Saying hello

I can't advise as much on the speed since I generally stay 60-70 mph, but don't have any problem keeping up. Long ride comfort is pretty good with the IV (leather, adjustable lumbar), and the suspension is pretty comfortable. I have a 140-mile roundtrip commute in a mixture of freeway and back roads (depending on route), and generally feel pretty comfortable all the way.

 

I think the Prius is a good highway ride - I bought mine mostly for that purpose. Having made several trips from Louisville to Chicago at 70-75 MPH, comfort is not a problem. My Prius III tracks straight. Road noise is not any worse than other non-luxury cars, and is better than many. Grooved surfaces will always be somewhat noisy.
I feel very comfortable driving the car at close to 80 - there's no loss of control. I haven't tried above that (speed limits and all that). Mileage does dip; there are charts floating around somewhere. Above roughly 70, the mileage loss accelerates. Running with the solar roof (which costs 1-2 MPG) and normally inflated tires, I get 45-46 MPG at a speed of 70, 43 at 75, and about 40 MPG at 80 mph. Still, it's not like it's an Escalade or anything.
There is a difference between the cloth seat (II/III) and the leather seat (IV/V), particularly in lower back lumbar support. You should try both. I have no problems with the cloth seat, so I saved a good bit of money by choosing the III instead of the IV. Your back may differ.
Also, the rear view is a little more crowded than many other cars (such as say the Ford Fusion Hybrid) because of the shape and the bar in the middle. If you rely very heavily on the center mirror, you might not like this. It sounds like you should test this during your test drive(s).

 

Welcome aboard Cape Ann! Keep us posted on your impressions and what your final selection is.

 

Hi Cape Ann:

Went to law school in Boston and did a lot of traveling to Maine (during winter) in an ancient Suzuki at the time. So, you might say I became rather experienced with Mass-H*le traffic. (OK, I am a bit of a "Southern Snob").

The newer Prius (particularly the Models IV & V) has seating which compares well with the VW, and I believe it to be a fundamentally more reliable vehicle over the long haul.

The new Prius has a "power mode" which gives that extra "umph" when required in weaving traffic and I find works quite well.

Now, the Prius does react to cross winds, but I don't consider it any worse in this department to the Jetta, and is certainly much better than that old Suzuki I mentioned.

Hope this helps.

______________________

Mark

2010 Model V w/ATP, Blue Ribbon Metallic, Dark Grey Interior

 

Shuttlecraft.

 

Hello From Canada. we rented a 2008 prius down in Florida a few years ago, and loved driving it. tested the 09 and the 2010 at the dealership and ultimately went for the latest model. it has the radar cruise control, which we like a lot. the car will automatically slow down if it gets too close to a vehicle in front. can get a quick reminder if a car zips in front rather quickly and unexpectedly. we drive 2.5 hrs frequently on the 401 to Toronto to visit family and have enjoyed the car. love the heated seats!!!!! had them in our Avalon, so we had to duplicate the same option with the Prius. not sure why they didnt have an auto shut off with this vehicle, but now that winter is coming, they are staying on until spring. I rather like the split rear view hatch back, as when a car gets up behind me , their bright headlights are shielded by the centre bar. so I dont mind it now, especially during night driving. I havent tried to use the park feature. after 30 yrs driving, I think that I can manage that one!. we are getting over 800 km between fill ups and the fill up isnt costing us more than $35 right now. compare that to $60+ for our beloved 2000 Avalon! Glad we made the switch and love the 2010. Here's hoping it lasts as well as the Avalon.