Stuff I don't like about the Prius

I'm not super fond of having something to so completely separate the driver and front passenger's seats. My girlfriend's wandering hand doesn't have quite the same reach now, you know....

 

My only complaints are the following: 1) The seats could use more padding-a little uncomfortable on my back. 2) I would have loved a power driver's seat. 3) The stock radio/cd player is underpowered.

I want to add that I am very happy with the car. I would not take it back to the dealer. When I am ready to replace my 2003 Accord-V-6, EX I will be leaning heavily towards another Prius if this one is a trouble free performer.

 

Are you a teenager? You sound like a happy couple.

 

Jennifer, Do you allow couples that have a black Prius in your forum or just chicks?

 

I think it is hard to see the stearing wheel buttons at dusk or in the dark. If I want to call someone or adjust anything I really need to switch the map light on, which is kind of weird.

Anyone knows hot to increase the ledlights?

 

I don't believe it is possible to change the lighting on the steering wheel.

I have learned which buttons are which by the different feel of the buttons. I no longer need to look at the buttons on the steering wheel.

 

There was a discussion floating around recently about dealing with
the steering wheel button illumination. BT Tech was thinking about
developing a kit to deal with it, but it would still involve taking
the steering wheel fairly far apart [and working around the air-bag
squib] to get at the right parts. Probably fixable, but not in
any simple way.
.
_H*

 

Hi Springtime,

I also have a 2005 Prius and a Tercel (1995) I still have the Tercel. It has 150,000 miles so I guess it is broken in. I like both cars. If the Prius is as good as the Tercel has been over 11 years, I will be very happy. I'm aiming for 200,000 miles.
Do you still have the Tercel?

 

Owner for 1 month and 1 day - love my Prius (06 SPM #8), but the voice recognition system is beyond my ken. I try to go to Mt View - it heads for Cotati. I'm looking for Clayton Ave, it prefers West A St. I want to go home, but nope, it wants to go to Salmon Fork. I may give up and just visit Salmon Fork one of these days...

 

Catfromtex, I have 84000 miles driving in the classic Prius and only about 10 in the new model, so I am in the minority here. The best way to realize the difference between models is to get a long drive in each, of course. But I feel that the classic Prius is adequate (not quite as quick) in the power department, and a bit better handling.

W/o a doubt there is better engine noise reduction in the new model, but that can be made up with some DIY work. The available space in the new model is a clear advantage. As is a locakable trunk in the classic. You have read here that people have ganerally adapted themselves to any visibility problems in the new model. The thing I wish for most often, is the few extra mpg that I would be getting.

Where are you so we can assist in getting some time behind the wheel. Are you actually considering a used classic Prius?

 

what is a normal steering wheel?

 

The big big advantage of the 04 and up is the hatchback.... it's amazing how much travel stuff you can pack in it, and easy access to it is equally important.

Also the back seat has tons of leg room ... the car is quite deceiving of how big it is on the inside.


The other big advantage this car has in general... the awesome turning radius... it makes driving much easier... making a U turn on a narrow street in one pass is ... well priceless

 

Found it yesterday while out at lunch and adjusted it to my liking. Thanks anyhow! Still need to finish RTFM...

 

We've had the new Prius for a few weeks now. It is definitely feeling more familiar to us and we are liking it a lot more. There was so much that was different at first, that we were overwhelmed. Now that things like smart-key, MFD and and climate control settings are more familiar and set to our liking, it's much more enjoyable to drive. The steering wheel is adjustable if that helps.

However, you are right on about the rear blind spot and there is nothing one can to about it other than try to mitigate a bad design. When one has to merge with traffic at a Y intersection on the right-side, it really hits you. Side mirrors don't help at all in this situation. We've actually changed our driving route to lessen this problem.

It will be great if Toyota is listening and changes the hatchback in the next generation Prius to a sleek wagon design that has great rear visibility.

 

So long as at least 1/2 of the couple qualifies as a 'chick' then that is completely allowed.

 

me too. had a closer-than-i-liked call with a pedestrian behind my a-pillar once, now i'm always freaked about areas where people are walking.

 

You're so right! This car could turn on a dime. It's even better than my 2003 Accord.

 

Yes, My wife is is most definately a female.