|
(Updated:
March 2010)
Latest Prius News
What? Another runaway Prius story?
That's right, but the latest speeding Prius story is a little too fresh to get too excited about, particularly when considering a few of the odd details involved in this latest runaway Prius story, a story some are already questioning.
So, what's going on?
Is the problem stuck floor mats, faulty gas pedals, bad braking software, some throttle malfunction, or all of the above?
No one, not even Toyota, really seems to know for sure. Still, purportedly, many of these problems, except for the braking issue, go back several years.
The braking issue, for instance, particularly affects only third generation Prius hybrids.
What's it about?
In some circumstances the brakes might feel 'odd' for a split second. Fortunately, keeping constant pressure on the brakes in such scenarios almost instantly resolves this issue for Prius drivers. Nevertheless, Toyota is updating the regenerative braking software for the Prius, and other third generation hybrids, to make the regenerative braking even more responsive in such situations, although such situations are rare in occurrence.
Then, of course, there are the infamous gas pedal size and/or lose floor mat issues, or what some have called faulty acceleration electronics, that are reported to have caused some Prius hybrids to accelerate unintentionally.
Maybe. Maybe not. Here's what we know:
These reports go back several years. Even if true, statistically, over those same years whatever reports exist are almost irrelevant, especially compared to the safety records of similarly sized vehicles.
Furthermore, statistically, 90+ percent of Prius owners - driving more than 1,000,000 potentially affected Prius hybrid vehicles - have enjoyed their Toyota Prius owning and driving experiences enough to buy another Prius, and they've expressed this opinion to JD Power and Consumer Reports.
That's a fact.
In fact, the latest Consumer Reports data on the Prius resulted in a "Best Overall Safety" nod in the small car segment. Likewise, Consumer Reports named the Prius the 2nd Best Value amongst all cars.
That doesn't mean there aren't some issues that Toyota needs to resolve with the Toyota Prius - both past and present - but the Prius has been, and continues to be, an extremely safe and reliable car based on real world statistics.
And those are simply the facts.
About
the Toyota Prius
The new 3rd generation Prius is now available and while offering many improvements compared to the second generation Prius, the third generation Prius is still much less expensive than expected, thanks to the launch of the Honda Insight.
-->
Customized
your hybrid yet?
The
Big Question: Fuel Economy
While the
second generation Prius is rated 48/45 mpg city/highway, the 2010
third generation Prius is rated at 51/48 mpg city/highway.
However,
early testing has indicated that the third generation
Prius can achieve more than 60 mpg in some conditions. Prius hypermilers have consistently achieved far better fuel economy than
the EPA, and the new Prius offers hypermilers even
better tools for increasing fuel
efficiency.
Third
Generation Prius versus the Second Generation Prius
The
2010 Toyota Prius, aka, third gen Prius, uses a
hybrid drive that was almost completely redeveloped.
Likewise,
while the second generation Prius used 1.5 liter
Atkinson cycle engine, the new Prius uses a 1.8L
DOHC 16-Valve VVT-i 1.8L Atkinson cycle engine that provides quicker performance and greater fuel economy,
especially on the highway. The
battery pack in the two Prius hybrids is relatively the
same in terms of voltage, but the new battery back was
reduced in size and repositioned. This provides
increased cabin room and cargo space, as well as better
battery efficiency, which is warranted at 10
years/150,000 miles.
The
new Prius will added new driving modes compared to
the current Prius, rather than just normal and eco.
EV
Mode helps the 2010 Prius stay in electric mode only
for about a mile at speeds less than 25 mph. ECO and
Power modes are pretty obvious, but it is worth noting
that ECO mode is great for those whom drive in snow and
ice. In
terms of Packaging, the new Prius will offer a number of
new features and options, such as an Advanced Technology
Package that includes a Pre-collision system, Lane Keep
Assist, and Intelligent Parking Assist, as well as and a
Solar Roof Package.
The
Solar Roof Package is not about charging the battery to
extend the fuel efficiency of the Prius, rather the
solar roof is used for ventilation and air conditioning. Unfortunately, this option is not very available at most dealerships, and ordering this option could mean wait times of 6 months or more.
So,
the new Prius offers a bit more room, especially in
the cabin and cargo areas, while also offering better
performance and fuel economy. Additionally, the Prius
offers a host of new features for technology fans. Does
the Prius save money? According
to a an Edmunds.com
study, the Toyota Prius can recover its hybrid
technology costs in just three years. Of course, this
study was carried out when both gas prices were high, and when Toyota qualified for the full clean
vehicle tax credit. So this data is going to change
significantly.
For
instance, how does this data change if the new base
Prius only costs $20,000?
Likewise,
how does this change if the 2010 Prius costs the same as
the second generation Prius - at the base model - but
adds a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy?
Ultimately,
however, it all comes down to gas prices. It's hard to
argue that the Prius recovers it costs in less than 5
years at current energy costs. Nonetheless, gas prices
are expected to increase, not just this summer, but into
the future, especially when the recession concludes. In
fact, many, such as Boone Pickens, are predicting a huge
oil price spike in 2011. So, we here at Soultek believe
that either Prius will be a worthy investment.
Which
should you buy?
So, which
Toyota Prius is the right Prius for you?
First,
it's important to note that JD Power data consistently
shows that consumers of the Prius are extremely happy,
and Consumer Reports consistently recommends the Prius
as a Best Buy.
Thus, the
2nd generation Prius is a top notch car. For those whom
have budget constraints, a slightly stripped down Prius
- such as one without keyless entry - could be a
fantastic deal if pricing is about $20,000.
For those
seeking a bigger statement, the Prius will be the
choice, especially for early adopters. Moreover, for
those consumers used to a bit more luxury than what the
Prius typically offers, the 3rd generation Prius will
offer the kind of innovative features, such as Parking
Assist to help with parallel parking, that could be the
big difference. Still, it will all come down to pricing.
And, after
you buy your new Prius, be sure to add
a Prius testimonial. And, if you aren't sure about
Prius performance in the real world, again, check out Prius
testimonials.
|
"94
percent of Prius owners would buy another
Prius" |
For more information on
the Toyota Prius hybrid, Click here.
--Read
More about the Toyota
Prius on the Hybridcarblog. |
