2010 Center console design: no-lie-made me decide not to buy a new one

I don't like the shifter too close to the steering wheel. Call me careless, but while reaching in that area, I've knocked the car into 'B' gear on the freeway about 2 times since owning. IMO, it didn't take much: One little bump down on that shifter, and boom, you're in B gear right away.

Talk about an excuse for claiming stuck accelerator, or UI, going into B gear on freeway will give un-knowledgable that (renters, those who don't read OM, never tried B gear, etc...).

I think less likely to bump shifter on center console.

 

I have a 2009 Prius (basic, II) and wanted to upgrade to leather and GPS with 2011. I had not looked at the new models but when I went to look at the 2011 car, I noticed the center console and hated it. And I discovered that the 2010 console was similar. I instantly upgraded my 2009 in my mind and will not be buying a new Prius until that ugly, incommodious, and soooo Yuppy console, goes away.

I don't know how to use this forum but if anyone has a low milage (30K) 2009 with leather and GPS I am looking for one.

I loved the look of the Prius. So sensible. Now with that claustrophobic thing in the center, I'm not so sure.

 

We liked the Gen 3 Prius, with the redesigned center console, so much that we bought two. Isn't it great that we can each get a car that is best for our unique preferences. eace:

 

Why I pulled in to a Jack in the box just today and the girl at the window looked in and was admiring my stick shift... .... can't get any better than that???

 

^^ound:^^

Yup happened to me too! We must have identical stick shifts that girls just admire. The positive to the 2010-11 center console is that it makes a great barrier for when your wife/GF tries to punch you in the stomach.

 

I just upgraded (albiet earlier than I intended) from a Gen II to a Gen III, and while I do miss the spaciousness of the Gen II's interior, the Gen III is appealing in an entirely different manner. I just wish there were somewhere that I could set my cell phone so that when it rings, I can glance at it and see who is calling rather than have to dig the phone out of the cup holder. The small compartment under the stereo head in the Gen II was perfect for that. Ah well; win some; lose some.

 

I like the center bridge, the stick falls readily to hand. My only complaint is that there should be more storage there, somewhere for change or the phone would be great. There's so much real estate on the dash and bridge that thy really missed the boat in not adding a few extra cubbies.

As for it being confining, I thought it might be, but even for my fat-self I don't mind it one bit. My seat is all the way down and almost all the way back and it's not a pinch even with a big winter coat on.

I'm guessing that the next-gen cars (or a major refresh) will bring the Prius v's bridgeless interior to the entire lineup though.

 

So, don't buy one. Your funeral.

 

Aesthetically, I love it. From a practicality perspective, its just short of useless. The angles are all way off, rendering it a pain. Agreed about accessing the passenger sheet comfortable, also. Other than that, I'm loving my 2011....lest we forget, I bought this vehicle for the mileage!

 

Agreed, I was looking at the Prius C which looked decent in pictures and looks like cheap plastic junk in person. So I said screw it and checked out the Prius and instantly fell in love with it because of the console... LOVE IT. My wife on the other hand would agree with the OP and is still considering the Prius C

 

I never liked the interior design of the 2nd gen. When I bought my 2009 Corolla S I test drove a new 2nd gen Prius too & I didn't like the interior design or the exterior for that matter. I loved the thought of 50 mpg but the looks paled in comparison to the new 10th Gen Corolla S IMO so I bought the Corolla. When the new 3rd gen Prius came out I loved the new interior design as it felt much more like the information came to me as the driver instead of it looking so plain & farther away. The exterior design was also 10x better IMO so we bought our 2010 Prius III when they were giving huge discounts because the new 2011's were in stock. Got a smoking deal with 0% interest that I couldn't say no too.

 

i wish the shifter were somewhere else and that space was a storage box for iphone or what have you. i would like one flat surface in the dashboard console area.

 

I love the look of the center console bridge vs the prius c.
I've always been partial to more enclosed, cockpit like driving environments rather than the open space.

 

Either design philosophy is ok with me. I can get used to anything. What I love about the liftback is the shifter design. In fact, I want an even more electronic interface, vs a physical one in the form of a clunky shifter.

I like the bridge because I swapped my DIY iPhone cradle for the shifter. It keeps the phone in hand's reach to manage music, text msg, calendar, etc.

 

MMB, Great idea! You got me thinking now.....

 

It's unique that's for sure. Actually, a McLaren super car (forgot name) has a similar 'waterfall' console MC12?

I don't think Toyota will make another Prius with floating bridge again. I think I'd prefer it not to have the floating bridge, but it does and I love the car, so it doesn't matter.

 

I just have to weigh in here...

I was ready to buy the 2012...took my wife to test drive one and she did not like that console one bit. She found it too confining.

I found the console somewhat different but I could have lived with it.

We ended up buying a Prius c 4, and like it a lot. There are just 2 of us and we find the front area spacious .