Prius Versus Camry Hybrid or Ford C-MAX?

I am thinking the Camry Hybrid 4 cyl has very good reviews...I do not know what you mean about mixed reviews but as of about 2012 model the TCH has finally achieved its full potential at about 40 MPG and very good power etc. Last time I priced new Camrys on CarMax I think the hybrid was getting a premium over the $3000 list price difference.

 

When you look at a new Camry / Hybrid, sit behind the driver's seat, remove the headrest and sight from the seat edges up to the steering wheel edges, decide how that sits with you. Here's a photo shot straight into the seat, no photoshop. The offset is plain as day to me sitting in driver's seat which is a deal breaker. Interestingly enough, the C-Max has it too, and for what it's worth, I don't ever recall seeing an offset Honda wheel. Have one example photo, just ask.




I've driven Camry Hybrid, it's more powerful, quieter and smooth on highway.

 

camry's are great, we used to average high 20's low 30's depending on the type of driving, and the new one's are even better. but our hycam is a big step up across the board (except trunk space) and we're getting 47mpg on the mfd first tank. my wife loves it but i would trade my 70mpg for 47.

 

Don't consider the Ford C Max hybrid, it gets terrible mileage. In the 30's. Low 30's. There are several ongoing class action lawsuits against Ford over the C Max:

Ford hit with another lawsuit over C-Max, Fusion Hybrid mpg claims

 

10-4, just wanted to be sure you were aware of mileage. Good luck!

 

that's too bad, we just got $3,500. off on ours. i've heard the hyundai's don't live up to their mpg's and have a lot of warranty issue's.

 

Kia and Hyundai hybrid systems are totally different than Toyota and Ford which use same design principles. Optima and Sonata hybrids both use automatic type transmission, so you still feel shifting p and down. Their city MPGs are less than highway, and the highway MPG is less than Camry hybrid.

 

Let me just say that with 36" inseam legs measured crotch to barefoot, floor, the Prius liftback legroom is a bit cozy no matter what I do. Why? Because must slide forward well over an inch to reach steering wheel and it's still not all that close. My bad.

Camry hybrid will fit drivers with legs of 36" inseam and longer. Of course there's always those who chime in saying "I'm 6'6" and love Prius". Like to see a pic of them fitting knee under steering wheel while braking. But, wait, they probably point the steering wheel up near their neck / face to make room. That's a good idea if airbag deploys.

 

He has XLE with navigation, ultrasuede seats, everything except JBL if I recall. Was $33k ish sticker and paid bit under $30 right Bisco?

 

correct, good memory! we turned in our 08 which we absolutely loved. it was getting 42 mpg on that tank. they gave us $11,000. for it which is pretty darn low depreciation on a $26,000. car after 5 1/2 years and 60,000 miles. my wife is still on her first tank on the new one and is getting 47 mpg so far. i think i could eek out 50, but don't tell her i said that.

 

Fred -- We drove the Prius V, the Camry Hybrid, and the C-Max. The V is roomy but turtle slow, noisy and handles poorly; the Camry is quick and efficient but has artificial-feeling steering/handling & the interior feels cheap; the C-Max has a much nicer interior and drives more like a normal car with good acceleration & handling. All good vehicles but really no contest, we bought the Ford.

Getting 47 MPG so far in mostly around-town driving. Reliability is still TBD, obviously Toyota is bulletproof in this area but Ford has a great 8 year/100,000 mile warranty on the hybrid bits so we took the plunge.