The column-mounted gear selector, which placed the PRNDL control on a stalk coming out of the steering column, was a necessary evil to accommodate the front bench seat. From a modern perspective, it was an ergonomic mess, making for a cluttered steering wheel area and confusing the driver's hand placement. Though still occasionally seen on some trucks and SUVs, the vast majority of cars now use a floor-mounted shifter or, increasingly, push-buttons or rotary dials on the center console, which offer a clearer, safer, and more intuitive interaction for the driver.
