2010 Center console design: no-lie-made me decide not to buy a new one

I just got a Prius V with a Nav package, and I just wanted to comment that I know what you mean about the knee banging against it. There's a bit of a compromise between riding forward and high in the Prius (where you can have a better sense of the front) and riding low and with the driver's seat far back.

I think the Prius was really designed with the latter being the intended driving method, and if you try to get used to it the experience is a good bit better. Driving far back gives you much better use of the side view mirrors, you won't have issues entering/exiting the car, and even if you are 6'4 it won't be possible to hit your knee on the pedestal. Sitting back will also make it so you can use the backup camera in conjunction with the mirrors without turning around unless you're in a very close parking situation.

This is just one of those things that I thought was an issue when I got the car but it ended up not being as big a problem as I thought.

Regards,

 

This is not directed at you (good post), but it seems to me that this site is full of posters with alleged issues...my most recent favorite, is the poster who's complaining about the Prius' overly stiff suspension. This person claims to go "airborne" while going over speed bumps at "5mph".

There ya have it. Too stiff, or too soft. Someone will always find fault.

I'm 6'4" and have no issues with the bridge or the seats...or, in the case of going "aireborne", no issues with the suspension. But who knows, maybe I should whine more? Seems like it's fashionable on this site?

 

Well, I love the center console.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

Some people just don't like change.. but yet they want it.. but yet they don't.... funny!

I notice most of the complaints I hear pertain to things the GenII has..... might as well not buy... there you have it!....

They need to talk themselves out of buying the new GenIII..

I wonder how many fit into that category rather than folks who actually purchased the GenIII and then have buyers remorse?

I've noticed most of the gripes come from people who don't even own one!

All the others ones can trade straight across for a GenII with no problem.... I have two myself I'll trade up for!

 

Okay--it's been a busy week, so I didn't get back to reply to you MVD123...

My initial post about the storage area under the bridge was "I do however, find that the space under the bridge is pretty useless. It's a weird shape and things don't fit neatly in that space."

I agree with you that CD jewels cases DO fit, but they just don't fit neatly because of the odd shape. Also, now I'm remembering that I had a stack of them that I wanted to store under the bridge and the STACK of cases didn't fit. I probably had too many and they spilled over, and I couldn't get them to stand up. I ended up shoving them into the area under the center arm rest storage area. That sort of works. I guess I just need to switch over to MP3s. I guess this was my own special problem that I didn't need to share with everyone. Sorry.

And regarding the Kleenex box issue, I guess I'll be looking for those special-sized boxes that everyone recommends. Or just use my sleeve.

 

How's the new car selling? Its doing very well for Toyota isn't it! 90,000 + in the first 9 months I believe. It qualifies as a hit doesn't it.

There's your answer.

The people have voted on the Center console design. I liked it enough to buy. If you don't like it don't buy. Based on the numbers, Toyota made the right decision even if you choose not to.

 

If there were 2 otherwise identical versions readily available and most people were choosing the one with a particular non critical no cost feature then it might be reasonable to conclude that most people like the feature, at least initially.

This is hardly a critical feature to most people so sales do not seem to be much of a basis for deciding either whether most people like it or whether Toyota made a good decision with it.

 

You know there was a time not long ago that I could remember when the center console was an option! I don't understand why that went away...especially since the Prius practically has a column shifter already and the em brake is on the floor.

 

Two point:

(1) The square Kleenex boxes we are talking about are not "special". Standard issue at most grocery stores.

(2) While X number of jewel boxes will fit in that space, if it's not right for you (it is for other'), have you considered other places, like the storage bin in the center, or on the visor (that's where I keep mine)?

 

Exactly. Which is why the premise for this thread, as another poster already pointed out - is stupid....it really is, stupid.

If one decides "not to buy" a car like the Prius, with all of it's other virtues and good points, because of the bridge, well, then that person misses the point of the car, entirely. Buy something else, PLEASE! End of story.

 

Just as long as I have somewhere to store a couple of bananas.

 

No need to start whining MVD, leave it to the pros

There are more whiners on this site than on other automotive sites I have been on. Other sites have people with problems with their cars, but the other sites I have been on don't have so many people that were completely clueless about their car when they bought it.

It's like a good share of Prii buyers bought their Prius based on image without evaluating and test driving it first.

It isn't like Toyota snuck the center console into the car after they bought the car.ound:

 

Man, I couldn't agree more.

I'm very much a car guy...I've owned many, and read/follow many more - both old and new- and have never run across so many whiners, as I've found on this site. Some have legit gripes, and I have no issues with those, but most simply want to hear themselves talk about some trivial, nit-picky things.

Quite frankly, when I first joined, I thought I would enjoy...but the more I read, I realize it's mostly about people wanting to whine, and/or trolls trying to wind people up. I don't plan to be around much longer. I'll just drive my car and get good mpg's. That's why most of us buy the prius, anyway.

 

What?.... where do you plan on going?

 

I found the fit for tall drivers better in the Prius III than in the Camry, with a bulkier center console -- even though Prius is a smaller car. The high roof line is also nice. Besides wearing top hats, it allows the rear door opening to be fuller and pass bulky cargo onto the back seat better than other sedans (the seat is six inches lower than the trunk platform aligned with folded seat backs, and is needed for some size cartons). Perhaps the door opens wider as well.

 

Now that I've moved to Texas I find the center console especially useful...... just trying to find the right holster to mount my new pistol!

I think it can go between the lower part of the console and the upper for easy access when I get cut off..... yea baby!....

Here is a pic of my wife holding it.... you can tell she likes it but just won't admit it!

 

Hillarious...Dont forgt you can store the dog there tooo.

 

Yea right!.... I didn't think of that... but she thinks the lap is the only place there is in the car.

 

I like the center / floating bridge console quite a bit. It brings the buttons, shifter and nav touchscreen closer to the driver.

And the ladies get a spot for their purse.

It's ingenious.

 

I guess you'll be the first in-line to buy the new Prius VI with front bench seats!