In an automobile, a power seat is a front seat which can be adjusted by using a switch or joystick. Most cars with this feature have controls for the driver's seat only, though almost all luxury cars also have power controls for the front passenger seat.
In addition to fore and aft adjustments, power seats can raised or lowered and tilted to suit the comfort of the driver and/or passenger. Many power seats allow occupants to adjust the seat lumbar or seatback recline, all at the push of a button or flick of a switch. Some cars also have memory adjustments, which can recall (usually) two different adjustments of the seat by pressing a button, along with settings and adjustment for such conveniences as outside rearview mirrors and the car's stereo system.
Cars which do not have this feature have a lever or bar to provide fore and aft adjustments only.
Power seats began appearing in automobiles in the late 1940s. Most early seats were fore-aft only, which saved little work. A six-way power seat appeared in the late 1950s. Most power seats in newer cars are either six- or eight-way.
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