Handling, how is it?

I've driven a good number of twisty mountain roads, and while I tend to be pretty cautious on them (when I was a little kid, the whole family went off the edge and ended up rolling 2000 feet down, though miraculously only cut and bruised), I find the Prius handles very well. I never find myself wishing for more performance, I guess I should say. I can certainly keep up the people in BMWs and such who like to move quickly along the mountain if I need. :mrgreen:

 

CAUTION:

The Prius meditation chamber just might cure your aggressive driving tendencies.
Many on PriusChat have reported a strange phenomenon of experiencing a feeling of relaxation and serenity while driving a Prius . . . and a certain amount of all-knowing smugness.

 

The Prius is a remarkably fuel efficient commuter car and family car, period. It's competent in normal driving.

If you want BMW or Audi "handling" then you had better stick with BMW or Audi.

BTW what do you mean by "aggressive?" IOW at the speed limit? Or with tires squealing and the wheels 2 cm from the edge of the canyon? Just curious.

 

Another thing, No steering dead zone takes some getting used to.

 

You may want to check Hertz or Avis or someplace like that to see if they'll have a Prius they'll rent you. There are a few around at such places. Then you can do all the test driving you want.

 

Hey Dlai,
In November I camped at San Mateo County Memorial Park. Got there via 280, 84, and Pescadero Road. Fun drive. The car did fine. Even with camping gear in the back.

For that road at night and in fog/rain, I would seriously consider one of the models (#4 AM or #6 BC) with VSC and HID. The VSC just may save you from going over the side on a slick rainy evening when you swerve just in time to miss your next suicidal deer because you had enough lead time due to the superior HID lights. I saw critter eyes like never before.

Ooh, and it had no problem going over Russian Hill on Jones with three adults and luggage for two on the way to SFO. (Not that I care to do that one again!)

 

Last weekend I did the Highway 9 run from Santa Cruz to 85. If you will remember, the speed limit on this 2-lane road is in the 35mph range - with good reason. My husband and a backseat driver (these were two different people this time) were quite impressed with the easy way the car dealt with the twists and turns. I had complained about having to pick them up after their 24-mile hike to Waddell Beach and a drive back to their car near Skyline. My husband said, "I thought you didn't like driving hwy 9." I said, "I don't like to drive it but if I'm going to, I might as well have fun." Course, a little traveling music helps.

Actually, I can be a bit timid on moutain roads but I didn't feel the need after I realized that the Prius could handle it just fine!

 

What is a steering dead zone?

 

Well, you did mention BMW and Audi.

The Prius should compare well to a Corolla, a Civic, or something like a Ford Taurus. I've driven recent-model Corolla's and Civic's (Too small for me) and to me they appeared to ride and handle in similar fashion.

I also test-drove a 2004 Toyota Echo Hatchback, a model not available in the U.S. The Echo Hatchback is very satisfying to drive and has very good fuel economy too. No side airbags, no stability control, no traction control, but all models have ABS. I almost purchased one but it really was too small for my tastes.

Compared to my parents 2003 Buick LeSabre, the Prius initially turns quicker, but the Buick tracks better on grooved or rutted roads. I can't explain that, the Buick has what you would describe as a *very* "soft and floaty" suspension. Which makes it a pleasure to drive on our badly maintained, potholed and frost-heaved roads here.

Compared to a VW Golf or Jetta, the Prius does not handle anywhere near as good. The only way you will get close to the same fuel economy is to opt for a TDI model, and I'm not sure if you can buy them in CA.

 

It handles "competently and predictably." It won't qualify as "exciting." My biggest complaint is that when I drive canyon roads at brisk speeds, my line of sight to my intended track in the corner through the apex is blocked by that huge A-pillar. It makes cornering fast a neck-jerking proposition just to see that there isn't anything in the road ahead of my car. It's disappointing.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Robert Taylor\";p=\"70070)</div>

The steering dead zone is that little bit of give the steering wheel has before the wheels actually turn. Since the Prius's wheels turn with the slightest twitch of the wheel, it has no dead zone.

 

I'd worry more about accident-avoidance maneuvers in the rain going badly due to the crappy OEM tires than due to general car handling stuff. WAY too many times I've spun the tires, or felt them slide on a wet road during a turn.

While I'm not happy that I see a need arising to replace them, I'm hoping for better out of a set of Michelin Hydroedge tires. I sure hope they don't prove it was me all along...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KTPhil\";p=\"70246)</div>

ya that pillar is REALLY annoying when taking any sort of turn especially left turns. The wheels you get at the dealership just arn't very good as everyone knows. And the car in general has a bit of body roll imo, but then again it's an economy car it has soft suspension.

 

i feel i'm a little late.. but i like the handling. to a certain extent. At first the handling was ok. my 87 Lincoln Mark VII.. or.. my previous lincoln did about the same as the prius. my lincoln had a lot more HP though... so.. both of them matching up is good for the prius.

I also own an 85 318I BMW... now.. the prius does not compair.. but i don't have stock tires on my prius anymore. I have 17" Evolution racing wheels. speed tested to 118 mpg A ratings on handling and such. these wheels make the prius grip well. I wish i had a better anti roll bar.... can't think of the proper name. a little tired right now.

I can corner at pretty high speeds. The car does very well.. but the body roll is annoying. Maybe i'll get the lower springs and a stabilizer bar to go with it. Modifying the suspension shouldn't destroy the car in any ways it will still be Green.. just.. corner even faster. then again... i'm almost at the point that the car can simply not go any faster around corners... hehe.

 

Body Roll?!? My last car was a Plymouth Grand Voyager. THAT car had body roll. I was loving the feel of the Prius through the curves on the entrance ramps on the freeway. I agree about the the left pillar. Those tight mountain road turns to the left are hard to read without leaning forward a bit. But I only found 2-3 that I needed to do that on.

V8 - I thought you were going to take it easier around corners to make your tires last longer?? Maybe that someone else.