I test drove a VW Golf and many other cars before deciding on my Gen 4. When opening the door, sitting inside, closing the door and settling in, I remember the Golf "felt" higher quality than the Prius. Given that the Prius has been designed with fuel efficiency in mind, then I understand it's been designed differently than other cars. Whilst it rides competently at 80mph, it doesn't inspire confidence from a stability perspective in the way that even my 13 year old German made Opel Vectra with a tired suspension did when travelling at that speed. I'm surprised that my Gen 4 has developed 2 rattles from different parts of the dash. Since it's leased until next summer, I'm not that bothered. If I'd bought the car with my own money, I'd be upset. Overall from a quality perspective, the positives outweigh the negatives. Reliability falls under quality for me, which is another reason I chose the Gen 4 over the Golf. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
We had an '09 Civic. I think my 2013 Prius was a better car. The Honda did not ride well and had steering that was too quick for my taste and had touchy brakes. The one plus was that it was easy to maintain. Oil, filter, and spark plug changes were easy. The Prius is abominable in that regard.
I wouldn't say oil change is on the Prius is abominable. Spark plug access though, yeah: you have tear a ridiculous amount of car off, poor engineering. I'm occasionally in possession of an 06 Civic Hybrid, I'd concur with your impressions. Touchy gas pedal too. Toyota could take a cue from Honda on dash design though.
Compare to Chery Stratus, Prius is a child's play, imho. With Prius, you can take things off to access the plugs. I am satisfied with the quality of Prius Prime. By far this is the most comfortable car we have ever owned. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
4th gen might have improved spark plug access, not sure. For third gen there's a video here by @NutzAboutBolts : Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos | PriusChat
Then why not post Corolla or RAV4 quality comments in the Gen 4 thread? They are Toyotas too! Might as well include Lexus (or older Scion) since they are designed & built by Toyota.
True, but they have their own forum area. You cannot assume there is the same build quality on such different designs.
As my signature indicates, I own one of each. I stand by my comment and my comment was regarding the Gen 4.
It's all good.. The seats in my G4 are super comfortable. Much better than my 2012's were... I wished they had a more prominent lumbar adjustment. it's okay, but could have been great....
I had a 2007 prius and just got the 2017. what a huge difference in quality. I was also looking at the 2014 and I've found the center console design extremely distasteful. coming from string of sports cars, This is the most comfortable ride I've had in a long time.
I also upgraded from the 2007 Prius to 2017 Prius IV. My wife always said the 2007 felt like a golf cart, but I loved it -- 150K with not one problem. In contrast, the 2017 feels like a "real car." Very comfortable, plus even better gas mileage and great new features (although wish it had CarPlay). Feels really solid, drives well...