Thanks for the reply's on removing rear seat, now I need to get out the console. I have it all unhooked (unscrewed, shifter removed), but can't get it off past the E-brake
I had the same problem with my '03. I posted a question on this forum. What others advised worked for me.
First and most important, wrap the front of the console in a blanket and tape it in place. Otherwise, it's easy to damage something with the sharp front edges.
Next, take a deep breath, and pull up the e-brake handle as hard as you can (the whole mechanism will start to twist and feel like it is about to break off).
Even with the e-brake up as high as possible, you will have to spread the front edges of the console apart to clear the instrument panel.