Rear View? Do You Get Used to It?

Yes, you get used to it, especially with the backup camera. That black bar also cuts off nighttime headlight glare to the rear view mirror.

 

I was concerned about that too, but it hasn't been a problem at all. When we travel, I don't even use the lower part because it's covered with luggage and there is the backup camera. Unfortunately, IMHO, the camera takes more getting used to because you have to think about looking at the display when the tendency is to look out the back or the mirror. It's a habit I haven't quite gotten into after almost 9 months and 17,000 miles. We come from a van with it's large rear window and I'm diligent about using my mirrors, etc. The scary thing is how close some drivers pull up behind you at traffic lights, etc., because of the "chopped off" design.

That said, you may never really like it, but it doesn't impact your ability to keep track of what's behind you or backing up. I even parallel parked once in LA and managed it the first time mostly using the camera. I do wish the camera had a grid like some others I've driven; my brother's Sonata and my daughter's Optima. I do back up mostly using the side mirrors and backup camera once I've determined it's clear behind me.

And, compared to our old van, the Prius is much darker in night traffic, probably mostly due to the auto-dimming rearview mirror.

 

Since the only people that ride in the car are my wife and me, I removed the rear seat headrests, what a difference that has made to the rear viewing area. Would recommend this for all of PC!

 

I might try that for our next trip. My wife prefers leaving the rear seats up to stow my camera bag, the food bag, cooler, overnight bag, etc. I guess she finds it easier to get at things when she needs to.

 

Yes, definitely get used to it. I used to try to use both rear windows. Now, I ignore that useless little mini window on the bottom, and it's much less distracting.

 

nope, hate it. and the rear corner views as well.

 

The obstructed rear view is the very reason that I got my Prius"v" wagon.

 

Don't think I'll ever get used to it. Best I can do is uneasy truce. When doing lane changes in particular, never 100% sure regarding who might be in the myriad vision obstructions, take it real slow. The rear wiper is pure token too.

 

I find it easier to adjust to the spoiler across the rear window than to the obstucted view both to the left front and to the right rear. That said, the too-small triangular right rear windows are still a lot better than solid opaque areas would be. I peep through the right one when making a left turn at one of those oddly angled intersections (common in S.C.!) that require you to look for traffic coming from your right rear.

 

That was a HUGE concern of mine when I test drove my Prius. However, after driving it awhile, I noticed that most of the rear traffic can be seen out of the top window and the "split" doesn't bother me at all now. Maybe its because I'm short and how I have the seat positioned, idk. But there are so many other great things about the Prius, so don't get hung up this one little thing.

 

The head rests can be folded down out of view.

 

I've gotten used to it, but when that bar blocks what you want to look at, it's a bit annoying. Also, the lower part catches dirt/dust really bad. The upper glass lets stuff run off when it's raining, but the lower spot stays dirty...obstructing vision.

No rear back up camera. Eventually will install one aftermarket since the system supports it and there is more than one plug-and-play option available aftermarket. I do okay, but too often someone comes by and I just can't judge if they are coming even though round visibility isn't all that bad.

 

I got used to it - but it's not great. I have almost developed a type of intuition regarding drivers in my blind spot. If there is any good news about the lack of vision - it has made me a more conservative driver when I am in the Prius.

 

I thought the same thing, only thing I didn't like in '05 when I got mine. I sure got used to it, and realized it really works well. They added the camera in later models.


iPhone ?

 

I didn't care for the lower window and hatchback feeling that cars were on my bumper so I'd adjust the rear view so the bar in the middle was at the bottom of the rear view. I could still see cars fine. I also used the small blind spot mirrors on both mirrors and never had a problem with the rear corners

 

First generation Prius owners complained about visibility and eleven windows was the result makes you feel like a grasshopper or a fly with an eye on every side of your head. I learned to love it notice the dark tint on the lower window? It blocks the headlights on that car that just pulled up behind at the stop light! When you leave it parked outside? Notice how the other windows are all covers with condensation and not that one? Sure makes getting out of a tight parking space easier doesn't it? Remember don't just use those side mirrors as rear view mirrors. They can save lives if you adjust them out to cover the lane next to you they'll reduce the blind spot caused by your optic nerve and give you 360 view with only 45 turn of the head! That's impressive engineering.


iPhone ?

 

^ I think there's something detrimental to having your view broken up into multiple smaller windows, vs one contiguous view. Just harder to process.

Another thought: we've got the OEM rear-view camera, it's extreme wide-angle, really hard to judge distance.

 

I had a Prius Two for 3 years and I did not get used to it. I did not have a back-up camera. That would certainly make a difference.

 

We have done this also and it helps a lot. I wish the spoiler was not there. It annoys me but I suppose we will get used to it.