Is Toyota taking a step backwards? I think so.

[Grateful11]

Originally Posted by concertinajohnnyboy

I think Toyota is going forwards.

Ditto!

[adrianblack]

Originally Posted by That_Prius_Car

In my option, Toyota has kinda taken a step backwards with the 2010 Prius. One thing that Toyota should have kept, was the large colorful Energy Monitor display, now, in the 2010, it is much smaller, and harder to see in sunlight, and cheaper looking. Also, in the base 2010 Prius, it doesnt look as "high-tech" as the previous model did. I not much of a fan of the "sporty" headlights in the 2010 Prius either, if you ask me, I liked the "aerodynamic" headlights on the Gen II better, it gave the car a unique look. If it were up to me, my own perfect 2010 Prius would still have the large Energy Monitor, it would have the same unique aerodynamic headlights (maybe a little change). And lastly, I don't like the plain "black" bar across the back window, they should have atleast color coded it (I attached pictures of the rear window bar, so you can know what I mean)

Late to the thread ... For me, what is 100x better on the Gen 3 is the display is always on -- and you can see climate and audio or NAV information at all times too. I really didn't like how on the Gen 2 is was just one of those things at a time, especially the climate control.

[Boji]

Originally Posted by adrianblack

Late to the thread ... For me, what is 100x better on the Gen 3 is the display is always on -- and you can see climate and audio or NAV information at all times too. I really didn't like how on the Gen 2 is was just one of those things at a time, especially the climate control.

Absolutely!!! I also like the holographic wheels that appear around the speedometer when you press the small dials on the steering wheel. Very impressive!

[going red baby!]

Originally Posted by That_Prius_Car

In my option, Toyota has kinda taken a step backwards with the 2010 Prius. One thing that Toyota should have kept, was the large colorful Energy Monitor display, now, in the 2010, it is much smaller, and harder to see in sunlight, and cheaper looking. Also, in the base 2010 Prius, it doesnt look as "high-tech" as the previous model did. I not much of a fan of the "sporty" headlights in the 2010 Prius either, if you ask me, I liked the "aerodynamic" headlights on the Gen II better, it gave the car a unique look. If it were up to me, my own perfect 2010 Prius would still have the large Energy Monitor, it would have the same unique aerodynamic headlights (maybe a little change). And lastly, I don't like the plain "black" bar across the back window, they should have atleast color coded it (I attached pictures of the rear window bar, so you can know what I mean)

Seriously? Disliking some of the cosmetic changes hardly means that the vehicle is a step backwards!

In fact, as has been posted already, it is many steps forward in technology and performance. And looks too imho.

I'm so glad I didn't buy the 2009 a year ago when I had planned to. Got on a super busy job and didn't get around to it, then I figured I'd snag a 2009 at a really good price when the 2010s came out, but I like the 2010 a lot better. And the packages worked better for me. the Pkg 3 (model, whatever) is perfect for me but on the 2009 I was going to have to compromise. Can't wait til mine gets off the boat and around my body!

[cycledrum]

To the OP -

I rented a 2010 Prius III Monday, drove it 120 miles. This car is an undeniable upgrade from the 04-09 Prius. It looks better, feels better, drives better, turns better, goes and stops better than the 04 - 09, and in 2 rental times with the 2010, I averaged 58 MPG the first time and over 63 MPG's the second.

And the petty little qualms about the floating bridge console ... pffffffft. No problems with that here.

The 2010 Prius is one of, if not the best small-mid size cars on the market in terms of space, fuel efficiency, performance and comfort, and it's sure to be very reliable.

Case dismissed.