View Poll Results: Console or Column Shift Selector
Center Console shift lever
47
46.08%
Column shift lever
55
53.92%
Voters: 102. You may not vote on this poll
Console or column shift?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 1
From: Dayton, TX
I have had both, 04 xlt with column shift, 05 lariat with floor shift, and my 09 with floor shift and I would have to go with the floor/console shifter. Dont really need the extra seat and like the big storage room. It just more confortable for me and I think it looks nicer.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
While the console shifter looks nicer IMO, it makes the cockpit of the truck feel more like a car to me. I think it takes away from some of the space in the front of the truck. I prefer the column shifter because you can still have a center console or jump seat/console combo. I think you have more room up front with the column shifter, it doesn't feel as confined or cramped.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
I chose the bench/column set up. There is more than enough "bucket" in the bench seat to keep me attached. The manual mode still allows me to select a gear on the column. But the best reason is the girlfriend who can sit right next to me.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 39,979
Likes: 1,512
From: Maine, Virginia
That's a good reason to have a bench seat!
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I have the shifter on the center console. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way. It is more comfortable than the bench seat with fold down console. But I don't need that 6th seat.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: RI
I have the center console shifter on my 2010 F150. The truck I've been using while my ride is in for a few warranty issues is a column shift. My only complaint is that it is easy to knock the transmission into a wrong gear by mistake with the column shifter while jockeying the shifter when parking. I did it two times today. maybe I'm a klutz but this has never happened with the console shifter....
Rifboy
Rifboy
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
There is an in between
The new 2011 XLT w/buckets has a column shift, big storage bin in the center between the seats, and still some floor space upfront where I generally leave my laptop/briefcase instead of hiding it behind the seats.
I believe the centre console comes with the inverter. I'll take a look when I pick it up tomorrow.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
I like the console shift but I also like the looks of the center console/ seats too. The only thing I don't like about the CC is the closed in feeling you get. As big as this truck is the drivers area is really cramped with the floor console and shifter. It seems every year this truck gets tighter and tighter up front.
I think they could steal a bit of room from the back pushing the front seats back and making the dash a bit smaller. Thin down the door panels and CC a bit and it would be perfect.
I don't like the 40/20/40 setup with the bigger fold down rest either.
That's a tough call to make.
I think they could steal a bit of room from the back pushing the front seats back and making the dash a bit smaller. Thin down the door panels and CC a bit and it would be perfect.
I don't like the 40/20/40 setup with the bigger fold down rest either.
That's a tough call to make.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 5
From: Fort Pierce, Fl
I would have the column shift with the 40 console 40 seat configuration, not the 40/20/40 seats. The only difference between these seats (Standard vs captains) is some creature comforts, otherwise they are the same . I also think the flow through console makes the cab feel small and tight like the SUV's. I don't like my knees hitting a bulky console. My 250 came with 40/20/40, and I switched the center seat/fold down mini storage bin for the factory big console, perfect setup for me. Pics in my gallery.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
Will never own one with the console shifter. As someone said above, if they go 100% console shift, I'll find a different manufacturer. Its a safety issue for me. If anything were ever to go wrong, I want the room in the front to be able to get out. That console shifter? A massive speedbump to safe exit IMO.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
Captain chairs with console and column shifter. It's all about the cup holders and floor space with me. The XLT console with captains chairs are the perfect setup for my preferences. The console holds a lot more than the flowthru console and has a much better cup holder arrangement. If I couldn't get this seating arrangement I'd be changing brands.
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Captain chairs with console and column shifter. It's all about the cup holders and floor space with me. The XLT console with captains chairs are the perfect setup for my preferences. The console holds a lot more than the flowthru console and has a much better cup holder arrangement. If I couldn't get this seating arrangement I'd be changing brands.
In my old gravel run days it would be used for beer and can easily swallow a case. Ford didn't supply a drain plug so they're keeping up their end for social responiblilty.
Coffee cup is right where I want it. Next to my hand. No reaching past the floor shifter to get your cuppa. No inverter for the rear but it does have an 12v outlet on the rear of the console.