Thanks for the mention guys.
I get the occasional text from jam about it
My choice of hybrid is the second generation Prius. It’s pretty great efficiency in a car that is spacious with a very good ride quality. Battery problems are unheard of, but as with any hybrid battery repair does not cost an arm and a leg. No transmission issues that I’ve ever heard of.
What Justin is likely referring to is the 1g Civic Hybrid, which had a characteristic transmission judder. Honda was supposedly failing to mention the 30k trans fluid change in the maintenance program. Certain cars developed a glaze on the start clutch which resulted in transmission judder, not total failure from any instance I’ve seen- just a shake at 3mph that’s the only time.
The Prius CVT is superior to that of the Civic (also the 2g Civic CVT is much better than their 1g).
The Prius is preferable to me as the gas motor is able to shut down, unlike Honda. When you’re decelerating, coasting, or starting off up to about 15mph, the Toyota gas motor is off and you’re just riding on electric power. This power is replenished through regenerative braking- every time you coast or brake, it charges and stores the power. Power is available for sole propulsion at slow speeds and hybrid assist everywhere else. Never have to plug it in. No added maintenance. The honda gas motor is always on in the hybrid, though it does shut down 3 cyls at deceleration and turn off the gas motor at a full stop.
The second gen Prius has a ton of room, flat folding rear seats, ample sound deadening, it’s really a comfy car. I’d say drivability exceeds for example a Honda Accord
I get about 48mpg city 55mpg highway on average. Even short, cold winter trips pull 35mpg+.
That right there is reason enough for me. Dead reliable in addition. Great in the snow, I’ve never been stuck. They have ABS, traction control, and the 06+ (and 04-05 with highest package) have vehicle stability control. Every car is best with 4 snows, but I’ve been driving Prii with all seasons through winter for a few years now without problem.
I almost never drive my car, I just take whatever hybrids I have in stock. And you will always see me in a second gen Prius.
Feel free to pm me with any questions.
Andre
*also- the EV switch is great, we can add it to any 2g Prius.