i have to assume he's never been here. if he had, he'd know how to disable that beep

The complaint about the R/N/D/B selector was quite unrealistic, since most people simply look at the indicator instead (which he never even mentioned was available). Remember, there is absolutely no way to shift too far like you'd do with a traditional vehicle. Each selection requires a unique motion, not a linear movement based on distance.

The MPG comments were totally without merit, since the article completely failed to mention the digital value shown was on the same screen as the energy-flow diagram... which makes the activity of the vehicle pretty obvious. So there's no need for the fluff he thought would be better. In other words, it took the feature completely out of context, allowing you to draw a misled conclusion.

The comment about the buttons on the steering wheel were quite amusing, though very misleading. Most all vehicles offer the ability to honk the horn by simply pressing the center of the steering wheel now. Pretty much only the very first vehicles with a driver-airbag required you to push a button. Back then, they couldn't figure out a cost-effective way of allowing you to just smack the airbag with your hand instead. That hasn't been an issue for years though. But he makes it sound like it is still.

The counter-intuitive claim could have been a claim to conceal the fact that it makes "B" so darn convenient to shift into on-the-fly. It is quite intuitive, since it is the same direction as "D" and down is a much easier hand-motion than up.

This quote, "Smart keys carry the inherent risk of loss or theft" appears to be an attempt to deceive. Smart keys are quite a bit harder to lose than keys, since you never even remove them from your pocket or purse. As for theft, what it the heck is he talking about? How could that be any different from a key?

The comment about disabling the beep is proof that the write didn't research the topic well. Owners know it is possible, and many of us have done it. But if you didn't know, it's just a matter of asking the dealer.

But the dumbest thing of all about that "smart" article is the fact that the car automatically achieves the reduced emissions & consumption for you was never included.

After reading this story I don't even believe this person even drove the car and used snippets of anti-Prius stories written by other people.
The man is a total moron.

Random thought but one of you might consider emailing Mr. Andrews and pointing him to this PriusChat thread. As well as informing him of how to disable the reverse sound. His email is pandrews@seattletimes.com

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a\";p=\"52073)</div>

The author of that article clearly doesn't get around much.

Reverse is forward on many cars with six-speed manual transmissions, such as BMWs, or anything with a Tremec T-56 (Corvette, Cadillac CTS-V, Viper). And on BMWs with the sequential manual transmission, you pull back to change gears up.

Of all conventional transmissions, the Prius CVT is closest to a regular automatic transmission, and there the PRNDL floor-mounted shifters have reverse forward, then neutral, and then drive. So I don't know what the author was complaining about.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy\";p=\"52107)</div>

Steering Column mounted shifters too! To go from drive to reverse you move the gear shift lever up. This hack ain’t not no Rhodes Scholar.

Just Googled this hack.

He is a fan of Michael Moore’s journalistic style and undoubtably aspires to be a MiniMooreon with lies and half-truths.

March 15, 2004
Stupid White Publishers
http://paulandrews.typepad.com/paulandrews/

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius\";p=\"52183)</div>

If you don't hear back from the hack soon, try contacting the Seattle Times directly . . .


HOW TO REQUEST A CORRECTION
The Seattle Times and seattletimes.com strive to make news reports fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call: 206-464-3310.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/corrections/

i also sent him an email suggesting he visit us for info on customizing his Prius...

personally i wonder if its his car, or one he borrowed to write a review on.

Hmm.. i sent him an email when i read it too.. maybe he's just crying in a corner because he sucks at writing an article.

My email was pretty long. I was counter "arguing" every statement he made. Which i backed up with misc facts.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveinOlyWA\";p=\"52338)</div>

I would think that newspaper writers who write about cars...don't own the cars they write about... this guy probably has a Packard in the garage... and nothing but a paycheck in his head..

Bob Andersen

Dave... maybe you should invite him to your next group meeting... like he'd take you up on lunch with a bunch of owners and readers.... :lol:

Bob Andersen