Is sonar-equipped Prius sold in the US?

[jcristus]

My brother-in-law has been posted to Dubai and he's been telling me that Priuses in the Middle East have sonar but no back bumper camera. Has anybody had any experience w/ both, and if you have, how do they compare in their usefulness? Just curious.

[mcbrunnhilde]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jcristus @ Nov 26 2007, 06:58 PM) [snapback]544515[/snapback]</div>

My brother-in-law has been posted to Dubai and he's been telling me that Priuses in the Middle East have sonar but no back bumper camera. Has anybody had any experience w/ both, and if you have, how do they compare in their usefulness? Just curious.
[/b]

Ummmm...either he's a bit clueless or he's pulling your leg.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonar

[Canuck]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jcristus @ Nov 26 2007, 08:58 PM) [snapback]544515[/snapback]</div>

My brother-in-law has been posted to Dubai and he's been telling me that Priuses in the Middle East have sonar but no back bumper camera. Has anybody had any experience w/ both, and if you have, how do they compare in their usefulness? Just curious.
[/b]

Sonar as in underwater ASW systems? but if you mean reflected sound with an inside beeper then:
we had the "sonar" system on our previous Prius and on a number of occasions it saved us from injuring a few people who suddenly darted around vehicles parked beside us. Unfortunately it was built into the bumper so couldn't really take it with us to the '08 which has the colour video system. IMHO the combination of both sound and sight systems can be the most effective.
To date I have found a 4 parking sensors type fitted in a license plate and available for a sale price of $198 USD (reg. $269.95) at:
http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/4pasebaliplm.html
After a trial with the new video we make add this. It would be easy to DIY install.
Gary

[jcristus]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Canuck @ Nov 26 2007, 11:55 PM) [snapback]544566[/snapback]</div>

Sonar as in underwater ASW systems?
[/b]

The term he used was an "ultrasound sonar". Something like this, I think (look under Backup Sensors): http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.as...19083&cat=7. He didn't say whether it's factory- or dealer-installed.

[Tideland Prius]

we call it backup sensors. They call it sonar.


I don't have either but I have used both systems in other cars. I prefer a backup camera cause I can see what's behind me. With the sonar, I found the beep annoying and would rather prefer the "green-yellow-red" visual than the beeps.

Sonar works better in extreme conditions (while snow and dust may interfere with the sensors, the camera lens will give up first cause you won't be able to see if it's covered in snow or dust)

[Tenebre]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 27 2007, 09:08 AM) [snapback]544608[/snapback]</div>

we call it backup sensors. They call it sonar.
I don't have either but I have used both systems in other cars. I prefer a backup camera cause I can see what's behind me. With the sonar, I found the beep annoying and would rather prefer the "green-yellow-red" visual than the beeps.

Sonar works better in extreme conditions (while snow and dust may interfere with the sensors, the camera lens will give up first cause you won't be able to see if it's covered in snow or dust)
[/b]

My Prius has that feature and the car I had before my prius had the same feature.

I'm actually a bit disappointed with the implementation of the backup sensors in my Prius. For one, the reverse-beep is very efficiant when it comes to masking the beeps of the backup sensors. The system also doesn't make a difference if there is an obstacle to the right or left behind my car. Other cars, even inexpensive ones, use two speakers instead of Toyota's single speaker thus making it possible to utilize an audio indication on where not do go.

Personally I prefer beeps over an optical warning system since with the beeps I can keep my eyes on the mirrors and surroundings instead of watching a screen.

[Canuck]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tenebre @ Nov 27 2007, 08:57 AM) [snapback]544674[/snapback]</div>

My Prius has that feature and the car I had before my prius had the same feature.

I'm actually a bit disappointed with the implementation of the backup sensors in my Prius. For one, the reverse-beep is very efficiant when it comes to masking the beeps of the backup sensors. The system also doesn't make a difference if there is an obstacle to the right or left behind my car. Other cars, even inexpensive ones, use two speakers instead of Toyota's single speaker thus making it possible to utilize an audio indication on where not do go.

Personally I prefer beeps over an optical warning system since with the beeps I can keep my eyes on the mirrors and surroundings instead of watching a screen.
[/b]

If I understand you correctly the beeps from your backup sensor warning system interfere with the normal beeps the Prius makes when you shift into reverse. If so there is a method of eliminating the standard beeps so you are not distracted by them.
I found the instructions here on PriusChat by using the search function but cannot remember exactly what phrases I used to retrieve them right now. They worked for the '05 but haven't tried on the '08.
I'll post again if I have any luck.
Gary
Edit: found it .... just enter "reverse beeps" in search

[hill]

Our '04 has Sonar.
You mean you didn't know the Prius works well under water? Next you'll tell me you've never even fired torpedoes. Sheesh. Isn't there a thread here somewhere talking about poor door seals? Why else would that be so important. :P

[Prius 07]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Nov 27 2007, 01:49 PM) [snapback]544761[/snapback]</div>

Our '04 has Sonar.
You mean you didn't know the Prius works well under water? Next you'll tell me you've never even fired torpedoes. Sheesh. Isn't there a thread here somewhere talking about poor door seals? Why else would that be so important. :P
[/b]

I heard that Prius sold in the Dead Sea region comes not only with a sonar but a persicope as well.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius 07 @ Nov 27 2007, 03:20 PM) [snapback]544796[/snapback]</div>

I heard that Prius sold in the Dead Sea region comes not only with a sonar but a periscope as well.
[/b]

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Canuck @ Nov 27 2007, 09:26 AM) [snapback]544748[/snapback]</div>

If I understand you correctly the beeps from your backup sensor warning system interfere with the normal beeps the Prius makes when you shift into reverse. If so there is a method of eliminating the standard beeps so you are not distracted by them.
I found the instructions here on PriusChat by using the search function but cannot remember exactly what phrases I used to retrieve them right now. They worked for the '05 but haven't tried on the '08.
I'll post again if I have any luck.
Gary
Edit: found it .... just enter "reverse beeps" in search
[/b]

It doesn't work outside of NA.