05 coupe at a dealership. As a passenger I remember feeling that I sat very low and the hood was long. This, I hoped, would be different in the driver's seat as it is adjustable (height).
When I sat in the driver's seat at a dealership, I found that the hood being long was a little bit of an issue for me (though it looks, and the car looks great from the outside), but even worse - the view forward was a huge difference from my '98 altima.
Now, I know not to expect such a low cowl or wide view from a sports (or semi-sports) car, but where the windshield came to a stop at its highest point I found that it would perhaps take the fun out of driving this thing. It just seemed a little claustrophic, but not to a medical fault. Just enough that I worried that I would always miss a more wide open (vertically) view. Like I would miss out on sunsets or trees or something silly like that.
Of all the reviews and posts I've read of this car (and I believe I would aiming for the GT, if and when) I don't think I've heard 'anyone' address this. Is it just me? Is it because my Altima is 'so' wide open? My girlfriend reminds how I always seem to get re-adjusted to things that I never think I will, and her concern was more of the rear and side view. My concern, is more the front view...just for pleasure sake.
So, I really really would appreciate any and all posts from those that have either the gt or v6 (preferably coupe, but all welcome) and can offer some input on this. I'm sure some of you come from a school where this type of view is more normal, but I'm hoping I hear from some of you that came from something closer to my car...and how you have adjusted. Thanks much in advance....
I've been a passenger in an '05 vert and I have sat in an '05 coupe at a dealership. As a passenger I remember feeling that I sat very low and the hood was long. This, I hoped, would be different in the driver's seat as it is adjustable (height).
When I sat in the driver's seat at a dealership, I found that the hood being long was a little bit of an issue for me (though it looks, and the car looks great from the outside), but even worse - the view forward was a huge difference from my '98 altima.
Now, I know not to expect such a low cowl or wide view from a sports (or semi-sports) car, but where the windshield came to a stop at its highest point I found that it would perhaps take the fun out of driving this thing. It just seemed a little claustrophic, but not to a medical fault. Just enough that I worried that I would always miss a more wide open (vertically) view. Like I would miss out on sunsets or trees or something silly like that.
Of all the reviews and posts I've read of this car (and I believe I would aiming for the GT, if and when) I don't think I've heard 'anyone' address this. Is it just me? Is it because my Altima is 'so' wide open? My girlfriend reminds how I always seem to get re-adjusted to things that I never think I will, and her concern was more of the rear and side view. My concern, is more the front view...just for pleasure sake.
So, I really really would appreciate any and all posts from those that have either the gt or v6 (preferably coupe, but all welcome) and can offer some input on this. I'm sure some of you come from a school where this type of view is more normal, but I'm hoping I hear from some of you that came from something closer to my car...and how you have adjusted. Thanks much in advance....
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 11
RE: '05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
This was my first reaction when I sat in the drivers seat of an '05 at a dealership. I felt like I was sitting down real low and couldn't see over the hood....then I adjusted the seat and felt a little better. I have driven a '66 Mustang for the past 18 years, which is much more open and upright compared to an '05. My husband and I have ordered a 2006 GT, and I'm sure that clausterphobic feeling will soon turn into more of a feeling of being in a comfy warm cocoon! Can't wait to get my new car!
6th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,390
From: West Los Angeles
RE: '05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
Try sitting in a Saleen! Even more like being trapped!
The hard truth is that you've got a big American V-8 in front of you. That means a LONG hood. And yes, it's not got the best view out the front, with the sloping windshield and somewhat low roof, not to mention those big, wide A pillars! Making a right turn at a stop sign, when there are cars parked on the side is very difficult. Hard to see cars coming from the right.
I had been driving Hondas and Mazdas and was used to being upfront, seeing the whole road in front of me. So if that is the top concern on your list then you might not be ready for a Mustang. There are many, many other cars out there, and I would highly recommend you test diving them until you find one that "fits" you. We went to Autos in Motion yesterday and maybe that might help. If you're spending $30K on a car it should work for you. Or who knows, maybe you're a truck person? Nothing wrong with that and the F150 has the Mustang's engine!
http://www.autoshowinmotion.com/
The hard truth is that you've got a big American V-8 in front of you. That means a LONG hood. And yes, it's not got the best view out the front, with the sloping windshield and somewhat low roof, not to mention those big, wide A pillars! Making a right turn at a stop sign, when there are cars parked on the side is very difficult. Hard to see cars coming from the right.
I had been driving Hondas and Mazdas and was used to being upfront, seeing the whole road in front of me. So if that is the top concern on your list then you might not be ready for a Mustang. There are many, many other cars out there, and I would highly recommend you test diving them until you find one that "fits" you. We went to Autos in Motion yesterday and maybe that might help. If you're spending $30K on a car it should work for you. Or who knows, maybe you're a truck person? Nothing wrong with that and the F150 has the Mustang's engine!
http://www.autoshowinmotion.com/
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 23
RE: '05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
I have the same feeling. The seats are comfortable and I could get by driving it but it does seem very low. It seems like the door panel is too high; I can't easily rest my arm on the door when the windows are open. If I adjust the whole seat higher, my knees bang against the steering column. I have this slight obssesive-compulsive behavior and so this whole week I've been making adjustments here and there even the view doesn't change that much. I figure i'll just configure to where its most comfortable.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 769
From:
RE: '05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
You'll get used to it. The same thing happens with people that are used to drive P/us, Suvs, etc. When they get in a Mustang they find it to low, claustrophobic, unsafe, etc. The car is so much fun to drive that you'll forget about claustrophobia immediatly.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 56
From:
RE: '05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
My previous car was an 02 Grandprix gtp, and I thought it sat low. But when I first sat in the Mustang, I couldn't believe how high up that hood cowl seemed (even compared to the last mustang I was in, an '86 lx.)
Anyway, after one ride I was addicted to it like crack, and now I'm looking for a new hood with a functional rear-vent (and hence, an even higher cowl). You'll get used to it most likely.
Perhaps you should try to rent one for a few days!
Also, the drivers seat is height adjustable...
~Mo
Anyway, after one ride I was addicted to it like crack, and now I'm looking for a new hood with a functional rear-vent (and hence, an even higher cowl). You'll get used to it most likely.
Perhaps you should try to rent one for a few days!
Also, the drivers seat is height adjustable...
~Mo
5th Gear Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,794
From: S.burbs Chicago
RE: '05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
ORIGINAL: Orion_240
......The hard truth is that you've got a big American V-8 in front of you. That means a LONG hood. .............http://www.autoshowinmotion.com/
......The hard truth is that you've got a big American V-8 in front of you. That means a LONG hood. .............http://www.autoshowinmotion.com/
So is the view from a Camaro drivers seat!
But neither compare to the Mustang in any catagory!
Its about knowing you nose, lol
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 336
From:
RE: '05 mustang claustrophic? Help please...
ORIGINAL: bolbo
Ok, first post, here's the situation:
I've been a passenger in an '05 vert and I have sat in an '05 coupe at a dealership. As a passenger I remember feeling that I sat very low and the hood was long. This, I hoped, would be different in the driver's seat as it is adjustable (height).
When I sat in the driver's seat at a dealership, I found that the hood being long was a little bit of an issue for me (though it looks, and the car looks great from the outside), but even worse - the view forward was a huge difference from my '98 altima.
Now, I know not to expect such a low cowl or wide view from a sports (or semi-sports) car, but where the windshield came to a stop at its highest point I found that it would perhaps take the fun out of driving this thing. It just seemed a little claustrophic, but not to a medical fault. Just enough that I worried that I would always miss a more wide open (vertically) view. Like I would miss out on sunsets or trees or something silly like that.
Of all the reviews and posts I've read of this car (and I believe I would aiming for the GT, if and when) I don't think I've heard 'anyone' address this. Is it just me? Is it because my Altima is 'so' wide open? My girlfriend reminds how I always seem to get re-adjusted to things that I never think I will, and her concern was more of the rear and side view. My concern, is more the front view...just for pleasure sake.
So, I really really would appreciate any and all posts from those that have either the gt or v6 (preferably coupe, but all welcome) and can offer some input on this. I'm sure some of you come from a school where this type of view is more normal, but I'm hoping I hear from some of you that came from something closer to my car...and how you have adjusted. Thanks much in advance....
Ok, first post, here's the situation:
I've been a passenger in an '05 vert and I have sat in an '05 coupe at a dealership. As a passenger I remember feeling that I sat very low and the hood was long. This, I hoped, would be different in the driver's seat as it is adjustable (height).
When I sat in the driver's seat at a dealership, I found that the hood being long was a little bit of an issue for me (though it looks, and the car looks great from the outside), but even worse - the view forward was a huge difference from my '98 altima.
Now, I know not to expect such a low cowl or wide view from a sports (or semi-sports) car, but where the windshield came to a stop at its highest point I found that it would perhaps take the fun out of driving this thing. It just seemed a little claustrophic, but not to a medical fault. Just enough that I worried that I would always miss a more wide open (vertically) view. Like I would miss out on sunsets or trees or something silly like that.
Of all the reviews and posts I've read of this car (and I believe I would aiming for the GT, if and when) I don't think I've heard 'anyone' address this. Is it just me? Is it because my Altima is 'so' wide open? My girlfriend reminds how I always seem to get re-adjusted to things that I never think I will, and her concern was more of the rear and side view. My concern, is more the front view...just for pleasure sake.
So, I really really would appreciate any and all posts from those that have either the gt or v6 (preferably coupe, but all welcome) and can offer some input on this. I'm sure some of you come from a school where this type of view is more normal, but I'm hoping I hear from some of you that came from something closer to my car...and how you have adjusted. Thanks much in advance....