Gripes with the 2010 from a driving enthusiast

No torching from me. I can see each of your points clearly. Matter of fact, just today, I was trying to get comfy holding the wheel other than 10 / 2 - and couldn't. The throttle / brake mention is valid as well. And perhaps a true 'sports' model. Very good input. You should never get flamed for voicing your opinion. Perhaps get counter views - but no fire. Back to the steering wheel - I do however love the size and shape of the wheel itself.

 

I don't see why you deserve flaming unless it is to laugh at what you consider sports cars. I'm teasing you.

I've driven sports cars and fast trucks for the last 2 decades and I got used to the feel of the Prius pretty quick. You will too. Just don't overly critique it. It is not designed to be a sports car by any stretch of the term. Just drive it longer and you won't even think about the comparisons anymore.

 

Problems, problems, problems.

My biggest complaint is that the Prius doesn't do 0 - 60 in 4 seconds like the Tesla Roadster that I road tested last year. I guess that life is full of compromises...

Keith

 

All valid opinions.

I've been driving a Gen ll Prius since 2006. Have put a couple hundred miles on my 2010. I don't share your opinions.

But hey -- that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.

 

Totally agree with the gas and brake pedal. I'm crossing my fingers in hopes of getting a software update to at least relax the brake pedal a bit.

PWR mode significantly helps the gas pedal.

The really "squishy" gas pedal in normal mode should really be isolated to the ECO mode.

 

For me, the lack of resistance reminds me not to keep my foot down, since it isn't necessary to keep the Prius moving forward. I just have to adjust where I rest my foot, or in this instance, my heel.

But again, I love the fact that I can do more driving without thinking about how many dollars I'm spending just to go to the grocery store. That I'm enthusiastic about!

 

I can't speak on the other issues, as I have a 2009 G2. But the G2 has the four spoke wheel. My wife's Escape has a 4 spoke. It seems that I've driven a good number of rental cars that were 4 spoke also. But it's never been a big issue with me, I guess.

I'll have a long trip in the Prius coming up in a couple of weeks. I'll have more time then to pay attention to the overall feel and comfort of the steering wheel.

 

I really like driving the Prius, but alas, it is an acquired taste. However, once you "get used to it", you will often find that when you drive other cars (rentals for business, etc), you will miss driving the Prius.

The one knit I'll mention is that I was never too enamored with the handling of my 2007. I switched out tires to Goodyear Comfort Treads, and there was a noticeable improvement (but still not quite where I wanted it to be).

When the 2010 came out, I checked it out, and found much to like about it. However, there were some great year end deals on 2009 Touring models which were loaded to be had. After driving the Touring, decided that it was the best option for me. The handling on the Touring was a noticeable improvement over my standard Prius, and seemed even better than the 2010.

 

Ah bugger, the Prius is different to other cars!

 

Who cares how many spokes the wheel has?? You gotta drive it with your left wrist hanging over the top, while leaning far to your right with your shoulder almost to the arm rest. Cruise slow and low.

Just kidding. I'm going to be coming from a heavily modded AMG, so it's cool to see what little quirks new prius owners may have.

Edit: you're in OC, so you know what I'm talking about with the lean. Too many drivers trying to be "hard" here.

 

+1 on the spokes. Really like the shape of the wheel, but the splokes make it really awkward to hold the bottom of the wheel.

 

No flames. One question for you, though: What model Prius do you now own and drive?

I think the only major change I'd like to see to the steering wheel would be some interior raised areas that would give a better grip for quick turns. I think the bottom part of the wheel is well-placed for single-hand control, but I often drive with hands pretty close to a 10-2 position, anyway. And, my steering wheel is leather covered -- I like it.

I understand what you are saying, but this heaviness really would detract from my ability to maximize mileage. The light touch allows for better control of ICE on/off, and I wouldn't want to change that. I think it could be lighter still.

I really agree with you on the brake pedal issue. My wife thought our 2007 was too much this way, and the 2010 is even more sensitive. I don't see it as an issue in "spirited driving" as much as a question of safety and confidence in braking.

On the "sport" mode change -- I just don't see much of that having a real effect. Well, if they ever came out with a manual transmission that ever made sense and gave you real control . . . but I just dream!

After all, who is really going to believe a Prius is a sports car?

 

on the brakes, dont see it. i like the fact that you need to push hard to use brakes because i want the max on regen first.

on the throttle, i have the opposite opinion, but i drive in eco mode most of the time which i feel i have to push harder than i want to which can be good as it makes it easier to make finer adjustments to throttle. the difference between the 2010 and the SPM on throttle feel is like night and day. on the SPM, i feel that there is not enough throttle force...

i

 

The car is a hybrid not a sports car. The car is trying to teach us how to drive a hybrid. If its throttle response you want, select the Power mode. It will get up a scoot for you. Personally, I like the Eco mode. It sets everything up for best mileage including the air conditioner. If you are just crawling from stop light to stop light then EV mode is the best choice. I love having choices.

I don't mind the steering wheel. The holding positions are 10 and 2 o'clock and 4 and 7 o’clock. I don't know anybody who holds the wheel at the 6 o'clock position.

As for braking, it grabs a bit fast. I would like to have greater amount of control so I can control the amount of braking. My wife was over braking making the car jurk a bit. She was not used to the quick grab. I'd lighten that up a little giving the driver more control over the amount of braking needed to gently come to a stop.

All good points!!

Dan

 

Hi jonasd,

I like the gen II steering wheel which is elipitical, but it took some getting used to. I would always miss it on the over hand grab. Now, I am used to it , its no problem at all. And one learns that different phases of the wheel have different ratios in effect. The Gen III wheel is round with a flat. I do not like that, but its probably easier for people used to round wheels to get used to. This is another example of how Toyota lost confidence in the Gen II interior design ( a masterpiece in general layout, but could use a few little tweaks) - which is the biggest mistake they made on the 2010 car in my opinion. Using a feed-back control electric power steering is different than closing the loop through your mind and hands, too. One needs to orient the wheel as needed, and hold it there, and the feedback control system will keep the road wheels on track. Its simpler to use when you know what is going on. Trying to be the feedback control system will just confuse the control dynamics in a Prius.

The first time I hit the Prius brakes I threw the sales guy into the dash board. But, now I find the accellerator and pedal are capable of the finest level of control of any of the cars I have ever driven. The brake pedal does take some getting used to. And the accellerator pedal takes some understanding of the HSD tranmssion and how its controlled to be used effectively. Unfortunately, your not going to pick that up in a day of driving.

The gas pedal is too light for use wearing boots, however. Even in leather dress shoes. Sneakers are better. One hypermiller drives barefooted for better control. Especially in winter this is a problem. When applying the right pressure for snowy road driving, wearing boots, one cannot even feel the pedal through the boots.

 

Donee,

Was this your experience when first testing the Gen2 or Gen3? I suppose I'm becoming accustomed to it now, but I found the brake pedal on my 2010 a little difficult to get used to, and that was coming directly out of the 2007 model.