Prius tech compared to competitors

I didn't know they were close to introducing a hybrid. Looks like it's based on the Prius/Camry powertrain. According to the page on Wikipedia, you might not have a chance to buy one in Maryland:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ProwessIntrepid @ Oct 27 2006, 08:05 AM) [snapback]339182[/snapback]</div>

NEVER, NEVER, buy a car model the first year it comes out.
the prius is on it's 3rd generation , most of the bugs are worked out.
stick with your first thought BUY A PRIUS !

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(syncmaster @ Oct 27 2006, 08:18 AM) [snapback]339186[/snapback]</div>

Good thing that many people don't pay attention to this, otherwise there would never be a second generation of any model, actually car makers wouldn't be able to sell a single car of any new model.

 

Well G. Bush was re-elected, so I wouldn't worry about every one of us making sound decisions...sorry...too californian right now.
ss

 

I wonder how well the Nissan dealerships can provide service if there is a problem. Toyota dealerships have been dealing with the Prius for a long time now. That would be a big concern for me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paprius4030 @ Oct 27 2006, 12:50 PM) [snapback]339393[/snapback]</div>

ESPECIALLY since the ALTIMA wouldn't be sold yet by a dealer in your area.

I can understand the concept of 'don't buy a car the first year it's introduced', and I'm really glad enough people ignored that to make the Prius a success <g>.

But if the technology in the new Altima is licensed from Toyota, why not buy that technology directly from Toyota, rather than Nissan or Ford? (Of course, there are different body styles, so your choice will be influenced by those preferences, as well!).

 

On one of my many trips to Toyota dealerships, drooling over Prius, overheard salesman say "the Nissan Altima system is the older Toyota HSD design used in the first Prius model". Consider the source, but be warned.
Further, to me, what makes the Prius "better" is the efficient design of the car. You will not get that much usable space in the Altima, nor will you get the same mileage.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(syncmaster @ Oct 27 2006, 05:18 AM) [snapback]339186[/snapback]</div>

That used to be true, and very good advice. However, in the past 10 years cars rarely contain "brand new" technology which hasn't already been proven and the designs are all done via computer software which lets the auto company "test" the vehicle thoroughly before even the prototype is built. According to consumer reports, since 2000, new model year cars have not statistically been more problematic than the 2nd year.

What you reallly don't want are the following:
-New model year vehicle made in the first 90 days of the manufacturing run. Changes are usually frozen for 90 days, then the factory can make some changes to address problems. So buying a new MY 2007 the first month they show up on dealer lots (probably in October of 2006) would be riskier than buying a MY2007 in July of 2007.

-The first year of a truly new car or major new technology. A good example would be the first year of the Porsche Cayenne, which was a true disaster. Porsche had never built anything like it before and struggled to work out the kinks. By the second year, it was greatly improved. Mercedes had the same problem with their M class.

The 2004 Prius, however, has been rock solid and no worse than the 2005. I'd guess the Altima will be OK. One one hand, it is the first year Nissan has tried to make a hybrid. On the other hand, they licensed Toyota's proven technology, so its not really anything truly new.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(syncmaster @ Oct 27 2006, 08:18 AM) [snapback]339186[/snapback]</div>

My Prius is a 2004...no problems.

As for the Prius vs an Altima hyrbid. If I were buying a car for me, for myself to drive daily, I absolutely would buy an Altima hybrid over a Prius without a second thought. Same goes for the Camry hybrid or Accord hybrid. BUT, since my fiance drives the Prius I like the utility of being able to use it to carry large items or take on trips when we have a lot of stuff so I'd do the Prius again.

In fact, if they made a Rav-4 or CRV hybrid I'd start the campaign to trade...

 

if you're considering the altima versus the prius, might as well go for the Hybrid Camry, you get the same technology from those who actually made it

 

I would be surprised if Toyota is leasing the current HSD technology. My guess would be they'd lease the older technology as seen in the 2001-2003 Prius. Do some research before you buy. Are you willing to accept an older and significantly less-efficient drivetrain technology in order to get some high-tech bells and whistles?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Oct 28 2006, 04:31 PM) [snapback]340098[/snapback]</div>

I don't have any details, but I'm pretty sure Daniel is right. Toyota seems to be licensing the previous generation technology, not the state-of-the-art technology in the current Prius. Which makes sense. Toyota can make some money from the licenses of its old tech, while not stealing sales away from its own offerings.

Its pretty amazing when you look at the Prius and its technology. Just in the powertrain alone:
-Optimized Atkinson(Miller) cycle gasoline engine
-Variable valve timing (gas)
-Hybrid synergy drive sun/planet/ring gear is amazing
-3 motors (one ICE and two electric)
-Battery box temperature control
-Regen braking
-Hot Coolant storage bottle (faster ICE heatup)
-Polymer fuel tank bladder
-optimized emissions control
-electric water pump
-electric A/C system
-electric power steering
-electric hydraulic braking system
-no alternator, no starter motor
-no wear/friction parts in transmission

What a vehicle!!