Hello

Hey all,

Just wanted to say hello to all Prius and Volt owners! After 11 long years of being the "firsts" to get two 2001 Chrysler PT Cruisers, my wife and I decided to update our rides and checked into hybrids. My wife purchased a white Prius V with AT package from Toyota Sunnyvale, CA. Two weeks later I got crazy and purchased a tricoat diamond Volt from Sonoma Chevrolet. While I think the price is high, I really like the Volt and it's 38 mile electric range (I avg 42mi) is just right for my commute.

So I pretty much have new experiences with both cars and each has their strength and weaknesses. I like them both and are happy with our purchases.

Allen

 

Well, I let my "fingers do the walking" first. I used truecar.com and found the dealers that had them before going out to Sonoma. That was a 58 mile trek. It was an order that got cancelled so my luck that I found one.

Allen

 

I gave to America with the two PT's!

Indeed it is a nice car. This is my first GM car and even before I'd consider a GM car, it has to look cool. I said that if GM continues to build quality and nice looking cars like the Volt, people will look at least if not buy.

Allen

 

Too bad for Costco, I think this will be a decision that will be overturned later if the decision was based on someone's opinion of EVs.

 

Fair question, I guess it depends on what your point of view is when asking. I have a mix of thoughts.

For me the Prius is "old school" being that its still the struggling no-power 4-cylinder type of vehicle that I wanted to stay away from. The PT did have more power (we had both 5 speed and auto) so that was a disappointing "downgrade", esp from a 5 speed PT, even. The Volt's 273 lb-ft of torque is refreshing after coming from 4 cylinder cars for over 11 years. My previous before the PT was a Toyota 89 Supra Turbo but torque was still only 235 lb-ft. For what most say about the Prius being a great gas saver but a boring drive, I agree, torque is the magic in the fun factor. Its my wife's car so I don't worry about it much. I do hear how low the mileage is being 41-45 mpg. I watched how she drove with the ECO meter and saw that the car struggles all the time and shes always hitting the upper ECO range and power band.

If its worth mentioning, styling of the 2011 Prius V and Volt are both very nice. I have no complaints of either and each have their strong points. I like how the newer Prius is less egg shaped and more sculpted. I insisted and would only buy the Prius V. The LED headlamps are a plus over the Volt's but along with the V comes 17" wheels which I prefer but the noise is a bit higher in the Prius. The Volt is silent and seems to be better insulation from road noise. The Volt's styling is a dead ringer for the Acura TL pre 2010 - one of my favored upgrades but it reminds of of the older car so that is a little bit of ding on the styling but overall better looking than the Prius. On the interior, there are a few more conveniences the Volt brings to the table information wise, such as the ease of the OnStar service and map integration with OnStar or Google maps navigation. Lots of attention is paid on the console in these cars. The angle of the Prius console sucks because its always in the sun and makes it hard to see - keep the screen clear and easy to read since drivers are to glance at them before returning to the road. There are some quirks I think GM could have overcome easily with software but it is what it is (such as no default settings for sport mode). Something I'll have to do each and everytime I get in the car. Both cars' parking features are utterly useless but the backup camera is good to have. Interior wise, I'd have to give it to the Volt (of course with minus on the 5th seat and a stupidly large shifter for an EV) as a single driver and I like the integration of the nav with Google maps, OnStar , remote apps, quite a bit. We are a family of 4 but I weigh primary driving more. One other item is I'm really sensitive to chassis flex because it gives me a feeling of cheapness. I'm glad that both cars showed no signs of flex that interferes with my enjoyment of the cars.

Yes, I agree about the risk I'm taking with buying a GM car. It is a risk I am taking and only time will tell if that was worth it. So far I don't have any regrets. I've not regretting buy a Chrysler either. It performed to my expectations and has had zero problems with not a single rattle in the car after 10 years. I had many options of course when considering a $41K car, but none that I would consider "exciting" with new technology.

I considered the following - Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo, Genesis 5.0 R-Spec, Genesis coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang 2011, Prius PHEV, Mercedes C-class, VW CC, another Prius V, Nissan Maxima, LEAF, Infinity G coupe and sedan, Audi A4, A6, S4, etc. Most are ICE based and yet the same trips to the gas station with absolutely no savings of gas at all except some Hyundais, Fusion, and LEAF. LEAF? It looks funny and we tried many times to get in one at the auto shows, but had no opp to see one, end of story. Cannot buy another Ford after our hellish experience with a 1993 Probe GT. Out of all, the Prius PHEV was thought about for a long time but with 13 mi range, it won't do much for me but it may help my wife so a possible trade-in there if the price is right.

 

The Prius is also a downgrade in that regard. The right front passenger seat can fold down flat to hold a full ladder in the PT.

 

Yeah or get a folding ladder.

The real question is if the Prius or Volt can get a family of 4 to LA with luggage. Both answers are no, thus reason we have a 09 Pilot. I was almost as quick to get rid of the Pilot as I got it. However the Pilot has it's usefulness. These cars are good enough for grocery and Target runs.

 

You're right. The Prius/Volt can't hold much cargo when we go to Costco. No joke, they really don't.

 

The only other advantage is the low load height of the PT. Anyway, interior volume isn't the biggest issue for me. They're commute cars replacing commuted cars.