considering Prius, don't like handling, seat

I came from a 2010 Honda Fit Sport.
Your threat does not horrify me.

I wanted a Prius. Because I wanted a Hybrid.

But The 2010 Honda Fit was a great compact hatch.

It all depends on what your personal driving priorities are...and if they aren't primarily the advantages of driving a hybrid, and are instead prioritizing body roll, handling and driving feel...

And if you already have issues with seat comfort and blind spots?

My advice is go ahead and get a Honda Fit...IMO a great compact hatch...which corners fantastic and has that elusive reputation of being fun to drive.

You won't get the advantages of driving a hybrid, but you will have a very well designed vehicle.

Time will tell but if you are buying used, you also will have the "advantage"? ---of getting a Honda Fit that was imported from Japan. The latest incarnations are being built in Mexico. And at least early on, there are rumors of some fit and finish problems as Honda gets the factory up to speed in assembling a newly designed incarnation of The Fit.

 

The Prius if driven with the tyres at manufacturers recommended pressures handles poorly. Virtually everyone on PC would suggest raising the pressures to 40 psi front and 38 psi rear or even higher if you do not mind the firmer ride. Doing this has two other benefits. Reducing tyre ware, and improving fuel consumption.
The touring version comes with 195/55/16 tyres. This is also the size all UK/EU versions use. Changing these to 205/55/16 improves the stability, and handling enormously.
The Prius is not as slow as the 0 to 60 mph times suggest. This is because the electric motors give out maximum torque figures at zero revs so the off the line performance is very good.
Although not immediately evident the interior mirror can be raised or lowered on it's adjuster mount.

John (Britprius)

 

prius is not for you, stick with honda, you won't be disappointed.

 

Can't comment on Gen2 except that everyone is saying Gen3 is better. To my taste Gen3 needed add-ons to get passing grade. If you want better handling Prius get "C" or wait for Gen4. Gen3 can be made acceptable, but it would need STB, sway bar and set of springs or camber kit. Not sure if those available for Gen2 and how much difference they make.

For ref "C" is on par with Fit, and our Gen3 with all mods comparable to Mazda3.

 

If your looking for a sporty ride the gen 2 Prius isn't it. You also don't like the seat which makes this a total non-option for you. As mentioned above you could wait for the gen 4 if you're willing to buy new.

 

Lexus CT 200h F Sport!

 

I picked up a used certified 2011 Prius 5 months ago with 77,000 miles to avoid putting too many miles on the leased Acura. It was either a used Fit sport or a used Prius.
2011 Prius L | PriusChat

 

There is a stiffening plate that addresses cross wind shimmy, it does not effect body roll.

 

Just buy the Fit. Prius is NOT for you.

 

@OP get Mazda3 with stick. Much better handling, better MPG then fit

 

Yes, ugly, poor handling, but...pennies add up

 

Prius not for you because its exactly the way you described it. Move on.

 

The Touring model is night and day by comparison. I first test drove an 04 or 05 and discounted ever getting a prius because it felt like the car might tip over going around on/off ramps at any sort of speed. Then the touring came out and I gave it another drive it and it was a totally different car. Flat at illegal speeds around clover type on/off ramps.

 

It still no 1978 Ford Fiesta.

 

People forget back then Fiesta was basically Mazda 121. If OP wants replacement Mazda2 and current Fiesta are direct replacements.

 

if you want the prius to handle the way it should have when Toyota made it, you got to replace the front sway bar with an oem corolla/matrix bar and an aftermarket rear sway bar. then put some good 205 tires on it. it will be kinda fun to drive, and it will handle flat on hard cornering.

 

Just transitioned from a Pontiac Vibe to a 2007 Prius. Seems the Prius traction control keeps wheels from spinning on the WI snow. Broken loose a time or two, but overall, pretty good. I've never pushed a car too much, so I don't need spectacular handling. Now, on my motorcycle, that's another story.

 

With half way decent tires reasonable driving skills the Prius is a good winter car. We're having a robust winter here in Buffalo. I have never had to shovel my car out, but I see all kinds of craziness on the roads. Why is the car in the median always 4WD?