My lad's 6'5" and flies the our PA28 Archer with the seat a notch or so forward of the aft position, very comfortable. I had a 'Trail Lesson' the other day who was 6'9" and 22 stone. He fitted in and I got 'full and free' and he could operate all the controls including rudder and brake pedals. He was a bit bent over but he said he was used to that from cars. Looked like an England prop forward (maybe he is, I didn't ask!)
American aircraft are designed for ...er, Americans, The 172 is similarly accommodating. I once did 7 1/2 hours in one day in a 100hp Rallye, designed by the French for the French. I'm 6'2" and was quite pleased to get out of the a/c.
TOO