why no reversible front bucket seats from any auto manufacturer?

[xtopherfishing]

I was just wondering why no auto manufacturer has ever developed a reversible pair of front seats for vehicles? It seems they could design them to be reversible so the passenger seat could replace the driver's seat and vice-versa. The advantage to owners would be that the drivers seat more likely will wear down and out before the passenger seat does (especially in trucks) and when that occurs you could rotate the seats and give the old driver's seat a rest. It would help maintain the driver's comfort for a much longer period. Any thoughts on why this has not happened? I realize certain things (ie: release latches and emergency brake handles) might have to be relocated or redesigned but think it could be done. Just curious as to what you all might think.

[ManwithBeard]

Simple, then you wouldn't complain about discomfort and buy a new seat or flat out buy a new vehicle. Why would any business cost themselves a sale?

[Mathster]

cost them repair business
cost them replacement business
cost them upgrade sales.

[Bones750]

It would be a liability. If the seats were reversible, you wouldn't be able to see where you're going. The upside, however, would be that you would see where you've been and might know "I don't need to go down THAT road again!" Just "funnin' " with ya. Great idea though....interchangeable seats. I know my driver's side would look a whole lot better....it's due to go to the upholsterer's soon.

[CanNissan]

Hi: xtopherfishing... You can't be asking for a vehicle mfg'er to get rid of "Built in obsolescence". Heck...I'd just like reversible head restraints!!!
I Bought a used Buick. with leather interior, years ago. Salesman said it was owned by a little old man from a near by town. Drivers seat used... pass. seat hardly used... back seat never used. Must have been an old man!!! LoL
CanNissan N.S. of Lake Erie

[upflying]

Funny, I thought the thread was about seats facing backwards.

[vjmvjm]

I swapped seats in a first generation Honda CRX (due to worn bolsters on the drivers seat after many, many miles). Other than the fact that the handles for the reclining seat backs were up against the console, the swap was fine.

Not going to work in a new vehicle with airbags in the seat.

Vic

[xtopherfishing]

Originally Posted by vjmvjm

I swapped seats in a first generation Honda CRX (due to worn bolsters on the drivers seat after many, many miles). Other than the fact that the handles for the reclining seat backs were up against the console, the swap was fine.

Not going to work in a new vehicle with airbags in the seat.

Vic

Thanks Vic, and I am wondering even in my truck (which has no airbag mounted in the seats) if I could swap seats as the passenger seat has an air bag deployment weight sensor in that seat....it might mean a swap would disable that function on the passenger side so the airbag might injure a small child or infant placed in that now swapped passenger seat. I guess as long as one was aware of that you would want children to ride in the back seat area once a swap was done. Correct me if I am wrong on this.

[Jrjones]

The air bag sensor is usually just a bag with a little bit of air and a pressor switch. When a heavy enough person sits on it, the pressure is great enough to trigger the switch. Shouldn't be much of an issue to take out a few of the upholstery staples and fish it out.