Most of the testimonials for the v and the other Prius vehicles is based on the great gas mileage. To me, that is a given. What is more impressive about the v is that it is a great vehicle regardless of gas mileage. It is roomy, reasonably quiet, handles well, and is very useful. In the Power mode, it is also fun to drive.
Gathered Veerz - Whether by skill or luck, Toyota did everything right with the Prius v “Vâ€under “Vâ€agon. Toyota Town delivered a “vâ€ersatile, balanced High-Low Mix of Most-Excellent Fuel Economy, Improved Driver-Passenger Comfort & Seating Ergonomics, and “Washing Machine-In-The-Box†Cargo-Hauling Volume to Toyota dealer’s showrooms and lots. They spring boarded off the best features of the 3G design while leaving the not-so-good shortfalls of the 3G design in the vee’s rearview mirror. By keeping the gasoline engine sized at a small and fuel miserly 1.8-Liter I4, and not opting to use the fuel thirstier engines like the 2.5-Liter I4 & 3.5-Liter V6 used in the Camry and Highlander Hybrids, they produced a “vâ€inner. It edges out the Camry Hybrid on fuel economy while delivering over twice the Cargo-Carrying Volume. It nearly matches the Behind-The-2nd-Row-Seat Cargo Carrying Volume of the Highlander Hybrid while sipping fuel to deliver 1.5 times the HiHy’s EPA Fuel Economy. This is why I call the Prius v (vee) a “Caddy In A Kimono.†lane:
I agree that the Prius v is not only spacious and economical but is also elegant and comfortable (we have a v5). Several of our friends have compared it to their expensive European cars in terms of luxury and refinement. One friend drove a Prius v (it was a "crew car" at SFO) and couldn't get over how great it was. He and his wife now want one.
Had a 2007 Gen II Touring and loved it...but the v is a whole different animal....techno-luxury...in my view. Absolutely LOVE my car !!!
I realise it's subjective but I find the v to be very stylish and up there with the Saab 9-5 wagon, Mazda5 and Mazda6 wagon in terms of stylish family vehicles. I thought the taillights of the v even have some semblance to the 9-3 SportCombi.
I've been accused of preaching to the choir in starting this thread so let me list some of the things I don`t like about the v. Please keep in mind that I have a Level 3 and not a Level 5 with/without ATP. 1. The rear view camera is useless for judging distance from objects. 2. There is a blind spot on the rear passenger side. 3. The quality of interior materials could be improved. 4. Entunes could be better (and hopefully will evolve). Not a long list, but nothing is perfect.
Most new cars are prone to have blind spots due to designs. With backup cameras, AND the addition of panoramic mirrors on passenger sides - things are pretty much covered. The only thing more that could be added would be sensors ... which some cars are starting to implement ... at additional cost ... just like the additional cost of interior materials. But yea ... ideally we could get the very very best ... for nothing. Then, there's reality. .
I think he meant getting the improved materials for no extra cost, not the fact that you got your v for free.
I realize that but we all paid $25,000-$35,000 for our v and we have certain expectations for that price.
Vehicle weight rating could be more. As a 5 passenger plus a little cargo vehicle it's only 800 something lbs. Just like the c, hb, pip, camry, and yes the Venza only carries that weight also. A kitchen and bath of tile or 5 of my ave. American relatives easily exceeds this value. The 3rd row 7 seat euro model has this covered right?
Fair enough. My Tech Pack's MSRP was Cdn$36,5xx before taxes (5-15% depending on which province or territory you live) and other fees. For comparison, an IS250 RWD w/ auto starts around $35k, a WRX is about $32k and a loaded Camry XLE V6 is about $36k too in 2010. A B200 is $30k, A3 around $35k, 128i around $35k as well. That said, I don't expect entry-level type materials or even Camry-level of materials. Why? Because most of that higher MSRP went into technology that isn't found in this price class, let alone those costing Cdn$10,000-$20,000 more. Things like PCS, DRCC, Solar Roof and APGS. If I wanted those (minus the solar roof) and Lexus-like materials, I need to pony up Cdn$70,000 for an RX450h w/ Ultra Premium Package (which is the next vehicle up in the Toyota family with DRCC and PCS. Our ES350 does not have that option and neither does the HS250h, both topping out near Cdn$50,000). Not likely!!!! Also, we do have that elaborate powertrain underneath that does add cost. Here, the 2012 Camry and Prius and Prius v are all within the same price range. So for the buyer, for Cdn$30,000, do you want a large cabin, small-medium trunk with nicer materials, a medium-large cabin, large cargo area and lower quality materials or a medium size cabin and trunk with cool tech?
All true. In addition, the U.S. continues to print paper at light speed, so that the dollar is worth SQUAT. Look at spot gold prices. Just 4 yrs ago - $800 ... and now? $1,600. If you don't realize why ... they YES ... you'll THINK you're paying a lot ... but it's the same price if you cut the paper dollar in half because you doubled the supply. Thank your politicians for that .... BOTH parties are doing nothing about it, so it'll just keep getting worse. Japan is practically selling their products for nothing considering how worthless the dollar is. considering the dollar value ... v buyers are getting a bargain. This is no longer 2008.
My goodness this thread is taking a strange direction. Basically I started this thread stating that the v is a great vehicle almost regardless of mileage. I was told that I was preaching to the choir, then I pointed out a few things that could be improved. Of those things, the one that bothers me the most is the backup camera on the Level 3 which I don't consider to be very useful. It wouldn't take much to do this including adding a grid for spatial reference.
