As for handling, the Prius does tilt in the corners when pushed hard, but it will do better than you think. The tires hang on quite well and give plenty of warning before the front starts to push out. If you go over bumps, potholes and expansion joints, you are going to hear a thump as the tires hit, but only the largest will actually make it to the seat of your pants.
Distinctive Interior
Inside, the Prius is as distinctive as the outside. The instrument cluster has a speedometer, fuel and oil pressure gauges as well as the best toy of all, a multi-function, eco-drive monitor to let you know how you are doing. There are the other necessary switches and instruments, including a decent stereo that is MP3 file and iPod friendly, although the infotainment display seems to mesmerize the other occupants.
Up front, a pair of bucket seats provides decent support for your sides and legs. The driver can get into a comfortable position in a few seconds and stay comfortable for a long day of driving. The front passenger seat is pretty much the same.
Rear-seat occupants have plenty of room, although two large adults will fill the space that Toyota intended to use for three. Official seating capacity for the rear is three, but I would suggest that this is only going to be true if those three are skinny teens who do not want to walk home in the rain.
Evolution
Prius has evolved from a bit of a novelty to a good solid car with a full range of options that will keep you comfortable. If Toyota keeps up this evolutionary pace, I may need to change my name to Kermit and paint myself green; the stuffy, boring, economical Prius is starting to be fun to drive!
Distinctive Interior
Inside, the Prius is as distinctive as the outside. The instrument cluster has a speedometer, fuel and oil pressure gauges as well as the best toy of all, a multi-function, eco-drive monitor to let you know how you are doing. There are the other necessary switches and instruments, including a decent stereo that is MP3 file and iPod friendly, although the infotainment display seems to mesmerize the other occupants.
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| Inside, the Prius is as distinctive as the outside. (Photo: Toyota) |
Up front, a pair of bucket seats provides decent support for your sides and legs. The driver can get into a comfortable position in a few seconds and stay comfortable for a long day of driving. The front passenger seat is pretty much the same.
Rear-seat occupants have plenty of room, although two large adults will fill the space that Toyota intended to use for three. Official seating capacity for the rear is three, but I would suggest that this is only going to be true if those three are skinny teens who do not want to walk home in the rain.
Evolution
Prius has evolved from a bit of a novelty to a good solid car with a full range of options that will keep you comfortable. If Toyota keeps up this evolutionary pace, I may need to change my name to Kermit and paint myself green; the stuffy, boring, economical Prius is starting to be fun to drive!
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