Is Toyota taking a step backwards? I think so.

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)

I agree about the black bar. I wish they would have offered color matched mud guards on the Gen III. Other than that I love the car.

Funny thing is, I have been thinking about making my spoiler black on my GII.
I think the big door pockets on the GII are something I'd miss.

I like the fact that now that an aftermarket stereo can be added.

For what purpose/benefit?

Energy-Monitor shows the flow direction of power.

Eco-Meter shows the level of power being captured or drawn.
.

I just like it, it added a futuristic look. And are you from Johnstuff?
if you are, your pics are amazing lol

Is there an easy way to tell the 2010 Prius II from the other models? On the Gen 2, it was easy to tell, if no fog lights it's a Pkg.2 or 1 but I bet you can count on one hand how many ones were made.

I like the increased room for the taller driver, and the very pleasing, yet distinctive, exterior. Black for the rear "bridge" is fine for me. It might cut down on some reflections?

That has always been an option...

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...alth-install-aftermarket-stereo-in-prius.html

I drove a Gen II Prius for a few months back in 2007, and to tell you the truth, although it was really cool to see that color display, it was a real pain at night to be driving with that screen--the glare that it emitted was too much for me; I tried dimming it, or even turning it off, but in the latter case, I couldn't see my MPG! IMO, the Gen II screen has more initial shock value but I think the Gen III screen is better in the long term. To each their own though!

I have the exact same opinion as the OP. To add to the complaint that Gen III is 'a step backwards' in some ways:

- The inside cheap plastic door handles used to be metal
- The inside of the glove box is not lined
- Bigger blind spot due to design of the windows
- Turning radius is not as tight
- The Prius now looks like a Corolla/Yaris/Camry from the front (Prius no longer looks like a shocking cult car)

This is why last month, I chose to buy a 2009 Prius over the 2010 model.

I would not fit comfortably in the 2009 model.

By tapping on my 2009 door handle, I believe it is chrome plated plastic.

I'm glad some people prefer the 04-09 Prius, 'cause I'll need a good buyer when ready to upgrade to the new Prius and its real set of seats, not seats and steering wheel that are less adjustable than a Yaris sedan.

I'm glad the 2010 Prius has an upgraded, more modern look like a Camry, etc...

And apparently the headlights are pretty aerodynamic since the '10's Cd beats out the 09-.

The 2010's bolder look will garner far less if any pooh-poohing like the 04 - 09 unfortunately does. The 04-09 looks smaller, rounder, and unfortunately, weaker, which it is.

The 2010 looks bolder, sportier, and stronger, which it is.

I can see how so many people love the 'Gen2' Prius, those that are lucky enough to fit well enough and be able to drive the car comfortablly in stock form. It can get phenomenal gas mileage.

But, I look forward to the day when 'Gen3' Prius's outnumber 'Gen2's' on the road and in sales, and in just a few short years, maybe only a couple years, it will!

Toyota gets the important things right in the 2010+ Prius as they lead off with in the first commercial ...

"...It has more power and more space..."

'n guess what ... that's what everyday, mainstream buyers are looking for. And the 2010 gets better fuel economy than the 09-.

** I'll change my tune if/when ready to sell. Then I'll be talking up the 09-**

That is exactly what Toyota meant to do. Hybrids are no longer a cult and have been accepted by the general public. It is time to go after bigger markets and most buyers do not want to drive a spaceship.

I went through a period of missing my Gen II when I started driving my Gen III, mostly because the new car feels more mainstream and not as unique as the older one. Here's our list of the features we prefer in one Prius over the other:

2007 - glove compartment w/pocket for owners manual, larger door pockets, pointed front end (w/o license plate looks best), wheel covers, overall techie look and feel, cheaper oil changes

2010 - shifter position, variety and usability of data displays, loads of new features (e.g. solar/moon roof, hidden 4 disc CD changer, touch tracer display), leg room

well, everyone is entitled to their option. but I disagree on almost all counts.

The Gen II screen is an accident waiting to happen, never understood why you have to look down and off the road to see some of the gauges....

You obvious don't care about how a car drives. A car that handles better, gets better gas mileage, more power, bigger. What else do you want?

2nd gen is a cult car? The only thing I can think of is a three letter word that isn't very polite. Go watch the SMUG episode from South Park to see what I am talking about....