Ford = Console

Chevy/GM or Ram = Bench seat

Loved the bench seat in my step-dad's 2002 Ram, so I originally wanted a bench seat for my truck. However, I discovered Ford's horrendous attempt at a jumpseat and went for a console. Both the pre-'11 and the post-'11 jumpseat configurations from Ford suck IMO. They do the console set-up well though.

 

To me, the sportiness and storage aren't nearly as useful as being able to carry an extra person. And when it's less than 6 people, it folds onto a nice console/armrest/storage. Seems like the best of both worlds.

One of the stupidest things I ever saw was the rear center console in my 02 Harley truck. They basically took a truck that should ride 6, and made it to where no more than 4 fit.

 

The bench seat is available in a Lariat.

 

When I drive my new truck I want to be comfortable. I don't even want the option of adding a sixth person. If any of the 20% who prefer the seat but have a console want to trade I will do so.

 

I always hated the middle "jumper" seat cause I was the one usually stuck sitting there with my ***** all squished. Most uncomfortable ride in my life!!!

 

I special ordered my lariat with the jump seat and column shifter mainly because the bench is great for the drive in theatre on cold nights and I didn't want to feel like I was driving a tall town car with a consule shifter

 

I was hooked when I seen the leather in the lariat with the console shifter.

 

LOL...Gheeze

 

I have the jump seat too. Console is cool but the jump seat has served its purpose at times when ya got to haul extra people like kids

 

I have a Lariat with a bench seat. I had to order it because the dealer lots have the high profit buckets seats and chrome packages. The bench seat has the advantages of the console and you don't have to pay a thousand for it. If you want more cup holders, fold down the center '20' seat. You get storage in the fold down part and if you lift up the center seat cushion there is another storage area. Plus there is a slide out tray near the floor with two cup holders. The only thing I would want is the cooled seats. I just keep them covered in the summer. The extra seat comes in handy.
I figure the biggest advantage for all that plastic console was to Ford's profit like with the chrome package.
Unless you want the cooled seats, it's a no-brainer.