How many people and stuff can you get in a Prius?

[M>B>]

Honda Insight has similar specs and is 2>6G less, depending on how configured.

[GGD]

The Prius has 5 seat belts and can seat 5 adults comfortably. And yes, luggage is a huge moving target which is why I wanted something to compare to. The Prius is a hatchback so there is no dedicated trunk, just luggage space behind the back seat, and some additional storage below the back deck area.

All of this stuff is personal preference and whoever is going to own it needs to look at it and decide. I've rented Prius's from Hertz, so perhaps they could rent one and visit grandma to try before they buy.

As for the tax credits, you should check with an accountant to see if you qualify at your income level. Also I know in past years there were limits based on the number of cars sold that year and the credits went down as the number of sales went up, so buying a Prius later in the year was sometimes a disadvantage, but other less popular hybrids might qualify after the Prius credits expired. If you can't qualify for the tax credit, then sometimes waiting for the quota to be exceeded is an advantage as dealers lower prices to close the gap left by the tax incentive.

[Paul F.]

I borrowed my mom's Prius (2007 model, I think.. maybe early 2008?) for a trip to North Dakota and back (to northern California) back in August.

I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it is. I'm 5'10", and not a small guy. I was not "squished" into it like I have been in other small cars (usually ones designed with Asians in mind... who, all racism and bigotry aside, DO happen to be built on average smaller than the typical North American).

Likewise, the cargo area holds quite a bit.

Could you fit Four people comfortably with a reasonable cargo allotment for them? Yes... I think you can.

I would not want to be the fifth person, but indeed I HAVE been the 5th person in the same Prius, and it was not bad.

As for the Battery Replacement; A lady I work with had an earlier model Prius, and DID have to replace the battery pack... I don't know the cost.... but NEWER model Prius's (Priuii?) apparently have been FAR FAR less likely to need battery replacements.
Apparently it's quite rare.

Battery technology is RAPIDLY improving, and I expect that in another 2-3 model years, we'll see some big leaps in capacity. (just my guess).


If you're seriously considering buying one, go test drive one.

Oh, and don't be surprised when you're at a stop sign, and the gas engine quits... perfectly normal... the car knows when it needs to start the engine, and the batteries and electric motors will get you moving without even noticing...
In fact, the Prius I drove really had very nice acceleration! Better, in fact, than my current V6 Nissan Pathfinder.


My ONLY problem with the Prius is a personal one; I carry a lot of stuff where it's a lot more convenient to slide things striaght in, and straight out... rather than lift it over the back of the hatch-back Prius.
Still, for my next vehichle, when the wheels fall off my Pathfinder, quite likely I will shop for a Hybrid if there are any in my price range.


I was a skeptic of the Hybrids... I'm happy to say that most of my concerns have now been answered. They're not without some problems (a Hybrid is still more expensive up front, and they remain on the 'smaller' end of vehicles), but the Prius in particular is a pretty nice little car!

[Harbourmaster]

Dead or alive?.... Argh......

[GGD]

Paul F. wrote:
My ONLY problem with the Prius is a personal one; I carry a lot of stuff where it's a lot more convenient to slide things striaght in, and straight out... rather than lift it over the back of the hatch-back Prius.

I'm trying to visualize what you're describing, is it the height of the hatch back opening and deck (just above the bumper), or is it the back seat that's the obstacle? You know the back seats fold down (60/40 split too), making a pretty flat straight loading/unloading area.

[Paul F.]

GGD;

It's the "deck" height, and having to lift things over the "lip" of the Prius cargo area to get them in and out, vs the unobstructed flat rear of the Pathfinder.

Now, props where it's due, the Prius is significantly better than some other vehicles, but still not as good as many SUV's in that particular respect. Loading various boxes, crates, computers, printers, cases, etc etc.. in and out a lot, and lifting stuff over that "hump" gets old quick.

[GGD]

I just had to go out an take a close look at mine to see what you're talking about. I always had viewed that opening to be just about bumper and deck height but I now see that it's maybe about 1 inch higher. The bunched up deck mat in mine makes that less obvious to notice.

[kap]

A good friend owns a 2008 model. He's about 5'10 and 160 lbs. We ride with him sometimes and always feel comfortable and roomy. I wouldn't mind owning one in the future.

[macphanatic]

Harbourmaster wrote:
Dead or alive?.... Argh......

Go with the first and use a blender, much more efficient use of space. :-)

[AAA]

which Prius? there have been three.
I use mine for family of five to travel in. The trunk can hold most all our stuff or things we buy. But adding the dog is hard.