Prius Observations

Hi,I'm new here and just wanted to relate my experience and possible suggestions to Toyota on the Prius. First observation was that the fit and finish seem up to Toyota standards. Entry and exit are quite easy with adequate headroom/shoulder room for big 'ol me.(6'4" 215#) Pickup around town is brisk and ride and handling is about average. Mileage as indicated is quite amazing as expected. Drivetrain was seamless. My biggest criticism was that the seats are mounted way too low to the floor,as are those on my '98 Accord. They are also too narrow. A long trip would be out of the question for me. Another concern of mine was the lack of power on steep hills with a headwind. My wife and I were returning to San Diego last December on US 101 southbound out of Oxnard. There was a very stiff Santa Ana headwind along with the steep grade present on this stretch of 101. Two cars and two only were struggling in the right lane. You know where I'm leading on this: they were Prius's. Even 10 year old econoboxes were wizzing right along. This was perplexing to me as the Prius vehicles I see everywhere on level ground or moderate grades are keeping up with ease. Anyway,kudos to Toyota and hopefully the wagon will come out along with an improved seating arrangement for my wife(tall also) and myself.

 

Coincidentally,I too have a very quick '07" turned up" Dodge diesel. Our observations were indeed accurate. I failed to notice how many passengers were in the cars,or their apparant age. It could have been they felt comfortable travelling in the right lane at 50 mph. This was the only time we've ever seen a Prius lagging. As a matter of fact,when they first emerged,I couldn't catch one with my minivan. When the wagon comes out w/six way power seats,I'll sure check them out. This is a very informative site. Thanks.