OK, I've been repeatedly accused of being a Prius Kool-Aid drinker since I got mine about 18 months ago. For an array of interesting reasons, this car has been the subject of much "anti" propaganda, the large majority of which has little, if any basis in reality. This has tended, in my opinion, to obscure real discussion and awareness of the few real, actual flaws from which this car does suffer. No car is perfect, and despite the fact that I give mine an "A" overall, I'll toss out these "issues" as some of the real "downers" of driving a Prius.
1) Ironically, the fuel tank. The capacity (~12 gal) is fine, but in a misguided (IMO) attempt to reduce evap emissions, the car has a heavy flexible bladder lining the tank. The bladder is a huge PITA. In the cold, it gets stiff, which sometimes makes it hard to get the car full. In effect, you "pressure fuel" this car, just like a large aircraft. The filler opening has a little seal ring around it, into which you plug the nozzle, and gas pump pressure helps expand the bladder when filling. And here's the real fun part: if you don't know the routine, and try to "top off", you'll overpressurize the bladder. Then, when you pull the nozzle out, a huge gush of gas squirts out, just as if you'd opened a water baloon. Only that's not water...
2) Variable performance. The Prius is often accused of being a slug in the acceleration department. While the car is no rocket (Road&Track calls it a 10.5 sec 0-60), most folks miss the real "issue" which is that its acceleration performance changes with the state of charge in the traction battery. If you catch it with a hot battery (green in the charge display) the car actually feels pretty zippy, which makes sense since the big motor-gen is applying its full monster torque (downstream, btw, from the gearing of the trans). OTOH, if you catch it in a low state (pink on the SoC display), the computer steps in and refuses to allow much electric boost, and then the car really does get sluggish (thankfully this doesn't happen often). Some can't deal with this quirk. I notice it, but it doesn't really bother me.
3) The A-Pillars (between windshield and front windows) obstruct vision significantly. New owners coming from other cars must learn, quickly, that the A-pillars are "leaned" way forward, and WILL obstruct vision in the front quarters (especially on the right side). This is a particular issue turning at "T" intersections. You MUST change your looking habits to be safe.
4) Although the car is a fully legitimate 5-passenger carrier (but as with so many cars, the rear center position is dicey for adults), rear headroom is tight as a result of the shape of the roof. My son is 6'1" tall (still going up...) and can sit back there (and did for one three-hour ride) indefinitely. He did note that he was pretty much on the headliner. Some cars are much better in this regard.
5) In another electrical irony, the in-car fuse panel is hopelessly inaccessible. It's up under the panel, sort of above where your left foot rests while driving. A few months back, I blew a fuse when my cell phone's cord shorted out. What should be a five minute (or less) swap was a monster ordeal. Try jamming your head up (down?) there, while wearing reading glasses so you can see...
Well, these are a few ACTUAL, real-world, not-made-up gripes about the Prius. Hope you all enjoy considering these. And now, perhaps, I won't be seen as such a Prius partisan.
1) Ironically, the fuel tank. The capacity (~12 gal) is fine, but in a misguided (IMO) attempt to reduce evap emissions, the car has a heavy flexible bladder lining the tank. The bladder is a huge PITA. In the cold, it gets stiff, which sometimes makes it hard to get the car full. In effect, you "pressure fuel" this car, just like a large aircraft. The filler opening has a little seal ring around it, into which you plug the nozzle, and gas pump pressure helps expand the bladder when filling. And here's the real fun part: if you don't know the routine, and try to "top off", you'll overpressurize the bladder. Then, when you pull the nozzle out, a huge gush of gas squirts out, just as if you'd opened a water baloon. Only that's not water...
2) Variable performance. The Prius is often accused of being a slug in the acceleration department. While the car is no rocket (Road&Track calls it a 10.5 sec 0-60), most folks miss the real "issue" which is that its acceleration performance changes with the state of charge in the traction battery. If you catch it with a hot battery (green in the charge display) the car actually feels pretty zippy, which makes sense since the big motor-gen is applying its full monster torque (downstream, btw, from the gearing of the trans). OTOH, if you catch it in a low state (pink on the SoC display), the computer steps in and refuses to allow much electric boost, and then the car really does get sluggish (thankfully this doesn't happen often). Some can't deal with this quirk. I notice it, but it doesn't really bother me.
3) The A-Pillars (between windshield and front windows) obstruct vision significantly. New owners coming from other cars must learn, quickly, that the A-pillars are "leaned" way forward, and WILL obstruct vision in the front quarters (especially on the right side). This is a particular issue turning at "T" intersections. You MUST change your looking habits to be safe.
4) Although the car is a fully legitimate 5-passenger carrier (but as with so many cars, the rear center position is dicey for adults), rear headroom is tight as a result of the shape of the roof. My son is 6'1" tall (still going up...) and can sit back there (and did for one three-hour ride) indefinitely. He did note that he was pretty much on the headliner. Some cars are much better in this regard.
5) In another electrical irony, the in-car fuse panel is hopelessly inaccessible. It's up under the panel, sort of above where your left foot rests while driving. A few months back, I blew a fuse when my cell phone's cord shorted out. What should be a five minute (or less) swap was a monster ordeal. Try jamming your head up (down?) there, while wearing reading glasses so you can see...
Well, these are a few ACTUAL, real-world, not-made-up gripes about the Prius. Hope you all enjoy considering these. And now, perhaps, I won't be seen as such a Prius partisan.
