This is a YMMV thing for sure. Before I bought my fit, I was really worried about road noise and the seats. I have a very long thread on here agonizing about how I could make sure that the car was going to work out for me. I've come to find out that the seats are very comfortable for me. I even love the headrest--which has gotten a lot of hate here from some. The way I'd describe the seats is that they feel like they should be uncomfortable but after hours and hours of driving, no pains, aches or other discomfort. The upright position, with firm support and well positioned headrest are working for me. But of course, YMMV, and often does. And the road noise? Also not an issue. Again, YMMV.

 

Well the symbiosis between "back" and seat can be a very personal relationship. Comfortable for one, can be painful for another. For me? So far..so good.

I've known people that have totally given up on a vehicle they otherwise liked because they could never get comfortable with the seats.

If I was you? And you really aren't subconciously looking for a reason to buy a new vehicle....then I would simply not give up. Just google Automotive Seat Cushion or Automotive Seat Back-Pain..there are 100's of products available ranging from seat cushions, back cushions, inflatable lumbar supports...combo's....

It can be a long battle to find that one product that works. Or that simple solution that works...but it seems to me, if adaptation of the seat is the issue, then there are countless ways to change the configuration.

Good Luck.

 

I was experiencing discomfort with the seat as well, but i recently adjusted the back seat position by one click to a vertical position and noticed a huge improvement in comfort.

 

The there is already not enough legroom, most cushions will just worsen it.

 

"If adaptation of the seat is the issue, then there are countless ways to change the configuration."

The OP is not complaining about a lack of legroom. Simply, if the discomfort of the seat is such that you are contemplating selling the car or trading it in? Then what are your choices? Installing new seats, or adapting existing seats.

I wouldn't stop someone from installing new seats, but then you are dealing with airbags and safety issues. -

I think anyones first step in a situation like this NEEDS to be simply trying the simple. I'm about 6ft, and you can throw cushions, lumbar support and have it work.

It's going to be a "personal" journey because it's going to be different for every person.

 

Still, some seats are better and more appreciated by the majority, and if it's short on legroom already, I can't throw any cushions and such.

Anyways, it's my mother's car, not mine, and most sub compact cars aren't better. I find the versa and old accent quite good tho.

 

My problem is this: my lumbars feel very good sitting on the seat like it is, but my butt is in pain after 30 minutes. I tried some butt cushions, and my butt is ok, but then it is my lumbars and omoplats which are in pain after 15 minutes... I don't know what to do anymore unfortunately!

 

jack up front mount on the seat rails 3/16 using washers as spacers on the bolts - provides front lumbar support - find sweet-spot in seat back, probably more forward [up-right] than you think - then go fore and aft seat steering wheel - it's there. I do frequent 7-8hr N/S runs in my 2010Sport and find comfort not an issue. Stock arm rest. W/ CC on foot positions open up and comfort is much closer.

 

I'm probably the worst DIY guy in here... Can you post some pictures (or are they anywhere else on this forum) about how you did to mount the seat rails? I know I should improve been able to do more stuff with my hands but not sure it is the best idea to try this on the new car! At least... not if I'm not 100% sure what I am doing!

poopshovel: what do you mean when you say you "dig" the seats?

 

I actually really dig the seats. More side bolstering for a car that handles so well, and lumbar adjustment would be nice, but what do you expect from an economy car?

I have back problems, and my squishy 87 civic and 91 teg seats KILL my back after about an hour. Like a mattress, I dig a really firm seat.

Even at 6', I also sit more upright than most, and I like to hug the wheel. I'd never really "used" a headrest in a car until this one. I give 'em a thumbs up aside from weak side bolsters.

 

It's real easy.

Before starting ignition off, key out


Slide the driver seat all the way back. Up front of seat rails are two plastic covers that go over the rail bolts. Pry the rear tabs on them to get them to pop off.

You will see the bolts that hold the seat rail to the floor/frame of the car.

Remove them, one each rail.

The front of the seat rail can now be lifted, it will 'hinge' on the rear bolted connection.
** DO NOT go too far.

Just enough to:
Place 3or4, 3/8" washers under the seat rail and insert the floor bolt through it all and torque to (3.5 kgf·m, 25 lbf·ft)

I used 3 washers and found it comfortable after 21K 6' 205# miles.

Suggest using four, from feedback and my feeling a bit more would be nice. 3 washers works very well, however.

The stock bolt should work. Too many washers and you need a longer bolt.

It is a little tricky getting a stack of washers under the rails, but you'll get it. Torque it down. Ready to go.

A nice change, worth the effort. Gets to know the Fit.

I only did drivers side. Suggest checking torque on passenger side bolts as well, however. Some come through a bit under torque.

 

Thanks a lot... I will see if I can try this.

 

Tools first then washers.

 

I love everything about the car except for 2 things...the HORRID thin paint especially on the hood (thats another discussion) and lately the seats.

When I first got the car the gas pedal was too light for me but ended up doing the spring mod that I learned from here and now it is perfect

The issue I have now is that about in-between 1/2 and 3/4 of the way back on the right side of the drivers seat the is a part of the metal seat frame that is thinly padded. I'm not sure if over time the padding slips or moves or what but I know when I first got the car there was no issue with comfort in that area. Now if I take my thumb and press down I can feel the metal frame pretty easily. After riding for a bit I swear I can feel the this piece while I am seated...and even though it is not a sharp jab in the leg after riding 50 miles you can feel where it was.


Am I the only one who can feel this part of the frame in this area? I almost due for my first oil change and I'm really considering asking for a front seat replacement...maybe I got a bad one? What do you think the odds are that they will replaced the seat? Slim and none?

Love the mpg but hate having my leg and hip hurting after my commute (100 miles r/t)

 

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Bingo jjrbus, I'm your man, I bought a 2007 Fit Sport MT with 125,000 miles on it last month. I was surprised the manufacture date on door jamb was 03 2006, why would they call that an '07? That's even sillier than a magazine with a September cover being sold on newstands in July like you see often.

At any rate, there's your high mileage older Fit. The VIN sequence number is in the low 2000's, so looks like this is one of the first couple thousand Fits imported to USA.

I drove the car solo cross country, putting over 2500 miles on it in the first 11 days I owned it. The 3 hours I spent going over the car before I purchased have paid off. No problems or surprises. Getting great mileage (40ish) and it handles and shifts like a new car. No reason to believe the shock struts aren't original, but it handles great. Made in Japan isn't the stigma it was when I was a kid and their products fell apart soon after the package was opened.

No problem with the seats, I'm 6'1" and skinny, the padding seems OK. Side and lumbar support are fine. The seats still look nearly new even with all those miles. Hey, this is an economy car, not a Mercedes, I didn't buy it hoping it sits like a LazyBoy recliner. I stop every 3 or 4 hours while on long trips to stretch my legs. I usually drive 12 to 18 hours in a day and I'm happy with the car. I'll be driving it to North Dakota from New York this summer and look forward to the trip. Gotta get those tunes loaded on the wife's iPod so we can use the connector to radio. Very cool

 

Those were the days! The junk from Japan just fell apart on the way home. I had a good laugh at myself recently I was looking to buy something and it was available "made in China" or Made in Japan" I bought the one from Japan as I knew it would be a quality product. As I thought about this I got a really good laughThings change over 40 years.

Anyway, wheres the car, when can I take a ride? JIm 0311

 

Kwazy get a Pioneer Inno mounted next to the DC plug and carry XM. I do 8hr runs - it has it all. W/ cruise control you can almost dance in the isles, it it had any...

 

OK I did it. Managed to put 4 washers on the left and 3 on the right, which seem ok considering how it's made. I broke the plastic on the left however and I did not notice any seating improvement, because now I feel like I am not straight enough... Anyway thanks for your help... I guess each step takes me closer to a solution... or selling the car and losing several thousand dollars...

 

Put in an aftermarket Driver's seat if selling the car and losing thousands is even on the table.

~SB

 

The problem is that I have not any way to know if the aftermarket seat would be more comfortable. I'd have to drive my car with that seat for 30 minutes to know, but I don't think this is possible. I'v read those aftermarket seats are mostly uncomfortable racer seats... or maybe I'm wrong?

I tried many things today and got some improvement. I did put 6 washers... behind the seat, making it more straight. With a butt cushing my back was feeling very good with little to no pain. The only problem is the neck which hurts, but if you had back pain you know neck pain is less intense...

I never had a car seat like this. I don't want to blame Honda yet because I have back problems and those cars are made for "normal" people like 5"10" 150 pounds... I am 6' and 260 pounds with back problems so maybe it's partly me!

Here is an image: