Ok, I just got my First Prius and how do you see a medium with the frontside post in the way. I thought I was going to hit one turning on the way home . I was hanging my head out the widow to make sure I didn't hit one going home.
Uh - I'm a little confused.... You were worried about hitting a psychic on the way home? Do you mean the median? If so, I am still confused. Granted I STILL have never driven a Prius, but if your eyes are focused an appropriate distance in front of the car, I can't imagine not being able to see the median....
To me, the median is just like the white lines in the road. You don't really see the car going in the middle of them, you just know where they are drive between em'. I've never had the front A pillar get in my way concerning that. Not seeing the hood at all or the extreme slope of the front windshield is usually a bit different for some... But like anything else, you just get used to it and after time you learn the feel of the car and it all becomes second nature IMO.
I think what he's referring to is the front side view (or lack thereof), especially when turning, due to the A pillar width. And length. Must say my first few drive miles were a bit disconcerting - the pillars are quite thick. I believe they are for structural reasons - ie the angle of the pillars is so large, and in case of a rollover needs the strength. That said I see his point, if I'm interpreting it properly. I do see myself needing to peer around the pillars at times. No big deal, but the obstruction is there.
Hi gofast, You have to learn to lean forward, and to the right to spot stuff off at a 45 degree angle to the left. It takes a little forethought, and at stop lights be sure to do an A-pillar peek around, both for cars and pedestrians. On the highway, when a car comes up along side left, its good to do the peek as well, as people tend to get even with the front wheel, turn on their right blinker and expect you to react to it. When the blinker is behind the A-pillar.
I never even noticed it (on the 2010). I did notice that the rearview mirror really blocked approaching cars on the right at an intersection, but then someone on these forums pointed out that the mirror is double-jointed and can be move upwards. That plus lowering the seat a bit has perfectly solved that problem.
The "A" pillar IS way large and does block your view. I am always moving forward and back to peer around it when turning left in the GII Prius. Don't want to run over one of those pesky pedestrians who can't hear the car coming due to no noisemaker.
