Wife doesn't like pri on the interstste

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sonny @ Oct 19 2006, 10:32 AM) [snapback]335019[/snapback]</div>

I've driven mine through the hills & mountains of NC, WV and KY, and had no problems maintaining 70 or more. For example, there are some long continuous uphills on 77 near the VA/NC border, no problems. It does tend to stay on gas for that period, so there isn't a lot of extra acceleration to be had, but I'm usually passing more cars than are passing me.

You car is probably not broken in yet, so you may want to give it a chance to do that before you take it in, but I get the feeling it should have a bit more oomph than what you are describing. If you are used to a car with a lot more power, then driving something like a Prius or any other economy type car takes some adjustment. If you hit a steep hill with no momentum, you may not be able to crest it at 70 mph.

The "blown all over the road feeling" will probably depend on what you are used to. When I pass a semi or something, I'm definitely feeling the turbulence more, but have no trouble keeping it in my lane. Usually when I think things feel sloppy or loose, then I find a slow leak in a tire, so you might want to check your tire pressures.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sonny @ Oct 19 2006, 10:32 AM) [snapback]335019[/snapback]</div>

I don't know about steep hills, so cannot comment on that. I felt that the car was "blown all over the road" when I first purchased it, but it was probably my inexperienced driving. Now I have 3300 miles on it, and at 70mph, it is not uncontrollable at all.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sonny @ Oct 19 2006, 11:32 AM) [snapback]335019[/snapback]</div>

Hi Sonny,

Probably you should have the wheel alignment check/reset. Its been mentioned on here, that the trip over from Japan can result in the allignment being effected.

If that does not fix it, I recommend the BT chasis stiffening plate that is for sale on Prius Chat here. That had a big effect on my car in windy highway driving.

The car is not supposed to be difficult on the highway, but its common for people to comment that a new Prius is. The three solutions typically found are wheel alighment (toe-in), better tires and the BT chasis stiffening plate. Do a search on here for those things.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sonny @ Oct 19 2006, 10:32 AM) [snapback]335019[/snapback]</div>

Let me guess... Your wife did not agree with your choice of a Prius did she? What car did she really want?

 

As others said, there's probably nothing to worry about here. If you have a long steep hill, You're going to be using the battery to help you up, and when the battery is done, you'll just have the gas engine, which can't provide quite as much power. In other words, do hills a little bit easier and you'll be fine.

As for blowing all over the road, the car does take a little getting used to. coming from my old car, i thought it was terrible at first (but then again, my old car weighed more and was lower to the ground). It really isn't all that difficult to control. It's much easier than some vans or minivans i've been in, which just get hid broadsided by the wind and there's very little you can do.

Give the car some time - it'll do a little better as it gets broken in, as will you.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Oct 19 2006, 11:22 AM) [snapback]335045[/snapback]</div>

I was thinking that, but didn't want to ask.

 

Car is fine. If she is too timid to step on the gas pedal tell her to use cruise control. The Prius CC never wavers more than 1 mph.

 

The ICE on the Prius really revs when you go up hills. If you are not used to it, there is a tendency to back off on the gas pedal, so you might think it is under-powered. I've driven in the mountains in KY without any trouble.

As for stability and control on the highway, the Prius is a small mid-sized car, so it does get blown around a bit, but not worse than other cars that size. One of the big factors is the tight steering with little feedback. Even a very small turn of the steering wheel will cause the Prius to move. Until you get used to it, there is a tendency to white knuckle the steering and over control. Just relax and use very gentle pressure on the wheel and it will steer just fine.

Tom

 

As Tom suggested, you have to ignore the engine noise. It sounds like it's winding up way more than you think it should. But the car knows that's a more efficient engine RPM.

 

The car is fine, you and you wife just need time to get used to it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Oct 19 2006, 11:00 AM) [snapback]335030[/snapback]</div>

same here, we run through there a couple times a year. engine gets louder than expected if you're used to another car, but if you've got the cruise on it will maintain 70 easily.

for the stability issue, get the alignment checked and take a look at your tire pressures, like others here have mentioned.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sonny @ Oct 19 2006, 10:32 AM) [snapback]335019[/snapback]</div>

I agree with what other people say here about maintaining highway speeds on hills; don't be afraid of the engine revving way up. The car knows what it's doing

However, if the car was literally being blown all over the road, than I would really worry about that. A certain amount of lightness and "twitchiness" does happen with a smaller car like the Prius, but mostly I just feel like I'm shifting in my lane a bit. If you're literally getting blown all over the road (i.e. from one lane to another), than that's clearly a safety issue and I'd get it checked out.

 

I agree with some previous responses... I use CruiseControl on the Interstates usually set to 70-75 MPH. I find that the requested speed varies usually to ±1 MPH, even in the Texas "Hill Country" which has some fairly steep grades. (And I achieve 52-55 MPG at those speeds)

As to "wandering" steering-wise, it took me awhile to become accustomed to the very tight steering linkage. Being accustomed to the usual "slack" in the steering linkage evidenced by 3º - 5º 'play' at the steering wheel, I found the virtual 0º slack in the Prius steering wheel required some 'learning' on my part. I tended to oversteer at first. After becoming accustomed to the steering linkage, I really prefer it to the "looseness" of our olcer Camry.

Give it a little time. I predict you'll love it once you learn to appreciate its characteristics.

 

[As for blowing all over the road, the car does take a little getting used to. coming from my old car, i thought it was terrible at first (but then again, my old car weighed more and was lower to the ground). It really isn't all that difficult to control. It's much easier than some vans or minivans i've been in, which just get hid broadsided by the wind and there's very little you can do.]

What make and model was your old car? The specs claim ground clearence of 5.6". This the first car that I have owned (change the "I" to "my wife or I"------Yah ,yah I know but you gotta do some things to keep the domestic tranquilty within tolerable limits) that I could not snake my way underneath to check out the scenery. Thats not true --years ago I had a VW Karman Ghia that made like a a giant comfortable enclosed snow board when the snow got to about 4" high. OK mebe I had to let a few lbs out of the tires! I find that I have to judge and angle drive quite a few sidewalk entrances/exits around town as well as parking curb stops with Pri. Its pretty close to being a Low Rider without a tire/wheeel swap out. Th e wife loves this car -she could drive through a mine field with the Pri and and think it was a totally exciting enjoyable outing.

 

my guess is that all is well. At first i couldn't keep the speedo at a constant speed, i think it was the digital readout confabulating me.
The "blowing all over the road" feel was immediately corrected when i got new tires - there are many threads about how awful the stock tires are and you WILL go nuts researching all the options. The hill climb, as others have said, should be no problem but it does sound like a jet engine if you're not used to it.

Hope this helps and have a great time with the new car!!

 

I just got my Prius alignment done ($0, under warranty) and I must say the car does feel more stable at any given speed. Together with the BT plate, there has been a noticeable improvement in handling.

 

I'm in agreement; there's something slightly disconcerting about hearing the engine all wound out, until one becomes used to it. Perhaps that sound is what's causing an unintentional backing off of the throttle...?

Hypermileage sessions aside, the way I drive the car is, I tell it how fast I want to go by pushing on the gas or brake, and then let it figure out the rest. Sometimes it kind of does what I wouldn't -- the intrusive traction control is the example that leaps immediately to mind -- but for the most part, I'd suggest not over-thinking it too much.

As far as being blown all over the road...I don't think the Prius is super stable on the freeway, probably due to the slab sides and low drag design of the body. Even with a modified suspension, alignment right within specs, etc., mine still starts a'wanderin occasionally.

I also do find myself making more small corrections with the steering wheel than my last car, but, again, I'm not too surprised by that.

Overall, it seems like the Prius responds best to a smooth driving style, whether for mileage or handling. Sometimes, I think, it takes a little bit of time for a new driver to fall into one which suits her/him best.

 

I do 500 miles a week on interstates, 118 (CA) and 210 freeways, over a couple of mountain passes. I have trouble keeping under 80 unless I use cruise control. If anything, the speed sneaks up on me rather than the other way. I increased tire pressures to 40/38 and have a BT brace, but never had the alignment checked. There is some minor wind buffeting ftom semi's, etc., but no worse than any other cars of a similar size.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Oct 19 2006, 08:22 AM) [snapback]335045[/snapback]</div>

Marlin -

I'll be shocked if you didn't nail it here! I've driven our Prius up insane hills. There just isn't a problem keeping up with traffic. Ever.