What do you think of the A-Pillar blocking view?

I haven't really thought much about that, I guess. I don't recall any close calls, but there have been a few times I've thought "there has to be a better way to do this". Then again, the rear view mirror is also directly in my line of sight when looking through a curve to the right (usually the cloverleaf on/off ramps). Drives me nuts!

 

The SAAB that I traded in to get my Prius had a much narrower A-pillar, but it extended more into the interior. It therefore blocked less of the view but was very strong. I think that kind of design is the way to go. You can make it thicker in any direction to make it stronger - why not towards the driver?

 

1) No problem until you mentioned it. I'll see if it deserves the extra attention every one is giving it here. After 2 years of driving the 2010 Prius I would doubt it (for me). Very few cars have an unobstructed 360 degree view.

 

It occasionally gets in the way, but I don't think it's any worse then my 4runner was. I notice it most often making slow, sharp left turns, like in a parking lot or something.

Face it, today's crash test standards pretty much demand a thick A-pillar for crush resistance. It's just something we have to learn to adapt to.

The days of skinny pillars are looooong gone.

 

Well, it probably can't change much because that is what forms the aero shape of the car.

The view is a fair amount more limited than my Accord Coupe, but I don't recall any close calls in the 16k miles I've driven 2nd and 3rd gen.

 

I am constantly surrounded by pedestrians (NYC) and I've learned to rock my upper body back and forth just to make sure there isn't a pedestrian hidden behind that pillar. #2 for me.

 

#3. 2 close calls within feet of pedestrian crossing stop sign. It was in sync with the walking speed of the pedestrian, completely blocking that person. Let alone other times when it blocks a whole sedan. Yeah, it's me, I'm blaming the A-pillar. However, all my other cars never have this problem.