A marvel of redundancy

I believe it was Motor Trend that called the Prius steering wheel as a "marvel of redundancy." Redundancy isn't usually a desirable trait, but in this case it's fantastic. The dinky little steering wheel duplicates almost all the daily day to day functions you would need found elsewhere on the dash, such as navigation controls, switching screens, volume, climate control, etc.

Like the smart key, the steering wheel is just one of those things in a car you take for granted as being low tech and otherwise useless. All they are used for in most cars is for (oddly enough) steering, an airbag, and a horn. But if keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel are the two most important things to safe driving, why are all the controls on the dash? The Prius shuns this notion and jams (in a logical fashion) numerous controls onto the wheel. Once you get used to it, almost everything is at your finger tips.

The engineers put some thought into this. Obviously you can't mimic every button on a steering wheel, so they had to pick their battles -- and they won. I'd say you can perform 90% of your normal driving tasks without ever having to move your hands off the wheel. The things I use the most are volume (for both audio and phone calls), info (energy monitor), map (navigation), and temperature controls. Like the smart key, it makes so much sense that I hope we see more of this in the "average" car soon.

The key is smarter than most people

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The smart key system in the Prius is phenomenal, there's really no other way to describe it. For those that might not be familiar with the Prius' key system, it uses a "smart key" system that replaces a traditional set of keys. The smart key is essentially a transponder that sends out a signal (RF?) that the Prius recognizes, which unlocks your doors automatically, lets you lock doors as you leave, and start your car all without taking your keys out of your pocket.

While all of that is really slick from a technology perspective, it's the convenience you get used to that's really sweet. Instead of taking my keys out as I walk to my car (usually hands full with bag, coffee mug, iPod, cell phone, etc.), I just walk up and open the door, put my foot on the brake and press the start button. I'm in the car and powered up in less than 5 seconds. When it's time to get out, I exit and close the door, then press the "go secure" button on the front door, and the Prius arms the alarm and I walk away. It is just too sweet...and it sure beats taking out your janitor-sized keyring full of supermarket preferred member cards.

For as advanced as cars have become, it's kind of unbelievable/ridiculous that we have to jam a piece of metal into a hole, crank it to start, and then leave them jangling around for the rest of your drive. A smart key system is a natural progression for "keys" and we're sure to see more of it soon. It's an impressive technology that the Prius has integrated that you usually only see in BMWs, Mercedes, etc. And it's probably my favorite feature yet.

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Shake, rattle and roll

I should probably start with something positive, but this particular topic bugs me, and the Prius suffers from it -- squeaks and rattles. Within the first couple days of driving the Prius, I noticed three distinct rattles already present; one on the dash, one on the front passenger door, and one in the back by the hatch somewhere. After only driving two weeks, these three annoyances have been omnipresent.

I know I'm too anal about this, but rattles, squeaks, and vibrations just bug the hell out of me, especially in a brand new car. I'm hoping the cold weather is attributing to it a little, but more likely the overall fit and finish of a Toyota just doesn't meet my admittedly high expectations. From a more general perspective, I've noticed that the door handles, center console armrest, dash materials, etc. are good, but not great (like Hondas). I know that after a year or so, every car begins to develop these kinds of noises, so this is not a huge deal. But like I said, it's not a redeeming quailty for a new car to have.

I'll be keeping my ears perked for any new squeaks, creaks, rattles, and vibrations.

Welcome!

Well, it's been 12 days since I bought my black 2006 Prius with #7 package (everything except leather) from Grossinger Toyota in Lincolnwood, IL. We're still in the honeymoon phase, but I've already seen a lot in the first two weeks that should make for interesting fodder. Each day I'll highlight something good, bad, or otherwise interesting. So let's get started!