I spend about a thousand hours flying them from rough fields, loaded to the gills in hot and high weather in the mountains. I'm short. Short enough that I've actually had to move seat rails to accomodate my ability to reach the rudders and make expanded seat cushions for some airplanes so I could comfortably fly them. The 172 never posed a problem.
It's a dirt simple basic airplane that's reliable, well made, easy to work on and repair, easy to maintain, easy to fly, and a good fit for nearly everyone who gets in one. This is the first I've ever heard anyone say they're heavy on the controls; it's a fingertip airplane with no bad habits. It's economical, and as straightforward and benign a design as you can get.
And...contrary to what some might believe, it does very well on rough fields, and flying in the mountains, too. I've even used them to tow banners and fly skydivers.