2011 Prius - first impression

[dkrivosheyev]

Just purchased a 2011 Prius last week and wanted to share my impression after just 500 miles of driving:

1. The interior is more refined than our 2010 Corolla, the seat fabric is better and does not attract lint as much as Corolla. More storage compartments.
2. The ride is quiet, but not any better than in 2010 Corolla. 2012 Camry I test-drove is definitely quieter, especially at 70 mph and above. The ride is also stiffer than in Corolla, electric steering appears to be the same.
3. Transition from electric to gas engine is very smooth and almost unnoticeable.
4. EV mode has a mind of its own, sometimes it will go up to 25mph in all-electric, and sometimes it will switch to gas right at 9 mph.
5. Overall I like the car a lot so far.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Good luck! Ride should smooth out as the shocks wear in. Also these cars are sensitive to inflation pressure - dont over do it the car is not that heavy.

 

[ctrcbob]

My best friend had a 2009 (2nd generation) and after putting on 37000 miles on it, he was "talked" into trading it for a new 2010 (third generation). (He is a salesman dream).

Per the transition from electric to gas, I noticed that his 2009 was much quieter and smoother than the 2010. With the 2009, the only way I could tell that the engine started, be it at a stop light, or on the road, was by looking at the dash display. The 2010 can be heard when the engine starts up. Quiet, but still it can be heard.

 

[dkrivosheyev]

This is strange, my father in law has 09 Prius and I find it not as smooth as 2011. I cannot hear when my ICE starts up, only under heavy acceleration.