Prime vs. Hyundai Ioniq

Eliminating physical parts with software isn't a guarantee for improved reliability though, and most mechanical parts will last the car until it gets scrapped and even after.
Besides, the transaxle's physical simplicity is an illusion. Without the two motors, inverter and its cooling system, and battery, the transaxle will not transfer the ICE output to the wheels.

 

So how do companies like AAMCO, whose business is servicing automatic transmissions, exist? I sort of crack up when I see their TV commercials about "your automatic transmission has over 800 parts, and we keep it working", with a video of an exploded transmission with its gazillion gears, clutches, belts, hydraulic systems, and other parts.

 

How do businesses refurbishing hybrid batteries exist? Or the ones servicing cars' HVAC system? Or brakes? Seen any car dealers without a service department?

AAMCO was founded 1957. Back then, automatic transmissions were less reliable, and so was much of the other systems on the car. Because of the improvements in reliability, the company had to expand away from specializing in just transmissions.
AAMCO Transmissions - Wikipedia

 

What is not an illusion is that the Prius is one of the most reliable cars in existence.

The car has already failed if it is required to transfer power directly from the ICE to the wheels after any of those items you mention have failed.

kevin

 

Fixed it for you

 

Is the New 2016 and 2017 Toyota Prius As Reliable As Older Prius Cars? | Torque News

I have not seen anything to indicate that the later generations have fallen below the reliability of the iconic Gen 2 Prius.

Is the New 2016 and 2017 Toyota Prius As Reliable As Older Prius Cars? | Torque News

I fact on this site they give the Gen2 (2007, 2008) a worse rating for powertrain reliability than Gen 3.

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/toyota/prius/2010/reliability

Of course they are not perfect but they are among the best.

kevin

 

Never claimed the Prius wasn't a reliable car. Just saying that the belief that having more parts makes other transmissions less reliable ignores the state of transmission technology today. Most of Toyota's other models have reliability of the level the Prius, and they manage it with these complex transmissions.

Nothing about a car is simple. There is plenty that has a chance to go wrong, and something will in time. The measure of the car company is in how they handle it when it does.

 

I took a look under the bonnet of my Ioniq when i got it and was astounded at the size of the rocker cover to house all the variable valve timing for the Atkinson cycle engine, I dread to think how complex it is inside that valve cover

oh for the days of an old overhead valve engine with pushrods and an old SU or zenith carb

I will hobble into the corner with my zimmer frame having shown how old I am

 

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

-- Leonardo da Vinci

Hyundai should take note.

 

There can be elegance in simplicity, but if it were the be all and end all, the Prius would have a carbureted two cycle engine, or maybe an old diesel.

 

Got to admire the simplicity of the bicycle though, the most efficient form of transportation that man has ever invented.

 

(A bit off topic...) Sometimes simplicity rules.The engines of small single-engine aircraft are typically air-cooled, carbureted , with magnetos for ignition. And they run on high octane low-lead gasoline (Avgas). Neither complex mechanical systems nor software of any kind in sight.

 

I remember a couple of years ago that per Toyota statements the Prius WAS the most reliable car inside Toyota brand.

 

Source: 10 Most Reliable Cars - Consumer Reports

• Toyota Prius* Price as tested $27,323. ...
• Lexus CT 200h. Price as tested $32,012. ...
• Infiniti Q70* Price as tested $53,825. ...
• Audi Q3. Price as tested $40,125. ...
• Lexus GX. Price as tested $58,428. ...
• Lexus GS. Price as tested $58,858. ...
• Mercedes-Benz GLC* Price as tested $49,105. ...
• Chevrolet Cruze* Price as tested $23,145.

Understand we canceled our CR subscription because their car testing and scoring system is suspect. I don't know about their reliability claims.

Bob Wilson

 

That is because the Prius is made in Japan. Wonder no more about reliability.

 

For now that is the case. In the past, German engineering was considered top notch and now we have the Volkswagen fiasco.

 

German engineering is top notch. Nobody disputes that. It's the reliabilty of German engineering that is lacking on German imports. It has been said in Germany and Europe they are extremely reliable. There is the American know how that foreigners no matter the country do not understand. I don't consider England a foreign country as we speak their language.

 

actually, the engineering that went into the software emissions cheat was brilliant, but criminal.

 

I believe the Volt is the most reliable model within Chevy. I think either of these cars being such as more to do with the importance they have for the company than how many moving parts they have.

Toyota has models made in Japan and North America. Any evidence of there being a difference between where they were made?

 

No direct evidence other than CR says the Prius is one of the most reliable vehicles and all Prius models are made in Japan. The "J" being the 1st letter in the Vin means made in Japan. Many have suggested being made in Japan only means a slight increase in reliability.