Is the gen ii Prius better in any way than the gen iii?

Most all the above replies are true for the front seats, but not the back seats. The GenII is vastly better for heavy drinking behind the driver.

Right now I'm a triple crown owner (GI, GII, & GIII). It's the GI that is the most sought after right now in this family. Anyone know why?

 

+1.

I like my Gen2 Touring package 6 a lot better than a Gen3 base model (espcially with Nokian WR-G2 tyres).

 

I was thinking of a very long drive on Hwy 128 from Cloverdale to Mendocino - 70 miles of very twisty backroad. Some locals or enthusiast drivers kept bearing down. I pulled over about 4 times. Was tough to find spot to pull over. I could drive the heck out of a backroad as I've 50k miles on sportbikes, but the 09 Pri just wasn't reassuring at quicker pace. I have never been passed by any car on any backroad on this -



or this



I drove a '10 III on Skyline at speed limit (50mph) give or take a few and it felt pretty solid in the turns - noticeably better than my 2009 base.

 

You talking about the slightly larger plastic tray on the Gen2? 'Cause the hatch/cargo area in the 3rd Gen is wider/larger.

And remember, those door handles are chromed plastic

And the 2009 plastic door armrest is flimsy. Mine is cracked from lifting behind trying to get comfortable. Hope it can be fixed easily.

 

The trunk on the Gen III is wider but has two bumps on the side where the wheels are - its less practical.

I know the chrome is plastic but it sure looks and even feels nicer. The chrome style are also found more in "luxury cars" and are probably plastic too. I dont know, however, I was never fortunate enough to own one unlike SWES300.

 

Well, yeah, if you're 5'9" or less. You're kidding, right? Except for the center console and steeper rake on the 3rd gen's windshield, there is a big improvement in the front seating ability in the 3rd Gen

* telescopic steering wheel
* larger seat frames with wider rail width, larger seat bottom and back cushions

* 3rd Gen brake and gas pedals are in better placement
* 3rd Gen height adjustable driver seat and lumbar in IV, V
* More front seat travel
* Active headrests are placed better to prevent whiplash in Gen3

Sure, with Gen3 driver seat fully back and down - room in back seat is less, but that's because the driver seat is then offering MUCH more legroom in front, and you can actually use that legroom because of telescopic steering wheel. Gen2 steering wheel pressed up near the dash only.

I've been through sooo much crap with this Gen2 driver's seating. It will be the main reason I sell the car before its time.

 

Have the hardcore GenII hypermilers -- those drivers capable of 100+ mpg or 1000+ mile tanks under the right conditions -- been able to do this with GenIII yet?

 

It's one thing to compare a base Gen 3 to a base Gen 2, but this is comparing apples and oranges. Sure, I'll like my loaded Gen 3 V AT better than the base Gen 4 when it comes out (especially if it still has 15" wheels).

 

I thought the shifter on the dash is more ergonomic for easily reaching over from the steering wheel. After all, it is drive by wire, not mechanical shifter reaching down to the transmission. I think they moved it to a center console to be more mainstream and appeal to the ignorant masses or old folks finding it hard to change. I don't think the center console is an improvement. The buttons on the steering wheel are not better; I miss some functions I had on the Gen2. And just another personal preference, the female voice on the nav was better on the Gen2: sounded more pleasant, sexy, and like the computer Hal in 2001.

 

I agree with most comments. But I've had a gen 1, 2 and 3. I find that the radio is noticeably worst in the gen 2. So maybe it is a choice of stations, some randomness with the wiring or something else.

3PriusMike

 

My point remains valid. If the OP said "Is the gen ii Prius BASE better in any way than the gen iii BASE?" then, of course, you're right.

 

The Gen II has a well in the back of the lower glove compartment. It's a useful place to store documents, manuals, etc. I also store a cleaning cloth and cleaning solution for the display there.

 

Hmm. The voice of HAL in 2001 was a Male voice (actor Douglas Rain)....the sexy female voice (Olga Mallsnerd) was used for SAL in 2010.

I miss the British voice my MINI had!

opcorn:

 

That's funny, Cycledrum, because I figured that if anyone commented on my reply, it would be you!

I was actually serious. I wasn't refering to ergonomics per se, but the feeling of "openness" or spaciousness in a G2 over a G3.

 

I agree 100%. Why they still put drum brakes on sedans Stopping power? or $$?
The new Insight also has two ugly rear drums.

 

One thing I like is the BACK seat heads room on Gen III. There were no heads room when I sit in my friends 08 Prius. I am no a tall person 5'10"ish. On Gen III I still have about 2 inchs to the roof without moving the front seat.
What ever Toyota did for APEX thingy worked

 

IMO There is a lot to like about the Generation 2.

Evolution is inevitable, and it was due. Advances and improvements have been made.

But once we have Lithium Ion Batteries and Plug in Prius, I think the gap between generations might be much more evident.

Despite the Gas Bladder, an engine with belts, and a rather intricate coolant thermos system...The Generation 2 is IMO the Iconic Prius that put mainstream Hybrids on the map. I think it's only going to get better with time.

Another advantage of Generation 2, is good definition over a long period of time of the vehicles strengths and weaknesses. Nobody can really know the long term durability of the new beltless engine, the all electric accessories, and the similar but 90%+ redesigned and tweaked powertrain of the 2010.

You might want to ask this question again 2 years from now.

 

I'm sure it's already been mentioned, but according to this thread:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ossible-get-3-door-smart-key-in-prius-ii.html

The GenII lets you open all the doors with the keyfob in your pocket. The GenII only lets you do that on the really expensive trim levels.

 

I own a 2008 (Package II) and just yesterday bought a 2010, as we are giving the 2008 to our daughter. I agree with person who said a disappointment is that the back-up camera and remote are no longer available except as part of a higher package. But so far the seats are much more comfortable and the steering more precise and tight in the 2010, and I think the stereo sound is much more even across the different speakers. Oh, and of course, my second Prius is also Barcelona Red!