Highway driving impressions

Cs have great road manners. If you get the sport wheel package the 50 series tires/wheels can be a bit harsh if you air them up. There is plenty of glass to see the world around you. You will not feel closed in. I have some 10 hr days in the C on the highway and don't have any problems at all.

Speaking of closed in, driving defensively and paying attention to how traffic is evolving goes a LONG way towards not getting pinched between big trucks.

 

I drive my C from Long Island to New Jersey at least once a month, which involves some of the busiest and nastiest roads in the country - the Cross Bronx Expressway, GW Bridge, I-95, I-80 - all full of trucks and ill-mannered car drivers (not me, of course ).

I have no trouble keeping up with the 70+MPH traffic, and the car handles well. Road noise is no worse than any other small car.

 

I find road noise is the same as with most cars, though it sounds more like a curious "wind tunnel."

Sometimes truckers are in a rush, but it's not your car. I saw a trucker nearly grind a station wagon into a guard rail a few years ago.

 

Wife spent a couple of years in Italy and was permanently affected by their driving style. I can say for a fact that a standard sized Prius has enough room for all the appropriate gestures and taunts.

 

My wife was in the Marines long ago, and it's best to cover your ears when riding with her.

 

Mine's a retired Navy Chief. I'm retired AF, but we get along good enough. I usually do the driving if I'm in the car. It's a thrill a minute.

 

I've had my C on several road trips of 10-12 hours (500-600 miles) in the NE / midatlantic states, mostly interstate but some rural highway driving. It's fine. Road noise is OK (although I am not particularly sensitive to it) and as long as you maintain good awareness, I personally feel more comfortable in a smaller and more agile car. Driving position and visibility is good and the driver's seat is fine, almost as good as my old Volvo S40 which is the best road car I've owned. I haven't had to make any emergency moves at speed, but ordinary handling is good, the car is solid and stable without a lot of road wander. It's a little sensitive to strong side gusts but not to where it's a problem (note that passing trucks don't affect it).

 

yikes, you better buy her a tank!

 

I drive 120+ miles a day 5 days a week, and there is a part of the interstate on I-70 in West Virginia called 2 Mile Hill, and this prius will accelerate up that hill will with no issues because the electric motor + gas engine are engaged I will pass SUV's and other passenger cars with ease, I love the expression on their faces when I pass them going 70mph up a steep grade, and this is where you can kiss your mpg goodbye,

 

I really like going down hills like that. I can ride the brakes and not wear them out