Steering Wheel and how it turns.

I have a Prius III and I would have to say that my steering "feel" is 180 degrees from what you describe. My steering has a tight feel to me. I think I would discuss this with your dealer and have him compare against another Prius.

 

I think I know what the OP is saying. My steering is tight but it seems to take more turns lock-to-lock to make it turn really sharp (like when doing a U-turn) than some of the other cars I've had. No biggy to me ~ I just figured it was an energy saving thing. FWIW, there's no way to change the ratio at the dealer so its just something we'll have to live with.

 

The ratio is fixed. The AT package with 17" wheels has a tighter ratio.

Tom

 

Have you checked your tire pressure? High front tire pressure decreases steering effort. Cars are shipped from factories with overinflated tires, and some dealers don't bother to adjust them as part of the PDI.

 

No--tire pressure won't affect the lock-to-lock. I was responding to your comment highlighted in red above, which is different than your recent post.

 

lol. I've gotten used to it, and don't notice it anymore. The model V has a tighter (less turns lock to lock) steering ratio. It also has a brushless steering assist motor (more expensive and powerful). I'm guessing the motor on our cars was ,not powerful enough for the tighter ratio, and I doubt many would have paid more just for the option.

 

I have had my IV since the end of Nov. and I have had something similar in thought, but saw no one who posted about it until I stumbled upon this thread.
The steering ratio is what I find quite different on this car to what I have in other vehicles. If I drove this car only, I would have thought about it being different for a week and then I'd have been use to it........But, I have an '02 Camry and the steering seems to be much "faster", (would that be the right term?) in it. When I drive my Prius I feel like I have to, (I do have to!), be consious of my input as I go around a corner, because it, (the Prius), requires more turning of the wheel to accomplish the same turn than I would need in the Camry. It is something that as you say, is a "minor annoyance", but the first few times I drove the Prius it was a little disconcerting! otherwise I find the steering on the Prius fine, not loose, no wondering, etc., just more input needed to round a corner. I really wanted a V, for the 17" wheels, but now I find the steering is faster as well ! @#$%^! Oh well, better (softer) ride anyway, Huh!