[budput]

I think Prius owner's have a lot of ideas about how Toyota should change the Prius to make it better. I am sure that if we contruct a list of these ideas Toyota will discover it pretty quickly, and may even find some of them useful.
I'd suggest we stick to things which are or appear to be doable without a major engineering development program. Let's have each suggestion start with the model year you know it applies to. I'll get the ball rolling with a few ideas of my own. (I am not an employee or consultant or anything like that for Toyota.)

1. 2006 model- Describe in the owner's manual potential problems which may arise because of Prius features which are not found in conventional cars.
(Examples: 12 volt battery discharge in cars unused for 10 or more days, fuel tank capacity that varies with temperature and delivery hose pressure)

2. 2006 model (maybe all Toyotas)- Avoid as much as possible controls that toggle, i. e., controls for which on and off require identical driver input. The parking brake is the worst offender; if you are driving and suspect it is on you must (or should) stop before giving it another push.
Suggest all push button switches become rockers, where pushing the top corresponds to on.

3. 2006 model- Put a switch under the hood to disconnect the 12V battery when car is parked for a long time.

4. 2006 model- The hybrid battery stores much more energy than the 12V battery, and the 12V is charged electronically (dc-dc converter). Modify the electrics so recharge can occur if needed when car is parked. This may be merely a software fix? This will save installing the switch just mentioned.

5. 2006 model- Reverse the backup camera display right for left so it mimics the rear view mirror.

6. 2006 model- Make the gear shifting more instinctive. Have a knob you push to go forward, pull to reverse, push down to go to neutral.