prius 2011 mini honest review

People sometimes "hate" when something new comes along that they don't quite understand. It seems to be a human trait for part of the population everywhere in the world. Eventually rumors take off and reinforce reasons to dislike, instead of trying to learn, understand and actually test personally to make an informed opinion. It's way easier not to do the research for oneself!

You have a very nice car that happens to be technologically capable of getting 50 mpg or more... and with the right wheels and tires, can be a very good road car. This is our second Prius, and we really like it, too. Don't worry about what other's think, it won't make the car better or worse. Just drive it and enjoy the trip.

There are a lot of people that get the Prius. I've seen people that said they would never buy one, go back on their words and buy one after seeing what they are really like. I have family and friends that would have never considered a Prius, and after taking a ride in mine, went out and eventually bought one for themselves. I heard things like, "wow, there's a lot of room in this car, I thought they would be really small" or "this car rides and feels just like a real car!".

Yep. It's amazing what a little first hand knowledge can do to dispel rumors and misconceptions.

 

not sure, but in my 2012, it's in the front of the center console box.

 

18" wheels? You can kiss that 50 mpg goodbye now.

 

In my case, under right hand supporter, inside, when open there usb + charger.

 

Maybe yes, maybe no. Light wheels, good LRR tires? Not out of the question.

I'm getting 52-53 mpg (measured tank to tank) on a regular basis with heavy 17" Persona wheels and 205/50 17 Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus tires in 50+ degree weather.

LRR tires are getting better at that Low Rolling Resistance thing.

 

Remember that even a LRR tire does have to break in for a period. Some tires break in faster than others. We were sub 50 mpg for the first 2,000 miles on the 17 inch Pirelli tires. That had us pretty worried and through that break in period I did keep a close eye on the pressures. Eventually the MPGs made their way back above 50. I didn't know how bad the hit would actually be. The Pirelli tires are worth the couple of miles that we gave up on MPG.

 

we believe you!

 

My guess is that the general public has misconceptions about the Prius that turn them off to it. Every person I gave a ride that had not previously been in a Prius commented at how roomy and comfortable it was. Their preconceived notion was that economy cars are small, and that the Prius is a tiny car that isn't good for much other than getting good fuel economy and feeling smug about single-handedly saving the environment.

The car has more useful space than large sedans, and has acceptable acceleration and handling. It's a very well rounded vehicle that meets or exceeds the desires that most people have for a vehicle. Every time I drive it I'm convinced it was engineered by geniuses.

 

Totally ditto!

 

Prius is classed as mid-sized in North America. Similar to the above picture, I occasionally have both our previous 2006 Civic and 2010 Prius in the garage, and it's noticeably bigger. Much more utile interior for cargo too. Washing the Prius I have to go tippy toe to reach the center of the roof, not the case with the Civic.

 

Which one do you prefer the insight or the prius. Im from the Uk and have seen both I personally like the looks of the prius better than the insight. However I haven been for a test drive in either also whats the mpg like between them both.

Thank you

 

Ah right thats good to know nice to hear it from someone else who knows both cars

 

The Prius is technologically about a light year ahead of my Insight, when it comes to the hybrid drivetrain. The Insight feels stone age, nearly crude, compared to the transparent Prius hybrid operation. The Prius is brilliantly engineered. For long trips I enjoy the Prius. For everyday scooting around our suburban/rural area, I prefer the Insight only slightly more. Both can get great MPG and surprisingly, I generally get about 2 to 3 mpg better with the Insight compared to the Prius. Both cars generally get close to mid 50 mpg numbers in the summer. During cold weather, the Prius stays 50-52 mpg, and the Insight 50 to 54. I do drive speed limits or a little above, but I do drive fairly gently when I can get away with it and optimize tire air pressure.

I'm the primary Insight driver, and my wife is chief of Prius. I get to drive 99% of the time when we travel, so I do get quite a bit time at the Prius helm. The Insight is nearly equally optioned up close to the Prius level, but the Insight doesn't have a solar sunroof, full leather or JBL sound system. On the other hand, the Insight was a total bargain, priced over 1/3rd less $$ than the Prius.

They are totally different cars, but very close in terms of efficiency and shape. The Insight has a lot of ride compliance, which is a good thing here starting now while our roads develop frost heaves for a while. The suspension isn't floaty, but seems like the it has a lot of travel. For a small car, Insight rides really well and handles our wobbly late Winter into Spring roads admirably.

 

Great thank you for that bit of information like I say I have been to see both at a dealership but prefer the styling of the gen3. However now I have been thinking a little more I'm thinking of going for the gen 2 have you ever had one