Gen III - How Much Better Than Gen II?

As someone picky about seating/driving position, I have to agree. I have a IV and the lumbar adjustment makes it a big improvement over the GenII, but, if that wheel would just come out a fraction of an inch further, it would make such a difference. I recently had a Civic as a rental and, despite the lack of adjustable lumbar support, it was quite comfortable, surprisingly so. (And, it must be mentioned, a big improvement over earlier Civics).

In general, though, I think the Gen III is much better than the II, with the exception of the display (which, truth be told, I don't care much about--I know others do, though). The GIII has more power, more (people and probably cargo as well) space, better FE, handles better (although that is no Prius' strong suit, perhaps but for the 'V' trim), and safer (the knee airbag I found quite useful one otherwise bad day...). That flying buttress console thing is a matter of personal preference--now used to it, I kinda like it.

On the downside, there does seem to be some 'de-contenting' in the GIII, and there is less interior storage space (but IMO still enough).

Anyone seriously considering buying would do well to rent for at least a day. The money is a drop in the bucket in the long run.
~T

 

There is a terrific Edmunds video that discusses the improvements in the GIII over the GII:

The only downside is the flying buttress center console blocking some knee room. Otherwise the new Prius really excels, with more power, better FE, and much more back seat room.

 

I own a 2006 and 2010, when I was going to buy the 2010 I saw what they did to the interior dash/console I wasn't thrilled with it....I asked if I could get a left over 2009 instead. I couldn't get a 2009.

I find the flying butress console is dumb because it makes a already small car feeling even smaller and you end up resting your hand on the shift knob.
removing the rear view camera and 3 door lock/unlock unless you buy the $1800.00 GPS system is a big negative.

I find the the ride is the same, but the 2010 gets about 5mpg better.

Think if gen2 and gen3 were both offered for 2010 they would have sold more gen2's

 

One of the reason I got a III was the the centre console is much small then a lot of other car
HL, Edge, CTS, SantaFe all have larger centre console

 

LOL, I hardly think so. Sales took a pretty significant jump up from '09 when the '10 came out. To most consumers, the '10 is a huge improvement.

 

That jump you are talking about is because of the "cash for clunkers program" that was active at that time.

 

No it wasn't, you see a jump whenever you go from an older model to a new model when they come out, whether you're looking at Cash for clunkers or not. You saw the same thing in '04. While the Gen II may be more attractive to you...its not to the majority of the buying public, or the critical automotive media. Things just get better over time, and the Gen III is of course a better vehicle overall than the Gen II, as is typically the case when a model is redesigned. Its more efficient, has more features, its more modern looking inside and out, its more comfortable, more powerful, and has better handling characteristics. Its just a better car...whether you like the console or not.

If the Gen II were still out, it would be very outdated as compared to the new competition from Ford and Honda. Time has to move forward and a company's products have to move forward also...the Gen II is old.

Find me one independent review or article...anywhere that says the Gen III is overall a step backwards from the Gen II...ONE review or article. Or find me one article that shows that the Gen III has overall been a sales disappointment for Toyota compared to the Gen II. You won't find one.

 

LOL!!! Uh..yeah... that's why I got mine. ound:

 

LOL...you can't attribute everything to cash for clunkers!

 

Thanks for embedding the video GasSaving!

Take note of the lady's comments starting a 1:32.

I'm going to make another call into Corp. customer service on this issue. Here's the deal -

I found (as did Boo) the seat in the 3rd Gen Prius extends about 2.5" further back than the 2nd Gen seat.

As measured, the steering wheel only extends 0.5" closer to the driver than the 2nd Gen wheel position (other 1" goes closer to dashboard !!$??) Simple measurements from brake pedal to bottom of wheel.

So, for 2.5" movement on the seat, only get 0.5" closer wheel. Oooh.

I would think the better ratio would be 2.5" further seat travel with 1.25 to 1.5" closer steering wheel.

Here's a pic with the seat slid forward and up with wheel pushed in, tough to imagine anyone's legs fitting between seat and dash.



Maybe I should be quiet now before someone starts talking about their poor, dear mother who is 4'6" tall and like to drive Prius.

 

3rd Gen II - IV Prius is more confidence inspiring taking corners than the 2nd Gen non-touring car. Seems to be more body roll in the 2nd Gen, and I'll bet some coins it understeers quicker in testing.

I have to take this fairly sharp 90 deg turn coming into our home tract, and the '09 doesn't feel very good going around that corner. 3rd Gen feels noticeably better on the same corner.

2nd Gen's engine seems to work harder getting around the city, pulling from stops. No surprise with 1.5L vs. 1.8L.

No comparison in seating for long legged drivers.

As for the floating bridge console, my knee is 2 inches from it while driving.

 

My knee rests on the console, but it does in any car I drive. Doesn't bother me. I actually find my leg gets tired driving our Gen II because I don't have anything to rest it against...and its so cramped to allow me to reach the steering wheel due to the terrible driving position in that car...

 

I hear ya. The Corolla bottom cushion helps with thigh support on this modified seat, but it's still no match for the new one.

 

Luckily I very rarely drive it...

 

Gen 2 were discount by a couple thousand dollars, and I bought a Gen 3 at MRSP
I would not even seat in a Gen 2 it was just off the radar to ugly

 

I first extensively test drove a used 07 Gen II @ 2 weeks ago. The "tv screen" I found distracting at night and the horrid noise, stolen from a pc. of Construction Equipment, when in reverse was EXTREMELY irritating.

Performance was tolerable, but then my car is a '05 Accord EX-L V6 coupe......not even apples and oranges. I did not care for drum rear brakes and the handling was even ...uhh..less on twisty roads than I expected. However, due to a pinched nerve, that was SUPPOSEDLY fixed on the THIRD operation, I am EXTREMELY sensitive to what I sit in...the Prius seat "lit off" the nerve at @ 89 miles.

So last weekend I tried a new 2010 base Prius. Definately more "power", even better mpg and somewhat better handling...altho my Miata it isn't! NO suprise! Gas mileage hit 53.2 with @ 50-50 highway/city driving. However, again the seat set off my nerve at 120.6 miles exactly.

So today tried the same dealer but with a Prius IV, agreed on price...IF the seat with the adjustable lumbar works for me. More miles driven on this Pearl White one and now have seat ADJUSTED just so...feels almost as good as my Accord and so far....50.2mpg. Still don't like the backup noise, but at least it is toned down.

Assuming no suprises (my "nerve") tomorrow, the deal will be done on Monday. I am very impressed-overall-with the engineering of this car; lots of very creative thinking went into it! BTW, compared to the Honda Insight (and I am a Honda fan: bikes and cars); well the Insight comes in third to a Gen II let alone the Gen III., IMhO.

The way I ride my bikes, including a Suzuki DR 650 single set up as a Super Moto...I'm hard pressed to get the mileage this new Prius is, and I was definately keeping up with traffic to say the least...yes indeed: IMPRESSIVE!! DFO

 

This much:

Gen III
-Gen II
________
........................................I

 

Still don't like the backup noise, but at least it is toned down.

Have the noise reduced to a single beep as part of the deal. It will be fixed when you pick up.