CD Article: Toyota Prius, 2004-2008

[CD_Editor]

         
Used Vehicle Review:


A used second-generation Prius "suffers from a few issues, but only a couple appear to be serious enough to affect the car's operation," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.  Priuses have strong resale values.  "Bargains are hard to find," he says.
 More: View the photos | All the Used Vehicle Reviews

[Matthew]

I know some will probably be annoyed at this question, but I am basically a newb. We all have to start somewhere though right. I have been backing up dvds that I own with dvd shrink for a little while, but now my 3 year old destroys dvd's like its her job. I can't keep up, so I got a wdtv live box, so I can back up my dvd movies and not have the dvds get ruined. I have done searches and have tried many programs that were recommended on here. Many of them rip the dvd into multiple files which is annoying, because you have to stop the movie and play another file. The others I found do not seem to fit a widescreen tv. Is there any software free or not that would be able to back up dvds to a hard drive into one file and fit the output to a widescreen tv. Preferably something thas not too difficult to use. Thanks

[chrischasescars]

I suppose that 2001-2003 is indeed three years, not two.

Thanks for your input!

[msantos]

For many of us, the Prius is an absolute automotive icon and the source of a true lesson in automotive technology to all those who have discredited and dismissed hybrid technology.  Its almost bullet proof reliability and the ability to offer its owners a view of what all cars should be like is just the tip of the iceberg in what these cars are all about.

Many years ago, I've decided I would never buy a traditional automobile again.  I did it because like many before me, once you try a fuel efficient hybrid all other cars just feel seriously wrong.  The Prius has always been a good choice and I definitely don't regret the few I purchased for company use.  For personal use I have also gone hybrid (two 2nd Gen Civic Hybrids) and on both fronts it has been nothing but a solid experience and the lowest emissions possible. 

Definitely looking forward the the 2010 Prius. 


Cheers;

MSantos

[Mike Dimmick]

"In fact, the smaller 12-volt battery used to start the gas engine and run accessories is more prone to failure."

The 12-volt battery does not start the engine. The engine is started by spinning one of the high-voltage motor/generators, to spin the engine up to regular engine idle speed (around 1,000rpm). The car doesn't have a traditional 12V DC starter motor - if the HV battery is dead, the car cannot be started.

The high-voltage battery is normally kept isolated - disconnected from the power electronics under the hood. The 12V battery must have enough charge to boot all the computers (requiring about 30 amps of current), and then to turn on the System Main Relays which connect the HV battery to the rest of the system. Once the HV battery is connected the high-voltage components take over, and can recharge the 12V auxiliary battery from the high-voltage system, even if the engine isn't running yet.

Because the 12V battery has a relatively low capacity, leaving the car in 'Ignition On' (where all the idiot lights light up, by pressing the Power button twice without pressing the brake pedal) will drain it pretty quickly - under an hour.

[tpl]

I cannot be convinced that the Prius is not a far too complicated solution to a non-problem.  Compared to, say, the new diesel Jetta.

[msantos]

I cannot be convinced that the Prius is not a far too complicated solution to a non-problem.  Compared to, say, the new diesel Jetta.

Good point.
 
The new Jetta is a good attempt at cleaning up an old and very dirty act, but even with the enhancements it provides on that front it is still just about average when compared to the current day ULEV rated, Tier 2 Bin 5 gasoline vehicle. 
For that reason and many others, it is pretty hard to compare the Jetta TDI to the Prius without disregarding some pretty significant statistics.  But, if we hate the enviro-numbers, then a quick glance at most Taxi fleets in Canada along with the established Prius reliability and continuing EPA ratings should provide the remaining first clues for an average consumer contemplating a hybrid vehicle purchase.

Cheers;

MSantos

[EV Dan]

Seems like we got some insiders here  Any idea how far the upcoming plug-in prius will go on electrons?

[msantos]

While we were interviewing several Toyota officials including the Prius Chief engineer (Akihiko Otsuka) at the Detroit Auto Show, we asked that same question and he declined to mention a number since according to Mr. Otsuka they are still evaluating the sourcing and specifications for battery pack and EV only specs for their upcoming plug-in Gen 3 Prius.  However, we do know for sure that the plug-in Gen 3 will be able to do EV well above 42 MPH (60KM/h), despite the fact that the 2010 Prius will not go above that figure.
Furthermore, he also stated that the target of these plug-ins will not be the public at large but instead fleets will be the recipients of the first waves.   We actually have published some of the interviews on Youtube:

Part 2 interview

Cheers;

MSantos

[EV Dan]

Thanks! Looking at your post count there may be time to post a linky 

[kurtdaniel]

prius truly is an ultimate vehicle..if only it uses porsche parts on its exterior,,it would be a perfect vehicle..

[safristi]

..and there is a restaurant at the end of the Universe...........................



   ? and the others are.....................*an   one of many..................