I will be sharing my Prius with my fella who's over 250 pounds, and someone recently told me not to get it because it's only efficient when carrying a "normal" load (whatever that is). Is there any such spec or limitation that y'all know of?<br>Vetali

Any car is more efficient when it is lighter, but figure the difference between 250 Lbs and a more common 170 or 180 (say 75 lbs) and compare that to the weight of the car empty. Pretty small percent difference. In fact, 10 gal of gas weighs on the order of 80 lbs, so the addition of 80 lbs of passenger weight is the same as between an empty and a full tank.<br><br>Besides that, consider that the Prius is a 4-passenger vehicle. If there are two people in it, there HAS to be plenty of weight capacity left over, even if one is 80ish pounds more than average.<br><br>Someone recently discussed the actual rated weights either here or in the group, but I don't remember it offhand. Someone can probably post the actual numbers. However, I'm sure a 250 Lb passenger is not problem for the Prius, as long as he is comfortable (and the inside of the Prius is surprisingly large!)<br><br>Burns

The 2001 US Prius Owner's Manual (page 230) indicates that 800 lbs. is the limit for "vehicle capacity weight", the total weight of all occupants plus luggage.<br><br>- Peter

I'm 6'3" 275# - there is not a hint of 'sagging' when I sit in the car. I've got a lot of big friends - all well over 6'2" and I've had 4 big guys in the car at once - no problemo.<br><br>FYI: I find the car quite comfortable. I traded in a Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo for my Prius and I couldn't even sit in the back seat of that car. My only wish for the Prius is that it had about 2" more legroon. I think I'm going to have the seat rails moved - this will still leave plenty of room in the back.<br><br>Things I miss most about the Mercedes:<br>1. The sunroof<br>2. The cornering<br>3. High speed stability<br>4. Contoured seats<br>5. The Knowledge that I was in an incredibly strong vehicle.<br><br>Things I really dig about the Prius<br><br>1. The technology<br>2. It really is fun to drive<br>3. EXCELLENT visiblity<br>4. Powerful headlights<br>5. 45 lifetime mileage (MB was 27)

Although the rated limit for the Prius is only 800 lbs., I regularly go to lunch with myself and 3 other adults, all close to 200 lbs, so I probably come close to or exceed the limit a lot. If I concentrate really hard, I can tell that Pikachu doesn't accelerate quite as fast, but its not a huge, easily noticable effect like in a lot of cars forced to carry four (or even just 3) passengers.<br><br>Robert Snyder<br>NJ-PIKACHU