2010 Prius Driving Impressions DISCUSSION Thread

Isn't braking where we get the "free" energy? Other than it might be annoying to followers, in my TCH long downhills were good for charging the battery. If you're going the speed limit then it's only reasonable and expected that you brake so followers need to back off and get over it. Since you're not usng the hydraulic brakes or brake pads you're not wearing anything out so I see no downside in generating battery charge by braking.

 

This is true, to a point. On long downhills you may run into the problem of "overcharging" the battery. The computer (the one assigned this task, that is) prevents the battery from receiving a charge past around 80% of its capacity. At that point the ICE will will start turning, just to bleed energy, and, if the brakes are applied, the physical brakes will be employed so as not to generate more electricity. If this happens, then use of the B mode is appropriate.

 

Well, we've had our '10 II Blizz now for a week and have about 170 miles on it. Man, is that a cool ride! Never driven/ridden anything like it and I've owned many cars in my 61 years; we keep looking at each other and cracking up, it's so fun!

I have a couple little details I wonder about. I notice when we come to a full complete stop on level ground, that if I lift my foot off the brake pedal it always creeps forward; does everyone's do that? I'm regretful that it has to live it's whole life outside and I'm hoping that we can find a nicely fitted cover to maybe keep it cleaner a little longer, will the PriusChat store ever come up with such an item? I bought the windshield sunshield and it fits perfect; great item. We'd also like to keep the upholstery nice and clean so we may go for some of those Wet Okole seat covers unless someone has some that they think are better. I also wonder about some of the 'customizable features' listed in the back of the owner's manual. As I have a little difficulty in seeing the orange arrows in the energy display, I was thinking maybe that it would help to adjust the Sensor sensitivity. I see that the default setting is 0 and has a range of -2 to +2. Has anyone had the dealer adjust that function? And if so, is there a noticeable difference in the way it operates?

The dealer where we got ours, Lompoc Toyota, said to come in at 1K miles and they would go over the whole car to check that all's well. They also confirmed that oil changes would be ~$35, which I'll believe when we pick it up after the first 5K service. Our local dealer is really San Luis Obispo Toy but I just got what felt like a 'run around' so bad there that I went elsewhere. You know, "drive a little, save a lot"....

We'll be doing some serious hwy driving next week up to the SF bay area and back so it'll have 500 - 700 more miles on it so we'll see how that goes. We're looking forward to the ride!

radio

 

.....Insight challenges at stoplights lol ~ I like it!

 

That regen meter sounds handy.

I tried 'B' mode first time yesterday - it was pretty cool! Slows car down and more you press the gas, faster you go.

Light braking is good since brakes will last longer too.

 

Yes. You're in 'D' (drive), so if foot off brake, it will creep forward like a conventional car.

Can also creep in stop and go traffic - uphill, downhill, etc... without burning any gas, no vibration, no noise.

 

is it my imagination or does the 2010 idle in reverse faster than the classics? or am i just paranoid since when i back up its the front end of the SPM i see

 

My other car is a Smart ForTwo and eventough it is a manual (computer controlled clutch), it does this too, emulating a conventional automatic.

 

Here I go, again, not reading the manual.

As far as I knew, the Iconic (Gen2) and the 2010 (Gen3) do not engage the ICE for reverse, but instead draw only on the HV. Wouldn't that mean that at an idle while in reverse (if needed) the ICE would be pressed a bit more to produce juice (depending, of course, on the SOC)?

 

That would be really weird! I expect my automatic to creep, but on flat ground, my standard is supposed to stay put unless I step on the gas!

 

post deleted. complained about rearview mirror, but its placement better than Gen2.

 

Today my wife and I took delivery of our 2010 Series 5 (Black/Dark Gray/AT Pkg).

I got the honor of driving home and I must say that I was underwhelmed by the experience. True the drive was only six miles of stop/start driving and the car only had two miles on the odometer. . . but to say that the acceleration was sluggish is a major understatement. I'm hoping some of that is the absolute newness of the car, but I fear it isn't.

Newbie Question . . . Does starting off on Power Mode increase the acceleration from a standing start . . . or is Power Mode only to be used "while already driving" to get up and down hills/elevations easier?

 

The best thing I can tell you is to try it. It makes a big difference IMO, but you may be underwhelmed again. I let my brother-in-law drive my 2010 III in Tucson, AZ and until I suggested he shift to power mode, he too was underwhelmed, to say the least. When he shifted to power mode he lit up and said, "That's more like it." Of course, his two cars are a Mercedes E320 and an older Lexus.

 

You may use Power mode anytime you wish.
In fact...all the time. But with a *your mileage will suffer.

My previous car was a semi-powerful V6 SUV. This Prius could take it on easily for the first couple hundred feet for sure. Enough in Power mode for really good and confident entrance ramp acceleration, passing, or simply getting it on quickly when the light turns green. I was very pleasantly surprised by the acceleration in Power mode - I'd think you will be too. I'm still getting used to the continual acceleration with no shift points - it's cool. Had my car 3 weeks, 900 miles, and used Power probably 30 times. Never disappointed.

Report back - would like your impression after trying Power.