I got this one from Dash Designs (It's called 'The Shade'). I like the easy deployment. Replacing it requires some care, you can't rush it. I modified it slightly by trimming off some plastic from the lower edge where it meets the A pillar (so as to mount it closer to said pillar) and by painting it matte black to reduce reflection in the window. I had the one in my genII that deploys from both sides and attaches in the center with velcro. What annoyed me with it was that there was no accomodation for the rear-view mirror, the sharp metal edges would scratch the dash after time and it decreased visibility on the driver side by nominally increasing the A pillar width. I grew very weary putting up and taking down the other types of shades. There are advantqages and disadvantages with all of them, I guess. Since the bulk of my mileage comes from many small trips throughout the day (typically 10 to 25), I thought I'd try this one. I'll let you know what I think in more depth after I've used it a while.
I order the custom fit heat shield for the "C" from Prius chat shop. I will post pics and a review after it arrives.
I realize this is a c-focused thread but the sunshields are very similar regardless of the model. In fact, I am currently using the PriusChat Shop shield from my GenII on my GenIII. It is much thicker and more cumbersome than any other shield I have used but this extra structural thickness helps keep it in place and covering the entire windshield without sagging like some of the more flimsy models. My suggestion is if you are using a sunshield, try and park your car facing the sun if possible. This focuses much of the suns radiation on the sunshield where it can be reflected without heating up interior panels. In effect you want to reduce the number of windows facing the sun. Try cracking your windows to vent accumulating heat as well. This can make a big difference.
I use the little double wire edged shields. They are quick to deploy and return to storage. That is key for me. I thought of getting a folding shield, but trying to get away from that kind. Couldn't say which is cooler, if any.
I've had this pair so long I can't remember what brand or size. I don't think it's the smallest size, but different brands will be different. I do have to deploy the sun visors to help keep them up, but it isn't a big deal. I could try a few more to get a better fit but this is good enough.
I received my sunshade for the prischat store. It's really good quality, thick and stays put really well. But this style does take up a little more room when rolled up.
Received my (Heatshield) sunshade from Priuschat...looks like it's going to fit nicely. I am certain the car will be much cooler. This is easily the best fitting sunshade I have ever purchased. I did not have to deploy the sun visors to hold the shield in place this could be due to newness. Thumbnail pic of the interior fit. Light weight, rolls up quickly and has a velcro strap to keep it rolled up for storage. Happy thanks Priuschat store!
Update. Having used the Shade for four months now, I can report that I am very pleased with it. My main concern was being able to deploy and return the shade with speed and ease up to 20 times a day. This one fits the bill. If you've only got to deploy once a day, then a more substantial, thicker one with complete edge to edge coverage might suit you better.
