just got my 2004 Prius 3 wk ago

[pkastl]

Yes, it's everything it's cracked up to be. Since I drive only in the city, and like a demon at that, I don't get near 60 mpg. However, I'm still working on my 1st full tank of gas to get a true overall mpg rating.

A word about Bluetooth phones and making them work. In the US there are only 3 carriers with Bluetooth phones: ATT, Cingular, and TMobile. I actually ported my number from Sprint (who still has not delivered a Bluetooth phone) to TMobile -- better rates, etc. I purchased the Sony Ericsson T610 phone and had no trouble setting it up with the Prius (it did take 20 min or so, however, mainly due to my fumbling around with the setup). The phone works like a charm, but for those of you who are planning on doing the same thing, you cannot voice dial (i.e., "call Joe") -- you have to enter numbers on the console, although 1 touch dialing is supported. And how do you put in the 1 touch dialing numbers? By entering them first in the phone and then importing the phonebook to the car. And only the first number for a person is imported -- this means if you put in Joe's numbers for home, work, mobile, etc. under one named entry, only the first one (usually the home one) gets imported to the car.

I hope I didn't make it too confusing, because the "car phone" feature works great. In fact, I tease a rich friend of mine who buys only Lexuses, that I have the latest auto electronics, the stuff that will be in his next Lexus; he doesn't talk to me any more (ha ha).

I ordered my Prius the day they were announced for sale; it took 3 months to get it. My local dealer says the wait is now 1 year.

[lillucas]

wow a whole year
i'm going to cry! i want one so badly!!!
toyota need to boost its productions >=(
show us some pictures of your prius!!

[jdub96]

Finally got a chance to drive the Prius. Had to rent one since no dealers had any. Drives great, and plenty of room for me in the back seat with the front seats all the way back(I'm 6'3"). I to drive like a mad man and we drove about 100 miles and put 2 gallons of gas in. The only thing I didn't like was the break in the back window where the spoler runs across, it's right in my sight line. Just as much power as the Civiv Hybrid and tons more room, and the back seat even folds down!

Now just have to wait 6 months to get one.

Come on Toyota pick up the pace.

[lillucas]

they say that the lower window is just a greater view it gives. the top portion is like a normal car, then under the spoiler is really, extra!

[lillucas]

im going to order mine from california and see if i can get a waiting time of like 1-2 months

[pkastl]

I just used up my first tank of gas, and I got an overall mileage of 33 mpg. All my driving was city driving, with occasional 3-4 mile drives on the local interstate.

Somewhat disappointing.

[lillucas]

it's your first tank. I think You'll get better mpg at around 1000 miles
How are you doing in tire pressure/how is the weather, etc?

[pkastl]

I've become a slug and have not checked my tire pressure. Here in New Orleans, it's nearly always warm (72 degrees today) with modest winds. I will say, however, on the interstate, on a flat stretch with the cruise control on, going 65 mph, the readout shows 40-80 mpg, depending on wind conditions, road conditions, nearby traffic, etc.

My 2nd tank of gas (1 every 3 weeks it seems) gave me 36 mpg -- I started driving more sedately.

BTW, I have more insights on the Bluetooth phone setup, if anyone wants to know about it.

[Black Hole Sun]

To "pkastl

I just registered on the forum, and it's real damn good that (even with regards to certain difficulties you've been having) you are enjoying driving a Prius. Not to mention that, after your own evalution, the bluetooth system works alright. Unfortunately for myself, I don't have a licence yet, but when I do, I can't wait to take my dad's 03 Prius for a spin. I also can't wait til 2006, so he can switch our Prius for a 2nd gen Prius and I ccan switch my cellphone for something new (hopefully one that is bluetooth enabled).

Hope you still enjoy your green car, dude

later

[brihamlin]

Originally Posted by lillucas

wow a whole year
i'm going to cry! i want one so badly!!!
toyota need to boost its productions >=(
show us some pictures of your prius!!

Take a look at the Ford Escape Hybrid. Believe me, they have the bugs worked out. The launce was held up for an entire year to make sure the kinks are out. Ford has too much riding on the Escape Hybrid to mess up.

Mileage may not be quite as high but it's a bigger vehicle. Just a thought. The Prius is a great car and I can see why it is so in demand.

Here's a link to a nice review of the Escape:

http://www.automedia.com/autoReviews...1eh.asp?affid=

[mauleskyrocket]

Unfortunately, you will not be happy with your phone. The coverage is terrible and not worth the Blue tooth. I just made that mistake. Cingular and t Mobile and Att have awful coverage.

[CaptainApollo]

that depends on your location. the only other company I see would be sprint and in our city, Sprint's reception is disgusting.