Initial thoughts after 250 miles on my 2011 Prius III

So I tried to get a week under my belt before I opened my mouth about what I think about the car. I have booked 250 miles now. I have high level observations and also some fine tune observations. As someone else has done, I will categorize my feedback by grade (see my signature for car specs). Keep in mind that I am coming from driving a 2004 Nissan Titan with over 300hp.

Great
Raw vehicle design: At a glance, the untrained eye would think this is just a small 4 banger car. But once you understand all the technology packed into this car...it is quite amazing. Even my friends who are still looking at me kinda funny...are asking more and more questions about how it does this and how it does that. The technology simply hooks you.
Power Sunroof: This was a must have...it is easy to work the electronics and even at highway speeds...there is minimal wind noise created. #1 feature for me!
Regenerative braking: This is just too cool...I never imagined that I would be charging my battery as I slow to a traffic light.
Driving up to 40mph on the battery: Something else I did not expect to really be able to do in practice, but actually is quite easy. Now when I am at a stop light next to a car pumping out emissions...I am now shaking my head. It makes you feel good about your purchase.
Aftermarket wheels & Tires: Once I installed my new rims and tires, immediately I could feel the road much more than with the stock rims and tires. I appreciate this...I really like to know what is going on on the road. I think it is too obvious to state that the car cornering is better...less side wall flex.
Smart Key System: I did not have this on my Nissan...this is a great system being able to lock, unlock, and start the car without ever touching the fob. Big Kudos for this feature.
Cargo Space: I think this car has an excellent amount of cargo space even without folding the rear seats. I was worried I would not have enough for long trips, but I do not think this will be a problem.
Power Windows Auto Function: Another must have for me...one click all the way up or down. A small feature, but very much appeciated.
Paint: Unfortunately, there were no Blizzard Pearl cars near me...so I bought my car blindfolded. When I was actually able to compare my car side by side with the pure white...the metallic Blizzard Pearl finish is beautiful.

Good
Vehicle Ride: The ride is fine...however it does tend to "float" on those big side wall 15" tires. It has a lot of body roll and seems to be under-steery. I put this in the "good" category since I know I am driving an oversized lawn mower. I did not expect sports car handling.
Back up Camera: The camera has good range...excellent visual quality and even at night with the car reverse lights...does help quite a bit.
Obtaining good MPG's: It takes some practice (and also reading in this forum) about how to get the car to push great numbers...but only being through a half tank of gas...I am getting the hang of it.
Leather quality: The leather is quite nice...lets see how it holds up.
Multi-information display: This thing is packed with data and I like it. However, just as with the navigation/receiver software, Toyota needs to rehash the user interface. Improve resolution and use larger fonts when possible since you are looking at this and not the road.

Fair
3M paint protection: I read the information that came with the clear paint protection and it stated be careful around the edges of the film so you do not lift it. Well after only 100 miles...I already see a small layer of dirt accumulating at the edge of the film. I will try and clean it...but it seems this condition will only get worse with time. I am sure it will do its job to keep nicks and what-have-you off the front of the car, but I think at some point...it will have to be peeled off or reapplied.
JBL Sound system (sound only): I am a bit spoiled with my 1400 watt system in my truck...so I was not expecting much. The sound is decent and has decent bass response.
Voice Activation Feature: I am still struggling with this feature...it normally misses my intended selections...mostly with names. I think I need to spend more time here.

Poor
Back up siren (beep, beep): The first time I backed up and heard this, it was kinda neat. After the 5th time, it is just damn annoying. It makes me nervous even. I am sure with time...I will get use to it and then expect it in all cars (which will not happen)
Hatchback: It takes too much force to close the hatchback. I am sure it takes a good bit of force from the hydraulic system to push it up and hold it up...but with your hands full, it can be cumbersome to get it shut.
Track changing speed: It simply takes too long for the audio system to switch between tracks when the forward/back button is pressed. It is not related to the iPod...this condition does not exist with my Kenwood receiver. In the Prius...I press the button and about 2 seconds later I get a response. Obviously a minor observations...but annoying nonetheless.

Bad
Navigation/Audio receiver software: All I can say is wow...it is quite obvious that Toyota did not invest any time in understanding if their software platform (not sure if it is 3rd party or in-house) is par with today's technology. I have my iPod packed with over 10k songs and in my Titan Kenwood receiver...I can "skip" down the artist or song list to find what I want quickly (I can skip from letter A to letter P in one touch). If you can do this in the Prius, someone please educate me so I can be less frustrated. As it sits...I have to start at "A" and press arrow down about 800 times to get from letter to letter. With that aside, the graphics of the software are extremely poor. Most cell phones have better resolution. Additionally, the overall speed of the software is lacking. The backup camera has great resolution, so that is evidence that the display contains the needed specs for good resolution, they have simply failed to compliment that with great software.

Suggestions/Additions:
*Sonar back system
*Overhaul of navigation software system as well as multi-information display. Work a contract with Apple or someone that knocks software out of the park

Overall, I grade it a 9 out of 10. If they get their software up to speed...well this car would be pushing near perfect from a design standpoint.

 

Good point. I have been starting to drag the brake pedal earlier than needed with only light pressure rather than waiting later and applying more. I suppose either way you are getting about the same amount of total charge but in either case not applying enough to activate the friction brakes?

 

I found this after less than 200 miles...and the car is as clean as it is going to get. It seems the accumulation is just up under the very edge of the film...I would compare it to dirt just under the edge of your fingernail. It is only in one spot...so perhaps the application in that spot was not as good as it could have been. I am going to tool around with it to see if I can clean it without lifting it more. Thanks for the XPEL product info...I will jump on that right away.

 

I am probably making it harder because I use the locking hook to close it. I have tried my best to keep my mits off of the black finish portion of the hatch since I have found that it is a finger printing machine. But perhaps this is the price I pay.

 

Thanks guys for the great feedback...let me check this one. I hope you have a quick fix for the audio receiver software too?

 

Thanks bro. I was checking all the cars on here with Drag DR-33 wheels...I think I only found two (including yours). And to add some icing...I just ordered my Eibach lowering kit (should be here by Friday). I assume your wheels have a 45mm offset or are they 42mm? Are you rubbing just at the top of the tire or inner fender area? What is the gap in inches after the drop? I have been measuring my car...I found the right side of the car is actualy about a 1/4" higher off the ground than the left (which I did not expect). After the drop, I should have 1" from the top of the tire to fender in the front and 1.5" in the rear (top of tire...flat patch...not side wall area). I cannot wait to take some corners with the new springs!