Steering issues with Prius - killed deal for me.

Sounds like the one you rented had a wheel that needed to be rebalanced or possibly an alignment issue. Mine is rock solid no vibration at all and I can even let go of the wheel on the highway and it tracks straight again without any vibration.

I think you should try another one especially not a rental that may have been abused or driven over a curbe by some one who did not know how to drive.

 

Unfortunately rental cars are often beat up pretty hard. It sounds like the steering was screwed up and not typical for the car.

 

No problem with mine either, although i don't like the feeling of the power steering assist. Somehow I still can't get used to it yet especially at hwy speed.

 

Mine feels great. I really like the steering wheel shape and texture. At first I thought the oval shape to the wheel would be odd, but I actually think it relieves some driving fatigue when using it. The steering itself feels as good as any car I've ever owned, and much more responsive than some.

 

No problems with mine in that department. You do know that the steering is adjustable if you don't like the position of the wheel? Maybe the driver before you had it adjusted to an unusual position.

 

The first time I drove a 2010 Prius, I really disliked the steering wheel position. I wanted the wheel come down lower and to telescope further out. The second time, I made sure the wheel was down and telescoped out as far as possible, then I adjusted the seat so I was comfortable relative to the wheel. It feels fine now (although I still wouldn't mind if the wheel were just a tad lower). I don't have any problem with the shape of the wheel and don't feel any vibration.

 

mine is fine also


try raising or lowering the seat

 

We have had no problems like you are describing in your thread. Ours is so much better than our Gen II that there is no comparison in how it drives and handles on the highway.

 

Hey guys, the Prius (like any other car) can't satisfy everybody's unique desires. Clearly ddtaylor99 objectives aren't met by the 2010 Prius. Good thing he rented a Prius for a couple of days. Probably the best thing for ddtaylor99 is to try a lot of other cars before he buys one.

Good Luck,

Keith

 

Mine rides just fine, but I agree the steering wheel is hard and doesn't fit my hands. But after 10000 miles, I've averaged 51.5 mpg (my calculations). So I can live with the steering wheel.
cbo

 

You probably want a Camry/Buick if you want a softer ride, the Prius is pretty much a noodle compare to other sport sedans. How much softer do you want?

 

Did you check tire pressure?

 

You should test drive one at a dealership. I bet the rental unit was beaten to death and had overfilled tires.

 

My "Test Drive" on the other hand was all I needed to do, to make a decision to buy the 2010. It handled very well, rode well, and the comfort is far surpassed from my previous 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Was NOT a deal breaker for me, just the opposite.

Steering wheel adjustments are perfect and move where I need it, and the seat adjuster makes it even sweeter.

 

The steering wheel on the IV is adjustable - did you try adjusting it's position?

 

Wish the steer wheel did come out forward
Also wish the wheel was leather warped because my hands are so delicate

 

Mine is great for me. It looks like it is not the car for you.

 

First time I've heard of any steering issues. The gen III I tested was rock solid, no vibrations in the wheel whatsoever. Same with my gen II. I liked the steering and the ride, but that's just my personal opinion .

BTW, Japanese cars generally have harder suspension than others, as far as I know. Appearantly, they are used to better roads over in the Japan .

 

Now go to a dealership and drive a new one with balanced tires.