I don't think the Prius is a good long range daily driver

That there's already countless threads...

 

I think that when you buy the base (lowest) version of a vehicle there are surely things you'll find you don't like. I bought the IV (now Four) to get the lumbar adjustment, as I'm sure I would have had issues with the seats on long drives without it. Of course I also wanted heated/leather seats, but knowing I already have lower back issues the lumbar adjustment was/is a must.

I don't think a car manufacturer can make a seat that will be comfortable for 100% of the population anyway.

 

I have owned a Gen 2 (which I drove to both Charleston SC and Minneapolis MN) and now a v. (My longest trip so far is to Panama City Beach FL)

It is restful to drive in, my wife and I trade seats at each stop to avoid (eye) fatigue and the miles roll by.

My daily routine is usually between 110 and 250 miles, visiting clients.

 

I have no problem with seat comfort. I am old enough to collect senior citizen discounts just about everywhere; I am 6' and just over 200 lb. (What I would call an athletic build - although the sports are slightly different than when I was younger.)
And I have owned everything from sports cars to full-sized trucks.
Longest trip in the Prius (so far) is 700 miles one way.

 

I have a 52 mile RT daily commute and have no problem with the 2010 Three cloth seats. I also make regular 4 hour trips to see our grandkids again with no issues with the seats.

 

You can't compare a PiP and expect similar features to other $32ooo cars. You can't get the hybrid synergy drive and Plug-in for nothing.

 

I have my car for 4 years. I have never had a problem with the seats. As for threads complaining about pain I think that people who have complaints tend to post more than those who have no problems. Maybe you should tell your doctor about your physical problems. Hopefully your doctor can help you. Good luck.

 

No issues with long drives or seats here either...

 

I have gotten used to the seats and driving position but since I didn't drink the Kool-Aid when it was offered to me, I can still say they are lackluster.

What is it about some Prius owners that when a poster says they are less then thrilled with some aspect of a Prius, so many of them say things like "You should tell your doctor". Get a grip, it's not like they insulted your girl friend or your Apple® product.

 

My work commute is about 50 minutes / 45 miles each way. As long as I drive my comfortable truck at least 1-2 days per week I don't have any issues with my back. I don't believe I would get anywhere close to the Prius' interior space & MPG in any other car.

 

Did you ever think that people are trying to help the person? No need to get nasty when someone is trying to help. Maybe the driver has a physical problem that can be helped. I work in the medical field.

 

We had padded/heated leather seat covers put in our C-2 4 days after we bought it. The only time I might feel uncomfortable is when I am stressing to improve my mileage. I feel myself all tensed up and have to relax. Our longest round trip was 1700 miles. I found it a comfortable ride. I use the center armrest most all of the time.
Dan

 

Driving 75-80 to work 20 miles each way I got 48mpg last week, this week slowed down to 65 and i'm sitting at 55.7 even with our temps dipping into the low 50's at night. Not to mention the drive is less stressful and safer. I find the seats more comfortable than the G35 but not as comfortable as the Ram (like a couch)

 

There's your problem, you're comparing a $25,000 vehicle to a $42,000 vehicle.

I smell a troll.........


But, yes, Toyota did many trade-offs to make it affordable compared with most mid-size cars that are the US target for competition (Fusion, Passat, Impala) and shave weight for extra gas mileage.

If the comfort bothers you, modify the rear suspension as many do around here (prius does not have MacPherson struts on the rear) or make seat improvements.

For those desiring a comfort ride sacrificing a little more gas mileage, the Ford C-Max / Fusion Hybrid is designed for that market (too bad the C-Max design sucks and so does the name).


I'm sure if you fork over the extra $12,000, you can get a pretty darn comfortable ride.

 

I put leather upholstery in my Gen III with gel pads in the front seats and it helped a bit. They are still econocar seat though so that doesn't help the seating position or shape. I got used to that and no longer mind them, but YMMV.

 

Perhaps th best investment Toyota can make to improve brand Loyality is put great seats in the car. The extra money is well worth it. If they just had a seat upgrade option people would just do it. I know I would.