Hey Toyota, are you friggin kidding me?

Agreed

 

There are 2 cup holders in the rear seat divider (pulls down).

 

I think he means without having to put the seatback down. The Gen II had the cupholders in the back of the center console, allowing for use without losing one passenger space.

 

1. We REALLY miss not being able to lock and unlock via the smart keys at the trunk. Who the heck would think to double check or contemplate Toyota offering it at the doors and not the trunk. REALLY? Yeah this was a step back, but you could get it in the IV/V models which were comparable to your top of the line G2 VI... 2011 must return with 3 door SKS though.

2. I'm surprised that the rear view mirror does not even auto dim. I didn't think enough about homelink to realize that I was giving that up, too, and the homelink will be missed. I didn't think a Prius III's mirror wouldn't even autodim. I don't think the G2 III had auto dim either? You can install the G3 IV/V mirror with homelink for about $200, other threads talk about it, but i don't see a DIY yet (or i haven't searched deep enough).

3. Where did all of my storage go? We really liked the big door slots for storing maps and stuff. We also liked the slot in the dash which was perfect for things like phones, ipod's, etc. I feel like I'm in a fighter jet cockpit....everything in reach, but not a lot of extra room. oh yeah, I also miss the door storage, but i'm not sure about the storage below the radio. It would look odd in the G3 center console. I do like the sliding arm rest though.

3b. Cup Holders. We gave up two cup holders in the front and all of the cup holders in the back. Apparently Prius III customers don't put kids in the back seat. REALLY? There are 2 cup holders on the back, lower the center arm rest. The front still has 4, two in the center console and one on each door but you give up the tiny storage pocket

4. Not really a complaint, but I think its funny that all of the sales guys get juiced up on the heads up display stuff....but it really adds no value. The tracer thing? It's all right.

5. Gas mileage tracking and stuff. Even with 20/20 vision, its pretty hard to read the bar charts and really know the gas mileage that I'm getting. This was so easy in the Gen II's. Yeah, smaller print now but more functions/different types of screens

Should have bought the IV or V if you wanted more ammenities, but the III is an outstanding value. You do have to keep things in perspective...you went from a G2 VI (top of the line) to a G3 III (mid package). Overall, specially mechanically, the car has vastly improved.

-Another III w/ navi driver

 

This is simply illustrative of the difficulty that comes with building on success.

No Coolant Thermos, Beltless Engine..No gas Bladder...unfortunately some of the improvements on the 2010 Gen 3 aren't visible. Also Unfortunately some of the steps backward are of the more visible tangible type.

Here's hoping Toyota takes notices and addresses some of these seeming steps backwards on a success that is moving forward...

 

Can I ask a couple questions?

1, Did you not check the car before buying it?

2, Did Toyota force you to buy it?

3, Is there anything else out there that comes even close?

Answers - No, no & no.

Personally I thought the gen2 was way too weird looking and hated the big, in your face display screen. The 2010 looks more like a 'normal' car and is much more subtle.

Not saying the gen2 is no good. It's still a great car and still way better than what Honda have come up with to date, but I disagree with your comments that Toyota made a backwards step with the 2010! I think you'll also find the sales figures reflect this.

 

It's fine to complain about features (or lack thereof). But do not act like this is a surprise or some kind of bait/switch by Toyota. You assumed.

 

What is this obsession with cup holders? I would be happy to have no cup holders. It's a car, not your living room.

 

Sounds like those awful "trade your car for a Ford" commercials. The people always want to get into the Ford for the nav screen, sync system, or bluetooth. Never mind the mechanicals! Cupholders!

 

I understand the OP's dismay over some of Toyota's decisions regarding the 2010 Prius. I think many of them were odd and a step backward. However, Toyota targeted the 2010 at normal car buyers, not just early adopters and Prius fanatics. In this respect I understand some of their design and marketing choices, but it doesn't mean that I personally like them.

The 2010 has many technical improvements, and is a better car in this respect. What I don't like is the move away from the "rolling video game" interior to more of a normal car. I want the big MFD with all of the integrated functions. I would be happy if the Prius had a glass cockpit.

Tom

 

Geesh people. Are we going to trash this guy just for his opinion about his new car? He's stating his opinion and pointing out some things he see's as weaknesses.

"Uh Oh...he's not been totally assimilated by the Prius Pod...DESTROY! DESTROY!"

He's a multiple generation Prius Owner...

I think it perfectly valid to speculate that in some area's and someways Toyota could improve...that's basicly what Toyota as a company has been saying for the past 8 months.

Pointing out that there are some negatives in comparison to Gen 2 and Gen 3 is just honest opinion...it might even lead to a better product...

 

I was just making a joke about American car buying...................not knocking anyone

 

The Ford hybrids are basically Prius on steroids... They use the same Power Split Device hybrid drive system as the Prius. I love my '07 Prius, and I would love to add a Ford Fusion Hybrid to my stable in the future.

 

No joke! I thought the SKS was on all doors and the hatch, at least it USED to be. But no, now it's only available on the drivers door unless you get the model V. Boo...

Available from your closest dealer, but agreed, should be standard. My 8 year old Camry had it, you'd think one of the most technically advanced cars would have this. (Oh and I'd add the auto lights too.)

Not much problem here. The tray under the shifter works well for holding all that extra stuff fairly well. Two cup holders is enough for me, if I need more then that's a sign I need to clean my car out, and I never used those door holders anyways so they weren't missed.

Tough to see too, the contrast of the very dark display on a nice bright summer day adds to the glare off the dash board something fierce.

Never really had a problem here. Just too dark, that's all for me.

 

Before we bought the Prius, we test drove the Fusion Hybrid. The ride is alright but a little heavy. I like the exterior but the interior really through me off. The price tag is higher.

 

5 models for this car - is necessary to have many differences between them - No ?
Why not have chosen that which was appropriate to you best ?

 

Trims IV and V. It's only one trim level up if that was important to you.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

When the G3 came out a year ago there was a whole discussion herein about the changes to G3. Some like the one-door SKS were very noticable for a lot of buyers.

However what wasn't noted was .... the price of the new Prius II was $1500 lower than the price of the 2009 Prius G2 Package 2. Yes this was to fight the Insight II but there are no miracles in business. If the price is lower then something is missing. In the case of the G3 Prius II and III it was the 3-door SKS.

However given the new and features like the styling, the 3 additional modes of driving, and the better more efficient engine and hybrid system - thus better fuel economy... it was a trade well worth it IMHO. All at a lower price, that's pretty shocking really.