Just test drove a Gen III -- a base model that looks pretty much like the base Gen II. Was driving past Toyota and just got a hankering. Found it a LOT more intimidating than the Gen II and was really unimpressed by the "Skybridge" that arches off the dash and into the center console. Power-wise it seemed fine. Seemed a little tighter and more nimble than my 2008, but then again, my car has 60K.... Any opinions?
With 60K miles logged and a substantial portion driven on dirt roads, maybe your front struts/rear shocks need help. This will be a costly repair though if you cannot DIY. I've driven the G3 and Prius v and they are OK but so far I haven't been motivated to buy either. However if you post on a G3 forum you'll probably hear from members who have lots of experience with both G2 and G3.
I think the GenIII has a lot more power! You can feel it when you step on the gas. I notice the steering being much tighter and it felt quite heavy compared to the Gen II. I love the options I have available on the GenIII Prius Five, heated seats, radar cruise control, many more refined details. Thing I can't stand on the GenIII is the "skybridge", there are so many rattles on there, I almost wonder if anybody tested this car on the road before they released it. However that is now my wife's car, she took it from me. I still PREFER driving the GenII, it's quite easy to drive and I don't care when somebody dings me at the parking lot.
I have a G3 (2013 Prius) but I've never driven any other Gen so I can't compare. I like the raised control deck - puts everything right at the fingers and leaves a nice shelf under it for umbrellas and other gear. I don't like where they put the seat heaters - it's way too low and since the switches are mechanical, the heaters stay on between starts. I like the tight handling compared to my previous car - 2002 Highlander 4WD and my wife's Lexus 330 which drives like a boat compared to my Prius. It could certainly use some handling improvements and I'm debating installing some of the after-market struts. I do agree with JC91006 on the rattle situation however. I've already notified my dealer that it's coming in for work. The very low temps (-6 F) have really caused a lot of rattles to appear. I wouldn't be surprised to see Toyota release an Engineering note to fix these.
I've driven both. Of course I own a Gen 3. We are always more comfortable with what we are familiar with right? My guess is your intimidation with the Gen 3 would fade rapidly the more you became familiar with it. From an automotive genetic standpoint The Gen 3 Prius, is obviously very closely related to the Gen 2 Prius. No real reason for intimidation. Evolutionary Brothers. As far as the flying buttress or "sky bridge". Well, I don't hate it as much as I thought I would. But to be honest I find it unnecessary at the least, unimpressive for the most part. I really wonder if Toyota will stay with it with the Gen 4 Prius or abandon it. On the positive side it creates "Cock Pit" feel and look. I thought I'd really, really dislike it, but I suppose to it's credit my ultimate evaluation of the flying buttress is "Meh"....take it or leave it.
Just an aside....relating to the salesman thread, the person who took me out said that B mode would give me excellent traction in snow and ice (after I related to him my primary issue with my current Prius).
The GenIII flying bridge center console seems like a harmless stylistic lark until/unless you are hemmed into a too-tight parking space and the only way to get out after parking is to cross over to the passenger seat and exit through the right door. Happened to me while I was wearing a suit and a trench coat. Took me at least 15 minutes to cross over the flying bridge, made me late for a meeting, and made me dream of taking a SkilSaw to that flying bridge.
Hey, Patrick, I wondered about posting this on GENIII, even thought Fred's would be the best spot, but ultimately ended up here... My struts/shocks should be good. I have my mechanic look at them in November when he aligned the car. He gave them a good rating. I don't think my car is all that much of a rattletrap, the new one just seems a bit more "tight." Really hated the cockpit feel, however. And, as mentioned, the seat heater buttons are awkward. Finally, not too important, as you don't use it while driving, but the power button is hidden behind the steering wheel. At least for me.
Yes, I have driven a gen III. Ended up buying it for my wife. It is somewhat different, especially in the front seating as has been noted elsewhere. But my gen II was my first new car, so I am sticking with it.
Gen3 should be much better at the slick roads. It tends to slowly climb on up, versus the gen2 just stopping. We've been quite pleased with our gen3 for over 4 years and 62,000 miles now.
